Extensible Handle Patents (Class 16/429)
  • Patent number: 7712189
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a handling pole including a pole section, a pole adapter connected to one end of the pole section, and a spade member connected to the other end of the pole section. The pole adapter may include an upper sleeve and the spade member may include a lower sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory A. Francisco, Robert W. Whitling
  • Patent number: 7694387
    Abstract: A retractable handle assembly includes a shank, an extension pipe, a retractable pipe, a receiving member, an expandable member, a control member, a driving member, and a rotation member. The retractable pipe is movable relative to the extension pipe by rotation of the rotation member to adjust the distance between the retractable pipe and the extension pipe so as to adjust the length of the retractable handle assembly. Thus, when each of the push flanges of the control member is inserted into the respective locking recess of the expandable member by rotation of the control member, the control member is locked by the expandable member, thereby preventing the control member from being jammed due to an excessive rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Ho Cheng Garden Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yao-Chung Huang
  • Patent number: 7677140
    Abstract: A tool having a telescoping handle including a main shank and an outer sleeve complementary shaped to receive the main shank therein. A guide groove is formed in an outer circumferential surface of the main shank for receiving a guide pin formed or attached to an inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve. A locking collar may be provided to cause a bearing member to selectively engage locking structures formed on the main shank in order to selectively lock the telescoping handle in selected positions. The bearing member may also serve as the guide pin. Alternatively, at least two distinct locking and release mechanisms may be provided to selectively lock the telescoping handle in selected positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Ricky Eugene Hull, Steve Batdorff
  • Publication number: 20100053888
    Abstract: In a grip device of the present invention, shielding members are placed in the openings of a handle in which arm members are to be arranged, respectively. This can make it difficult for a foreign matter to enter the handle via the openings. The presence of the shielding members can prevent a foreign matter from being caught between the handle and each of the arm members when the handle is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, resulting in a smooth movement of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiaki NAGAMURA, Hitoshi NAKATANI, Shintaro TANAKA, Haruka KANEKO
  • Publication number: 20090313791
    Abstract: Mobile power generator apparatus includes: upper and lower pivoting links vertically pivotably connected at their one end portions to a frame; and a handle mounted to the frame for pulling the generator apparatus and connected at its proximal end portion to other end portions of the links. The handle is expandable, in a direction where a grip moves away from the links, in interlocked relation to upward pivotal movement of the links responsive to a pulling force, and is collapsable, in a direction where the grip moves toward the links, in interlocked relation to downward pivotal movement of the links responsive to a pushing force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhito TAKEMURA
  • Publication number: 20090249569
    Abstract: An extension pole including an outer tube connected to a water source and an inner tube positioned in a telescoping relationship to the outer tube. The inner tube includes a series of spaced apart openings that are engaged by a biased locking member positioned on the end of the outer tube. The locking member may be manually released by activation of a release button connected to locking member, thereby allowing inner and outer tubes to be moved with respect to each other. The extension pole also includes a locking nut assembly positioned on the free end of the inner tube for attaching the tube to cleaning tool and preventing rotation of the cleaning tool during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: CARRAND COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventor: Pieter Schouten
  • Publication number: 20090242065
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the system includes a tubular female end portion of the first pole section and a male end portion of the second pole section that is insertable into the female end portion. The system additionally includes a locking nut threadingly engaged with the male end portion that is rotatable on the male end portion to longitudinally transition the locking nut into contact with the female end portion to fixedly interlock the male and female end portions. Furthermore, the system includes a biased locking sleeve assembly slidably and rotatably mounted on a locking assembly portion of the second pole. The locking sleeve assembly can include a locking sleeve and a biased plunger slidingly positioned within an interior of the locking sleeve for applying a locking force to the locking nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Whitling, Gregory Francisco, William Dale Jones
  • Patent number: 7574806
    Abstract: An adjustment structure of garden shears, which utilizes an aligning lever disposed on the outer surface of an outer tube to support a protruding block; because the protruding block can be fitted into a trough on the outer surface of the inner tube and become secured, the inner tube and the outer tube become fastened together as a result. Moreover, a marked unit is disposed where said inner tube and outer tube are joined, thereby allowing the invention to have a structurally simple handle that can be aligned effectively, which in turn allows users to grasp the precision in the movement between said inner tube and outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Kuang-Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 7559115
    Abstract: A retractable luggage pull rod adapted with a rotating hook includes an annular handle, a single post, and a hook disposed between the handle and the single post. The hook is concealed when not in use and rotated to be exposed when in use to hang an object thereon. Once the object is removed the hook is automatically returned to its concealed location by a coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventors: Joy Tong, Van Himbeeck Clemens R.J.J.
  • Publication number: 20090165257
    Abstract: A handle for measuring wheel includes a supporting section having a wheel support provided at a lower end thereof; a telescoping section movably connected to a first side of the supporting section, and having a plurality of longitudinally spaced locating holes; a locating unit provided on the supporting section at a predetermined position thereof, and including an elastic portion attached to an opposite second side of the supporting section, a pull tab outward extended from an outer side of the elastic portion, and a stopper located opposite to the pull tab to normally releasably engage with one of the locating holes on the telescoping section; and a wheel rotatably mounted to the wheel support. When the pull tab is pulled to disengage the stopper from the locating hole, the telescoping section may be freely slid to a desired height relative to the supporting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: YOUTH TOY ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wen-Yuan Lin
  • Patent number: 7552806
    Abstract: An extensible electrical connecting device comprises an extensible supporting bar device and an extensible electric cable. The extensible electrical connecting device further comprises a first electrical connecting base which is connected to one end of the extensible supporting bar device and connected to one end of the extensible electric cable and a second electrical connecting base which is connected to another end of the extensible supporting bar device and connected to one end of the extensible electric cable. Therefore the extensible electric cable is capable to extend its length along with the extending motion of the extensible supporting bar device so as to provide an electrical connection between the first electrical connecting base and the second electrical connecting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Sammy Fai Sai Tong
  • Publication number: 20090159487
    Abstract: A long-handled personal holder device for personal cleaning, hygiene, and daily living, and is made of resilient material with extendable finger-like grips. The grips are configured to surely grip a tool, but also to release (e.g., so that a user does not have to soil their hands). The curved handle allows proper reach, and is designed for easy break-down, rinsing and cleaning, and for placement in a compact carry bag. The grips can grip a larger personal hygiene flushable wipe, a smaller flushable pad, a sponge for shower use, and/or a an ointment pad; and are also able to hold more rigidly-handled personal tools, such as a toothbrush, shaver, makeup applicator, pencil, pen, brush, and similar items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Deborah Tacoma
  • Patent number: 7549195
    Abstract: A locking system for connecting a handle and an implement is provided. The locking system includes a handle having a first thread and a first locking member and an implement having a second thread and a second locking member. The first and second threads are threadably engaged so that the first and second locking members selectively lock the handle to the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Unger Marketing International, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard Leon Bensussan, Ronald Michael Callanan
  • Publication number: 20090133227
    Abstract: A handle mechanism is adapted to a projector having a case. The handle mechanism has a frame, a rod, a grip, a positioning element, and an elastic element. The frame is connected to the case and has a through hole. The rod penetrates through the through hole and is capable of moving relatively to the frame. The rod has a first end, a second end, an anchor portion at the first end thereof, a first positioning portion, and a second positioning portion. The grip is connected to the second end of the rod, wherein the anchor portions limit a movement range of the grip relative to the rods and the frame. The positioning element is located between the frame and the rod. The elastic element is located between the frame and the positioning element, and forces the positioning element to physically interfere with the first or the second positioning portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: CORETRONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chih-Chung Yang, His-Chih Sun, Kuo-Wei Li
  • Publication number: 20090119881
    Abstract: A pull handle assembly includes an outer handle having two outer shanks each provided with at least one locking hole, a positioning hole and a limit hole located between the locking hole and the positioning hole, an inner handle having two inner shanks each having a lower end provided with a locking bore and a through bore, and two locking mechanisms each mounted on a respective inner shank. Thus, when each of the locking mechanisms is releasably locked by the limit hole of the respective outer shank, a finger space is defined between the inner handle and the outer handle to receive a user's fingers to so as to prevent the user's fingers from being clipped and hurt due to a rapid lowering action of the inner handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Ching-Ming Liu
  • Publication number: 20090094791
    Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention are directed towards a kit for a combination cleaning implement handle and extension handle kit that may be detachably connected to an implement holder. Various embodiments of the invention feature a pin lock that is configured in a sloped, oval shape such that the extension handle may be easily attached to implement handles of various types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Dan Blom
  • Publication number: 20090090224
    Abstract: A tool includes a working tool portion and an extendable handle joined with the working tool portion. The extendable handle includes a shaft, a tube, and an anti-rotation member that is unbiased so as to prevent, during application of relative rotational force between the shaft and tube, relative rotation between the shaft and tube and to prevent removal of a portion of the anti-rotation member from an axially arranged groove. A lock device is movable from a first position to a second position wherein when the lock device is in the first position the tube is prevented from moving axially relative to the shaft and wherein when the lock device is in the second position the tube can be moved axially relative to the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: THE STANLEY WORKS
    Inventor: Shu-Ching Lin
  • Publication number: 20090079233
    Abstract: An assist grip includes: a grip member to be gripped by a passenger, the grip member configured to be capable of being pulled out from a retraction position to a grip position; a base member which is fixed to the vehicle and which includes a rotation shaft; a rotation arm pivotally supported so as to be rotatable about the rotation shaft from the retraction position to a pull-out position; retraction biasing means configured to always bias the rotation arm in a retraction direction; and a holding member configured to hold the rotation arm in the pull-out position against a biasing force of the retraction biasing means when the rotation arm is caused to rotate to the pull-out position. In the assist grip, the grip member is rotatably jointed to the rotation arm, and the grip member is provided with a release dog formed therein, the release dog configured to release the rotation arm from being held by the holding member as the grip member is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicants: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki HIDAKA, Tatsuhiko NAKAMURA, Kenichi KAMIO
  • Patent number: 7497016
    Abstract: A pair of gardening shears include a main body, two shanks, two positioning blocks, two handles, and two handle jackets. Thus, each of the two handles is retracted inwardly onto and fully expanded outwardly from the main body to adjust the distance between the main body and each of the two handles, thereby facilitating the user operating the gardening shears in an energy-saving manner. In addition, each of the two handles is substantially arc-shaped and is bent outwardly to provide a comfortable sensation to the user, thereby facilitating the user holding the gardening shears. Further, each of the two handles is exactly locked onto the main body by the locking member without incurring slip, thereby facilitating the user holding and operating the gardening shears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Wu
  • Publication number: 20090038112
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a cleaning appliance includes a slidably extendible wand and a connecting portion that includes a first locking arrangement releasably securing the handle assembly to the main body of the cleaning appliance, a second locking arrangement releasably locking the wand in a pre-determined position with respect to the connecting portion and an actuator. The actuator is adapted and arranged to move the first and second locking arrangements between locked and unlocked positions. The first locking arrangement is movable independently of the actuator. This arrangement allows a single actuator to be operated by a user to unlock both the first and second locking arrangements simultaneously. However, because the first locking arrangement can move independently of the second locking arrangement, it is possible to secure the handle assembly to the main body of the cleaning appliance while keeping the wand in a locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: DYSONN TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Ralph Michael WOOD
  • Publication number: 20090013502
    Abstract: An adjustable handlebar assembly for a stand comprises a handlebar and a positioning assembly. The handlebar is rotatably mounted on the stand, and the positioning assembly serves to position the handlebar. The handlebar can be rotated to adjust its operation angle and can be positioned by the positioning assembly after rotating to a desired angle, so that the user can adjust the operation angle of the handlebar according to his own stature and habit, thus enhancing the convenience of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Fu-Yuan CHENG
  • Publication number: 20080276429
    Abstract: Locking mechanisms for releasably connecting handle extensions to tool handles having either compatible lock engaging end portions or standard internally threaded sockets include an adaptor mounted on an outboard end of a handle extension, the adaptor including an extension pole tip with circumferentially spaced thread segments axially insertable into tool handle sockets having compatible lock engaging end portions and threadably connectable to tool handles having standard internally threaded sockets. Means are provided for preventing relative rotation between the adaptor and tool handles having compatible lock engaging end portions when the extension pole tip is fully inserted into the tool handle sockets and for preventing inadvertent pull out of the extension pole tip from the tool handle sockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Richard K. Bukovitz, John L. Scott, SR., Michael L. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7445231
    Abstract: A handcart with a foldable handle structure comprises a handle structure formed of a holder segment and a frame pivotally coupled to each other. The lower ends of the frame are pivotally coupled to a block board and a pair of wheels. A pair of position-limiting sleeves wraps the tubes of the holder segment. When the handcart is in use, the position-limiting sleeves are pulled down to wrap the pivotal joints between the holder segment and the frame to confine the handle structure to a straight line. Then, the user can hold the handle and push the handcart forward. When not in use, the position-limiting sleeves are pushed up to reveal the pivotal joints between the holder segment and the frame, and the holder segment can thus be folded down. Thereby, the volume of the handcart can be reduced to facilitate storage or convenience lifting the handcart to carry about.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Yewe Yih Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Sheng Tsai
  • Patent number: 7434495
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a first part including a head and a shank. Three first holes are defined in the shank and each receive a first stop and a first spring therein. A second hole is defined in shank and located at an axis different from an axis of the first holes, a second stop and a second spring are received in the second hole. A second part is movably mounted to the shank and includes a positioning hole with which one of the first stop is removably engaged. The second stop is slidably engaged with a groove in the second part. A third part is mounted to the second part and includes button which is pushed to remove the first stop from the position hole so that the second part and the third part can be moved relative to the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Yi-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 7431528
    Abstract: A telescopic handwriting pen for PDA or cellular phone. In one embodiment, the pen comprises tubelike inner, intermediate, and outer sections and first and second coupling assemblies fitted in front ends of the inner and intermediate sections. Either coupling assembly includes annular grooves with O-rings put thereon, an annular recess between the grooves filled with lubricating oil, and a rear extension secured to the inner or intermediate section. A writing head is fitted in a front end of the outer section and comprises a channel in fluid communication with the external and inside of the second coupling assembly. Stop mechanisms are provided in rear ends of the outer and intermediate sections for preventing an inside section from disengaging another section while sliding therein. The pen can carry out a smooth sliding and has a balanced weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Ya-Chiao Liu
  • Patent number: 7429024
    Abstract: A hook assembly enables a user to stow handbags and the like underneath tables or similar other support structures. The hook assembly comprises a hook support and a hook member pivotally attached thereto. The hook support comprises an attachment surface and a hook-receiving depression. The hook member is pivotal intermediate a hook-withdrawn position and a hook-extended position. The depression is sized and shaped for housing the hook member when in the hook-withdrawn position. The table-attachment surface may be fixedly attached to the inferior support surface, and the hook actuation end may effectively function to receive and hang articles when the hook member is in the hook-extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventor: Deborah L. Boklund-Moran
  • Publication number: 20080209687
    Abstract: A bendable extension arm for extending a user's reach while a tool is connected. The bendable extension arm includes a deformable stiffening wire that is sufficiently deformable to be easily deformed by the hands of a user but stiff enough to resist further bending in the course of tool usage. The stiffening wire has a first end and a second end and is connected at its first end to a wire receptor and at its second end to another wire receptor. The first end also has an attachment means for attaching a tool. A sheath covers the stiffening wire and prevents over bending of the stiffening wire. The extension arm may be bent by hands of the user into desired shapes up to a bending limit determined by the sheath but remain stiff enough in the desired shapes to resist further bending during tool usage. Substantially all resistance to bending during tool usage below the bending limit is provided by the stiffening wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Patrick McCauley
  • Patent number: 7416361
    Abstract: An extendable pole for window washing includes a plurality of substantially hollow elongated rigid tubular sections, each of which has a lower end and an upper end and a substantially cylindrical outer side wall. The upper end of one section is mechanically connected to the lower end of a section there above to form a substantially continuous pole. Apertures are formed in the side wall of each of the tubular sections adjacent the lower ends and adjacent the upper ends. An elongated flexible tube which is slightly longer than its associated tubular section extends through the interior of the tubular section with its ends passing through the lower and upper apertures to the exterior thereof. Fluid connectors at the ends of each of the tubes connect them together so that the tubes are in fluid communications with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Meyer Ostrobrod
  • Publication number: 20080174145
    Abstract: A retractable grip assist handle assembly provides an extendable support for a passenger during ingress to or egress from the vehicle. The retractable grip assist handle assembly includes a handle, and a body portion having a first end connected to the handle and the handle and body portion are extendable relative to the vehicle. A mechanical energy storage device is connected between a second end of the body portion and the vehicle. The mechanical energy storage device provides a return force that returns the handle to a retracted position from an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicants: Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Saionji, Saori Nakano, Masaya Koyama, Toyoshi Nakamoto
  • Publication number: 20080168627
    Abstract: A positioning sleeve includes first and second surrounding portions adapted to surround outer and inner tube sections of a telescopic rod, respectively. The second surrounding portion has a plurality of angularly spaced-apart recessed parts and a plurality of compressible retaining units respectively disposed in the recessed parts. Each retaining unit is connected to the corresponding recessed part, and has an engaging part projecting toward a through hole in the second surrounding portion, and a deformable space defined between the engaging part and the respective recessed part. The deformable space is deformed when the inner tube section is friction-fitted into the second surrounding portion and when the engaging part of each retaining unit abuts the inner tube section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Hsin-Yuan Lai
  • Publication number: 20080155785
    Abstract: A telescopic hand tool consists of a main body, a bar and a positioning device. The bar possesses an axial hole bored axially from its one end for engaging with a telescopic bar of the main body, and a sliding groove dug around its surface, bored with a ball hole. The positioning device includes a restricting knob, a compression spring and a restricting plate. The restricting knob can slide restrictively along within the sliding groove by means of a restricting block so as to let the main body move in the bar axially. The compression spring can push elastically the restricting knob back to its original position to press on a steel ball restricted in a restricting ball hole of the main body, keeping the main body locked restrictively in the bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Chia Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 7389565
    Abstract: A handle assembly for cordless roman shades to be installed on the bottom of a roman shade. It includes a handle, an anchor device and an extension plate. The handle has an ornamental plate and an anchor plate that are coupled together to form a clipping space between them. The handle has an upper end engageable with the anchor device. The extension plate is pivotally coupled on the backside of the anchor plate. When the roman shade is rolling or extending, the handle can be grasped by user's hand to exert a force. The anchor plate is coupled with a bracing bar on the bottom of the roman shade to facilitate control of the rolling and extending of the roman shade. The ornamental plate provides a desired adorning effect to enhance the appealing of the roman shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Li-Ming Cheng
  • Patent number: 7380309
    Abstract: A knob attachment assembly formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided. The knob attachment assembly includes a control device housing (105) and an actuation member (106) coupled to the control device housing, the actuation member including a first engagement surface (140). The knob attachment assembly further includes a gripping device (104) including a first interference surface (158), the gripping device being selectively coupled to the actuation member and positionable between a locked position, wherein the gripping device is coupled to the actuation member by interference of the first engagement surface and the first interference surface, and an unlocked position, wherein the gripping device is removable from the actuation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: GT Development Corporation
    Inventor: Alan K. Forsythe
  • Patent number: 7380315
    Abstract: An external segment of a telescoping handle comprises an outer segment configured for receiving an internal segment. The outer segment comprises a hole configured to receive a locking pin attached to the internal segment. The external segment further comprises a reinforcing mechanism inserted into the hole that is configured to distribute forces imparted by the locking pin in such a manner that the hole does not deform as easily as in conventional baggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: In-Soo Jung
  • Patent number: 7377289
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a hose reel assembly structured for ease of use and maintenance. The hose reel assembly includes a folding crank handle, having an easily accessible and identifiable release, an easily released water system, and an autotrack device that is easily engaged/disengaged. By improving the ease of use of such components, the amount of wear and tear on the hose reel is reduced and the life of the hose reel is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen T. English, John R. Grishaber, Eric K. Fasser
  • Patent number: 7374359
    Abstract: An expandable and contractible stylus for interfacing with a touchscreen of an electronic device. The expandable and contractible feature allows for a stylus that contracts to fit into a stylus holder in a small handheld device and expands to facilitate its removal from a device and to fit more comfortably in a user's hand. It holds either its expanded or contracted position for any orientation in space. An expandable and contractible stylus may facilitate the user's experience and thus provide an advantage over other conventional styluses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Annerino, Michael Albertini, John Byrne, Joel Friedrick
  • Patent number: 7373708
    Abstract: A locking device for two units (1), (3) displaceable one inside the other, such as the handle of an implement with variable length, comprising a locking member (4) arranged at one end of the outer element (3), said locking member (4) being operated by an operating member (5) spaced from the locking member (4) in the direction of the other end of the outer element (3) via an actuating member (7) that is displaceable along, or turnable about, an axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the outer element (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Ragnar Stahle, Lill-Hege Hagensen
  • Publication number: 20080109997
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handle (1) for a cleaning device (2), which comprises at least one telescope part (4) which is lengthwise variable in the longitudinal direction (3) of the handle (1) and at least one part (5, 6) which is stationary in the longitudinal direction (3) of the handle (1), whereby the telescope part (4) and the stationary part (5, 6) are linked with each other in such a manner that they can be detached without sustaining any damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Toral Fernandez
  • Patent number: 7356871
    Abstract: A long handled cleaning implement such as a broom that is provided with a collapsible handle that can be used as a mini sweeping broom. This collapsible ability will also permit compact storage, a cooperating accessory dustpan is provided which the collapsible cleaning implement is stored into. When removed from the compact position the handle of the cleaning implement quickly and easily extends to a full length rigid position for use. In combination this provides the operator the choice of a large area cleaning or a small area hand sweep and the convenience of compact storage or transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Jonathan Mark Heaven
  • Publication number: 20080083424
    Abstract: The Lotion Maid is used to apply creams, lotions, sunblock and other preparations to the back and difficult to reach areas of the body. By simply attaching your favorite applicator by means of the clip on the end, lotions etc. can be spread on hard to reach areas. Since the applicator can be cotton balls, washcloths or other household items they can be either disposed of or washed therefore a clean pad can be used for different lotions and several persons can use the same lotion maid making it cost effective for the entire family. The lotion maid has a pivot near the clip so that it can glide easily across the skin and the rubberized handle makes it easy for anyone to grip it even if they have limited mobility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Theresa Lynn Sizelove
  • Patent number: 7251860
    Abstract: A window operator handle securable to a casement window operating drive shaft is described. The handle is movable between an operating position to a folded position. The handle has a body housing that has a cavity which includes an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism has an assembly body secured to the housing, a pivotal member positioned in a first section of the assembly body and a sliding member positioned in at least a second portion of the assembly body. The pivotal member is adapted to pivot from a first position to a second position as the handle is moved from a first position to a second position. The pivotal member is held in one position and the other position by the sliding member. The sliding member is retained in contact with the pivotal member by a spring means in said assembly body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Toni Liang
  • Patent number: 7237305
    Abstract: An improved extension pole (10) is provided having an outer tubular pole section (12) and an inner pole section (14) telescopically and reciprocally received within the section (12). The outer section (12) has a shock-absorbing component (38) mounted adjacent the base (20) thereof, which safely absorbs shocks incident to unrestrained fall of the inner pole section (14). The pole (10) also includes a fixture mounting element (74) with an associated locking member (88), the latter being threadably mounted and movable against the base of a fixture such as a light bulb changer (18), in order to securely mount the fixture in place on the pole (10). An improved, cam-type locking mechanism (16) is also provided which gives a short-throw twist operation through less than about a 45° arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Specialty Products of Greenwood, Missouri, Inc.
    Inventors: Dere Newman, William Daniel Richardson
  • Patent number: 7219386
    Abstract: Disclosed is a holding device including: a telescopic handle having axially opposed front and rear ends and constructed of at least two separate shafts, of which a front-side separate shaft axially fits within a rear-side separate shaft being a hollow cylinder; and a support member provided at the front end of the telescopic handle for attachment of a cleaning wiper. The front-side separate shaft has an axially extending elastic arm and an engaging projection provided at a leading end of the elastic arm, while the rear-side separate shaft has a through-hole passing through a cylinder wall thereof, in which the engaging projection engages when the front-side separate shaft projects from the rear-side separate shaft by a predetermined length. Pressing the engaging projection, which engages in the through-hole, from outside the rear-side separate shaft permits release of the engaging projection from the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Akemi Tsuchiya, Yoshinori Tanaka, Masatoshi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7219868
    Abstract: A hook device for securement to the substantially horizontal, bottom surface of a table top, bar top, or the like for supporting personal items. The hook device includes a base, a hook, and an attachment mechanism pivotally securing the hook to the base. The attachment mechanism includes a torsion spring that biases the hook into a stored position in which the hook is substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the table top. To use the hook, the hook is pivoted away from the table surface and a personal item, such as a purse, handbag, backpack, coat, or the like is placed on the hook. Once the personal item is removed, the hook returns to its stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: REC Enterprises, Ltd
    Inventors: Rebecca L Marler, Jon R Marler
  • Patent number: 7194930
    Abstract: A handle for a window operator. The handle includes a handle member 10 pivotally coupled to a base 11. A locking mechanism releasably locks the handle member 10 in a position relative to the base 11 which corresponds to an in-use position of the handle member. The locking mechanism includes a locking member 14 within the handle member 10. The locking member 14 performs a blocking action to prevent pivotal movement of the handle member relative to the base. The locking member has a push button 15 accessible to an exterior surface of the handle member whereby the locking member can be moved to remove the blocking action and allow the handle to be pivoted to a non-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Financial Services AB
    Inventor: Guy Simon Dawson
  • Patent number: 7191494
    Abstract: The stabilizer apparatus for a power head attachment for rotationally powered tools in which a housing supports a stabilizer apparatus including a stabilizer collar rotatable to selected positions relative to the input shaft of the head attachment and a stabilizer arm pivotally mounted on the collar for movement to selected angular positions relative to the axis of the input shaft between a plurality of locked positions and a single unlocked position. In the unlocked position of the arm, the collar can be rotated to various circumferential positions and in each one of the positions the stabilizer arm can be located at a selected one of multiple angular positions which also lock the arm and collar in a fixed position making possible many combinations of positions of the stabilizer arm relative to the power head of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: John A. Badiali
  • Patent number: 7171728
    Abstract: A knob includes a hub to be fixed in a seat open at the front of an electrical household appliance, a grip, which can slide axially, against the action of an elastic element, on a first end of the hub. Between the grip and the hub there is defined a closed chamber having a variable volume that is a function of the axial position of the grip on the hub. A sliding seal is provided for sealing the closed chamber. A calibrated restriction connects the inside of the chamber with the external environment in such a way as to bring about a negative pressure in the chamber as a result of the axial movement of the grip away from the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: ITW Industrial Components S.R.L.
    Inventor: Dino Chirumbolo
  • Patent number: 7147256
    Abstract: A fold down operator (10) is provided for a rotatable spindle (224) of casement window assembly (200). The operator (10) comprises a hub (12) and a handle (48). The hub (12) has a receiver (22) and an arm (32) extending from the receiver (22). The receiver (22) is adapted to connect to the spindle (224). The handle (48) has a cavity (112). The handle (48) is pivotally connected to the arm (32) such that the handle (48) is pivotable between a closed position wherein a portion of the receiver (22) is positioned within the cavity (112), and an open position, wherein the receiver (22) is outboard of the cavity (112).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventor: David B. Gill
  • Patent number: 7144180
    Abstract: A locking device for two units (1), (3) displaceable one inside the other, such as the handle of an implement with variable length, comprising a locking member (4) arranged at one end of the outer element (3), said locking member (4) being operated by an operating member (5) spaced from the locking member (4) in the direction of the other end of the outer element (3) via an actuating member (7) that is displaceable along, or turnable about, an axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the outer element (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: Ragnar Stahle, Lill-Hege Hagensen
  • Patent number: 7131166
    Abstract: The present invention is an ingenuously designed multiple self locking hinge assembly that is simple to manufacture and can come in a variety of shapes and sizes given the application requirements. It has few parts making it cost effect and simple to use. The hinge assembly can easily be opened and closed with a single hand while at the same time creating a strong hinge connection. The invention can be used in a number of applications, including use with multiple poled devices for many common applications such as crutches, walkers, golf bag and baby carriages to name a few. The invention can also be used in conjunction with devices that require a collapsible frame. The invention also provides lateral strength and stability to a multiple poled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Fulerum Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold H. Cohen, James Q. Maloy, Lori R. Newman, Michael Smith