Abstract:
Firearm cleaning kits and handles therefore optimized for pulling cleaning elements through firearm barrels away from the breach or action. Dislodged residue is displaced and removed out the muzzle. Each cleaning kit comprises one or more handles designed for axial displacements, twisting or torsional displacements, and lateral movements for pulling. Each handle comprises an elongated solid or hollow body with a bore and a slotted handle intersecting the bore. A pull cord anchor is passed through the bore, and after sliding the cable, the anchor is restrained by the follower slot either interiorly or exteriorly of the handle. A tapered front end of the handle may include a threaded socket for connection to a cleaning rod or a driving surface. The opposite handle end may include a hex drive for a variety of cleaning tools.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This utility patent application is based upon a prior pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 61/638,120, filed Apr. 25, 2012, by inventor James Buie, entitled “Gun Cleaning Kit,” and priority based on said case and its filing date is claimed. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    I. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to firearm cleaning kits. More particularly, this invention relates to firearm cleaning apparatus adapted and configured to primarily use a pulling force through the barrel and breach of guns being cleaned, rather than primarily a pushing force, whereby the cleaning elements and removed debris and detritus are drawn outwardly from the gun barrel away from the breech. 
         [0004]    II. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    It has long been recognized by those skilled in the art that periodic firearm cleaning and maintenance is vital. As firearms are used, various substances such as gunpowder residue, copper, and lead accumulate within the gun, particularly on the barrel interior. Shooting accuracy is encouraged by regular, proper cleaning of the gun barrel. Periodic cleaning insures reliability of the action, which is critical with semi-automatic firearms employing gas blowback for reloading. Adequate cleaning also preserves the aesthetic appearance of the firearm, and deterioration from rust and corrosion is also prevented. Thus frequent and proper firearm cleaning is well recognized in the art as desirable. 
         [0006]    A typical firearm cleaning kit usually has an elongated cleaning rod, one or more brushes that are rammed through the barrel, one or more pre-cut patches, various jag attachments that drag the patches through the barrel, and a supply of a cleaning solvent that is spread over metal surfaces by the cloth patches. For long guns, the elongate, substantially solid cleaning rod is typically assembled from a plurality of separate pieces that may be threadably coupled together to form a desired length. For hand guns, only a single length of rod may be necessary. Treated patches, jags, or brushes usually secured to an end of the cleaning rod are forced into the barrel through the muzzle, and thereafter drawn in and out of the bore to vigorously spread solvent upon the exposed, internal rifling. Cleaning solvents, applied through the various patches, loosen residue, help remove deposits, encourage lubrication, and speed up cleaning. 
         [0007]    Previously I have proposed a universal gun cleaning kit that is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 7,020,994, issued Apr. 4, 2006, and entitled “Gun Cleaning Kit,” which is owned by the same assignee as in this case. In that invention, a number of elongate rods can be employed, alone or in combination, for displacing a cleaning element through the barrel of a firearm. Selected patches, jags or cleaning elements are either rammed or pulled through the barrel with rigid rods. 
         [0008]    Particularly with semi-automatic and full automatic long guns, it is advantageous during cleaning to move dislodged debris and dirt away from the action and out of the muzzle, rather than towards the action and the magazine feed point. Often it is difficulty and cumbersome to draw implements through the barrel being cleaned with rigid rods. The handles and actuators typically used in prior art cleaning devices can make it cumbersome and uncomfortable to pull the cleaning jags and patches through a barrel, for example. 
         [0009]    In many gun cleaning situations it is more desirable to draw cleaning implements through the barrel by pulling rather than by pushing. Cleaning elements can be drawn through the bore with a flexible cord or cable. For example, with semi-automatic long guns, a more effective cleaning can be achieved by feeding cleaning jags, patches and the like through the breach and then pulling them towards the muzzle with a flexible cord. Dirt and debris is thus moved away from the action. Like solid ram rids, a flexible cleaning cord can enter the muzzle and travel through the barrel towards the action. However, the flexibility of non rigid pull cords, for example, eases the task of connecting to cleaning elements proximate the action and breach. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    This invention provides various gun cleaning kits that are optimized for pulling cleaning elements through firearm barrels. It is preferred for firearm cleanliness to pull the cleaning parts away from the breach or action, so that dislodged residue, grime or dirt avoids the action or magazine junction region, but instead moves out the muzzle. All embodiments of the cleaning kits described herein comprise one or more handles designed for quick-connecting to either a draw cord comprising a flexible cleaning cable, or to conventional rigid, elongated metal rod elements. The cords or rod components are connected to cleaning jags with patches, or brushes that are then drawn through the barrel outwardly through the muzzle. 
         [0011]    With each embodiment it is preferred that the handle be adapted for cleaning movements in a variety of directions. Each handle aids in cleaning when rotated about its longitudinal axis for driving nuts or screws and the like. Each can push or axially drive tools or cleaning rods in a direction coincident or parallel with its longitudinal axis. Finally, each handle is adapted to be moved in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis for pulling cleaning tools through the barrel of firearms. Each handle includes a bore and a slotted handle for connecting to a pull cord or cable. The cable is connected to an anchor. In some handle embodiments the handle interiorly captivates the anchor over the follower slot, and in some embodiments the handle exteriorly captivates the anchor. 
         [0012]    Thus a basic object of my invention is to provide a gun cleaning kit for use with a variety of firearms that applies a drawing force leading away from the breach during cleaning. 
         [0013]    A related object is to provide a gun cleaning kit with at least one handle for conveniently drawing a cleaning element through a firearm barrel. 
         [0014]    Another broad object is to provide a flexible draw system for firearm cleaning. 
         [0015]    A related object is to provide a gun cleaning kit of the character described that draws cleaning elements through the firearm barrel with at least one dexterous and unique, quick-connect pull handle. 
         [0016]    Another object of my invention is to provide a cleaning kit handle of the character described that can be used as a compound tool for cleaning firearms. 
         [0017]    Yet another important object is to provide a gun cleaning kit whose use is not limited to traditional, elongated metal rams or rods. 
         [0018]    Another object is to provide a gun cleaning kit with handles adapted to be moved in a direction perpendicular to the handle longitudinal axis, for pulling cleaning tools or the like. 
         [0019]    A related object is to provide a plurality of handles for gun cleaning kits, wherein the handles are adapted to be moved in a direction perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, for pulling cleaning tools or the like. 
         [0020]    A basic object is to provide a gun cleaning kit with at least one unique handle that can be used to draw or pull gun cleaning elements, or which can be used with conventional brass cleaning rods and the like. 
         [0021]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a fragmentary, diagrammatic view of a preferred embodiment of my new firearm cleaning kit, with a users hands and a firearm shown for clarity, and with portions thereof shown in section or omitted for brevity; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged, exploded isometric view of the major portions of my firearm cleaning kit; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged, fragmentary, isometric view of a preferred handle interconnected with a pulling cable, with portions thereof shown in dashed lines; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged, partially fragmentary, longitudinal sectional view taken generally along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged, frontal isometric view of the preferred handle; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a partially exploded, rear bottom isometric view of the preferred handle; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a partially exploded, frontal isometric view of the preferred handle with the outer shell removed; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a rear plan view of the preferred handle; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a front plan view of the preferred handle; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a first alternative handle embodiment, for use with the gun cleaning kits of the invention, with portions thereof broken away for clarity; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of a first alternative handle embodiment; 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  is a rear plan view of the first alternative handle embodiment; 
           [0035]      FIG. 13  is a front plan view of the first alternative handle embodiment; 
           [0036]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of a second alternative handle embodiment for use with the gun cleaning kits of the invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view of a third alternative handle embodiment, which has a hollow interior and at least one unblocked or open end; 
           [0038]      FIG. 16  is a sectional view of the third alternative handle embodiment taken generally along line  16 - 16  in  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 17  is an isometric view of a fourth alternative handle embodiment for use with the gun cleaning kits of the invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 18  is an isometric view of a fifth alternative handle embodiment for use with the gun cleaning kits of the invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 19  is a bottom isometric view of the handle embodiment of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 20  is a rear plan view of the handle of  FIGS. 18 and 19 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 21  is a front plan view of the handle of  FIGS. 18-20 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 22  is an isometric view of a sixth alternative handle embodiment; 
           [0045]      FIG. 23  is a bottom isometric view of the handle embodiment of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 24  is a rear plan view of the handle of  FIGS. 22 and 23 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 25  is a front plan view of the handle of  FIGS. 22-24 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 26  is an isometric view of a seventh alternative handle embodiment; 
           [0049]      FIG. 27  is a rear isometric view of the handle embodiment of  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 28  is a rear plan view of the handle of  FIGS. 26 and 27 ; and, 
           [0051]      FIG. 29  is a front plan view of the handle of  FIGS. 26-28 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0052]    With initial reference directed now to  FIGS. 1-3  of the appended drawings, one embodiment of my new gun cleaning kits constructed in accordance with the best mode of the invention has been generally designated by the reference numeral  20 . This embodiment, and all other embodiments comprise an elongated, generally cylindrical handle that can be used to pull cleaning implements through the barrel  23  of a firearm, so that the cleaning elements travel the entire length of the barrel and exit through the firearm muzzle  25 . All cleaning kits and/or kit handles described herein can be used with long guns and a variety of pistols or weapons with shorter barrels. All kits can push or pull conventional elongated, rigid cleaning rods as well. 
         [0053]    Kit  20 , for example, has a handle  22  that controls a flexible pull cable  24  connected to conventional cleaning elements such as jags, patches, or brushes (not seen) that are inserted within a firearm barrel  23  through the breach and thereafter drawn through the barrel by the handle pulling the cable  24 . Alternatively, the handle  22  may be mechanically interconnected with one or more traditional, tools, such as solid brass rods  26 - 28  ( FIG. 2 ), for moving selected cleaning elements through the firearm barrel  23  ( FIG. 1 ). In the “pulling mode” illustrated in  FIG. 1 , for example, the handle  22  has been grasped by the hand  21  of a user to pull a cleaning implement, such as tool  31  ( FIG. 3 ) within the firearm barrel  23 , eventually exiting muzzle  25 . As used herein the term “pulling movement” refers to handle displacements indicated generally by arrow  29  ( FIG. 1 ), which are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle. At this time the users opposite hand  21 B may simultaneously grasp the barrel  23  to brace the firearm. 
         [0054]    Suitable cleaning implements are well known in the art, and they include wire brushes, various fixtures, jags, patches, cloth segments, patch holders, and the like, all of which are typically ram driven or pulled by various rods engaged with some form of handle. Various cleaning implements and rods are disclosed in prior U.S. Pat. No. 7,020,994, issued Apr. 4, 2006, and entitled “Gun Cleaning Kit,” which is owned by the same assignee as in this case, and which is hereby incorporated by reference for purposes of disclosure. As seen in  FIG. 2 , the preferred handle  22  has a rigid, tapered front cap  30  that terminates in a threaded, front socket  32  for threadable attachment to any of the conventional brass rods  26 - 28 . The individual rods  26 - 28  can be axially, threadably coupled together to form a cleaning rod of a desired length. Rod  26 , for example, has a threaded end  34  that can engage handle socket  32 . The opposite end of rod  26  has a threaded socket  36  similar to socket  32 , which can engage companion rods  27  or  28 . Rod  27 , for example, has a threaded end  37  that can engage sockets  32  or  36 . Rod  27  has a threaded socket  40  at its opposite end that can be threadably engaged by rod  28  by interconnecting threaded end  42 . Rod  28  likewise terminates in a threaded socket  44  that can receive a cleaning tool, such as the generic tool  31  ( FIG. 2 ). As used herein, the term “cleaning tool” refers to jags, patches, wire brushes, metallic brushes, fixtures, cloth segments, patch holders or the like, of the type used in the art for firearm cleaning. Threaded sockets  32 ,  36 ,  40  and  44  are preferably identical, but they may be sized as desired for different rods and different applications, such as varying gun calibers and barrel diameters. 
         [0055]    The generic cleaning tool  31  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ) comprises a threaded, draw fixture  47  that can threadably engage the handle socket  32  or any of the rod sockets  36 ,  40  or  44  discussed earlier. As illustrated, fixture  47  controls a conventional cleaning patch  49 . The use of plural rods gives the user a wide choice in effective cleaning lengths, adapting the cleaning kit  20  for use with short barrel hand guns, with traditional long guns including rifles and shotguns, and everything in between. Flexible pull cable  24 , seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , can substitute for rigid cleaning rods as explained below. 
         [0056]    With primary reference now directed to  FIGS. 3-9 , the preferred handle  22  comprises an elongated, generally cylindrical body  50 , that can be machined or molded, preferably from plastic. Body  50  preferably comprises an inner, rigid plastic core  51  ( FIG. 7 ) that is covered by a flexible, preferably rubber or fabric outer shell  55  (i.e.,  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ) that provides the user with a frictional grip. The body  50  has a tapered and preferably threaded cap  30  at its front  35  ( FIG. 7 ). The cap  30  may be threadably coupled to body  50 , or press fitted, or it may be machined or molded with the body, forming an integral structure. 
         [0057]    The threaded socket  32  defined in the front of cap  30  is coaxially surrounded by front annular surface  33  ( FIG. 9 ). Socket  32  can threadably mate with cleaning tools or rods, such as those previously described. When one or more tools or rods  26 - 28  are threadably secured to the handle within socket  32  (i.e.,  FIGS. 7 ,  9 ) they may be pulled or pushed through a gun barrel for cleaning in a direction coincident with or generally parallel to the longitudinal axis  62  ( FIGS. 4 ,  7 ). 
         [0058]    Preferably there is a threaded accessory end plate  52  threadably coupled or press fitted to the rear  39  ( FIG. 6 ) of the body  50  that comprises a rigid polygonal, fitting  57  ( FIGS. 6 ,  7 ) that enables interconnection with various male, polygonal fittings or tools (i.e., preferably hex) that are known in the art. End plate  52  comprises a central, female orifice  53  ( FIGS. 7 ,  8 ) in which fitting  57  is received and anchored. The preferably metal fitting  57  has a central, polygonal socket  59  that receives a variety of similarly shaped drive tools known in the art. Drive socket  59  is preferably hex, but may be configured in alternative configurations such as Torx® etc. Socket  59  is preferably integral with four, radially spaced apart, torsion wings  61  ( FIG. 8 ) that reinforce the fitting  57  and anchor it within orifice  53  against rotation relative to the handle to prevent slip. Various conventional “snap in” nut drivers, screw drivers, tools, etc. snap fit to socket  59 . Thus end plate  52  cooperates with cap  30  to enable the handle  22  to interconnect with a variety of miscellaneous tools and fittings. 
         [0059]    Handle  22  may be manually twisted (i.e., by rotating it about its longitudinal axis  62 ) to operate nut drivers or the like projecting from handle rear  89 . Concurrently, tools or rods threadably coupled to socket  59  can be pushed or pulled in a direction coplanar with or generally parallel to the longitudinal axis  62 . 
         [0060]    Importantly, however, tools or various devices may also be connected laterally to the handle  22  so that it may be grasped as in  FIG. 1  and used for pulling. Stated another way, the handle  22  is adapted to pull various tools when it is displaced laterally, in a direction perpendicular to axis  62 . To this effect, body  50  is provided with a through bore  60  ( FIGS. 3 ,  5 ,  7 ) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  62  ( FIG. 7 ) of the handle  22 . Bore  60  is intersected by an elongated follower slot  64  that is coextensive with the longitudinal axis of the handle  22  for at least a portion of the handle length. The diameter of bore  60  is preferably at least twice the width of the narrower follower slot  64 , and most preferably three times the width of slot  64 . Preferably, slot  64  and bore  60  both penetrate the entire diameter of the body  50  and solid core  51 . Optionally there is a decorative, peripheral escutcheon plate  66  ( FIG. 5 ) of substantially rectangular dimensions surrounding the bore  60  and slot  64 . 
         [0061]    The previously referenced, flexible pull cable  24  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ) penetrates bore  60  and is retained by slot  64 . Cable  24  includes a terminal anchor  70  that is fastened to the cable body  72 . The opposite end of the cable body terminates in a generally tubular, female threaded fitting  74  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ) having a threaded socket  75  that is similar to rod sockets  44 ,  40 ,  36  ( FIG. 2 ), for example, that were previously described. Socket  75  may thus be coupled to a cleaning element or tool  31  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ) or to a rod  26 ,  27  or  28  or other cleaning tool or item to be pulled and drawn through a firearm barrel  23  ( FIG. 1 ) for cleaning. 
         [0062]    For cable  24  to engage handle  22 , the cable anchor  70  ( FIG. 2 ) first penetrates the through bore  60 . Once the cable  24  is pulled through the handle, the cable  24  is slidably displaced through and along the follower slot  64  to position the anchor  70  above the narrower follower slot  64 , spaced apart from bore  60 . Since the diameter of the anchor  70  exceeds the width of follower slot  64 , the anchor  70  will be externally captivated by the handle to enable pulling of cable  24  and cleaning tool  31  or the like coupled to cable  24  as indicated by arrow  29  ( FIG. 1 ). The dimensions of anchor  70  are not critical, as long as it exceeds the width of slot  64  and is sized to penetrate bore  60 . While the anchor  70  is preferably cylindrical, it could be cubical or other shapes. All that is required is that the anchor  70  smoothly fit through bore  60 , and that its dimensions exceed the width of follower slot  64 . 
         [0063]      FIGS. 10-13  illustrate a first alternative handle embodiment. Handle  82  comprises an elongated, hollow body  84  that is lighter than handle  22  previously described. The tubular, preferably metal body  84  threadably supports a tapered cap  86  at its front  87 . An optional knurled region  85  ( FIG. 11 ) aids in gripping. Cap  86  preferably has a front, threaded socket  88  ( FIG. 13 ) for interconnection with various rods and tools as described earlier. An accessory end plate  90  is threadably coupled or press fitted to the rear end  89  of the body  84  to provide interconnection with various hex-fittings as before. Plate  90  comprises a central hub  91  defining a hex orifice  92  ( FIG. 12 ) to which a variety of tools known in the art may be attached. 
         [0064]    Body  84  ( FIGS. 10-13 ) is hollow. Note the exposed, hollow tubular interior  95  ( FIG. 10 ). Body  84  has at least one bore  94  penetrating its surface that intersects an elongated follower slot  96 . Bore  94  and slot  96  are similar to bore  60  and follower slot  64  described earlier. Both enable mechanical access to the hollow interior of the body  84 . 
         [0065]    When cable  24  ( FIG. 1 ) is connected, the cable anchor  70  is slidably captivated interiorly of the handle  82 . In use, the anchor  70  is first inserted into the body interior  95  through the bore  94 . Afterwards, by sliding interiorly along the inner portions of the follower slot  96 , the anchor  70  is captivated inside the handle. Cleaning structures interconnected with the cable  24  can be then pulled by grasping the handle  82  and pulling it substantially as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
         [0066]    The second alternative handle embodiment is seen in  FIG. 14 . Here the tubular handle  100  again has a hollow, tubular body  102 . An end plate  104  may be affixed to the handle rear. However, front tapered cap  106  terminates in a solid circular end  108  ( FIG. 14 ). A bore  110  and a companion follower slot  112  are defined in only one side of the body, to captivate cable anchor  70  interiorly as before. 
         [0067]    The third alternative handle embodiment of  FIGS. 15 and 17  comprises a tubular handle  120  having a hollow, metal body  122  and a hollow interior  123 . The front end  124  and rear end  125  are preferably open, as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . A bore  126  and a companion follower slot  128  are defined in only one side of the body. Thus cable anchor  70  ( FIG. 2 ) is interiorly captivated as with the second handle embodiment  100 . 
         [0068]    Handle  132  ( FIG. 17 ) comprises a fourth alternative handle embodiment. Handle  132  comprises an elongated, hollow body  134  that may have an open rear end  135 . The tubular, preferably metal body  134  threadably supports a threaded, tapered cap  136  at its front which has a threaded socket  137  for connecting with various cleaning rods or tools ( FIG. 16 ) as before. Border region  140  ( FIG. 17 ) between the front cap  130  and the body  134  may or may not be knurled. In use, cable anchor  70  ( FIG. 2 ) is interiorly captivated within the hollow body  134  after penetrating bore  138  and sliding against follower slot  139  within the handle body. 
         [0069]    The fifth alternative handle embodiment  142  of  FIGS. 18-21  has a hollow body  143  with an integral, tapered front nose portion  144 . A threaded attachment orifice  146  is disposed at the front of nose  144 . A rear end plate  145 , similar to end plates  90  and  104  may be provided. The bore  150  intersects a similar follower slot  153  for interiorly captivating the cable anchor  70  discussed above. Escutcheon plate  155  ( FIGS. 18 ,  19 ) is similar to escutcheon plate  66  (i.e.,  FIGS. 3 ,  5 ) discussed earlier. The rear end plate  145  of handle  142  has a recessed hex socket  157  coaxial with a chamfered region  158  that is centered within end plate annular rear surface  159 . 
         [0070]    The fifth alternative handle embodiment  142  of  FIGS. 18-21  has a hollow body  143  with an integral, tapered front nose portion  144 . A threaded attachment orifice  146  is disposed at the front of nose  144 . A rear end plate  145 , similar to end plates  90  and  104  may be provided. The bore  150  intersects a similar follower slot  153  for interiorly captivating the cable anchor  70  discussed above. Escutcheon plate  155  ( FIGS. 18 ,  19 ) is similar to escutcheon plate  66  (i.e.,  FIGS. 3 ,  5 ) discussed earlier. The rear end plate  145  of handle  142  has a recessed hex socket  157  coaxial with a chamfered region  158  that is centered within end plate annular rear surface  159 . 
         [0071]    Referencing  FIGS. 22-25 , a sixth alternative handle embodiment  162  has a solid body  164  with a tapered, front cap  166 . A threaded attachment orifice  168  ( FIG. 25 ) is disposed at the front of cap  166 . A solid rear end  167  may be provided with a hex drive socket  169  ( FIG. 24 ) as in prior embodiments. Border region  170  (i.e.,  FIGS. 22 ,  23 ) between cap  166  and body  164  may or may not be knurled. The bore  174  intersects an elongated follower slot  176  for exteriorly captivating the cable anchor  70  discussed above. Preferably the body comprises a rigid, plastic inner core that is covered by a rubber or fabric outer shell  179  that is similar to shell  55  (i.e.,  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ) discussed earlier. An exposed region  180  of the core, which is surrounded by outer shell  179 , resembles escutcheon plate  155  ( FIGS. 18 ,  19 ) and escutcheon plate  66  (i.e.,  FIGS. 3 ,  5 ) discussed earlier. In the latter embodiment the bore  174  and the follower slot  176  both penetrate the entire core and body. Thus, in use, the pull cable  24  ( FIG. 2 ) has its anchor  70  slidably captivated over the follower slot  176  externally of the handle body. 
         [0072]    The seventh alternative handle embodiment  190  of  FIGS. 26-29  has a hollow body  192  with an integral, tapered front nose portion  194 . Instead of a threaded attachment orifice, a flat driving surface  196  is disposed at the front of nose portion  194 . A rear end plate  198 , similar to end plates  90  and  104 , may be provided. The rear end plate  198  may have a polygonal or hex socket or it may comprise merely a flat driving surface  207  ( FIG. 27 ). Border region  210  ( FIG. 26 ) between the front cap and the body may or may not be knurled. The bore  200  intersects a follower slot  202  for interiorly captivating the cable anchor  70  as discussed above. 
         [0073]    From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. 
         [0074]    It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. 
         [0075]    As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.