Abstract:
A hands-free system for connecting and disconnecting a tool from an adjustable length extension pole. The system includes first and second slidably interconnected elongated members, a tool-holding assembly releasably coupled to the second elongated member, and a locking assembly disposed between the first and second elongated members. The relative sliding of the first and second elongated members can be selectively restrained by rotating the first and second elongated members relative to one another. The tool-holding assembly can be disconnected from the second elongated member by sliding the first and second elongated members together.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation application of identically titled U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/306,325, filed Dec. 22, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to adjustable extension poles. The invention further concerns adjustable extension poles which provide hands-free tool connection and disconnection. 
     2. Discussion of Prior Art 
     Extension poles are useful for a variety of purposes including, for example, painting, cleaning, and changing light bulbs. Typically a working tool is attached to the distal end of the pole and extended to a working location which is unreachable without extension. Because working locations may be of varying distances from the worker, it is typically necessary to either provide multiple extension poles of different lengths or a single extension pole of adjustable length. Further, it may be necessary to change from one type of working tool to another type of working tool while performing a single operation. For example, in painting applications it is often desirable to alternate working tools between a corner paint pad assembly and a wall roller. 
     Many conventional extension poles include a pair of telescoping tubes which can be selectively slid and locked relative to one another to provide length adjustability. However, these extension poles typically do not include a means for hands-free tool connection and disconnection. Further, one or more of the telescoping tubes of conventional extension poles generally includes openings to allow for proper functioning of the locking mechanism. Such openings in the telescoping tubes are disadvantageous because they allow debris to enter the tube where it may inhibit sliding and/or locking of the tubes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention concerns an apparatus comprising slidably intercoupled first and second elongated members and a working tool releasably connected to the second elongated member. The working tool is automatically disconnected from the second elongated member when the members are slid relative to one another into a tool disconnect position. 
     In a second aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided comprising a first elongated member, a second elongated member, and a tool-holding assembly. The first and second elongated members each have proximal and distal ends. The first and second elongated members are slidably interconnected. The tool-holding assembly includes a releasable catch which releasably couples the tool-holding assembly to the second elongated member. The distal end of the first elongated member and releasable catch are configured to decouple the tool-holding assembly from the second elongated member when the distal end of the first elongated member contacts the releasable catch as the members are slid relative to one another. 
     A third aspect of the present invention concerns an apparatus for extending the reach of a tool. The apparatus includes a first elongated member, a second tubular elongated member, a locking assembly, and a tool-holding assembly. The first and second elongated members each have proximal and distal ends. The first elongated member is slidably received within the second elongated member so that the distal end of the first elongated member is contained within the second elongated member. The locking assembly is configured to restrain relative sliding of the first and second elongated members when the first and second elongated members are rotated relative to one another to a locked position. The tool-holding assembly is releasably coupled to the distal end of the second elongated member. 
     In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a hands-free method for changing working tools on an extended reach device having a first elongated member telescopically received within a second elongated member is provided. The method comprises the step of sliding the first elongated member and the second elongated member together, thereby decoupling a first working tool from the second elongated member. 
     The present invention has the advantage of being easily extended, retracted, and locked. The present invention has the further advantage of allowing a worker to connect and disconnect a working tool from the extension pole without releasing a hand from the extension pole. A still further advantage of the present invention is that the pole is constructed to prevent debris from entering therein and inhibiting adjustability. Further advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, claims, and drawing figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of an adjustable extension pole coupled to a working tool; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of an adjustable extension pole decoupled from a working tool; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an adjustable extension pole and working tool; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view taken through the center of an adjustable extension pole and tool-holding assembly showing the tool-holding assembly secured to the extension pole; 
         FIG. 5  is a is a sectional view showing an adjustable extension pole and a tool-holding assembly where the tool-holding assembly is positioned for decoupling from the extension pole; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view taken along lines  6 - 6  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view taken along lines  7 - 7  in  FIG. 5 ; and 
         FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view taken along lines  8 - 8  in  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , the extension pole selected for illustration comprises a base member  20  and an extension member  22 . The base member  20  includes a base tube  24  having a proximal end  26  and a distal end  28 . The extension member includes an extension tube  30  having a proximal end  32  and a distal end  34 . Proximal end  32  of extension tube  30  has an opening  36  for receiving base tube  24 . Distal end  28  of base tube  24  is slidably received in extension tube  30  in a telescopically interfitting relationship. Base tube  24  and extension tube  30  share a common longitudinal axis around which they are at least partially rotatable relative to one another. Base tube  24  and extension tube  30  can be shifted relative to one another along the longitudinal axis between an extended position where the reach of the extension pole is maximized and a retracted position where the reach of the extension pole is minimized. Base tube  24  and extension tube  30  are preferably composed of a relatively strong but light weight aluminum or synthetic resin material. Base tube  24  and extension tube  30  each are preferably substantially hollow and present a round cross sectional area. Base tube  24  and extension tube  30  are preferably configured to inhibit debris from entering the interior of the extension pole when base tube  24  and extension tube  30  are slidably intercoupled. Most preferably, base tube  24  and extension tube  30  have substantially no openings in their external, exposed surfaces which would allow debris to enter the extension pole. 
     Proximal end  26  of base tube  24  presents an opening which is preferably enclosed by an end cap  38 . End cap  38  prevents debris from entering base tube  24  through the opening in proximal end  26 . A base grip  40  is preferably mounted on proximal end  26 . Base grip  40  includes a fixed portion  42  and a slidable (or compressible) portion  44 . The interior surface of fixed portion  42  is fixedly secured to the exterior surface of base tube  24  by any means known in the art such as, for example, a flowable adhesive or two-sided tape. Slidable portion  44  is shiftably disposed on the exterior surface of base tube  24 . Slidable portion  44  preferably includes a plurality of ribs  46  which are capable of being deformed when a longitudinal force is applied to the terminal end of slidable portion  44 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Base grip  40  is preferably composed of a resilient, deformable, synthetic material. Most preferably, base grip  40  is composed of foam rubber. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , an extension grip  48  is mounted on proximal end  32  of extension tube  30 . Extension grip  48  is fixedly secured to the outer surface of extension tube  30  by any means known in the art such as, for example, a flowable adhesive or two-sided tape. Extension grip  48  can be composed of the same material used for base grip  40 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , when the extension pole is in the retracted position with base tube  24  being slid into extension tube  30  nearly as far as possible, the terminal end of slidable portion  44  contacts an opposing terminal end of extension grip  48  in an abutting relationship. As base tube  24  is further slid into extension tube  30 , the abutting relationship of slidable portion  44  and extension grip  48  forces ribs  46  of slidable portion  44  to be compressed and deformed, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The compression of slidable portion  44  provides a longitudinal force which resists further sliding of base tube  24  into extension tube  30 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 2 , an alignment member  50  is fixedly attached to distal end  34  of extension tube  30 . Alignment member  50  is adapted to be received in a tool-holding assembly  52 . Tool-holding assembly  52  includes a tube-receiving end  54  for receiving alignment member  50  and a tool-holding end  56  for holding a working tool element  58 . Tool-holding assembly  52  includes an alignment notch  60  extending from the terminal end of tube-receiving end  54  towards tool-holding end  56 . Alignment notch  60  is adapted to receive an alignment protrusion  62  which extends radially from alignment member  50  to thereby properly align extension member  22  and tool-holding assembly  52  and restrain relative rotation of extension member  22  and tool-holding assembly  52  when extension member  22  and tool-holding assembly  52  are coupled together. It will be appreciated that tool holding assembly  52  is preferably in the form of a handle so that the assembly and tool element cooperatively form a handheld tool that can be used apart from the extension pole. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a locking assembly  64  is coupled to distal end  28  of base tube  24  by any means known in the art. Locking assembly  64  comprises a lock body  66  and a lock collar  68  rotatably coupled to the lock body  66 . Lock body  66  presents a tapered end  70  for facilitating insertion of lock body  66  into distal end  28  of base tube  24 . Lock body  66  further presents an outer securing surface  72  which is fixedly secured to the interior surface of base tube  24 . A circumferential eccentric slot  74  is formed in lock body  66  and defines an eccentric compression member  76  around which lock collar  68  is disposed. In  FIG. 3 , lock collar  68  is shown separate from lock body  66 , however, during normal operation lock collar  68  will reside in eccentric slot  74  and around eccentric compression member  76 . A ring  78  is disposed between eccentric slot  74  and securing surface  72  to restrain lock collar  68  from sliding onto base tube  24 . A sliding surface  80  is disposed next to lock collar  68  on the side opposite of ring  78  and prevents lock collar  68  from sliding off of lock body  66 . Sliding surface  80  and the outer surface of ring  78  are adapted to fit flushly with an inner surface  82  of extension tube  30  and to be slidably received therein. 
     Tool-holding assembly  52  comprises a body  84  and a releasable catch  86 . Releasable catch  86  is adapted to be received and secured within tube-receiving end  54  of body  84 . Releasable catch  86  is fixedly secured in body  84  by any means known in the art such as, for example, compression-fitting an outer holding surface  88  of releasable catch  86  with an inner surface  90  of body  84 , as perhaps best seen in  FIG. 8 . Referring again to  FIG. 3 , tool-holding end  56  of tool-holding assembly  52  can be coupled to working tool element  58  via an attachment device  92 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , tube-receiving end  54  of tool-holding assembly  52  is adapted to be coupled to extension tube  30  via alignment member  50 , a resilient latch  94 , and a latch-receiving opening  96 . Alignment member  50  is fixedly secured to distal end  34  of extension tube  30  by any means known in the art. Alignment member  50  includes projection  62  and an outer surface  97 . Outer surface  97  is configured to fit generally flush within inner surface  90  of body  84 . When alignment member  50  is inserted into tube-receiving end  54  of body  84 , resilient latch  94  enters extension tube  30  and snaps into latch-receiving opening  96 , thereby securing tool-holding assembly  52  to extension member  22 . Releasable catch  86  includes a guide  98  to guide resilient latch  94  through alignment member  50  and into extension tube  30 . Releasable catch  86  also includes a lip  99  which presses against a front surface  100  of alignment member  50  when resilient latch  94  is secured in latch-receiving opening  96  to thereby prevent further insertion of releasable catch  86  into extension tube  30 . Resilient latch  94  includes a sloped contact surface  102  which allows resilient latch  94  to be shifted between a latched position in which resilient latch  94  is substantially undeformed and a unlatched position in which resilient latch  94  is partially elastically deformed and flexed. Moreover, the angle of surface  102  provides a cam that permits the tool to be automatically latched to the pole simply by inserting the alignment member  50  into the tube-receiving end  54  of assembly  52 . Particularly, the contact surface  102  allows resilient latch  94  to be partially deformed during extension of resilient latch  94  through alignment member  50  and into extension tube  30  and then snapped into a latched position when resilient latch  94  is aligned with latch-receiving opening  96 . 
     In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), latch receiving opening  96  in extension tube  30  can be eliminated. In this configuration, the interior of alignment member  50  is formed with a suitable notch, rib, or ridge configured to receive resilient latch  94  and thereby secure tool-holding assembly  52  to extension member  22 . In order for resilient latch  94  to be received in the latch-receiving notch, rib, or ridge of alignment member  50 , distal end  34  of extension tube  30  is only partially received in alignment member  50  so that extension tube  30  does not cover or interfere with the latch-receiving notch, rib, or ridge formed on the inner surface of alignment member  50 . 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view showing tool-holding assembly  52  secured to extension tube  30  by resilient latch  94 . In  FIG. 4 , resilient latch  94  is inserted into latch-receiving opening  96  in a latched position.  FIG. 4  illustrates that a front surface  104  of lock body  66  defines an inwardly projecting cavity  105 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates resilient latch  94  being deformed by front surface  104  into an unlatched position. Front surface  104  of lock body  66  is positioned into contact with contact surface  102  of releasable catch  86  by shifting base tube  24  into extension tube  30  until, as shown in  FIG. 2 , slidable portion  44  of base grip  40  is contacted with and deformed by extension grip  32 . Thus, working tool  50  and tool-holding assembly  52  can be disconnected from extension member  22  by simply sliding base tube  24  into extension tube  30  until front surface  104  of lock body  66  causes resilient latch  94  to be removed from latch-receiving opening  96  and pushes tool-holding assembly  52  out of contact with alignment member  50 . Cavity  105  at least partially receives resilient latch  94  when front surface  104  is slid into contact which contact surface  102  of resilient latch  94  to thereby release resilient latch  94  from latch-receiving opening  96 . The illustrated arrangement therefore provides “hands free” disconnection (and connection as described above) of the pole and tool. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , lock collar  68  is a ring-shaped member having a thin-walled portion  106  and a thick-walled portion  108 . Thick-walled portion  108  has a break  110  therein which allows for circumferential expansion and contraction of lock collar  68 . Lock collar  68  further comprises a plurality of friction ridges  112  protruding radially outward from thick-walled portion  108  and contacting interior surface  82  of extension tube  30 . Lock collar  68  is received in eccentric slot  74  and rotatably disposed around eccentric compression member  76 . Lock collar  68  exerts an outward radial force on interior surface  82  of extension tube  30 . The magnitude of the outward radial force exerted by lock collar  68  is adjustable by changing the relative position of lock collar  68  and eccentric compression member  76 . 
     In operation, when base tube  24  is rotated relative to extension tube  30  eccentric compression member  76  rotates relative to lock collar  68 . When eccentric compression member  76  is positioned closest to thin-walled portion  106 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , friction ridges  112  of lock collar  68  exert minimal force on interior surface  82  of extension tube  30 . Thus,  FIG. 7  illustrates an unlocked position. When base tube  24  and extension tube  30  are rotated relative to one another so that compression member  76  is rotated into contact with thick-walled portion  108 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , friction ridges  112  of lock collar  68  are forced outward and exert a radial securing force on inner surface  82  of extension tube  30 , thereby restraining relative sliding movement of base tube  24  and extension tube  30 . Thus,  FIG. 6  illustrates a locked position. In order to function properly, lock collar  68  is preferably composed of a resilient material such as, for example, a synthetic resin. The configuration of the locking assembly  64  shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  6 , and  7  allows the relative sliding of base tube  24  and extension tube  30  to be controlled by simply rotating base tube  24  and extension tube  30  relative to one another in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. 
     Furthermore, the grips  40  and  48  and the arrangement of the tubes  24  and  30  provide two-handed operation of the pole at a point close to the user&#39;s body. Additionally, in the illustrated arrangement, with the outer tube  30  serving as the connection to the tool, debris (e.g., paint, dust, etc.) is essentially prevented from contaminating the sliding interconnection of the tubes, the lock mechanism, etc. 
     The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention. Obvious modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.