Patent Publication Number: US-7721391-B2

Title: Quick release lock mechanisms for handle extensions

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to quick release lock mechanisms for releasably connecting handle extensions to tool handles having both compatible and standard tool handle sockets. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   It is generally known to provide handle extensions with quick release lock mechanisms that allow for the quick and easy attachment (and removal) of the handle extensions to (and from) tool handles having compatible lock engaging end portions. However, such quick release lock mechanisms have the objection that they cannot readily be used with tool handles having standard internally threaded sockets unless an appropriate adaptor configured to mate with the quick release lock mechanisms is first threaded into the tool handle sockets. Also there is the potential that the operator/user of such handle extensions may not be aware of the availability of such an adaptor, or even if so aware, the adaptor may be lost or misplaced when the operator/user wants to use it. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to quick release lock mechanisms for releasably connecting handle extensions to tool handles having either compatible lock engaging end portions or standard internally threaded sockets. 
   In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the quick release lock mechanisms include handle extension adaptors having extension pole tips with circumferentially spaced thread segments that are quickly and easily insertable into and removable from compatible tool handle lock engaging end portions and are also threadedly connectable to tool handles having standard internally threaded sockets. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the compatible tool handle lock engaging end portions may include sockets with circumferentially spaced segments having relief areas therebetween for receipt of the thread segments on the extension pole tips during insertion and removal of the extension pole tips into and out of the tool handle sockets. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the circumferentially spaced segments within the tool handle sockets may be thread segments that are compatible with the thread segments on the extension pole tips to allow the tool handles to be rotated a part turn relative to the handle extensions to bring the thread segments into and out of overlapping engagement with each other. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the quick release lock mechanisms may include locking tabs that are movable into and out of slots on the tool handle end portions when the thread segments of the quick release lock mechanisms and tool handle lock engaging end portions are in overlapping engagement with each other to selectively prevent further relative rotation therebetween. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a non-rotatable connection may be provided between the quick release lock mechanisms and tool handles having compatible lock engaging end portions when the extension pole tips are fully inserted into the tool handle sockets to prevent relative rotation therebetween, and releasable latches may prevent the extension pole tips from being withdrawn from the sockets until released. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the releasable latches may include locking members mounted for movement into and out of locking engagement with one or more lock receiving holes or recesses in the tool handle lock engaging end portions. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the latches may be axially movable into and out of radial alignment with at least one of the lock receiving recesses in the tool handle lock engaging end portions. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the tool handle lock engaging end portions may include a non-circular recess for receipt of a correspondingly shaped shoulder on the quick release lock mechanisms when the extension pole tips are fully inserted into the tool handle sockets to prevent relative rotation therebetween. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the quick release lock mechanisms may include a cover slide for covering the non-circular shoulder on the quick release lock mechanisms when the quick release lock mechanisms are used with tool handles having standard internally threaded sockets. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the cover slide may be locked in its fully extended position covering the non-circular shoulder on the quick release lock mechanisms by the locking member when the locking member is in its fully retracted position. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, both the cover slide and the locking member may be mounted for movement independently of one another. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, movements of both the cover slide and the locking member may be controlled by cams operated by a single rotatable sleeve. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one form of quick release lock mechanism of the present invention shown mounted on the outboard end of a handle extension. 
       FIG. 2  is a fragmentary longitudinal section through the quick release lock mechanism of  FIG. 1  and a tool handle having a compatible lock engaging end portion. 
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged transverse section through the tool handle lock engaging end portion of  FIG. 2  taken on the plane of the line  3 - 3  thereof. 
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section through a tool handle having a separate insert with compatible lock engaging end portion suitably mounted inside the tool handle socket. 
       FIG. 5  is a fragmentary longitudinal section similar to  FIG. 2  but showing the extension pole tip of the quick release lock mechanism inserted into the tool handle lock engaging end portion. 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged transverse section through the assembly of  FIG. 5  taken on the plane of the line  6 - 6  thereof. 
       FIG. 7  is a fragmentary longitudinal section similar to  FIG. 5  but showing the tool handle rotated a part turn relative to the handle extension to bring thread segments on the extension pole tip into overlapping relation with thread segments in the tool handle lock engaging end portion. 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged transverse section through the assembly of  FIG. 7  taken on the plane of the line  8 - 8  thereof. 
       FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of another form of quick release lock mechanism of the present invention mounted on the outboard end of a handle extension, the lock mechanism including a latch mechanism shown fully retracted and a cover slide shown fully extended. 
       FIG. 10  is a longitudinal section through the quick release lock mechanism and handle extension outboard end of  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 11  is a fragmentary longitudinal section similar to  FIG. 10  but showing the extension pole tip of the lock mechanism fully inserted into a compatible tool handle lock engaging end portion with the latch mechanism fully extended and the cover slide fully retracted. 
       FIG. 12  is a transverse section through the assembly of  FIG. 11  taken on the plane of the line  12 - 12  thereof. 
       FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of another form of quick release lock mechanism of the present invention mounted on the outboard end of a handle extension, the lock mechanism including a latch member shown fully retracted and a cover slide shown fully extended. 
       FIG. 14  is a fragmentary longitudinal section through the quick release lock mechanism, handle extension outboard end and compatible tool handle lock engaging end portion of  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 15  is a side elevation view similar to  FIG. 13  but showing the latch member fully extended and the cover slide fully retracted. 
       FIG. 16  is a fragmentary longitudinal section through the assembly of  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 17  is a top plan view of the assembly of  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 18  is a bottom plan view of the assembly of  FIG. 15 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The various quick release lock mechanisms of the present invention may be used to provide for the quick and easy attachment (and removal) of handle extensions to handles or hand grips of tools such as paint rollers or other tools, to allow the operator to use the tools without the aid of a ladder. Such handle extensions may be extension poles of a fixed length or consist of two or more telescoping members adjustable to different lengths, as well known in the art. The quick release lock mechanisms of the present invention also have the advantage of being able to connect handle extensions to tool handles having standard internally threaded sockets as described hereafter. 
   Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers followed by a prime symbol (′) are used to designate like parts, and initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown one form of quick release lock mechanism  1  of the present invention which includes an adaptor  2  attached to the outboard end  3  of a handle extension  4  as by providing a recess  5  in the inner end  6  of the adaptor that is sized for close sliding receipt over the outboard end of the extension pole (see  FIG. 2 ). An internal shoulder  7  at the inner end of recess  5  limits the extent to which the adaptor may be inserted onto the handle extension. Relative rotation therebetween may be prevented as by making the overlapping surfaces of the handle extension  4  and adaptor  2  a corresponding non-cylindrical shape such as a hex shape. Also the adaptor may be secured to the handle extension in any suitable manner, for example, by providing a screw connection therebetween. 
   Adaptor  2  includes an axially outwardly extending rod-like extension pole tip  8  having a plurality of circumferentially spaced external thread segments  9  on the outer surface thereof to permit the quick release lock mechanism  1  to be used to threadedly connect handle extensions to tool handles having standard internally threaded sockets and to provide for the quick and easy attachment (and removal) of handle extensions to tool handles having compatible quick release lock engaging end portions as described hereafter. 
   One such tool handle  14  having a compatible quick release lock engaging end portion  15  is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  as comprising a tool handle socket  16  having the same number of compatible internal thread segments  17  as external thread segments  9  on the extension pole tip  8 . The respective thread segments  9  and  17  have sufficient relief areas  18  and  19  therebetween to accommodate the thread segments  9  and  17  on the extension pole tip  8  and tool handle socket  16  when the thread segments are out of alignment with each other to permit easy insertion of the extension pole tip into the tool handle socket  16  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  and removal therefrom. Two such thread segments  9  and  17  are shown on extension pole tip  8  and handle socket  16  of the embodiment shown in FIGS.  1 - 8 . However, it will be appreciated that a corresponding greater or lesser number of thread segments may be provided on each part as desired, as long as the relief areas  18 ,  19  between the thread segments on the respective parts are properly sized to accommodate the thread segments on the other part when the thread segments on the respective parts are out of alignment with each other. 
   Once the extension pole tip  8  is fully inserted into the tool handle socket  16  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the tool handle  14  may be rotated a part turn relative to the handle extension  4  to cause the thread segments  9 ,  17  to engage and overlap one another as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  to prevent pull out of the handle extension from the tool handle socket. Inadvertent continued relative rotation therebetween may be prevented as by providing one or more tabs  20  on a spring loaded sleeve  21  surrounding the inner end of the pole adaptor  2  that snap into correspondingly shaped slots or grooves  23  in a radial shoulder  24  at the innermost end of the tool handle  14  when the thread segments are fully engaged with one another as further shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
   To disconnect the handle extension  4  from the tool handle  14 , all the operator need do is retract the spring loaded sleeve  21  to withdraw the tabs  20  from the tool handle slots  23  and rotate the tool handle  14  a part turn relative to the handle extension  4  until the thread segments  9  on the extension pole tip  8  are once again in alignment with the relief areas  19  in the tool handle socket  16  and vice versa so the extension pole tip can easily and quickly be withdrawn from the tool handle socket. 
   During insertion of the extension pole tip  8  into the tool handle socket  16  with the thread segments  9  and  17  out of alignment with each other, the shoulder  24  at the innermost end of the tool handle  14  pressing against the locking tabs  20  will cause the spring loaded sleeve  21  to move to the fully retracted position shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  until the tool handle is rotated a part turn relative to the handle extension to bring the locking tabs  20  into alignment with the tab engaging slots  23  in the tool handle end portion in the manner previously described. 
   Likewise, when the extension pole tip  8  of the quick release lock mechanism  1  is threadedly connected to a conventional tool handle having a standard internally threaded socket, the innermost end of the tool handle pressing against the locking tabs  20  will cause the locking tabs to retract whereby when the tool handle is fully tightened on the adaptor, the innermost end of the tool handle will frictionally engage an external shoulder  25  on the adaptor radially inwardly of the spring loaded sleeve for frictionally locking the tool handle against loosening. 
   The internal thread segments  17  are shown molded integral with the tool handle  14  in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  5 - 8 . However, if the tool handle  26  is molded hollow to a relatively large size out of a relatively inexpensive plastic such as polypropylene, a separate insert  27  containing the thread segments  28  and relief areas  29  therebetween may be snap fitted into the tool handle socket  30  as schematically shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     FIGS. 9-12  show another form of quick release lock mechanism  40  of the present invention which also includes an adaptor  41  having an axially outwardly extending rod-like extension pole tip  42  with circumferentially spaced external thread segments  43  on the outer surface thereof similar to the thread segments  9  of the quick release lock mechanism  1  shown in  FIGS. 1-8  for connecting a handle extension with quick release lock mechanism  40  mounted thereon to a tool handle having a standard internally threaded socket in the manner previously described. 
   A tool handle  45  with a lock engaging end portion  46  that is compatible with the quick release lock mechanism  40  is also shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , and includes a tool handle socket  47  having circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending slots or grooves  48  for accommodating the thread segments  43  on the extension pole tip  42  when in alignment with each other for ease of insertion of the extension pole tip into the tool handle socket as shown in  FIG. 11  and removal therefrom. However, instead of providing corresponding thread segments in the tool handle socket  47  for engagement by the thread segments  43  on the extension pole tip by rotating the tool handle  45  a part turn relative to the handle extension  4 ′ after the extension pole tip has been fully inserted into the tool handle socket to prevent withdrawal of the extension pole tip from the tool handle socket, cooperating latch members may be provided on the handle extension adaptor and tool handle to releasably retain the handle extension and tool handle together when the extension pole tip is fully inserted into the tool handle socket. 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9-12 , the latch member of the quick release lock mechanism  40  comprises a locking lever  50  pivotally connected intermediate its ends to a sleeve  51  that is axially slidable on the outboard end  5 ′ of the handle extension  4 ′ for movement of the locking lever  50  between the fully retracted position shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  to the fully extended position shown in  FIG. 11 . When thus fully extended, as the thread segments  43  on the extension pole tip  42  are inserted into the grooves or slots  48  in the tool handle socket  47 , a locking pin  52  adjacent the forward end of the locking lever  50  will ride up over a ramp  53  either on the outermost end of the tool handle, or in this case on the outermost end of an insert  54  snap fitted inside the tool handle  45  containing the longitudinal grooves or slots  48 , and snap into either one of two aligned recesses or holes  55  on opposite sides of the tool handle as shown in  FIG. 11  thereby locking the tool handle to the handle extension. 
   To prevent relative rotation between the handle extension  4 ′ and tool handle  45  when the extension pole tip  42  is fully inserted into the tool handle socket  47 , a non-cylindrical shape recess  60  may be provided in the outermost end of the tool handle  45  or tool handle insert  54  for receipt of a correspondingly shaped shoulder  61  on the adaptor  41  adjacent the inner end of the thread segments  43  on the extension pole tip  42  as schematically shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Because the quick release lock mechanism  40  of this embodiment does not rely on overlapping thread segments on the extension pole tip and tool handle socket to prevent withdrawal of the extension pole tip from the tool handle socket as in the embodiment previously described, the wall segments  62  between the longitudinal grooves or slots  48  in the tool handle socket  47  need not be threaded. This will insure that the thread segments  43  on the extension pole tip  42  remain in the slots in the tool handle socket during insertion of the extension pole tip into the tool handle socket and removal therefrom. 
   Alternatively, if desired, the threads or thread segments on the extension pole tip of the quick release lock mechanism of the present invention may be collapsed in the quick connect mode and extended in the screw on mode when used with a tool handle having a standard internally threaded socket, in which event the tool handle lock engaging end portion may be substantially the same as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,161, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
   Longitudinal movement of the locking lever  50  between its fully extended position shown in  FIG. 11  and its fully retracted position shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  may be limited by a pin  62  extending radially through the handle extension  4 ′ and adaptor  41  into a longitudinally extending slot  63  in the inner wall of sleeve  51 . The location and length of the slot  63  relative to the pin  62  determine the fully extended and fully retracted positions of the locking lever  50 . Pin  62  may also be used to fixedly attach adaptor  41  to handle extension  4 ′. 
   The reason for making the locking lever  50  retractable is to make sure it doesn&#39;t interfere with threading of the extension pole tip  42  into a standard internally threaded socket of a conventional tool handle. Also when the locking lever  50  is fully retracted, a stop shoulder  65  on the locking lever may drop down behind an axially movable cover slide  66  to maintain the cover slide in its fully extended position shown in  FIG. 10  covering the non-cylindrical shoulder  61  on the adaptor  41  to provide an increased friction surface area  67  surrounding the shoulder that is contacted by the outermost end of a tool handle having a standard internally threaded socket when fully tightened onto the extension pole tip  42  to prevent the tool handle from inadvertently coming loose. 
   On the other hand, when the locking lever  50  is fully extended as shown in  FIG. 11 , upon engagement of the outer end portion  67  of the cover slide  66  by the outermost end of a tool handle  45  having a compatible lock engaging end portion  46  during insertion of the extension pole tip  42  into the slots or grooves  48  in the tool handle socket  47 , the cover slide  66  is easily moved rearwardly against the force of a spring  68  acting on the cover slide to allow the non-cylindrical shoulder  61  on the adaptor  41  to engage the correspondingly shaped recess  60  in the innermost end of the tool handle insert  54  as shown in  FIG. 11 . The extent of movement of the cover slide  66  between its fully extended and fully retracted positions may be limited by the same pin  62  used to limit the movement of the locking lever sleeve  51  or a different pin extending into a longitudinal groove or slot  69  associated with a cover slide. 
     FIGS. 13-18  show another form of quick release lock mechanism  70  of the present invention which, like the quick release lock mechanisms previously described, includes an adaptor  71  having an extension pole tip  72  with circumferentially spaced thread segments  73  that may either be quickly and easily inserted into aligned slots or grooves  74  in a compatible tool handle lock engaging end portion  76  as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 16  and just as easily removed therefrom or threaded into a standard threaded socket of a conventional tool handle without the need for having to use a special adaptor for that purpose. Also the quick release lock mechanism  70  shown in  FIGS. 13-18  includes a locking lever  78  and cover slide  79  that are axially movable between fully extended and fully retracted positions similar to the locking lever  50  and cover slide  66  of the  FIGS. 9-12  embodiment. 
   However, the locking lever  50  shown in  FIGS. 9-12  is movable axially back and forth by applying an axial force to the locking lever slide  51  and the cover slide  66  is spring loaded to overlie the non-cylindrical shoulder  61  on the adaptor  41  and is movable rearwardly to expose shoulder  61  by pressing the outermost end of a compatible tool handle lock engaging end portion  46  against the axial outer end of the cover slide. 
   Movements of the locking lever  78  and cover slide  79  of the quick release lock mechanism  70  of  FIGS. 13-18 , on the other hand, are controlled by two different cam slots  80 ,  81  in a rotatable sleeve  82  on the lock mechanism that are engaged by separate pins  83 ,  84  on the locking lever slide  85  and cover slide  79 , respectively, or vice versa. Another pin  86  that extends into a cam slot  87  in the rotatable sleeve  82  to control rotational movements of the rotatable sleeve may also be used to secure the adaptor  71  to the handle extension  4 ″. Pin  86  extends through an axial slot  88  in the cover slide  79  to accommodate axial movements of the cover slide during rotation of the rotatable sleeve. 
   When the rotatable sleeve  82  is rotated in one direction, the locking lever  78  is extended to allow the locking lever pin  89  to snap into an aligned hole  90  in the tool handle  75  to lock the tool handle to the handle extension  4 ″ and the cover slide  79  is retracted to expose the non-cylindrical shoulder  91  on the adaptor  71  for engagement in a correspondingly shaped recess  92  in the outermost end of the tool handle as shown in  FIG. 16 . Conversely when the rotatable sleeve  82  is rotated in the opposite direction, the locking lever slide  85  is retracted to move the locking lever  78  out of the way (after the locking lever pin  89  is disengaged from the tool handle hole  90 ) and the cover slide  79  is extended to overlie the non-cylindrical shoulder  91  as shown in  FIG. 14  to provide a larger surface area  93  for frictionally locking a conventional tool handle against loosening when fully tightened onto the extension pole tip  72  as before. 
   Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to certain embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification. In particular, with regard to the various functions performed by the above-described components, the terms (including any reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed component which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one embodiment, such feature may be combined with one or more other features as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.