Patent Publication Number: US-6658689-B2

Title: Dual thread broom head connector

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The connection between the handle of a broom and the broom head itself is routinely accomplished by threaded engagement, for example as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,384,383. Male threads on the end of the handle are screwed into an opening in the broom head, the opening having female threading to receive the male threads. Such a connection, however, has several disadvantages. 
     First, in order to obtain a secure connection, multiple turns of threading, as many as four, five, six, or more, are needed. This entails turning the handle multiple times within the broom head opening, in order to attach the handle to the head. While this task is relatively simple when attaching the components of a single broom, it becomes more difficult and time consuming when multiple brooms must be assembled. Such a circumstance often occurs in the marketplace, where separate broom components are shipped by the manufacturer to the retailer who must then assemble dozens of handles and broom heads. 
     In addition, the single thread system which is employed between a broom head and handle also is subject to coming loose while the broom is in use. This requires stoppage of the sweeping operation and a tightening of the handle/broom head connection. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to overcome the limitations and disadvantages of prior threaded connections. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a threaded connector with a dual thread system which ensures for quick and easy attachment between threaded components. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a threaded connector with a dual thread system for ensuring for a secure attachment between threaded components. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a threaded connector with a dual thread system for quick and easy attachment between a broom head and broom handle. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a threaded connector with a dual threaded system for ensuring an attachment which remains secure between a broom head and broom handle of a broom during use of the broom. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a threaded connector with a dual thread system which uses less threads to establish a quicker and more secure connection than prior connections between threaded components. 
     The present invention is contemplated primarily for use as a connector between a broom handle and its broom head. However, the connector has other applications in which it is deemed desirable to obtain a quick and secure connection between threaded components. The male component of the connector consists of two adjacent sections of male threads, the first section having a smaller width or diameter than the second section. The first section forms the end of the male component. In the case of a broom handle, this is the end of the handle. The female component of the connector consists of an opening or cavity with female, receiving threads. In the case of a broom head, this is the opening within the head. The female component also has two opening sections of varying widths or diameters. The sections of the female component are each configured to threadably engage the respective threaded sections of the male component. This dual threaded connection system requires as few as one large or just two or three smaller threads on each section and so ensures for a quick and secure attachment between the male component/broom handle and the female component/broom head. 
     The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention, itself, however, both as to its design, construction, and use, together with the additional features and advantages thereof, are best understood upon review of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the connector of the present invention in use with a broom head and handle of a broom. 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of the end of the broom handle or male component of the connector of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the broom handle or male component of the connector of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of the broom handle or male component shown in FIG. 2 and a partial cross-section of the broom head or female component of the connector of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Broom  2  consists of handle  4  which is to be threadably connected to broom head  6 . Threaded male component  8  is located at the end of handle  4 . Component  8  comprises sections  10  and  12 , each section having male threads  14  and  16 , respectively. Section  10  has a width, or in the case of cylindrically shaped handle  4 , diameter, which is less than the width or diameter of section  12 . While male component  8  is shown as being cylindrical with a diameter, is contemplated that other shaped components may employ this connector system and that the invention is not to be limited to cylindrical components. It is anticipated that only two or three male threads  14  and  16  or as few as a single larger thread, will be required on each section  10  and  12 . FIG. 2 shows the use of two and a half threads on each section. FIG. 3 shows the use of two threads on each section. 
     Broom head  6  has opening or cavity  18 , configured to threadably receive male component  8  of handle  4 . Opening  18  comprises sections  20  and  22  with female threading  24  and  26 , respectively. Female threading  24  of section  20  is configured to threadably receive and engage male threads  14  of section  10  of male component  8  and female threading  26  of section  22  is configured to threadably receive and engage male threads  16  of section  12  of male component  8 . 
     In use, component  8  of handle  4  is inserted into opening  18  of broom head  6 . In the embodiment shown, two or three turns of handle  4  will result in the simultaneously threaded and secure engagement of section  10  within section  20  and section  12  within section  22 . 
     While the embodiment presented herein contemplates the use of a dual thread connector system for the attachment of a cylindrical broom head to a broom head with a circular opening, the subject invention can be configured in other than circular shape. That is, the male/female components can be of any shape which is conducive to maintaining a threaded connection. As long as the respective sections of the components are of varying diameters or widths, the connector will function satisfactorily. 
     In addition, while the embodiment of the subject threaded connector is disclosed as having two sections at the end of the male component and two corresponding sections in the opening of the female component, more than two sections could be used. It has been found however, that the connector works well with two distinctly sized sections for each component. 
     Finally, while the embodiment presented herein discloses the subject connector in use with a broom head and handle, the connector can be used for, but is not limited to, handle connections for brushes, mops, shovels, or other manual tools. The connector has general application where it is deemed desirable to obtain a quick and secure connection between threaded components. 
     Certain novel features and components of this invention are disclosed in detail in order to make the invention clear in at least one form thereafter. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention as disclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details as disclosed since it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.