Patent ID: 6367121
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: B25G,E04F,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
An adjustable length handle for flat finishers, said handle comprising first and second telescopic tubes, each having a free end and an overlapped end, said tubes having a common longitudinal axis, said handle further comprising:a box footplate, a footplate fitting, a handle length lock mechanism, a clamp mechanism, a clamp mechanism operating assembly, a lock tube and a connecting link, said box footplate being pivotally connected to said footplate fitting on an axis perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said footplate fitting being attached to said free end of said first tube, said handle length lock mechanism being attached to said overlapped end of said first tube, said clamp mechanism being installed in said overlapped end of said second tube, said clamp mechanism operating assembly being attached to said free end of said second tube, said lock tube being installed in said first and second tubes parallel to said longitudinal axis, extending through said clamp mechanism and being connected to said box footplate by said connecting link, said clamp mechanism operating assembly further comprising a lever and mechanism connecting said lever to said clamp mechanism, whereby, in use of said handle with one of said flat finishers attached to said box footplate, said handle length is adjusted using said handle length lock mechanism, said flat finisher is set against a work surface, setting said box footplate at an angle to said longitudinal axis, said clamp mechanism is operated by said clamp mechanism operating lever, clamping said lock tube and thereby preventing angular movement of said box footplate because said connecting link connects said box footplate to said lock tube, said second tube comprising a longitudinal rib having a series of notches, said handle length lock mechanism comprising a lock lever assembly having a lever, a spring and a pin oriented to engage and disengage any of said notches in said series of notches, whereby relative telescopic motion of said first and second tubes is prevented when said pin engages one of said series of notches and relative telescopic motion of said first and second tubes is allowed when said lever is actuated to move said pin clear of said notches, further whereby the length of said handle is adjustable by disengaging said pin from said notches, moving the tubes telescopically and reengaging said pin in one of said notches, said reengagement being urged by said spring.