Extendable reaching tool

An extendable tool having an internal drive assembly is disclosed. The extendable components of the internal drive assembly are two, or more, telescoping drive shafts each having an alignment structure. The alignment structure ensures that the drive shafts generally maintain their circumferential alignment relative to each other, i.e. the shafts rotate together and maintain their orientation, while allowing the drive shafts to slide axially relative to each other. In one embodiment the drive shafts have a non-circular cross-section, and more preferably, a square cross-section. Each inner drive shaft has a cross-sectional area that is slightly smaller than the next larger outer drive shaft. Thus, the drive shafts may slide axially relative to each other. However, when the drive shafts are rotated, the non-circular shape causes the inner drive shaft and the larger outer drive shaft to engage each other and rotate together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to extendable tools and, more specifically, to an extendable reaching tool.

2. Background Information

Extendable tools are typically used to interact with overhead objects that may be close or remote. For example, a fruit picker may be able to reach fruit on the bottom of a tree by hand, need a short tool for slightly higher fruit, and a longer tool for fruit near the top of the tree. An extendable tool typically includes an extendable shaft having one or more hollow members disposed in a telescoping relationship. Thus, a user may collapse the shaft when working on/with a close object, or, extend the shaft members when working on a remote object. The shaft members are typically maintained in place by a pin passing through at least two shaft members or a compressive collar.

Some extendable tools have fixed tool heads, e.g. a dust mop, or a flexible tool head, e.g. a device for swapping out light bulbs that has spring-like fingers. As used herein, such devices are not actuatable tool head assemblies as used herein. Other extendable tools include a hand powered actuatable tool head assembly having movable elements, such as, but not limited to, a tree pruner. Such devices typically have a movable blade and a stationary blade/anvil, or, two moving blades. Such extendable tools with an actuatable tool head assembly require a drive assembly in order to allow the user at the bottom end of the extendable tool to actuate the tool head at the upper end of the extendable tool. Devices such as a traditional tree pruner have an external drive assembly, typically including a rope and at least one pulley. Such external drive assemblies are prone to damage, entanglement and other problems.

Internal drive assemblies for extendable tools are typically complex assemblies that are difficult and/or time consuming to assemble. Such internal drive assemblies are complex because the elements must be operable in both the retracted and extended configurations of the handle shaft, but remain enclosed within the shaft where the user cannot, typically, reach the drive assembly elements. That is, for example, the user is not able to access and actuate a locking assembly structured to lock the internal drive assembly components in either the extended or retracted configurations.

One solution is to provide a handle shaft with an access opening to the “internal drive assembly components.” Of course, this is not a true internal drive assembly, but rather a partially enclosed external drive assembly. Such assemblies are also prone to clogging with debris, damage, entanglement and other problems. Another solution is to provide a tension member, typically a rope, that is looped about pulleys structured to move together as the shafts move apart. Other internal drive assemblies rely upon rigid drive rods having linking assemblies with ratchet-and-pawl type connectors, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,844 (FIG. 6), or connector pins that pass through both drive rods, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,479 (FIG. 2-B). Such devices require the internal components to align properly as the user extends/collapses the shaft. Unfortunately, such devices do not always operate as intended and alignment is adversely affected over time as the internal components degrade and/or rust.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed and claimed concept provides for an inexpensive and easy to assemble extendable tool having an internal drive assembly. The extendable components of the internal drive assembly are two, or more, telescoping drive shafts each having an alignment structure. The alignment structure ensures that the drive shafts generally maintain their circumferential alignment relative to each other, i.e. the shafts rotate together and maintain their orientation, while allowing the drive shafts to slide axially relative to each other. In one embodiment the drive shafts have a non-circular cross-section, and more preferably, a square cross-section. Each inner drive shaft has a cross-sectional area that is slightly smaller than the next larger outer drive shaft. Thus, the drive shafts may slide axially relative to each other. However, when the drive shafts are rotated, the non-circular shape causes the inner drive shaft and the next larger outer drive shaft to engage each other and rotate together.

The drive shafts are coupled to an actuator at the lower end of the extendable tool and an actuatable tool head assembly disposed at the top end of the extendable tool. Further, because a twisting motion may not be particularly useful at the actuatable tool head assembly, the internal drive assembly may include one or more conversion devices that convert rotational motion to/from another type of motion, typically a linear motion. Thus, in one embodiment, the actuator, which is disposed at the lower end of the extendable tool, is a rotatable grip, preferably a hand sized D-ring. This embodiment requires the user to grip the handle/shaft of the extendable tool to prevent the entire tool from rotating when the actuator is twisted. In another one-handed embodiment, a squeezable actuator is disposed at the lower end of the extendable tool and may be incorporated into a handle assembly. The squeezable actuator is coupled to a lower conversion device. The lower conversion device is structured to convert a generally linear motion to a rotational motion. The lower conversion device is also coupled to the drive shafts and provides rotational motion thereto. An upper conversion device is disposed at the upper end of the tool and converts the rotational motion back into a generally linear motion. This generally linear motion is applied to the actuatable tool head assembly.

While the actuatable tool head assembly may be any type of tool that utilizes a generally linear motion, the following discussion will use a tool having a jaw assembly as an example, more specifically a reaching tool that may be used to grip objects between the two jaws.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, “generally linear,” when used to describe the motion of the handle lever second end, includes an arcuate motion over a small arc. That is, when the radius of the arc is substantially larger than the length of the arc, the motion is “generally linear.”

As used herein, “coupled” means a link between two or more elements, whether direct or indirect, so long as a link occurs.

As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other.

As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other.

As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body.

However, as used herein, a “fixed location” means that two or more elements do not change their relative locations while the elements themselves may move. For example, axles on a vehicle are in a “fixed location” relative to the carriage and each other, but the axles may each rotate.

As used herein, directional phrases are relative to the orientation of the extendable tool as shown in the figures and are not limiting in the claims. Noting that extendable tools are typically used to reach work locations above a user's head, as used herein the “lower” end of the extendable tool is the end opposite the actuatable tool head assembly.

It is further noted that telescoping shafts may have two or more shaft members so long as each inner member is slightly smaller in cross-sectional area than the next outer member. In the following discussion an extendable tool having two handle shaft members and two drive shaft members are disclosed. However, it is understood that more handle/drive shaft members may be used so long as the shaft members are coupled in a telescoping manner.

As shown inFIG. 1, an extendable tool10includes a handle shaft assembly12and an actuatable tool head assembly60. The handle shaft assembly12includes a handle inner shaft14, a handle outer shaft16, and a positioning assembly18. Both the handle inner shaft14and the handle outer shaft16are elongated, rigid, and hollow members. The handle outer shaft16has a cross-sectional area that is larger than the handle inner shaft14and, as such, the handle inner shaft14is structured to be slidably disposed in the handle outer shaft16. That is, the handle inner shaft14is structured to slide in an axial direction when disposed within the handle outer shaft16. The handle inner shaft14, being slidably disposed within the outer shaft16, is axially movable between a plurality of positions whereby the extendable tool10may be configured to have different lengths. As noted below, the positioning assembly18may temporarily fix the length of the extendable tool10in a number of different lengths, however, in the description that follows will, generally, only refer to the shortest length, hereinafter the retracted first, position, and the longest length, hereinafter the extended, second position.

The handle inner shaft14has a lower first end20and an upper second end22. The handle outer shaft16has a lower first end24and an upper second end26. As shown in the Figures, a grip62(discussed below) is disposed at the handle inner shaft lower first end20while the actuatable tool head assembly60is disposed at the handle outer shaft upper second end26. It is understood, however, that this configuration may be reversed. That is, the actuatable tool head assembly60could be disposed at the handle inner shaft lower first end20and the grip62could be disposed at the handle outer shaft upper second end26.

The positioning assembly18is structured to maintain the handle inner shaft14and the handle outer shaft16in a temporarily fixed relationship. The positioning assembly18is further structured to maintain the orientation of the handle inner shaft14and the handle outer shaft16relative to each other. The positioning assembly18, as shown inFIG. 2, includes a housing30, a rocking member32, a locking pin34, an opening36in the handle outer shaft16, a plurality of openings38in the handle inner shaft14, optional guide members48and an orienting structure50. The positioning assembly housing30is a hollow, tubular member sized to fit snugly over the handle outer shaft16. The positioning assembly housing30is coupled, and preferably fixed, to the handle outer shaft lower first end24. Preferably, an extension portion31of the positioning assembly housing30extends beyond the outer shaft lower first end24. The hollow positioning assembly housing30and the hollow handle outer shaft16form a continuous passage. The positioning assembly housing30overlays the handle outer shaft opening36and includes a corresponding opening37. That is, there is a passage through the handle outer shaft opening36and the positioning assembly housing opening37from the outer side of the handle outer shaft16to a location within the handle outer shaft16.

The positioning assembly housing30provides a pivot point for the rocking member32. As shown, the positioning assembly housing30includes a collar40forming an enclosed area42and having a pin44extending across the enclosed area42. The rocking member32is coupled to the positioning assembly housing pin44and structured to rock between two positions as described below. The locking pin34is disposed on the lower side of one end of the rocking member32and is aligned with the handle outer shaft opening36and the positioning assembly housing opening37. A spring46may be disposed between the rocking member32and the positioning assembly housing30. The spring46contacts the rocking member32on the opposite side of the positioning assembly housing pin44from the locking pin34. In this configuration, the locking pin34is biased into the handle outer shaft opening36and the positioning assembly housing opening37.

The positioning assembly orienting structure50is structured to maintain the orientation of the handle inner shaft14and the handle outer shaft16relative to each other. Generally, this is accomplished by providing the outer surface of the handle inner shaft14and the inner surface of the handle outer shaft16with a noncircular, corresponding cross-sectional shape. For example, the bodies of handle inner shaft14and the handle outer shaft16could have a oval, square, etc., cross-sectional shape. In the preferred embodiment, however, the handle outer shaft16has a generally circular outer surface as that shape is generally more pleasing to the eye. The housing30is fixed to the outer shaft16, e.g. mechanically, by adhesives, welding, etc., so that the housing30cannot rotate relative to the outer shaft16. In this embodiment, the positioning assembly orienting structure50is one or more ribs52disposed on the inner side of the housing extension portion31. The ribs52extend as chords across the generally circular passage formed by the handle outer shaft16and the positioning assembly housing30. Thus, a corresponding portion of the positioning assembly orienting structure50is a flat54formed on the handle inner shaft14, That is, the handle inner shaft14has a cross-sectional shape similar to a capital letter “D.” Thus, when the handle inner shaft14is disposed through the passage formed by the handle outer shaft16and the positioning assembly housing30, the handle inner shaft flat54must face, that is, be adjacent to, the housing extension portion ribs52. Further, as the handle inner shaft14moves between the retracted and extended positions, the housing extension portion ribs52will, substantially, prevent the handle inner shaft14from rotating relative to the handle outer shaft16.

The handle inner shaft plurality of openings38are longitudinally aligned, and may conveniently be disposed on the handle inner shaft flat54. The handle inner shaft plurality of openings38are further positioned so as to align with the passage through the handle outer shaft opening36and the positioning assembly housing opening37as the handle inner shaft14moves between the retracted and extended positions. The rocking member32is structured to rock between a first position, wherein the locking pin34extends through the passage through the handle outer shaft opening36and the positioning assembly housing opening37and one of the handle inner shaft plurality of openings38, and a second position, wherein the locking pin34does not extend through one of the handle inner shaft plurality of openings38. When the rocking member32is in the first position, the handle inner shaft14and the handle outer shaft16are in a temporarily fixed position relative to each other. The various guide members48are positioned within the orienting structure50adjacent the interfaces of the various shafts.

To change the length of the extendable tool, the user moves the rocking member32to the second position, wherein the locking pin34does not extend through one of the handle inner shaft plurality of openings38, and moves the handle inner shaft14axially within the handle outer shaft16. When one of the handle inner shaft plurality of openings38is again aligned with the passage through the handle outer shaft opening36and the positioning assembly housing opening37, the user moves the rocking member32to the first position thereby again temporarily fixing the position of the inner shaft14axially within the handle outer shaft16. The spring46is used to bias the rocking member32to the first position.

The actuatable tool head assembly60(FIGS. 7 and 8) is disposed at the upper end of the extendable tool10and is structured to be actuated by a user provided motion applied to an actuator102at the lower end of the extendable tool10. The user provided motion is transferred from the lower end of the extendable tool10to the upper end of the extendable tool10by an internal drive assembly100(FIG. 2). The actuator102may be the grip62, noted above, disposed at the handle inner shaft lower first end20while the actuatable tool head assembly60is disposed at the handle outer shaft upper second end26. The actuatable tool head assembly60includes at least one moving element64. The actuatable tool head assembly60may be structured to be actuated by a rotational motion. However, as discussed below, in the preferred embodiment, the actuatable tool head assembly60is structured to be actuated by a generally linear motion. As such, the internal drive assembly100may include one or more conversion devices104(FIGS. 5 and 6),110(FIGS. 7 and 8) structured to change a rotational motion into another type of motion, e.g. a linear motion. For the following description, the actuatable tool head assembly60is described as a gripper having a jaw assembly205(FIGS. 7 and 8). It is understood, however, that any type of actuatable tool head assembly60may be used. Before discussing the elements and operation of the actuatable tool head assembly60, the internal drive assembly100must be described.

The extendable tool10further includes the internal drive assembly100, as shown inFIGS. 2-6. The internal drive assembly100is structured to transfer the user provided motion from the lower end of the extendable tool10to the upper end of the extendable tool10. The internal drive assembly100includes an actuator102, an optional lower conversion device104, a first drive shaft106, a second drive shaft108, and an optional upper conversion device110. The first drive shaft106and second drive shaft108are both elongated and rigid bodies107,109respectively. One of the first drive shaft106or second drive shaft108is hollow and is an outer shaft. As with the handle shafts14,16, either the first drive shaft106or second drive shaft108may be the outer shaft. For the purpose of the following description, the first drive shaft106will be described as the outer drive shaft, however, it is understood that the configuration of the first drive shaft106and second drive shaft108may be reversed. Thus, as shown, the first drive shaft106is hollow and the second drive shaft108is sized to be disposed within, and slide axially relative to the first drive shaft106.

The first drive shaft106and second drive shaft108are structured to maintain their orientation relative to each other. Thus, each of the first drive shaft106and second drive shaft108have an alignment structure, a first alignment structure112and a second alignment structure114, respectively. As with the handle shafts, the first alignment structure112and second alignment structure114are preferably shafts having a non-circular bodies sized to have a slidable interference fit with each other. That is, the second drive shaft108has an inner cross-sectional area that is slightly smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first drive shaft106and cannot rotate freely within the first drive shaft106. When the second drive shaft108is disposed within the first drive shaft106, the second drive shaft108may slide axially, but a rotational motion causes the second drive shaft108to interface with, i.e. contact, the first drive shaft106. Thus, the second drive shaft108may slide axially within the hollow first drive shaft106, but rotation of the first drive shaft106causes rotation in the second drive shaft108.

It is further noted that, in this configuration, an axial motion of either drive shaft106,108is not transferred to the other drive shaft106,108as the drives shafts106,108slide axially relative to each other. In the preferred embodiment, the first drive shaft106and the second drive shaft108have generally square cross-sectional shapes. As before, other non-circular shapes, i.e. triangular, oval, etc. are also acceptable. Further, as with the handle shafts14,16, the outer first drive shaft106and inner second drive shaft108may have corresponding partially circular cross-sectional areas. That is, the inner second drive shaft108may have a partial circular shape with a flat54or a groove (not shown) and the outer first drive shaft106may have a partial circular shape with corresponding flat54or a tongue structured to fit within the groove. The drives shafts106,108may also have multi-angled cross-sections, such as a star shape or a circular shape having a plurality of interfacing teeth, i.e. multiple tongues-and-grooves.

Rotational motion is applied to the first drive shaft106by the actuator102. In one embodiment,FIG. 3, the actuator102is a twistable grip62, as noted above. Such a grip may be a D-handle120having a shaft122extending therefrom. The D-handle shaft122is fixed to, or a unitary body with, the first drive shaft106. Thus, when the user twists the D-handle120, the first drive shaft106, and therefore the second drive shaft108, rotate relative to the handle shaft assembly12. To perform this operation, the user must hold the handle shaft assembly12in a relatively fixed orientation, otherwise the entire extendable tool10will rotate when the user twists the D-handle120. The user may grip the handle shaft assembly12, or, a perpendicular grip (not shown) extending from the handle shaft assembly12may be provided. In an embodiment wherein the actuatable tool head assembly60is actuated by a rotational motion, the second drive shaft108is coupled to, and preferably directly coupled and fixed to an element within, the actuatable tool head assembly60. Thus, a user provided rotational motion is transferred from the actuator102to the first drive shaft106and second drive shaft108, and is then structured to actuate the actuatable tool head assembly60.

To allow for one-handed operation of the extendable tool10, a motion other than a rotational motion must be provided by the user. Generally, a squeezing motion of one hand is the easiest motion to provide. Thus, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the internal drive assembly100preferably includes a lower conversion device104. The lower conversion device104is structured to convert a generally linear motion to a rotational motion. That is, the actuator102in this embodiment is a handle lever130pivotally coupled to a handle grip132. The handle grip132is, preferably a grip housing133defining an enclosed space. The grip housing133is fixed to the handle inner shaft lower first end20. The handle lever130is an elongated member having a first end131and a second end134. The pivotal coupling is disposed at the handle lever first end131. Thus, the handle lever130moves between a first position, wherein the handle lever second end134is spaced from the handle grip132, and a second position, wherein the handle lever second end134is near the handle grip132. A spring135, disposed between the grip housing133and the inner surface of the handle lever130may bias the handle lever130to the first position. It is noted that the arc through which the handle lever second end134travels is relatively short when compared to the length of the handle lever130. As such, the motion of the handle lever second end134is generally linear. The handle lever second end134acts upon a rocking J-shaped member136.

The J-shaped member136is a generally tubular body having a straight portion137with a distal tip138, a curved portion139with a distal tip140, and a vertex141between the straight portion137and the curved portion139. The rocking J-shaped member136is pivotally coupled to the handle grip132at the vertex141. The J-shaped member straight portion distal tip138is pivotally coupled to the handle lever130. The J-shaped member curved portion distal tip140is coupled to a translating collar142(described below). Thus, when the handle lever130moves between it's first and second positions, the J-shaped member136rocks between a first and second position. In the J-shaped member's136first position, and as shown in the figures, the straight portion137extends at a slightly upward angle when viewed from the side and the curved portion139extends at a sharply upward angle. In the J-shaped member's136second position, and as shown in the figures, the straight portion137extends generally horizontally and the curved portion139extends generally vertically. Thus, the J-shaped member curved portion distal tip140moves between a forward position and a rearward position as the J-shaped member136rocks between it's first and second position. As with the motion of the handle lever second end134, while technically moving through an arc, the length of the arc is minimal compared to the length of the curved portion139. Thus, the J-shaped member curved portion distal tip140moves in a generally linear manner.

The lower conversion device104is structured to convert a generally linear motion to a rotational motion. The lower conversion device104is coupled to the actuator102. More specifically, the lower conversion device104includes a translating collar142and a generally circular rod143, having at least one camming groove144; the translating collar142has a planar circular portion145with a central opening146and a yoke147, wherein the J-shaped member curved portion distal tip140is pivotally coupled to the translating collar yoke147. The translating collar142includes at least one cam tooth148which extends from the surface of the translating collar circular portion central opening146. There are, preferably an equal number of lower conversion device camming grooves144and translating collar cam teeth148, with one cam tooth148per lower conversion device camming groove144. In the preferred embodiment there are two lower conversion device camming grooves144and two translating collar cam teeth148. The lower conversion device104generally circular rod143is fixed to the first drive shaft106. The lower conversion device104generally circular rod143is, preferably, disposed within the grip housing133and may be rotatably coupled thereto. That is, the lower conversion device generally circular rod143is rotatably disposed at a fixed location within the grip housing133. Each lower conversion device camming groove144extends helically about the outer surface of the lower conversion device generally circular rod143. Preferably, the pitch of each lower conversion device camming groove144is between about 18.0 mm and 24.0 mm and more preferably about 22.0 mm.

When the lower conversion device104is assembled, the translating collar142, and more specifically the circular portion145, is disposed about the lower conversion device generally circular rod143. That is, the lower conversion device generally circular rod143extends through the translating collar circular portion central opening146. Each translating collar cam tooth148is disposed in a camming groove144. The translating collar yoke147is disposed on opposing sides of the J-shaped member curved portion distal tip140and pivotally coupled thereto. In this configuration, the translating collar142may not rotate.

Accordingly, the lower conversion device104operates as follows. When the user squeezes the actuator102, the handle lever130moves from the first position, wherein the handle lever second end134is spaced from the handle grip132, to the second position, wherein the handle lever second end134is near the handle grip132. This causes the J-shaped member curved portion distal tip140to move from a forward position to the rearward position as described above. As the J-shaped member curved portion distal tip140is moved rearwardly, the translating collar cam teeth148engage the camming grooves144and cause the lower conversion device generally circular rod143to rotate. As the lower conversion device generally circular rod143is fixed to the first drive shaft106, rotation of the lower conversion device generally circular rod143causes the first drive shaft106to rotate as well. As set forth above, when the first drive shaft106rotates, the second drive shaft108rotates also. When the user releases the handle lever130, the actuator spring135causes the handle lever130to return to the first position. Accordingly, the J-shaped member curved portion distal tip140is moved forwardly, and as the translating collar cam teeth148engage the camming grooves144, the lower conversion device generally circular rod143rotates in the opposite direction.

Thus, the lower conversion device104is coupled to the actuator102and is acted upon by the generally linear motion provided by the actuator102. The lower conversion device104converts that generally linear motion into a rotational motion at the lower conversion device generally circular rod143. The lower conversion device generally circular rod143is fixed to the first drive shaft106. Thus, when the user squeezes the actuator102, the first drive shaft106, and therefore the second drive shaft108, rotate as well.

Unless the actuatable tool head assembly60utilizes a rotational motion, in which case the second drive shaft108may be coupled thereto as described above, the rotational motion of the second drive shaft108must be converted into another type of motion, typically a linear motion. Accordingly, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8an upper conversion device110is disposed at the handle outer shaft upper second end26between, and coupled to both, the second drive shaft108and the actuatable tool head assembly60. The upper conversion device110includes a generally circular rod150, having at least one camming groove152, and a translating bracket154with at least one cam tooth156. As with the lower conversion device104there are preferably an equal number of, and more preferably two, upper conversion device camming grooves152with one translating bracket cam tooth156per upper conversion device camming groove152. The upper conversion device circular rod150is fixed to the second drive shaft108adjacent the handle outer shaft upper second end26. The upper conversion device circular rod150may be disposed within, and rotatably couple to, the actuatable tool head assembly housing204, described below, if present. Each upper conversion device camming groove152extends helically about the outer surface of the upper conversion device circular rod150. Preferably, the pitch of each upper conversion device camming groove152is between about 18.0 mm and 24.0 mm and more preferably about 22.0 mm.

The translating bracket154is structured to move axially relative to the second drive shaft108while maintaining its orientation relative to the outer handle shaft16. This may be accomplished in various ways, e.g. two spaced rods (not shown) extending from the handle outer shaft upper second end26with the translating bracket154slidably disposed thereon. In the preferred embodiment, however, the actuatable tool head assembly housing204defines a path of travel for the translating bracket154. That is, the translating bracket154is slidably coupled to the actuatable tool head assembly housing204. The translating bracket154has a body160defining a generally circular opening162. The translating bracket at least one cam tooth156extends from the translating bracket body160radially into the generally circular opening162.

When the upper conversion device circular rod150is disposed through the translating bracket generally circular opening162, the translating bracket at least one cam tooth156extends into the upper conversion device circular rod at least one camming groove152. When the upper conversion device circular rod150rotates, e.g. in response to the second drive shaft108rotating, each upper conversion device camming groove152engages the translating bracket cam tooth156in a camming manner and causes the translating bracket154to move in a generally linear manner. Thus, the upper conversion device110is structured to convert a rotational motion to a generally linear motion. The translating bracket154also may include mounting points164structured to be coupled with, and provide a motion to, one or more movable elements of the actuatable tool head assembly60.

As noted above, the following description of the actuatable tool head assembly60shall use a gripping device200as an example. In this example, the jaw members206,208(described below) are the at least one moving element64. As shown, the actuatable tool head assembly60includes a mount202, which is preferably a housing204, and a jaw assembly205having a first jaw member206and a second jaw member208. The actuatable tool head assembly housing204preferably defines an enclosed space210. At least one jaw member206,208is movable and, as shown, both jaw members206,208are movable. Each jaw member206,208includes a generally planar, curved body212having a distal end214and proximal end216. Each jaw member distal end214may include an additional gripping feature such as, but not limited to, slip-resistant pads (not shown) or tip cups219. Each jaw member proximal end216has an arcuate and toothed surface217. The jaw member proximal end toothed surfaces217are structured to engage each other in a gear-like manner. Further, each jaw member proximal end216has a coupling mount219structured to be coupled to the translating bracket mounting points164. Each jaw member proximal end216is structured to be pivotally coupled to the actuatable tool head assembly housing204. Each jaw member proximal end pivotal coupling217is disposed between the jaw member proximal end coupling mount219and the jaw member distal end214. Thus, a force applied to a jaw member proximal end216will cause the jaw member206,208to rotate about the jaw member proximal end pivotal coupling217, so long as the force is not applied in a direction directly through the jaw member proximal end pivotal coupling217.

When assembled, the jaw members206,208are positioned in a pincer-like configuration with each jaw member proximal end216disposed within, and pivotally coupled to, the actuatable tool head assembly housing204. The jaw members206,208are structured to move between an open, first position, wherein the jaw member distal ends214are spaced, and a closed, second position, wherein the jaw member distal ends214contact each other, or are substantially adjacent each other. The jaw member proximal end toothed surfaces220engage each other in a gear-like manner. Thus, the movement of one jaw member206,208causes the other jaw member206,208to move as well. The translating bracket154is coupled, via the translating bracket mounting points164, to each jaw member proximal end coupling mount218. When the translating bracket154moves, the translating bracket154applies a force to each jaw member proximal end216. This force is not applied in a direction directly through the jaw member proximal end pivotal coupling220. Therefore, the force applied by the translating bracket154causes each jaw member206,208to pivot between the open, first position and the closed, second position.

Thus, when the preferred embodiment of the extendable tool10is fully assembled, the user may actuate the jaw assembly205by squeezing the actuator102. That is, as described above, linear movement of the actuator102at the lower end of the extendable tool10is converted to a rotational motion by the internal drive assembly100before being converted back to a linear motion at the upper end of the extendable tool10. The linear motion caused by the internal drive assembly100is used by the actuatable tool head assembly60, in this embodiment a gripper200, to cause the jaw members206,208to move between the open and closed positions. It is noted that, in the general embodiment of an actuatable tool head assembly60with at least one moving element64, the upper conversion device110converts a rotational motion in the second drive shaft108to a generally linear motion whereupon the generally linear motion is provided to, and acts upon, the actuatable tool head assembly a least one moving element64. That is the translating bracket154is coupled to the actuatable tool head assembly a least one moving element64.

Further, when a user desires to extend the extendable tool10, the user releases the positioning assembly18, as described above, and adjusts the length of the shaft assembly12as desired. As noted above, the first and upper conversion device circular rod143,150are each rotatably coupled to a housing133,204, respectively, which are fixed to the handle inner shaft14and the handle outer shaft16, respectively. The lower and upper conversion device circular rod143,150are also fixed to the first drive shaft106and second drive shaft108, respectively. Thus, when the length of the shaft assembly12is adjusted, the handle inner shaft14and the handle outer shaft16move relative to each other. Thus, the housing133,204and the first and upper conversion device circular rod143,150also move relative to each other. This in turn causes the first drive shaft106and second drive shaft108to slide axially relative to each other. Thus, without the use of a complicated internal drive assembly locking device or similar assembly, the combined relative length of the first drive shaft106and second drive shaft108may be adjusted.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. For example, instead of two moving jaw members206,208, the device could have a fixed jaw (not shown) and a single moving jaw (not shown). In such an embodiment, the internal drive assembly100would only act upon the moving jaw. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.