Extensible Handle Patents (Class 16/429)
  • Patent number: 7096530
    Abstract: An extendable handle for a paint applicator includes an first shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and a second shaft with a distal end and a proximal end and which is telescopically disposed within the first shaft. A guide block is disposed on the second shaft and defines a curved channel. A third shaft has a distal end and a proximal end and is telescopically disposed within the second shaft. An advancement strip has a first end connected to the distal end of the first shaft and a second end connected to the proximal end of the third shaft and is disposed through the curved channel of the guide block. The advancement strip can both push and pull the third shaft relative to the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventor: Matthew G. Goulet
  • Patent number: 7089605
    Abstract: A toilet plunger assembly having telescopic features is disclosed. The plunger assembly includes a cup assembly, a tubular member and an elongated rod. The tubular member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The second end portion is fixed to the cup assembly. The elongated rod has a first end portion, a second end portion, and an outer diameter. The rod is slideably engaged within the tubular member such that the rod is moveable between a collapsed position and an extended position. In the collapsed position, the rod second end portion is removably joined to the cup assembly, while in the extended position, the rod second end portion is removably joined to the tubular member first end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Waxman Consumer Products Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Wei-Xin Jiang
  • Patent number: 7089625
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shaft of a tool or the like with an adjustable length, the shaft comprising a first shaft section (2) and a second shaft section (10) which are attached to each other by adjusting means and move telescopically with respect to each other when the shaft length is adjusted. In that case, the adjusting means for adjusting the shaft length comprise a sleeve (4) provided in the second shaft section (10) and an at least partly toothed spindle (6) provided in the first shaft section (2), the first end of the spindle being taken through the sleeve (4). The sleeve (4) and the spindle (6) attach the first (2) and the second (10) shaft section adjustably to each other so that the sleeve (4) and the spindle (6) can be turned with respect to each other into a position preventing the adjustment of the shaft length and into a position allowing the adjustment of the shaft length where the spindle (6) can move in the sleeve (4) in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Fiskars Consumer Oy Ab
    Inventors: Olavi Lindén, Aaro Huttunen
  • Patent number: 7082644
    Abstract: A handle extension for rotating a crank handle includes an elongate shaft having a first end and a second end. A member with a receptacle for engaging the crank handle is mounted at the first end of the shaft. When the second end of the shaft is grasped and a rotational force imparted to the shaft, the crank handle is caused to rotate. This handle extension is useful with crank handle operated ceiling mounted ventilation openings commonly found in recreational vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Victor Senner
  • Patent number: 7077594
    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 can facilitate the user's experience and thus provide an advantage over the other conventional styluses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Palm, Incorporated
    Inventors: Frank Annerino, Michael Albertini, John Byrne, Joel Friedrick
  • Patent number: 7073228
    Abstract: A telescoping handle having a plurality of telescoping hollow tubes characterized by relative sliding stiffness between each of the tubes and having a similar resistance to rotation, the handle comprising a plurality of stiffeners having an outside diameter sized to fit snugly within an inside diameter of an associated tube. Each stiffener is positioned in an end of the associated tube remaining within an adjacent larger diameter tube when in an extended state. Each stiffener has an axial length at least as long as an overlap length of the associated tube and the adjacent larger diameter tube when in the extended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Pro Line Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert James Light
  • Patent number: 7065838
    Abstract: Provided is a locking segmented handle for use with a cleaning implement and the like. The handle includes two or more segments that are coupled at assembly to form the handle. Each segment includes connector elements at connector ends of the segments. The connector elements of each segment include components that cooperate with corresponding components of the connector elements of other segments to preclude relative rotational motion of the segments after complete assembly of the segments to form the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Michael Mitchell, Russell Bell, Cherie A. Bulala, Amy Y. Crandall, German R. Gonzalez, Marcus Wang
  • Patent number: 7032942
    Abstract: This invention describes an ergonomic shovel having an extensible grip connectably attached to a tether and return spring obstensibly located inside the primary handle and having a fairlead to facilitate the extending and retracting in accordance with prior art for stand-up shovels. A pocket or frame structure is described for disposition of the retracted auxiliary grip to facilitate storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas I. Stuart
  • Patent number: 7003849
    Abstract: The present invention is an ingenuously designed self locking hinge that is simple to manufacture and can come in a variety of shapes given the application requirements. It has few parts making it cost effect and simple to use. The hinge can easily be opened and closed with one hand while at the same time creating a strong hinge connection. The invention can be used in a number of applications, including use with poles for many common applications such as walking sticks, canes, ski poles and wading staffs used by fly fishermen who need poles to navigate through a stream to avoid holes or rocks in the stream bed. The invention can also be used in conjunction with devices that require a collapsible frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Fulcrum Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold H. Cohen, James Q. Maloy, Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 6978514
    Abstract: A retractable handle of wheeled luggage is provided. For the case of single pulling rod, pressing a push button will tighten a connecting rod to move a lower sliding block to a one direction so that an upright rod is pressed to lower a locking member and an upright member to clear the locking member from a toothed member, thereby unlocking both the swivel handle grip and the pulling rod. For the case of two pulling rods, there is further provided another transmission mechanism so that pressing the push button will further unlock locking devices in the pulling rods via coupling rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Chaw Khong Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Hsien Kuo, Hui Ming Wang
  • Patent number: 6925686
    Abstract: A twist-lock handle assembly includes sections that are interconnected by first telescoping them together, followed by relative rotational movement to interlock two pair of axially spaced apart tabs and recesses. The assembly can have a grip section, at least one pole section, and one accessory attachment section for connecting to a mop head. The components are rigidly and essentially permanently connected by sliding them together and twisting, but can be compactly shipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Heathcock, Peter M. Neumann, Michael E. Short
  • Patent number: 6920666
    Abstract: A pull rod structure includes a pull rod and a handle fastened to a top end of the pull rod. The handle is formed of a hand grip and two control arms, each being provided therein with a control mechanism having a first activation button or a second activation button. The first activation button is pivoted with one end of the hand grip of the handle, whereas the second activation button is pivoted with the other end of the hand grip of the handle. These two activation buttons are so located on the hand grip that they are within an easy access of the thumb of a hand holding the hand grip, and that they are prevented from being activated unintentionally by the palm or fingers of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Shou Mao Chen
  • Patent number: 6898823
    Abstract: A retractable handle assembly for a luggage, handcart and the like comprises a retractable tube having four tubes engaged with each other, three controllers received in the tubes and a tube plug having engagement portion provided at an end of the retractable tube. A handle has a grip portion, an axle portion and a handle plug having an engagement portion provided at an end of the axle portion. The handle is pivotally coupled with the retractable tube by a shaft. A lock device is movably mounted on the retractable handle assembly. The lock device is moved between a first position, in which the lock device is engaged with both of the engagement portions of the retractable tube and the handle, and a second position, in which the lock device only is engaged with one of the engagement portions of the retractable tube and the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: James Tsai
  • Patent number: 6883208
    Abstract: This innovation provides a hedge shear extendable handle enhanced structure focusing on resolving the operating inconvenience and physical deficiencies such as bending and deformation resulting from the operations of legendary hedge shear. The main structure of the enhancement is a pivot joint formation of an inner and outer tube. The main feature is the H-shape profile structure of the inner tube with a slide way built with an internal diffusion slot and a perforation slot. The perforation slot has a few interleaved positioning fillisters along the slide way. The positioning fillisters in the inner tube will park the sliding block when it shifted upward and matching with the locating block on the top pillar while moving upward. A press button assembles on top of the pillar and remains in an upward position with the sliding block under normal condition with the help of a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Yao-Chung Huang
  • Patent number: 6874201
    Abstract: A tool extension assembly including an extension pole connected to a connecting device and a tool assembly having a handle with an insert secured therein. A transversely-extending pin is movably mounted to the connecting device and is biased by a spring. The insert has a cylindrical side wall with an interior surface that defines an interior bore and interior edges that define a pair of opposing slots. The slots extend axially and circumferentially along the side wall. The connecting device is receivable in the bore of the insert such that when end portions of the pin are disposed in the slots and the handle is rotated in a first direction, the interior edges of the insert move the pin against the bias of the spring until the pin reaches end portions of the slots, at which point the pin exerts a force against the interior edges of the insert that pulls the tool assembly and the extension pole assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: Duong L. Ta, Ty J. Oliver
  • Patent number: 6865776
    Abstract: An improved modular handle for a tool having a plurality of handle segments, at least a grasping segment and a support segment for the tool, the segments being provided with either a male end or a female end for coupling to each other by a forced introduction. The male end has a reduced diameter zone with a undulate end section, and the female end having a hollow section with an inner diameter to receive, by a forced coupling, the undulate section of the male end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: F.I.M.M. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Enrico Spinelli
  • Patent number: 6862776
    Abstract: The present invention disclose the positioning structure of a handle comprising a base possessing an axial hole and two hollow spaces mounts on the inner tube; two movable pieces with slanting cambered face provided screw teeth thereon mounts in each of the hollow spaces of the base; a rotating ring mounts on the outer tube; a rotating cone has an axial multilateral hole mounting in the hole of the base and between the two movable pieces, and cone face of the rotating cone provided screw teeth to bite the screw teeth of the movable pieces; and a rotating rod passing through the axial hole of the rotating cone, and one end of the rotating rod is fixed on the rotating ring, so that when rotating the rotating ring can control the retract of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Chia-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 6834172
    Abstract: A carrier handle, which can be accommodated within an apparatus body, with its external end being exposed at an exterior surface of the apparatus body. The handle has a pushee, which comes into sliding contact with a handle pusher formed in the apparatus body. If an external force is applied to the carrier handle while it is accommodated in the apparatus body, the pushee comes into sliding contact with the handle pusher, so that the carrier handle is allowed to project outwardly of the apparatus body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Norio Tomita
  • Patent number: 6824174
    Abstract: A latch (10) for removing a cover from a base includes an operable member (20) fixed to the cover, and a stationary member (50) fixed to the base. The operable member includes a frame (30), and a handle (40) pivotably mounted therein. The handle includes a tongue (45) extending therefrom, and a pair of cams (44). The stationary member includes a pedestal (60), and a plate (70) fixed on the pedestal. The plate has a projection (72) formed thereon. The cover is removed from the base by rotating the handle. This causes the tongue to press the resilient plate and thus release the projection, and the cams of the handle to abut against the pedestal to urge the operable member to slide relative to the stationary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Chih Lin, Chen Lu Fan, Li Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 6766559
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly. A suction generator is carried on one of the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly. The upright vacuum cleaner also includes a telescoping handle assembly including an elongated handle received in a slot for sliding movement relative to the canister assembly, a projecting guide pin carried on the elongated handle, a cooperating guide channel in the canister assembly for receiving the guide pin and a latch carried on the canister assembly for selectively engaging any one of the longitudinally spaced apertures formed in the elongated handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Corporation of America
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Roney, James T. Crouch
  • Patent number: 6708372
    Abstract: A handle for ejecting a fan tray from an electronics enclosure comprises an elongated lever arm and a pair of opposing spring tabs extending from the lever arm disposed at an end of the lever arm. In an embodiment of the invention, the handle further includes a first bushing protruding from one of the opposing spring tabs and a second bushing protruding from a second one of the opposing spring tabs. The first bushing and the second bushing define a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to a long axis of the elongated lever arm, and are configured to snap into opposing retention features of the fan tray. The elongated lever arm is thereby attached to the fan tray and pivotable between a closed position folded against an end of the fan tray, and an open position extending from the fan tray. In another embodiment, the handle further includes a bump edge protruding from the end of the elongated lever arm in a direction opposite to the pair of opposing spring tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Stewart
  • Patent number: 6701578
    Abstract: A telescopic handle for a cleaning implement has a seat, an outer tube mounted in the seat, an inner tube received in the outer tube, and a middle tube movably provided between the outer tube and the inner tube. A sealing member is secured inside a rear end of the middle tube and movably provided outside the inner tube. A positioning sleeve is mounted at a front end of the outer tube. The handle has a good watertight effect, and can be used over a long-term.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Jung-Hui Lu
  • Patent number: 6691372
    Abstract: An extendable tool handle with a hollow gripping handle (1) comprised of 2024 T3 aluminum with a knurled segment (2), through which an extendable slide shaft (3) comprised of 6AL 4V titanium with a longitudinal slide groove (4) may travel. The slide shaft (3) can be locked in either the extended or collapsed position by means of a lock comprising a spring plate (5), and spring cap (6) of 2024 T3 aluminum, and a 19/64 button head screw (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Ruhland
  • Patent number: 6671930
    Abstract: A tool mount assembly is provided for attachment to the end of an extension pole for pivotal movement of the body of the tool mount assembly on an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axial line of extension of the extension pole, the body further arranged to secure the end of a tool handle in desired positions of rotational adjustment, whereby a tool supported on the end of an extension pole may be secured in virtually an infinite variety of angular positions for ease of use of the tool at an extended reach on the end of the extension pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Donald D. Lanz
  • Patent number: 6669397
    Abstract: A quick disconnect tool apparatus for permitting a user to utilize a single pole member in conjunction with a variety of yard tools. The quick disconnect tool apparatus includes an elongate pole member having a uniquely shaped aperture. Inside the aperture are bearing members surrounded by a sliding sleeve member designed to position the bearing members inwardly and outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pole. Tool members having a tool coupler with a groove are insertable into the aperture and are releasably secured when the bearing members engage the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Woodson Christion
  • Publication number: 20030233718
    Abstract: A twist-lock handle assembly includes sections that are interconnected by first telescoping them together, followed by relative rotational movement to interlock two pair of axially spaced apart tabs and recesses. The assembly can have a grip section, at least one pole section, and one accessory attachment section for connecting to a mop head. The components are rigidly and essentially permanently connected by sliding them together and twisting, but can be compactly shipped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: John A. Heathcock, Peter M. Neumann, Michael E. Short
  • Patent number: 6640389
    Abstract: An operating assembly for a casement window includes a folding crank handle and cover assembly that are located on the exterior surface of a trim piece on the sill of the window frame. The crank handle is attached to the drive shaft of the operator of the assembly in such a way that the handle may be folded down into a low-profile position in which the knob of the handle projects into a receiving pocket in the cover. An integral flap on the handle extending beyond the knob covers the pocket when the knob is received therein. Internal detent projections within the pocket yieldably retain the knob so as to provide for snap fit reception of the folded handle into its home position. Finger depressions in sidewalls of the cover on opposite sides of the pocket facilitate gripping of the edges of the handle for unfolding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventors: Marlo G. Van Klompenburg, David J. Vande Steeg, Robert S. Evers, Andrew W. Middleswart, Bruce A. Baier, Gregory J. Vetter
  • Patent number: 6619877
    Abstract: An expandable rod of a tree pruner is formed of an outer tube and an inner tube, which are located by a drive block and a stop block such that a first end of the drive block is retained in a first tightening recess and stopped by a first check edge of a first protrusion of the stop block, and that a second end of the drive block is retained in a second tightening recess and stopped by a first check edge of a second protrusion of the stop block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Yo-Hsin Huang
  • Patent number: 6598265
    Abstract: Disclosed is a handle structure of an apparatus for opening and closing a window capable of allowing a user to open and close the window with safety. The handle structure may be mounted to a driving shaft installed in a housing of the apparatus for opening and closing the window and may then be foldable. In the handle structure, a depressed portion is formed on an inner surface of a body portion of the handle structure and extends along the longitudinal direction. Pair of fixed members is formed on the inner surface of the body portion within the depressed portion and extend over a predetermined length of the depressed portion. A supporting device is suitably secured together with the fixed members formed in the depressed portion. The supporting device is provided with a rectangular plate-shaped supporting piece, a hexahedral-shaped moving member and a coiled spring. A knob is engaged to be one body with an outer surface of one end portion of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: 3 G Technology
    Inventor: Jang-Woo Lee
  • Publication number: 20030135955
    Abstract: An extension pole assembly whereby individual tubes, separate and exactly the same as one another, may be joined to achieve desired length, and a locking push button connects each together as each tube end is inserted into the inside of each additional tube beginning, to form an inner and outer tube connection. The locking push button is positioned into the end of the first pole and as each additional pole is added, the added pole slips onto the first pole, the second pole forming the outer tube, the first pole forming the inner tube, the push button retains the newly connected tube into a locked position. The end of each pole contains a rubber protective insert. As each additional tube extension is added, the rubber insert is always at the end of the tube. The rubber insert provides a protective end so as not to mar or damage surroundings in work area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Michael J. Dove
  • Patent number: 6595713
    Abstract: A system for securing interlocking tubular components comprises first and second tubular. components to be secured and a locking apparatus located within the first tubular component. The first tubular component has a smaller diameter than the second component and contains slits that permit expansion of the outer diameter of the first tubular component under the action of the locking apparatus. Each of the first and second tubular components has an aperture therein, the locking apparatus having a spring-loaded button member that protrudes from the aperture of the first component. When the first component is inserted into the end of the second component,, the apertures are aligned and the button rises through the second aperture, thus holding the components together. An adjustment tool is then inserted through a bore in the button into the locking apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Lendal Products Limited
    Inventor: Alistair Carmichael Wilson
  • Patent number: 6588065
    Abstract: An electric telescoping pole for allowing the user to quickly and effortlessly alter the length of a pole used for coupling tools to. The electric telescoping pole includes a pair of tubular members, the first member telescopically receiving the second member, an electric drive assembly housed in the base of the first member, which, by way of a switching mechanism, electrically controls the pole's length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: John C. Tucker, III
  • Patent number: 6584643
    Abstract: Various assist devices that provide support for entering and exiting a vehicle through a vehicle doorframe of the type having a striker mounted thereto are disclosed. The assist devices include a retainer adapted to removably engage the striker and a support member pivotably mounted to the retainer such that the support member will apply a clamping force to the striker when the support member supports at least a portion of a user's weight. Methods of providing support for entering and exiting a vehicle through a vehicle doorframe having a striker mounted thereto are also disclosed. The methods include placing at least a portion of a retainer between the doorframe and the striker, and rotating a support member, that is pivotably attached to the retainer, relative to the retainer until the support member engages the striker to thereby clamp the striker when the user's weight is supported by the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Theodore B. Tomaiuolo
  • Patent number: 6581246
    Abstract: A grass trimmer adjustable handle has a two piece clamp with four bolts and four nuts for mounting and fastening to a grass trimmer main power shaft, and a rod end bearing with a threaded rod and a lock nut. The main handle has threads that match the threaded rod end bearing so that the handle can be adjusted in length to the desired height and reach, limited by the rod threads. The handle can be rotated on its axis and locked into position with the locking nut to fit the angle of the hand of the user, and tilts side to side for a better angle control of the trimmer in relation to the surface of the ground. The handle can move forward and backward in alignment with the main power shaft for better control of the height of the cutting head of the trimmer in relation to the surface of the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Reid Polette
  • Patent number: 6578231
    Abstract: A luggage handle in the form of a closed, equilateral triangle, molded plastic loop includes latch members attached to a apex of the loop. The latch members join the ends of an adjustable length, flexible flat strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrezj M. Redzisz, Zbigniew Marchwiak, Marian Klysz, Iwona Malgorzata Marchwiak, Zoran H. Gracer
  • Patent number: 6574833
    Abstract: An assist device provides a stable support for entering and exiting a vehicle through a door frame having a striker mounted on a side portion of the door frame which is engageable with a latch of a door for securing the door in a closed position. The assist device includes a retainer adapted which removably engages the striker. A support member mounted to the retainer supports at least a portion of a user's weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Theodore J. Tomaiuolo
  • Patent number: 6564426
    Abstract: A retractable handle device includes a pair of conduits, a pair of tubes slidably engaged in the conduits, a housing secured on top of the tubes, and a hand grip rotatably secured to the housing with a shaft. One or more spring biased latches are disposed in the tubes, a bar is slidably received in the housing and coupled to the spring biased latches with links for selectively actuating the spring biased latches to lock the conduits and the tubes. A pin is slidably received in the shaft. A knob is slidably received in the hand grip for selectively actuating the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Gin Chiao Wang
  • Patent number: 6546596
    Abstract: An extension pole for tools provides nearly universal attachment of a wide variety of different tool heads or components, for painting, cleaning, and other tasks which may require a long reach to access otherwise inaccessible areas. The present extension essentially comprises a tubular base or handle component and a tubular extension component. The extension tube telescopes within the base tube and may be locked at the desired extended length by a pull release pin which extends through a selected one of several holes in a keyway in the extension tube. The distal end of the handle tube includes a folded down tab which engages the extension tube keyway, to preclude axial rotation of the extension tube within the base tube. The distal end of the extension tube includes a threaded attachment, preferably having an Acme threaded configuration to provide nearly universal attachment of a wide variety of devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventors: Rick V. Grote, Cynthia L. Grote
  • Patent number: 6536301
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a grab handle for vehicle interiors, having a u-shaped holding strap (10) which has a tubular, essentially rectilinear central part (12) and two bent end parts (14.1, 14.2) each having a twist and plug-in securing means, the twist and plug-in securing means being plugged from opposite end sides of the central part (12) into the central part (12) and being held there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Utescheny AG
    Inventors: Uwe Luksch, Klaus Heidelberger
  • Patent number: 6532630
    Abstract: An extension pole is disclosed for use with a paint roller tool. The pole and handle cooperatively provide a smooth flush connection and prevent relative rotation therebetween. In particular, an end portion of the extension pole comprises a locking mechanism that is designed to releasably interconnect the paint roller tool and the extension pole via operation of a button assembly on the extension pole. The locking mechanism includes a housing presenting a narrow outer surface defined along a circle coaxial with the pole and snugly received within the paint roller handle. A wide outer surface spaced radially outward from the narrow surface presents a key section, which when received within a recess extending inwardly from the rear end of the tool handle, cooperates with the handle to prevent relative rotation between the tool and extension pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Specialty Products of Greenwood, Missouri, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Robert D. Newman, Jr., Judson C. Cole
  • Patent number: 6534747
    Abstract: An improved welding torch wherein the connection between the torch body and handle is a frictional engagement and prevents any relative rotational movement of the torch handle and body while additionally providing an indexing mechanism for selective alignment of the torch body with a variety of surface contours on the torch handle. The torch body includes a plurality of radially projecting handle engagement ribs thereon and a radially projecting indexing pin receivable in one or more axial grooves in an end wall of the handle. The grooves are radially aligned with different surface contours on the handle such that when the handle is in place on the torch body, the ribs frictionally engage the handle and the indexing pin is disposed in one of the grooves preventing inadvertent relative rotation of the torch handle and body and aligning a selected handle contour with the torch body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Richard B. Rehrig
  • Patent number: 6530124
    Abstract: An extension pole is disclosed for use with a paint roller tool. The pole and handle cooperatively provide a smooth flush connection and prevent relative rotation therebetween. In particular, an end portion of the extension pole comprises a locking mechanism that is designed to releasably interconnect the paint roller tool and the extension pole via operation of a button assembly on the extension pole. The locking mechanism includes a housing presenting a narrow outer surface defined along a circle coaxial with the pole and snugly received within the paint roller handle. A wide outer surface spaced radially outward from the narrow surface presents a key section, which when received within a recess extending inwardly from the rear end of the tool handle, cooperates with the handle to prevent relative rotation between the tool and extension pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Specialty Products of Greenwood, Missouri, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Robert D. Newman, Jr., Judson C. Cole
  • Publication number: 20030029001
    Abstract: An operating assembly for a casement window includes a folding crank handle and cover assembly that are located on the exterior surface of a trim piece on the sill of the window frame. The crank handle is attached to the drive shaft of the operator of the assembly in such a way that the handle may be folded down into a low-profile position in which the knob of the handle projects into a receiving pocket in the cover. An integral flap on the handle extending beyond the knob covers the pocket when the knob is received therein. Internal detent projections within the pocket yieldably retain the knob so as to provide for snap fit reception of the folded handle into its home position. Finger depressions in sidewalls of the cover on opposite sides of the pocket facilitate gripping of the edges of the handle for unfolding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Pella Corporation
    Inventors: Marlo G. Van Klompenburg, David J. Vande Steeg, Robert S. Evers, Andrew W. Middleswart, Bruce A. Baier, Gregory J. Vetter
  • Patent number: 6490761
    Abstract: An apparatus for telescopically extending the shaft length of a tool including a handle with a circular or noncircular hollow core shaft with at least one longitudinal extension channel, a circular or noncircular hollow shank wherein one end has an internally threaded drive ring with at least one tab for insertion into an extension channel, and the second end has a head assembly to receive various tool fittings where an externally threaded adjusting rod extends into the hollow shank and is engaged in the threaded drive ring and is operated by a rotatable adjusting knob is attached to the adjusting rod, and a lock assembly is used to selectively eliminate rotation of the knob; the lock assembly comprises a pair of facing spline faces which engagingly prevent rotation of the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Randy C. Durrant
  • Patent number: 6484364
    Abstract: A lifting assembly for a chassis having structural members wherein the lifting assembly comprises a first lift handle sub-assembly and a second lift handle sub-assembly. Each lift handle sub-assembly includes a first lifting bracket slidably mounted to a first chassis structural member and a second lifting bracket slidably mounted to a second chassis structural member positioned from the first lifting bracket. A lift handle is attached at each end thereof to one end of the first and second lifting brackets. Attached to a second end of the first and second lifting brackets is a lower stop bar sliding within the chassis structural-members. Attached to the chassis structural members in the path of movement of the lower stop bar is a slide stop bar that establishes the limit of movement of the lift handle to a gripping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: William E. Turner
  • Patent number: 6477739
    Abstract: In a retractable assist grip in which a grip body rotatably supported on a mount is urged into swing motion from the use position to the retracted position, a locking pin is retained prior to the mounting of the grip body to the mount. With the mount body engaged to the periphery of a mounting hole of an inner panel from the front side thereof, the locking pin is moved opposite to a direction of insertion thereof by the swing motion of the grip body to the use position so that an extension at the distal end of the locking pin is retained at a locking position, thereby holding flexible engaging pieces extending from the back of the mount body in engagement on the periphery of the mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Nishikawa Kasei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sugumune Miho, Hozumi Noda
  • Patent number: 6461074
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a telescopically adjustable extension pole is disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a collar member and a locking trigger mechanism preferably comprising a bottom trigger member and a top trigger member having a locking pin therein. The top trigger member grippingly engages the collar member which is attached to the outer sleeve of the pole. By depressing the bottom trigger member, the top trigger member moves laterally outwardly retracting the locking pin from an aperture in the inner sleeve permitting the length of the extension pole to be telescopically adjusted. By releasing the bottom trigger member, the top trigger member moves laterally inwardly causing the locking pin to be received within an aperture in the inner sleeve so as to interlock the inner sleeve within the outer sleeve at the approximate desired length of the extension pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventor: Curtis E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6450517
    Abstract: A folding collapsible kick scooter includes a head tube folding structure, which uses a quick-release lock to lock the head tube between an extended position and a collapsed position, and a handlebar folding structure, which uses a quick-release lock to lock the left handlebar and the right handlebar between an extended position and a collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Playmaker Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Guang-Gwo Lee
  • Patent number: 6450063
    Abstract: A folding handle for attachment to a rotatable shaft element. The handle includes a handle body 10 having a cavity 17 within which a mounting block 20 is engaged. The mounting block 20 has oppositely projecting pivot members 21 slidingly engaged in recesses 19 in the walls 18 of the cavity 17. The pivot members 21 therefore engage with bearing surfaces 19a to facilitate pivotal movement of the handle body 10 relative to the mounting block 20. A clip 24 retains the mounting block 20 in cavity 17. No pivot pin is therefore visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Interlock Group Limited
    Inventors: John Harvey, Christodoulos Toulis
  • Patent number: RE38302
    Abstract: A retractable handle apparatus is grasped and extended by an occupant of a marine craft to restrain motion of the occupant during sudden movement of the vessel. The apparatus includes a hand grip, a retracting mechanism, and a flexible member interconnecting the hand grip and retracting mechanism. The hand grip is pulled by the occupant to unwind the flexible member from the retracting mechanism. In the fully extended position, the apparatus provides resistance which the occupant uses to restrain against motion. When the hand grip is released, the retracting mechanism retrieves the flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Triton Boat Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Paul J. Rieger