Patent Publication Number: US-2015074927-A1

Title: Floor maintenance tool with mop release mechanism

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to a floor maintenance tool, and more particularly, to a floor maintenance tool including a mechanism for attaching and detaching a cleaning or maintenance implement. 
     A wide variety of floor tools exist for many applications, including cleaning floor surfaces, polishing floor surfaces, applying material to floor surfaces, stripping material from floor surfaces, and other applications. For example, traditional single or double-sided flat mop floor tools use either pockets, tabs, or hook and loop fasteners to attach the mop to the frame and handle assembly. These floor tools, whether single-sided or double-sided, typically require the user to handle the mop at some point. Some existing floor tools have articulated tool heads to enable head movement in one or more degrees of freedom, such as about a longitudinal axis and/or a lateral axis of the tool head. 
     Although these tools have been known for many years, many existing tools are not ergonomically designed and encumber the process of attaching and detaching the mop, sheet, pad, or other cleaning or maintenance implement relative to the tool head. In many cases, the lack of attention to ergonomics in the design of floor tools results in greater time and effort needed by a user to perform a task, poorer work quality, and reduced user efficiency. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some constructions of the present invention provide a floor maintenance tool including a telescoping handle and a tool head that attaches a mop to the tool via an actuator mechanism on the handle without the need for a user to ever touch the mop or the tool head. The tool head has a frame and sliding pins positioned on the underside of the frame that facilitate attachment and detachment of the mop relative to the tool head. In particular, the tool head has angled sliding pins located adjacent a first edge of the frame, and straight pins located adjacent a second edge of the frame opposite the first edge. The angled sliding pins pick up and release the mop, and the straight pins stretch the mop substantially flat to provide even and consistent contact between the mop and a surface on which the tool will be used. The vertical pins also permit the trailing edge of the mop to “flop” down when the tool actuator mechanism is actuated to disengage the mop from the tool head. The tool head can then be lifted off the floor so that the mop can be disposed of (e.g., in a laundry bag on a cleaning trolley, or in the garbage) or flipped to double the surface area a mop can clean without the user touching the mop or the tool head. In some constructions, the tool head also has non-sliding vertical guides that are longer than the sliding angled pins and the vertical pins to support the frame and prevent direct contact of the pins with the surface to minimize the potential for damage to those pins. 
     In one construction, the invention provides a floor maintenance tool including a handle and a tool coupled to the handle. The tool head includes a frame that supports a first engagement panel and a second engagement panel, with each panel disposed on an underside of the frame. The tool also includes a cable that extends between the tool head and the handle and that is coupled to the first engagement panel and the second engagement panel. An actuator mechanism is coupled to the cable and is manipulatable to move at least one of the first engagement panel and the second engagement panel via the cable relative to the frame to selectively engage and disengage a mop pad relative to the tool head. 
     In another construction, the invention provides a floor maintenance tool including handle and a tool head that has a pivot joint to which the handle is attached. The tool head also has a frame that supports two engagement panels disposed on an underside of the frame. The tool further includes a cable that is coupled to at least one of the engagement panels to alter the position of the at least one engagement panel relative to the frame, and the tool head defines a cable routing system such that the cable extends through the pivot joint. 
     In another construction, the invention provides a floor maintenance tool including a tool head that has a frame, a tool release mechanism operatively coupled to the tool head to selectively engage and disengage a mop pad, and a handle that has a proximal end and distal end attached to the tool head. The handle also includes a first handle portion and a second handle portion that is coupled to an upper end of the first handle portion. A telescoping mechanism is positioned in the handle between the first handle portion and the second handle portion to permit lengthening and shortening of the handle along an axis between the proximal end and the distal end. The telescoping mechanism includes a rack and pinion that is operable to vary the telescoping mechanism between a first state in which the handle is inhibited from being lengthened or shortened, and a second state in which the handle can be lengthened or shortened. 
     In another construction, the invention provides a floor maintenance tool including a handle and a tool head that has a frame supporting an engagement panel disposed on an underside of the frame and a pivot joint to which the handle is attached to articulate the tool head relative to the handle. The pivot joint has a first axle and a second axle spaced from and axially aligned with the first axle to define a gap through which the cable is routed. The pivot joint further has a pin attaching the first axle to the second axle for cooperative movement, and the tool head defines a cable routing system extending through the pivot joint. 
     In another construction, the invention provides a floor maintenance tool including a handle and a tool head that is coupled to the handle and that has a frame supporting a first engagement panel with a first plurality of barbs and a second engagement panel with a second plurality of barbs. The frame further supports a third engagement panel that has a third plurality of barbs, and each of the first, second, and third engagement panels is disposed on an underside of the frame. At least one of the first engagement panel and the second engagement panel and the corresponding barbs are movable relative to the tool head to attach and detach a mop pad relative to the tool head. The third plurality of barbs remains stationary relative to the tool head. 
     In another construction, the invention provides a floor maintenance tool including a handle and a tool head that is coupled to the handle and that has a frame supporting a first engagement panel and a second engagement panel each having a mop engagement member slidably coupled to an underside of the frame by a joint. At least one of the first engagement panel and the second engagement panel is slidable along the underside of the frame to engage and disengage a mop pad relative to the tool head. 
     In another construction, the invention provides a floor maintenance tool including a handle that has a proximal end and a distal end and that defines an axis between the proximal end and the distal end. The tool also includes a tool head that is coupled to the handle and that has a frame supporting an engagement panel disposed on an underside of the frame. A cable holder is disposed in the handle, and a cable extends between the cable holder and the frame and is coupled to the engagement panel. The tool also includes an actuator mechanism that is coupled to the cable and that is manipulatable to move the engagement panel relative to the frame to selectively engage and disengage a mop pad relative to the tool head. A spring is disposed in the handle to bias the cable holder upward along the axis to maintain cable tension between the cable holder and the frame. 
     Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a maintenance tool including a handle and a tool head embodying the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of an upper portion of the floor maintenance tool of  FIG. 1  including the handle and a telescoping mechanism. 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of the floor maintenance tool of  FIG. 1  illustrating an upper portion of the handle and the telescoping mechanism taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of the upper portion of the handle taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  illustrating the telescoping mechanism in a first state. 
         FIG. 5  is a section view of the telescoping mechanism of the floor maintenance tool illustrating the telescoping mechanism in a second state. 
         FIG. 6  is a section view of an extension member of the telescoping mechanism taken along line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a lower portion of the floor maintenance tool of  FIG. 1  including the handle, the tool head, and a stem disposed between the handle and the tool head. 
         FIG. 8  is a section view of the lower portion of the floor maintenance tool of  FIG. 7  taken along line  8 - 8 . 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the handle, the stem, and a cable holder of the tool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a section view of the lower portion of the floor maintenance tool with the handle detached from the tool head. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the tool head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  is a section view of the tool taken along line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 7  illustrating mop engagement panels of the tool head in a first position and one construction of a cable assembly for the tool head. 
         FIG. 13  is a section view of the tool similar to  FIG. 12  and illustrating the mop engagement panels in a second position. 
         FIG. 14  is a section view illustrating another construction of a cable assembly for the tool head. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an underside of the tool head of  FIGS. 1 and 7  illustrating one construction of the mop engagement panels. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an underside of another construction of mop engagement panels for the tool head of  FIGS. 1 and 7 . 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of an actuator mechanism of the floor maintenance tool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 18  is a section view of the actuator mechanism of  FIG. 1  taken along line  18 - 18 . 
         FIG. 19  is another section view illustrating an actuator of the actuator mechanism being depressed to engage a mop. 
         FIG. 20  is another section view illustrating further movement of the actuator mechanism to engage the mop. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an alternative telescoping mechanism for the maintenance tool. 
         FIG. 22  is an exploded view of an upper portion of the maintenance tool of  FIG. 21  including the handle and the telescoping mechanism. 
         FIG. 23  is a section view of the maintenance tool of  FIG. 21  taken along line  23 - 23  and illustrating an upper portion of the handle and the telescoping mechanism. 
     
    
    
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a maintenance tool  10  that can be used to clean or mop a floor or other surface (e.g., stairs, walls, ceilings, windows, etc.). As used herein, the term “floor” is intended to include any surface that can be cleaned, and to surfaces to which the tool  10  applies a fluid (e.g., wax, polish, cleaning product). The tool  10  includes a handle  15  that has a first or proximal end and a second or distal end attached to a tool head  20 . The handle  15  also includes a first handle portion  25  and a second handle portion  30  coupled to (e.g., partially overlapping, as shown) an upper end (i.e., toward the proximal end of the handle  15 ) of the first handle portion  25 . An end handle portion  35  is coupled to (e.g., partially overlapping, as shown) an upper end of the second handle portion  30 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the end handle portion  35  has a ball-shaped end  40  and a tube section  45  extending from the ball-shaped end  40  toward the distal end. A mop  50  (e.g., dry or wet) is attached to the underside of the tool head  20 . The mop  50  can take several forms, including a cleaning cloth, a sponge, a pad, or other cleaning material or implement. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , a telescoping mechanism  55  is positioned in the handle  15  between the first handle portion  25  and the second handle portion  30  to permit lengthening and shortening of the handle  15  along an axis  60  between the proximal end and the distal end. More specifically, the telescoping mechanism  55  has a first state in which the handle  15  is inhibited from being lengthened or shortened, and a second state in which the handle  15  can be lengthened or shortened. The telescoping mechanism  55  can have many forms, two of which are described in detail below. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the telescoping mechanism  55  includes an expansion member  65  coupled between the first handle portion  25  and the second handle portion  30 , a pushbutton assembly  70  disposed in the end handle portion  35 , and an elongated connector bar  75  interconnecting the expansion member  65  and the pushbutton assembly  70 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , a passageway  80  extends completely through the expansion member  65  along the axis  60 . With reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  6 , the illustrated expansion member  65  has a handle support  85  disposed in the first handle portion  25  and a sleeve  90  joined to the handle support  85 . The handle support  85  defines a cylindrically-shaped portion of the passageway  80  and has a shelf  95  that rests on or is otherwise supported by the end of the first handle portion  25 . Generally, the passageway  80  is wider than the widest portion of the connector bar  75  to permit rotation of the bar  75  relative to the sleeve  90 . Fasteners (not shown) attach the handle support  85  to the first handle portion  25  via holes (one shown)  100  extending into the handle support  85 . 
     The illustrated sleeve  90  has a wall  105  that defines a conically-shaped portion of the passageway  80  and that has a substantially cylindrical outer surface  110 . The sleeve  90  is further defined by a first or longitudinal cutout  115  extending completely through the wall  105  along the axis  60 , and a second or annular cutout  120  extending laterally through the wall  105  such that only a portion of the wall  105  remains connected to the handle support  85 . Stated another way, the annular cutout  120  extends through the wall  105  leaving only a chord of the wall  105  that is connected to the handle support  85  when viewed in cross-section. The portion of the wall  105  remaining connected to the handle support  85  defines a post about which the remainder of the wall  105  is supported or suspended. As illustrated, the annular cutout  120  extends approximately 330 degrees around the wall  105 , although the annular cutout  120  can be shorter (e.g., less than 330 degrees) or longer (e.g., less than approximately 350 degrees). 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  6 , the sleeve  90  has a thread groove  125  extending radially around and downward within the passageway  80  (i.e., following the conically-shaped profile) from an upper end of the sleeve  90  toward the handle support  85 . As illustrated, the thread groove  125  defines a right-hand thread. Also, the sleeve  90  has opposed recesses  130  and a plurality of channels  135  extending partially into the outer surface  110  of the wall  105  along the axis  60 . The recesses  130  cooperate with elongated protrusions  140  in the second handle portion  30  to align the expansion member  65  with the second handle portion  30  in at least one rotational position of the expansion member  65  with the handle portion  30  about the axis  60 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a guide member  145  is coupled to an end of the second handle portion  30  over the joint between the first handle portion  25  and the second handle portion  30 . The guide member  145  can be frictionally fit onto the end of the second handle portion  30 , or adhered or otherwise fastened to the second handle portion  30 . More specifically, the illustrated guide member  145  has a hollow cup-shaped interior that defines a shelf  150  to which the end of the second handle portion  30  is engaged. The illustrated guide member  145  has inwardly directed projections  155  that engage channels  160  in the second handle portion  30  opposite the elongated protrusions  140  to orient and align the guide member  145  relative to the second handle portion  30  in at least one rotational position about the axis  60 . The guide member  145  also has interior, spaced apart wall portions  165  that extend from the shelf  150  inside the second handle portion  30 . The wall portions  165  are disposed within the second handle portion  30  such that the end of the second handle portion  30  is sandwiched between the wall portions  165  and the body of the guide member  145 . Also, the wall portions are shaped (e.g., each defined by a partial cylindrical shape) and oriented opposite each other to support the first handle portion  25  without much, if any, lateral wobble to provide a rigid joint structure for the handle  15 . 
       FIGS. 1-5  show that the end handle portion  35  defines an open-ended chamber  170  accessible from opposite sides of the proximal end of the handle  15 . The pushbutton assembly  70  is positioned in the chamber  170  and is operable by the user to manipulate the telescoping mechanism  55 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the end handle portion  35  defines a recess  175 , and the pushbutton assembly  70  includes a gear  180  that has an alignment portion  185  disposed in the recess  175  to center the gear  180  in the end handle portion  35 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2-5 , the gear  180  also has a body defined by a plurality of teeth  190  disposed circumferentially around the exterior of the gear  180 , and an interior passageway  195  that attaches the gear  180  to the connector bar  75 . The illustrated gear  180  can be generally defined as a pinion that cooperates with opposed gear buttons  200  of the pushbutton assembly  70  to define a rack and pinion mechanism. As illustrated, the interior passageway  195  has a square cross-section to match the square profile of the connector bar  75 , although the interior passageway  195  can have other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., polygonal, circular, elliptical, oblong, etc.) that conform to and rigidly attach the gear  180  to the connector bar  75 . For example, the gear  180  can be press fit onto the end of the connector bar  75 , although other attachment mechanisms (e.g., fasteners, adhesive, welding, etc.) can be used. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2-5 , the gear buttons  200  selectively engage the gear  180  to manipulate the telescoping mechanism  55  in response to user input. Each of the illustrated gear buttons  200  is defined by a substantially “L”-shaped body that has a curved exterior profile defining an engagement surface  205 , and a rack portion  210  with a plurality of linearly-disposed teeth that mesh with the teeth  190 . The gear buttons  200  are disposed in the chamber  170  and engaged with the gear  180  so that the gear buttons  200  cooperatively move linearly inward and outward within the chamber  170  without interfering with each other. With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , opposed interior surfaces  215  of the gear buttons  200  are engageable with each other to limit the distance that the gear buttons  200  can move inward within the chamber  170 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the pushbutton assembly  70  also includes a spring  220  (e.g., a coil spring) that is positioned between the connector bar  75  and the end handle portion  35  to bias the telescoping mechanism  55  to the first state. The spring  220  is coupled to the connector bar  75  at a location that is near, but spaced from, an upper end of the connector bar  75 . The spring  220  has a coil portion  225  with a plurality of coils that define a spring rate and that wrap around the connector bar  75 . The spring  220  also includes a first leg member  230  or attachment disposed on one end of the coil portion  225 , and a second leg member  235  or attachment disposed on the other end of the coil portion  225 . The first leg member  230  is wrapped around and generally conforms to the shape of the connector bar  75 . As illustrated, the first leg member  230  is bent to form a square shaped end of the spring  220  that is engaged with the connector bar  75  within a notch  240  so that the spring  220  does not move relative to the connector bar  75  along the axis  60 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the second leg member  235  extends outward from the coil portion  225  and is engaged with the end handle portion  35  within a spring channel  245  to hold the telescoping mechanism  55  in the first state absent a force applied to one or both of the gear buttons  200 . As illustrated, the second leg member  235  prevents substantial unbiased rotation of the spring  220  with the connector bar  75 . Due to the arrangement of the connector bar  75 , the gear  180 , and the spring  220 , the spring  220  biases the gear buttons  200  outward so that the engagement surface  205  is substantially aligned with the outer profile of the end handle portion  35 . With reference to  FIGS. 3-5 , the meshing between the teeth  190  and the rack portions  210  and the bias from the spring  220  limit the distance that the gear buttons  200  can move outward away from each other. 
     The connector bar  75  extends between the end handle portion  35  and the expansion member  65 , and is coupled to the gear  180  so that the gear  180  and the connector bar  75  rotate with each other. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the connector bar  75  extends completely through the interior passageway  195  and is flush with the recess  175 . As illustrated, the connector bar  75  has a square-shaped cross-section, although the connector bar  75  can have other polygonal or curved (e.g., circular, elliptical, oblong, etc.) cross-sections. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate a cone nut or tapered screw  250  that is coupled to the connector bar  75  at a location that is near, but spaced from, a lower end of the connector bar  75 . The tapered screw  250  is defined by an inverted, truncated conically-shaped body (as viewed in  FIG. 3 ) and has an interior passageway  255  that is shaped (e.g., square) to conform to the profile of the connector bar  75  so that the tapered screw  250  is slidably attached and non-rotatable relative to the connector bar  75 . As illustrated, the tapered screw  250  has a right-hand thread  260  extending radially around and downward along the outside of the body (i.e., following the conically-shaped profile of the passageway  80 ). The thread  260  is engageable and disengageable relative to the thread groove  125  in response to movement of the connector bar  75  to expand the sleeve  90  and to permit the sleeve  90  to contract, respectively. 
     The expansion member  65  is resilient in that the sleeve  90  expands (corresponding to the first state of the telescoping mechanism  55 ) and contracts (corresponding to the second state of the telescoping mechanism  55 ) in response to rotation of the connector bar  75  via operation of the pushbutton assembly  70  to permit telescoping the handle  15  and to thereafter secure the handle  15  when the tool  10  reaches a desired length. When the tapered screw  250  is substantially seated in the sleeve  90 , the taper of the screw  250  pushes outward on the conical portion of the passageway  80  to unfurl or uncurl the sleeve  90  by virtue of the first and second cutouts  115 ,  120  and the vertically extending channels  135  on the expansion member  65 . Likewise, when the tapered screw  250  is at least partially unseated from the sleeve  90 , the taper of the screw  250  no longer pushes outward on the passageway  80 . As a result, the sleeve  90  remained substantially furled or curled based on the resiliency of the material forming the sleeve  90 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  7 - 10 ,  17 , and  18 , a tool release mechanism  265  is positioned between the handle  15  and the tool head  20  to attach and detach a mop  50  relative to the tool head  20 . The tool release mechanism  265  includes a drawbar member  270  positioned substantially within the first handle portion  25 , and an actuator mechanism  275  coupled to the handle  15  and operatively attached to an upper end of the drawbar member  270 . The drawbar member  270  is defined by an elongated body (e.g., illustrated with a cross-shaped cross-section) that extends between the actuator mechanism  275  and a stem  280  extending upward from the tool head  20  so that the distal end of the handle  15  is detachably coupled to the tool head  20 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 17 , the drawbar member  270  has opposed longitudinally extending slots  285  that are disposed adjacent an upper end of the drawbar member  270  and that align with opposed elongated first apertures  290  of the first handle portion  25 .  FIGS. 8-10  show that the drawbar member  270  also has spaced apart, resilient extensions  295  extending from a spring seat  300  disposed adjacent a lower end of the drawbar member  270 . The illustrated extensions  295  are elongated and define hook elements  305  that engage and disengage the stem  280  to attach and detach the handle  15  relative to the tool head  20  as described in detail below. Tabs  310  (one shown) extend outward from the base of each extension  295  near the spring seat  300  to support a spring  315  (e.g., a coil spring) that is positioned over the extensions  295 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the spring  315  is sandwiched between the spring seat  300  and a top of the stem  280 . 
       FIG. 17-20  show that the actuator mechanism  275  is attached to the handle  15  adjacent the middle of the first handle portion  25 . Generally, the actuator mechanism  275  is spaced from the end handle portion  35  so that a user can grasp the end handle portion  35  with one hand while operating the actuator mechanism  275  with the other hand. 
     The actuator mechanism  275  includes a housing  320  that is engaged with the first handle portion  25  and that is defined by a first handle member  325   a  and a second handle member  325   b  that is attached to the first handle member  325   a . Each of the illustrated first and second handle members  325   a .  325   b  defines one half of the housing  320  such that, cooperatively, the first and second handle members  325   a .  325   b  sandwich or encapsulate a portion of the first handle portion  25  within the housing  320 . Each of the first and second handle members  325   a ,  325   b  has a hollow neck portion  330   a ,  330   b  that is integrally connected to a bulbous portion  335   a ,  335   b  disposed above the neck portion  330   a ,  330   b  (i.e., closer to the proximal end of the handle  15 ). 
     Each neck portion  330   a ,  330   b  has an inwardly directed projection  340   a ,  340   b  that extends through the opposed elongated first apertures  290  of the first handle portion  25  and that is disposed in one recess  350  of the drawbar member  270  to attach the housing  320  to the first handle portion  25 . The projection  340   a ,  340   b  of the first handle member  325   a  has threaded holes  355  that align with unthreaded holes  345  in the second handle member  325   b . Fasteners  360  extend through the unthreaded holes  345  and the drawbar member  270 , and then into the threaded holes  355  to it attach the first and second handle members  325   a ,  325   b  to each other and to the drawbar member  270 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , additional fasteners  365  attach the bulbous portions  335   a .  335   b  to each other. The bulbous portions  335   a ,  335   b  of the first and second handle members  325   a .  325   b  cooperatively define an annular cavity  370  that houses a snap ring holder  375 , a snap ring  380 , and an actuator  385 . The cavity  370  is partially defined by an upper cavity portion that is bounded by a first annular flange  390  located adjacent (e.g., flush with) the top of the handle members, and a second annular flange  395  spaced below the first annular flange  390 . The cavity  370  is further defined by a lower cavity portion that is conically tapered inward and that is defined by an annular ledge  400  located at a bottom of the cavity  370 . The annular ledge  400  is partially recessed into the wall defining the bulbous portions  335   a ,  335   b.    
     As illustrated, the snap ring holder  375  is defined by an annular body and includes an annular rim  405  that has a substantially planar ledge  410  and a sidewall  415  that tapers downward and inward from the rim  405  toward the first handle portion  25 . Fastener tabs  420  are circumferentially spaced around the annular body to fasten (e.g. using rivets or other fasteners, welding, etc.) the snap ring holder  375  to the first handle portion  25 . The illustrated snap ring holder  375  has three fastener tabs  420  circumferentially spaced by about 60° from each other, although fewer or more tabs can be used and at larger or smaller angular distances. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 17-20 , the snap ring  380  is disposed around the first handle portion  25  and is supported on the annular ledge  400  located at the bottom of the cavity  370 . The snap ring  380  has a base  425  that is nested in the annular ledge  400  so that movement of the housing  320  also moves the snap ring  380 . The snap ring  380  also has a plurality of engagement members  430  that extend upward from and are spaced circumferentially around the base  425 . The distal end of each engagement member  430  defines a hook member or catch  435  that has a curved outer surface  440  and a conically-shaped inner surface  445 . A resilient O-ring  450  (or another similar resilient member) is positioned around and engaged with distal ends of the engagement members  430  within corresponding O-ring channels  455  to inwardly bias the distal ends toward the first handle portion  25 . In other words, the O-ring  450  encapsulates and resists outward movement of the free ends of the engagement members  430 . Although six engagement members  430  are illustrated in  FIGS. 17-20 , fewer or more than six engagement members  430  are possible and considered herein. 
     The illustrated actuator  385  is defined by a mushroom-shaped body that has a hole  460  through which the first handle portion  25  extends. As shown in  FIGS. 18-20 , the hole  460  is defined a plurality of annular projections  465  vertically separated from each other by annular channels  470  to reduce friction when the actuator  385  moves relative to the first handle portion  25 . The actuator  385  has a cap portion  475  and a column  480  disposed below the cap portion  475 . The cap portion  475  is positioned above the housing  320 , and the column  480  is encapsulated by the housing  320  when the actuator mechanism  275  is coupled to the handle  15 . The cap portion  475  and the bulbous portions  335   a ,  335   b  substantially match each other to provide a smooth, ergonomic outer profile for the actuator mechanism  275 . The underside of the actuator  385  is generally shaped to accommodate the first annular flange  390  when the actuator  385  is pressed downward, as detailed below. 
     The illustrated column  480  is defined by a cylindrical body that is at least partially encapsulated by the bulbous portions  335   a ,  335   b . The column  480  has a tapered end wall  485  and an annular projection  490  extending around the cylindrical body between the end wall  485  and the joint between the cap portion  475  and the column  480 . The end wall  485  is engageable with the snap ring  380  to disengage the catches  435  from the rim  405  of the snap ring holder  375 . When the actuator mechanism  275  is assembled onto the handle  15 , the annular projection  490  is disposed below the first annular flange  390  and cooperates with the second annular flange  395  and the upper cavity portion to support an actuator spring  495  (e.g., coil spring) that biases the actuator  385  upward along the axis  60  relative to the housing  320 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-11 , the stem  280  is defined by a hollow shaft  500  that has resilient pushbutton members  505  that are defined by elongated, U-shaped channels  510  (one shown) disposed in the shaft  500 . Each pushbutton member  505  has a protrusion  515  that is connected to the remainder of the shaft  500  by a bridge section  520 , and the protrusions  515  flex inward and outward in response to corresponding forces acting on the protrusions  515 . With reference to  FIG. 8 , the pushbutton members  505  are engageable by the drawbar member  270  so that the protrusions  515  protrude outward through second apertures  525  in the first handle portion  25  to attach the handle  15  to the stem  280 . With reference to  FIG. 10 , the protrusions  515  can be engaged by a user to disengage the drawbar member  270  from the protrusions  515  to detach the handle  15  from the stem  280 . 
     The stem  280  also includes an attachment member  530  extending from a lower end of the shaft  500  and pivotably coupled to the tool head  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , the attachment member  530  has an end  535  with an aperture  540  extending laterally through the attachment member  530 , and a channel  542  generally aligned with the axis  60  and communicating with the hollow of the shaft  500 . As illustrated, the aperture  540  is keyed (two keys are shown), and the end  535  defines a split end. Alternatively, the end  535  of the attachment member  530  can be formed without the split. 
       FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  10 ,  11 - 15  illustrate that the tool head  20  includes a frame  545 , a handle pivot assembly  550  on a top surface  555  of the frame  545 , and a mop attachment mechanism  560  that has engagement panels  565  coupled to an underside of the frame  545 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the frame  545  has a first or lateral axis  570  extending lengthwise along the frame  545  and a second or cross axis  575  extending widthwise along the frame  545 . With reference to  FIG. 11 , the top surface  555  has two pairs of holes  580  located adjacent the lateral ends of the frame  545 , and a centrally located hole or opening  585  over which the handle pivot assembly  550  is positioned. End caps  590  are attached to the lateral ends of the frame  545  within the holes  580  to enclose the sides of the frame  545  and the engagement panels  565 . More specifically, each of the illustrated end caps  590  includes a pair of resilient tabs  595  that are engageable and disengageable with one of the pairs of holes  580  to permit attachment and detachment of the end caps  590  relative to the frame  545 . Each end cap  590  also includes an alignment key  600  that is aligned with a corresponding key slot  605  in the frame  545  to further support and align the end caps  590  relative to the frame  545 . It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the alignment key  600  and the key slot  605  can be reversed (i.e., the end cap  590  can include the key slot  605  and the frame  645  can include the key  600 ). Also, the end caps  590  can be attached to the frame  545  in other ways. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  10 - 14 , the handle pivot assembly  550  includes a base  610  and a pivot body  615  that is coupled to the base  610  and that partially defines a first pivot joint or axle  620  and at a second pivot joint or axle  625  to which the stem  280  is attached to provide two degrees of freedom for the handle  15  (i.e., rotation about the lateral axis  570  and the cross axis  575 ). The base  610  is positioned over the opening  585  and includes first support arms  630  extending upward from the base  610  to pivotably support the pivot body  615 . As illustrated, each first support arm  630  has an aperture  635  that is axially aligned with the aperture  635  of the other support arm  630  along the lateral axis  570 . 
     A hole  640  extends through the base  610  between the first support arms  630 . The hole  640  is in communication with the opening  585  in the frame  545 , and guide pins  645  are inserted into the base  610  from adjacent the backside of the frame  545  (i.e., the illustrated guide pins  645  are inserted into the base  610  along the cross axis  575 ) so that the guide pins  645  are disposed adjacent the perimeter of the hole  640 . The illustrated base  610  also has a platform  650  that can be used to, among other things, support marketing indicia or other indicia (e.g., company information, symbols, etc.). 
     The illustrated pivot body  615  has a cylindrical portion that cooperates with the support arms to define the first axle  620 . Alternatively, the pivot body  615  can be defined by other shapes permitting pivotal movement relative to the support arms. With reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the cylindrical portion defines a first passageway  655  that aligns with the apertures  635  in the first support arms  630  in the direction of the cross axis  575 , and a second passageway  660  that intersects the first passageway  655  and that is aligned with the hole  640  in the base  610 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11-14 , first joint halves or bushings  665  extend through the support arms  630  into the first passageway  655  to pivotably couple the pivot body  615  to the base  610  about a first pivot axis  670  (e.g., parallel to the lateral axis  570 ). The illustrated first bushings  665  are keyed into the first passageway  655 , and the head of each first bushing  665  is countersunk into the corresponding support arm  630 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 12-14 , each first bushing  665  extends into the pivot body  615  so that the inner ends of the first bushings  665  are spaced a distance from each other (e.g., 1-25 millimeters) to avoid blocking the second passageway  660 . In some constructions, the first bushings  665  can be formed as one unitary, integral bushing with a slot or other passageway disposed at or near the middle of the unitary bushing. 
     As illustrated, the first bushings  665  are identical, although non-identical first bushings can be used. First pins  675  extend completely through corresponding spaced apart first passages  680  in the first bushings  665  to secure the first bushings  665  to each other. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the first pins  675  are separated from each other to define a small gap (e.g., 1-10 millimeters). While two pins  675  are illustrated, one or more than two pins  675  can be used to attach the first bushings  665  to each other. Also, other attachment mechanisms can be used in place of the pins  675 . 
     The pivot body  615  also includes upwardly extending second support arms  685  that are connected to (e.g., integrally formed with) the cylindrical portion and that cooperate with the end  535  and second joint halves or bushings  690  to define the second axle  625 . As shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  10 , and  11 , the second support arms  685  are spaced from each other along the cross axis  575  so that the split end  535  of the stem  280  is disposed between the second support arms  685 . In this manner, the channel  542  in the attachment member  530  is generally aligned with the second passageway  660  in the pivot body  615 . Alternatively, the end  535  of the attachment member  530  can receive and be rotatably pinned to a single arm  615 , whether the end  535  has a split or not. 
     With reference to FIGS.  8  and  10 - 14 , each second support arm  685  defines an aperture  695  that is aligned with the aperture  540  in the attachment member  530 , and the second bushings  690  extend through the second support arms  685  into the attachment member  530  to pivotably couple the stem  280  to the base  610  about a second pivot axis  700  (e.g., parallel to the cross axis  575  in the maintenance tool orientation shown in  FIG. 7 ). Each second bushing  690  is keyed into a respective aperture  695  and has a head that is countersunk into the corresponding second support arm  685 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , each second bushing  690  extends through one second support arm  685  and one half of the split end  535  so that the inner ends of the second bushings  690  are spaced a distance from each other (e.g., 1-25 millimeters) to avoid blocking the channel  542  in the split end  535 . In some constructions, the second bushings  690  can be formed as a unitary, integral bushing with a slot or other passageway disposed near the middle of the unitary bushing. 
     As illustrated, the second bushings  690  are identical, although non-identical second bushings  690  can be used. As illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , second pins  705  extend through corresponding spaced apart second passages  710  in the second bushings  690  to secure the second bushings  690  to each other. Like the first pins  675 , the second pins  705  are separated from each other to define a gap (e.g., 1-10 millimeters). While two pins  705  are illustrated, one or more than two pins  705  can be used to attach the second bushings  690  to each other. Also, other attachment mechanisms can be used in place of the second pins  705 . Furthermore, other constructions of the tool  10  can include a single axle (e.g., a ball joint) to provide multiple degrees of freedom between the handle  15  and the tool head  20  while remaining within the scope of the invention described herein. 
       FIGS. 8 ,  10 ,  11 , and  13 - 15  illustrate one construction of the mop attachment mechanism  560  including first and second engagement panels  565   a ,  565   b  that slide along the lateral axis  570  on the underside of the frame  545  to attach and detach the mop  50  relative to the tool head  20  when the actuator mechanism  275  is engaged. As shown in  FIG. 11 , each engagement panel  565   a ,  565   b  is identical (although illustrated as being rotated 180° relative to each other) and has elongated projections  715  extending along the lateral axis  570  that engage correspondingly-shaped grooves  720  on the underside of the frame  545 . As illustrated, the projections  715  have opposed lips or protruding edges that are disposed in corresponding slots in the grooves  720  when the engagement panels  565   a ,  565   b  are attached to the frame  545 . Each engagement panel  565   a ,  565   b  can have one or more projections  715  engaged with corresponding grooves  720  in the frame  545 . Also, some constructions of the tool head  20  include only one engagement panel  565   a ,  565   b  that moves relative to the other engagement panel  565   a ,  565   b  (i.e., one of the engagement panels  565   a ,  565   b  is immovable relative to the frame  545 ). Other constructions can include projections  715  defined by non-elongated head pins extending outward from the panels  565   a ,  565   b  and engaged with the frame  545  within the grooves  720 . Moreover, the projections  715  can be part of the frame  545  and the grooves  720  can be part of the panels  565   a ,  565   b , or both the frame  545  and the panels  565   a ,  565   b  can include both projections  715  and grooves  720 . Furthermore, other male-female and non-male/female attachments can be incorporated into the tool  10  to attach the panels  565   a ,  565   b  to the frame  545 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 15 , the engagement panels  565   a ,  565   b  include cooperative overlapping portions  725  that guide sliding movement of one engagement panel  565   a ,  565   b  along the lateral axis  570  relative to the other engagement panel  565   a ,  565   b . Each engagement panel  565   a ,  565   b  also includes one or more mop engagement sections  730  that are slidably disposed within slots  285  in the engagement panel  565   a ,  565   b . As shown in  FIG. 15 , each engagement panel  565   a ,  565   b  has three mop engagement sections  730  that are dovetailed into the frame  545 , although fewer or more than three engagement sections can be incorporated into the engagement panels  565   a ,  565   b . Also, the engagement sections can be attached to the frame  545  in other ways (e.g., t-shaped groove and projection, pin and groove connections, adhesive or cohesive bonding material, or other modes of joinery between the sections  730  and the panels  565   a ,  565   b , etc.), with or without fasteners. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 ,  10 , and  13 - 15 , each mop engagement section  730  has a plate that supports a first plurality of pins  740  (e.g., cylindrical projections, tapered projections such as barbs, hooks, spurs, etc.) disposed along and near one lengthwise edge of the frame  545 , and a second plurality of pins  745  (e.g., cylindrical projections, tapered projections such as barbs, hooks, spurs, etc.) disposed along and near the other lengthwise edge. As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the first plurality of pins  740  for each engagement panel  565   a ,  565   b  are angled generally downward from the plate  735  and outward along the lateral axis  570  (i.e., toward the end cap  590  for the corresponding engagement panel  565   a ,  565   b ). As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , the angled pins  740  are straight when the tool head  20  is viewed in a cross-section along the cross axis  575 . Referring to  FIGS. 8 ,  10 ,  13 , and  14 , the second plurality of pins  745  are straight when viewed in any cross-section (i.e., they extend straight from their respective engagement panels  565   a ,  565   b ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  10 , and  15 , one of the mop engagement sections  730  on each engagement panel  565   a ,  565   b  also includes glide pins  750  that extend outward from the plate  735 . The glide pins  750  are straight pins that are slightly longer (e.g., by 1 millimeter) than the first and second pluralities of pins  740 ,  745  to prevent the pins  740 ,  745  from resting on the floor when a mop is not attached to the frame  545 . Generally, the mop engagement sections  730  are removable and replaceable so that if one or more pins  740 ,  745 ,  750  are damaged, a replacement section can be attached to the tool head  20  without having to replace the entire tool head  20 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates another construction of a mop attachment mechanism  755  for the tool head  20 . Except as described below, the mop attachment mechanism  755  is the same as the mop attachment mechanism  560  described with regard to  FIGS. 8 ,  10 , and  13 - 15 , with like elements given the same reference numerals. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 16 , the mop attachment mechanism  755  includes opposed sliding engagement panels  760   a ,  760   b  each occupying one half of a forward portion of the frame  545 , and a fixed engagement panel  765  extending along the entire length of the frame  545  (i.e., along the lateral axis  570 ) behind the sliding engagement panels  760   a ,  760   b . In other constructions, the fixed engagement panel  765  can be located in other positions along the frame  545 , and/or multiple fixed engagement panels  765  can be used. The sliding engagement panels  760   a ,  760   b  and the fixed engagement panel  765  cooperate to attach and detach the mop  50  relative to the tool head  20  when the actuator mechanism  275  is engaged. Each engagement panel  760   a ,  760   b ,  765 , whether sliding or fixed, can be removably attached to the frame  545  for replacement or repair, as desired. 
     The sliding engagement panels  760   a ,  760   b  include cooperative overlapping portions  770  that guide sliding movement of one engagement panel  760   a ,  760   b  along the lateral axis  570  relative to the other engagement panel  760   a ,  760   b . Each sliding engagement panel  760   a ,  760   b  also includes a plurality of mop engagement sections  775  that are slidably disposed within slots  285  (e.g., dovetailed) in the corresponding engagement panel  760   a ,  760   b , although the sections  775  can be attached to the panels  760   a ,  760   b  in any suitable manner—including those described above in connection with  FIG. 16 . As illustrated, each mop engagement section  775  supports the first plurality of pins  740  occupying substantially the entire plate  735 . The fixed engagement panel  765  supports the second plurality of pins  745 . Also, the glide pins  750  illustrated in  FIG. 16  are disposed adjacent corners of the end caps  590  rather than on one or more of the engagement panels  760   a ,  760   b  as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . As will be appreciated, the tool head  20  described herein can be designed to support other arrangements of engagement panels and corresponding engagement sections on the frame  545 . 
       FIGS. 8-13  illustrate a cable assembly that interconnects the sliding engagement panels  565 ,  760  (of either mop attachment mechanism  560 ,  755 ) and the actuator mechanism  275  via the drawbar member  270 . With reference to  FIGS. 8-10 , the cable assembly includes a cable holder  780  disposed in the stem  280  and aligned within the hollow shaft  500  via a cooperative keying arrangement  782 . The keying arrangement  782  also permits sliding of the cable holder  780  relative to the stem  280 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , the cable holder  780  is defined by a substantially cylindrical body and has a wall  785  that defines a central passageway  790  accessible from a first or upper end of the cable holder  780  body. As illustrated, the central passageway  790  is elongated in one direction relative to the other such that the passageway  790  is oblong in cross-section. Also, the central passageway  790  terminates at a cable attachment portion  795  that is located adjacent a second or lower end of the cable holder  780 . 
     The wall  785  is shaped such that the end that has the central passageway  790  defines a pedestal and the remaining portion of the wall  785  tapers from a narrow neck area to a wider opposite end that has the cable attachment portion  795 . Also, the central passageway  790  is partially exposed and the pedestal and neck area of the cable holder  780  cooperatively define a receiver  800  to which the hook elements  305  can be attached after the extensions  295  of the drawbar member  270  are inserted into the central passageway  790 . 
     The cable assembly illustrated with regard to  FIGS. 8-13  has two cables  805   a ,  805   b  (e.g., wire, braided or unbraided wires, rope, or other flexible material, hereinafter collectively referred to as a “cable”) that interconnect the cable holder  780  and the engagement panels  565 . The illustrated cable attachment portion  795  is defined by a jaw that has an arduous (e.g., a zig-zag patterned) jaw channel  810  such that the second end of the cable holder  780  is split apart to receive one end of each cable. A fastener  812  extends into a hole  813  in the cable attachment portion  795  and across the jaw channel  810  to draw the two sides of the cable attachment portion  795  together, thus securing the ends of the cables  805   a ,  805   b  to the cable holder  780  within the jaw channel  810 . However, any other cable securement device or method can instead be used to secure the cable  805   a ,  805   b  to the cable holder  780 . 
     With reference to FIGS.  8  and  10 - 13 , the cables  805   a ,  805   b  are routed together from the cable holder  780  through the shaft  500 , through the channel  542  in the attachment member  530  and between the second bushings  690 , through the passageway in the pivot body  615  between the first bushings  665 , and through the hole  640  in the base  610  before terminating at a panel bias mechanism  815  that is positioned between and attached to the sliding engagement panels  565 . With regard to the first and second axles  620 ,  625 , the cables  805   a ,  805   b  are trapped or surrounded (e.g., encapsulated) by the first and second bushings  690 ,  665 , respectively, within the gap between the pins  675 ,  705 , which act as guides for the cables  805   a ,  805   b.    
     The illustrated panel bias mechanism  815  has opposed spring holders  820   a ,  820   b , one each rigidly attached to a corresponding engagement panel  565  via fasteners  825 . Stated another way, each of the spring holders  820   a ,  820   b  moves with the engagement panel  565  to which the spring holder  820   a ,  820   b  is attached. As illustrated, each spring holder  820   a ,  820   b  defines a shelf that is engaged with a corresponding shelf on the engagement panel  565 . 
     Each illustrated spring holder  820   a ,  820   b  has a cable post  830  that is positioned between adjacent spring holders  820   a ,  820   b  and around which one of the cables  805   a ,  805   b  is routed and fastened. While the illustrated cables  805   a ,  805   b  are secured to the cable posts  830  via cable clips or ties  835 , the cables  805   a ,  805   b  can be attached to the panel bias mechanism  815  (or directly to the engagement panels  565 ) using any other suitable attachment mechanism. Springs  840  are disposed in and encapsulated by the spring holders  820   a ,  820   b  to bias the spring holders  820   a ,  820   b  away from each other. The bias associated with the springs  840  also biases the engagement panels  565  away from each other due to the rigid attachment of the spring holders  820   a ,  820   b  to the engagement panels  565 . The bias can be accomplished in other ways (e.g., using one or more springs, bands, etc., positioned in the frame, etc.), and/or by using a different bias mechanism other than the panel bias mechanism  815  is illustrated in  FIGS. 11-14 . 
       FIG. 14  shows another construction of the cable assembly including a single cable  805  that interconnects the cable holder  780  and the engagement panels  565 . Like the two-cable construction, the cable  805  is routed from the cable holder  780  through the shaft  500 , through the channel  542  in the attachment member  530  and between the second bushings  690 , through the passageway in the pivot body  615  between the first bushings  665 , and through the hole  640  in the base  610  before terminating at the panel bias mechanism  815 . The single-cable construction illustrated with regard to  FIG. 14  differs from the two-cable construction in the way that the cable  805  attaches to the panel bias mechanism  815 . More specifically, in the single-cable construction of  FIG. 14 , the cable  805  wraps around one of the guide pins  645 , around one of the cable posts  830 , and is secured to the other cable post  830 . Also, while the cables  805   a ,  805   b  in the two-cable construction are equally pulled and released via movement of the cable holder  780  (i.e., each cable  805   a .  805   b  acts on one of the cable posts  830 ), the cable  805  in the single-cable construction squeezes the cable posts  830  together. In other words, the single cable  805  acts on both cable posts  830  via a single force-transmitting element. 
       FIGS. 21-23  illustrate another telescoping mechanism  855  that can be used with the tool  10  within the handle  15  between the first and second handle portions  25 ,  30 . Except as described below, the telescoping mechanism  855  is the same as the telescoping mechanism  55  described with regard to  FIGS. 1-6 , and like elements are given the same reference numerals. 
     The telescoping mechanism  855  includes the expansion member  65  coupled between the first handle portion  25  and the second handle portion  30 , an end handle portion  860  that is coupled to (e.g., partially overlapping, as shown) the upper end of the second handle portion  30 , and an elongated connector bar  865 . The connector bar  865  interconnects the expansion member  65  and the end handle portion  860 . The telescoping mechanism  855  is positioned in the handle  15  between the first handle portion  25  and the second handle portion  30  to permit lengthening and shortening of the handle  15  along the axis  60  between the proximal end and the distal end. Like the telescoping mechanism  55 , the telescoping mechanism  855  has a first state in which the handle  15  is inhibited from being lengthened or shortened, and a second state in which the handle  15  can be lengthened or shortened. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the end handle portion  860  has a tube section  870  and a balloon-shaped end portion  875  coupled to an end of the tube section  870 . The tube section  870  is hollow and has an annular throat  880  located adjacent the upper end (i.e., where the ball-shaped end  870  attaches to the tube section  865 ). The throat  880  is spaced a short distance from the upper end of the tube section  870  and defines an inverted shelf  885 . Projections  890  extend inward from the wall of the tube section  870  between the upper end and the throat  880 . The projections  890  are circumferentially spaced apart from each other with slots  895  disposed between the projections  890 . As illustrated, the lower ends of the slots  895  taper radially inward and downward (i.e., away from the upper end of the tube section  870 ) to define ramps  900  that terminate at the inverted shelf  885 . 
     The illustrated end portion  875  has an upper ball-shaped section  905  with a decorative sleeve  910  that extends around the perimeter of the ball-shaped section  905 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , the end portion  875  also has a blind passage  915  that extends vertically into the end portion  875  from adjacent the underside of the end portion  875 , and a neck section  920  extending away from the ball-shaped section  905  (i.e., downward along the axis  60  as viewed in  FIG. 23 ). The illustrated blind passage  915  is square-shaped in cross-section to match the cross-sectional shape of the connector bar  865 . Referring to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the connector bar  865  is coupled to the end handle portion  860  within the blind passage  915 . As shown, the connector bar  865  is secured in place within the end handle portion  860  using a pin  925  extending through the connector bar  865  and the neck section  920 . 
     The neck section  920  has a plurality of circumferentially-arranged and spaced apart fingers  930  that cooperatively define a resilient split rivet feature  935  for attaching the end portion  875  to the tube section  870 . In particular, the distal ends of the fingers  930  are engaged with the inverted shelf  885  to permit rotation of the end portion  875  relative to the tube section  870  while inhibiting removal of the end portion  875  from the tube section  870 . The connector bar  865  extends between the expansion member  65  and the end handle portion  860  so that the end portion  875  and the connector bar  865  rotate with each other. The tapered screw  250  is coupled to the connector bar  865  at a location that is near, but spaced from, a lower end of the connector bar  865 . As described above, the thread  260  is engageable and disengageable relative to the thread groove  125  in response to movement of the connector bar  865  to expand the sleeve  90  and to permit the sleeve  90  to contract, respectively. 
     The expansion member  65  is resilient in that the sleeve  90  expands (corresponding to the first state of the telescoping mechanism  55 ) and contracts (corresponding to the second state of the telescoping mechanism  55 ) in response to rotation of the connector bar  865  via rotation of the end portion  875  to permit telescoping the handle  15  and to thereafter secure the handle  15  when the tool  10  reaches a desired length. When the tapered screw  250  is substantially seated in the sleeve  90 , the taper of the screw  250  pushes outward on the conical portion of the passageway  80  to unfurl, uncurl, or otherwise expand the sleeve  90  by virtue of the first and second cutouts  115 ,  120  and the vertically extending channels  135  on the expansion member  65 . Likewise, when the tapered screw  250  is at least partially unseated from the sleeve  90 , the taper of the screw  250  no longer pushes outward on the passageway  80 . As a result, the sleeve  90  remained substantially furled, curled, or otherwise contracted based on the resiliency of the material forming the sleeve  90 . 
     The illustrated floor maintenance tool  10  is assembled by attaching the actuator mechanism  275  and either the telescoping mechanism  55  or the telescoping mechanism  855  to the handle  15 , and assembling the tool head  20  for attachment to the handle  15 . The telescoping mechanism  55  is installed in the handle  15  by inserting the handle support  85  of the expansion member  65  into the upper end of the first handle portion  25  and attaching the handle support  85  to the first handle portion  25 . Also, the guide member  145  is attached to the end of the second handle portion  30 , and the second handle portion  30  is then inserted over the upper end of the first handle portion  25 . 
     To connect the second handle portion  30  with the end handle portion  35 , the gear  180  can be attached to the upper end of the bar  75  before the bar  75  is inserted into the end handle portion  35  so that the bar and the gear  180  are partially nested in the recess  175 . With the bar and gear  180  inserted into the end handle portion  35 , the gear buttons  200  are inserted into the chamber  170  to mesh with the teeth  190  on the gear  180 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the gear buttons  200  are inserted so that only the distal-most linear teeth of the gear buttons  200  are meshed with the gear  180  upon initial assembly. In this manner, the curved exterior profile of each gear  180  button substantially conforms to the curved outer profile of the end handle portion  35 . 
     After the gear  180  and the gear buttons  200  are meshed, the spring  220  is passed upward along the connector bar  75  so that the first leg member  230  is placed near the notch  240  in the connector bar  75 . The spring  220  is then further pressed upward along the axis  60  so that the first leg member  230  is engaged with the connector bar  75  within the notch  240  and the second leg member  235  is disposed in the spring channel  245 . The tapered screw  250  is then slid onto the lower end of the bar  75 . The tube section  45  of the end handle portion  35  is then positioned over the upper end of the second handle portion  30  with the connector bar  75  so that the connector bar  75  extends into the first handle portion  25  through the expansion member  65 . The end handle portion  35  can be adhered or otherwise fixed to the second handle portion  30  in any suitable manner. The tapered screw  250  is tightly threaded into the sleeve  90  by rotating the first handle portion  25  relative to the second handle portion  30  so that the sleeve  90  expands outward and presses on the inner side of the second handle portion  30  to limit telescoping of the handle  15 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , a user can shorten or lengthen the handle  15  by pressing one or both of the gear buttons  200  inward to vary the telescoping mechanism  55  from the first state to the second state. Pressure on the gear buttons  200  rotates the gear  180  (counterclockwise as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ), which rotates the connector bar  75  by virtue of the fixed attachment between the connector bar  75  into the gear  180 . Counter-clockwise rotation of the connector bar  75  partially unseats the tapered screw  250  from the sleeve  90 , relieving the pressure that was applied to the inside of the second handle portion  30 . With less pressure applied to the second handle portion  30 , the user can slide the first handle portion  25  relative to the second handle portion  30  in either direction along the axis  60  until a desired length of the handle  15  has been achieved. The tapered screw  250  remains partially engaged with the sleeve  90  and moves with the first handle portion  25  along the bar  75  when the first handle portion  25  slides relative to the second handle portion  30 . At that point, the user releases the gear buttons  200  to return the telescoping mechanism  55  to the first state. In particular, the gear buttons  200  are biased outward by the spring  220  acting on the connector bar  75 , which in turn rotates the gear  180  and the connector bar  75  clockwise. Clockwise rotation of the connector bar  75  re-seats the tapered screw  250  substantially completely in the sleeve  90 , which increases the pressure of the sleeve  90  on the second handle portion  30  to limit movement of the first handle portion  25  relative to the second handle portion  30 . 
     Except as described below, installation of the telescoping mechanism  855  is the same as the installation of the telescoping mechanism  55  described with regard to  FIGS. 1-6 . With reference to  FIGS. 21-23 , the telescoping mechanism  855  is installed in the handle  15  by inserting the handle support  85  of the expansion member  65  into the upper end of the first handle portion  25  and attaching the handle support  85  to the first handle portion  25 . Also, the guide member  145  is attached to the end of the second handle portion  30 , and the second handle portion  30  is then inserted over the upper end of the first handle portion  25 . 
     To connect the first handle portion  25  with the end handle portion  860 , the connector bar  865  is positioned within the blind passage of the end portion  875  and is secured to the end handle portion  860  via the pin  925 . The end portion  875  is attached to the tube section  870  after the connector bar  865  is attached to the end portion  875 . To connect the end portion  875  to the tube section  870 , the fingers  930  are inserted into the slots  895  and are guided into engagement with the inverted shelf  885  by the projections  890 . The ramps  900  bias or flex the fingers  930  inward a small amount so that the split rivet feature  935  passes over and engages the inverted shelf  885 . The second handle portion  30  is then inserted into the tube section  870  so that the upper end of the second handle portion  30  abuts or is located adjacent the inverted shelf  885 . The tapered screw  250  is then slid onto the lower end of the bar  865 . The tapered screw  250  is tightly threaded into the sleeve  90  by rotating the connector bar  865  via rotation of the end portion  875  so that the sleeve  90  expands outward and presses on the inner side of the second handle portion  30  to limit telescoping of the handle  15 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 21-23 , a user can shorten or lengthen the handle  15  by rotating the end portion  875  in a counter-clockwise direction to vary the telescoping mechanism  855  from the first state to the second state. Counter-clockwise rotation of the end portion  875  also rotates the connector bar  865  by virtue of the fixed attachment between the connector bar  865  and the end handle portion  860 . Rotation of the connector bar  865  partially unseats the tapered screw  250  from the sleeve  90 , relieving the pressure that was applied to the inside of the second handle portion  30 . With less pressure applied to the second handle portion  30 , the user can slide the first handle portion  25  relative to the second handle portion  30  in either direction along the axis  60  until a desired length of the handle  15  has been achieved. The tapered screw  250  remains partially engaged with the sleeve  90  and moves with the first handle portion  25  along the bar  75  when the first handle portion  25  slides relative to the second handle portion  30 . At that point, the user rotates the end portion  875  in a clockwise direction to return the telescoping mechanism  855  to the first state by virtue of corresponding clockwise movement of the connector bar  865 . Clockwise movement of the connector bar  865  re-seats the tapered screw  250  substantially completely in the sleeve  90 , which increases the pressure of the sleeve  90  on the second handle portion  30  to limit movement of the first handle portion  25  relative to the second handle portion  30 . 
     The tool release mechanism  265  is attached to the handle  15  before the handle  15  is connected to the tool head  20 . The drawbar member  270  is inserted into the first handle portion  25  from the lower end so that the slots  285  align with the opposed first apertures  290  in the first handle portion  25 . The actuator  385 , the actuator spring  495 , the snap ring holder  375 , the O-ring  450 , and the snap ring  380  (generally in that order) are also positioned around the first handle portion  25  by inserting these components over the first handle portion  25  (before or after the drawbar member  270  is inserted into the first handle portion  25 ) from adjacent a lower end of the first handle portion  25 . In other constructions, the components can be positioned around the first handle portion  25  from adjacent the upper end, with a slight rearrangement in the order of attachment. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the snap ring holder  375  is attached to the first handle portion  25  using fasteners, and the snap ring  380  is positioned adjacent the snap ring holder  375  so that the catches  435  rest on the annular rim  405  of the snap ring holder  375 . The O-ring  450  is then moved downward to engage the O-ring channels  455  in the engagement members  430 . The O-ring  450  biases the engagement members  430  toward the first handle portion  25  so that the snap ring  380  remains engaged with the snap ring holder  375  absent a downward force from the actuator  385 . 
     The first and second handle members  325   a ,  325   b  are then coupled to the first handle portion  25  so that the projections  340   a ,  340   b  extend through the elongated first apertures  290  into the slots  285 . The fasteners secure the two handle members together around the first handle portion  25 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , when the housing is attached to the first handle portion  25 , the base  425  of the snap ring  380  is received in the recess of the housing  320  and the first annular flange  390  is positioned above the annular projection  490  of the actuator  385 . Also, the second annular flange  395  is positioned below the actuator spring  495  to sandwich the actuator spring  495  between the annular projection  490  and the second annular flange  395 . In this manner, the actuator  385  is biased upward relative to the housing  320  by the actuator spring  495 , and the actuator  385  is movable downward so that the tapered end wall  485  can engage the snap ring  380 . 
     As described below, the illustrated tool head  20  is assembled before the handle  15  is attached to the stem  280 , although the handle  15  may be attached to the stem  280  before the tool head  20  is assembled. With reference to  FIG. 11 , the engagement panels  565  are attached to the underside of the frame  545 . After the engagement panels  565  are generally in place on the frame  545 , the panel bias mechanism  815  is attached to the engagement panels  565  through the opening  585  in the frame  545 . Each spring holder  820   a ,  820   b  is attached to the corresponding engagement panel  565   a ,  565   b , and the springs  840  are encapsulated by the opposed spring holders  820   a ,  820   b  (e.g., moving the engagement panels  565  slightly outward and inserting the springs  840  into the spring holders  820   a ,  820   b , or by compressing the springs  840  so that they can be placed in the spring holders  820   a .  820   b  without moving the engagement panels  565 ). The end caps  590  are snapped into place to encapsulate the lateral edges of the frame  545  and limit outward movement of the engagement panels  565  due to the bias of the springs  840  and the panel bias mechanism  815 . 
     Regardless of the quantity of cables  805  in the cable assembly, each cable  805  can be routed to the panel bias mechanism  815  in the same way. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  10 ,  12 , and  13 , the cables  805   a ,  805   b  are connected between the stem  280  and the engagement panels  565  by first securing one end of each cable  805   a ,  805   b  to the cable holder  780 , and then routing the cables  805   a ,  805   b  to the panel bias mechanism  815 . More specifically, the cables  805   a ,  805   b  are routed through the stem  280  and are disposed within the jaw defined by the cable attachment portion  795 . With the cables  805   a ,  805   b  arranged within the jaw, the cable holder  780  is placed inside the stem  280  and a fastener is attached to the jaw (e.g., through the stem  280 ) to secure the cables  805   a ,  805   b  to the cable holder  780 . With the cable holder  780  in place, the cables  805   a ,  805   b  are then routed through the channel  542  in the attachment member  530 , through the second passageway  660  in the pivot body  615 , and through the hole  640  in the base  610 . The cables  805   a ,  805   b  are then wrapped around and secured to the cable posts  830  before the handle pivot assembly  550  is attached to the frame  545 . In the single cable construction, the cable  805  is wrapped around one cable post  830  and attached to the other cable post  830  before the handle pivot assembly  550  is attached to the frame  545 . 
     The base  610  of the handle pivot assembly  550  is secured to the top surface  555  of the frame  545  so that the cables  805   a ,  805   b  pass through the hole  640 . The pivot body  615  is aligned with the first support arms  630  so that the first bushings  665  can be inserted through the apertures  635  into the first passageway  655 . The first pins  675  are then inserted into the first bushings  665  to secure the halves together. The second bushings  690  can be coupled between the stem  280  and the second support arms  685  before or after the pivot body  615  is attached to the first support arms  630 . The attachment member  530  is positioned between the second support arms  685  so that the aperture  540  of the split end  535  is aligned with the aperture and the second support arms  685 . The second bushings  690  are then inserted through the second support arms  685  and the split end  535  to define the second axle  625 , and the second pins  705  are inserted into the second bushings  690  to secure the halves together. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 8 ,  10 ,  12 , and  13 , the cables  805   a ,  805   b  are routed between the first and second bushings  690  and the first and second pins  705  before the cables  805   a .  805   b  separate from each other to attach to respective cable posts  830 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the single cable is routed around one of the guide pins  645 , around one of the cable posts  830 , and is attached to the other cable post  830 . 
     The distal end of the handle  15  is connected to the tool head  20  by engaging the extensions  295  with the stem  280 . With reference to  FIGS. 7-10 , the spring  315  is attached to the spring seat  300  and the hook elements  305  are attached to the lower side of the receiver  800  from within the central passageway  790 . In this position, the resilient pushbutton members  505  are pressed outward through the second apertures  525  by the resiliently biased hook elements  305 , and as a result, the cable holder  780  moves with the drawbar member  270 . The lower end of the spring  315  is engaged with the top of the cable holder  780  to bias the drawbar member  270  generally upward along the axis  60  to hold the drawbar member  270  in engagement with the cable holder  780 . To detach the handle  15  from the stem  280 , a user presses the pushbutton members  505  inward to disengage the hook elements  305  from the receiver  800  so that the drawbar member  270  can be removed from the central passageway  790 . In this manner, the handle  15  can be swapped for a different handle  15  (e.g., a handle with or without the telescoping mechanisms  55 ,  855 , or with or without the actuator mechanism  275 , etc.). Alternatively, the handle  15  can be detached from the tool head  20  for use with another tool head  20  (e.g., a different head size, shape, or type). 
     The actuator mechanism  275 , the mop attachment mechanism  560 , and the cable assembly  805  cooperatively define a first or engaged state of the tool head  20  and a second or disengaged or state of the tool head  20 . While the springs  840  disposed between the spring holders  820   a ,  820   b  bias the sliding engagement panels  565  outward along the lateral axis  570 , the position of the actuator mechanism  275  relative to the first handle portion  25  controls whether the tool head  20  is in the engaged state or the disengaged state. 
     Several different mops can be attached to the same tool head  20  without a user having to manipulate the mop itself.  FIG. 1  shows one construction of the mop  50  that is attached to the tool head  20 , whereas  FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  10 - 16  illustrate the floor maintenance tool  10  without a mop attached to the tool head  20 .  FIG. 13  illustrates the tool head  20  in the disengaged state. With reference to  FIGS. 13 and 18 , the engagement panels  565  are biased inward toward a center of the tool head  20  by the actuator mechanism  275 . In particular,  FIG. 18  shows that the housing is in a first position located adjacent the upper side of the first apertures  290  in the first handle portion  25  such that the snap ring  380  is engaged with the rim  405  of the snap ring holder  375 . The drawbar member  270  moves with the housing, so when the housing is in the first position, the drawbar member  270  holds the cable holder  780  in a relative upward position within the stem  280  as shown in  FIG. 13 . In this position, the cable holder  780  pulls on the cable(s), which in turn draws the spring holders  820   a ,  820   b  closer together against the bias of the springs  840  due to the cable connection between the cable holder  780  and the panel bias mechanism. 
     To attach a desired mop  50  to the tool  10 , a user places the tool head  20  in the disengaged state over the mop  50  so that the engagement panels  565  rest on the mop  50 . While it is preferred that the frame  545  is generally aligned with the mop  50  (e.g., the lateral axis  570  is generally aligned with the length of the mop  50  and the cross axis  575  is generally aligned with the width of the mop  50 ), a specific orientation of the frame  545  relative to the mop  50  is not necessary to attach the mop  50  to the tool head  20 . 
     Because the snap ring  380  moves with the housing, the snap ring  380  must be disengaged from the planar ledge  410  to vary the tool head  20  from the disengaged state to the engaged state to attach the mop  50  to the tool. With reference to  FIGS. 12 and 19 , the user disengages the snap ring  380  from the planar ledge  410  by pressing down on the actuator  385  (in the direction of the arrows in  FIG. 19 ) against the upward bias of the spring. In particular, the end wall  485  of the actuator  385  engages the conically-shaped inner surfaces  445  of the catches  435  and forces the engagement members  430  outward against the bias of the O-ring  450 . The catches  435  are disengaged from the snap ring holder  375  when the actuator  385  is moved downward.  FIG. 19  illustrates the positions of the housing and the snap ring  380  relative to the snap ring holder  375  at the moment the catches  435  are disengaged from the planar ledge  410 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 12 and 20 , when the catches  435  are disengaged from the planar ledge  410 , the housing automatically moves downward due to the outward bias of the springs  840  on the spring holders  820   a ,  820   b . More specifically, because the housing is no longer held up by the snap ring  380 , the cable pulls on the cable holder  780 , which in turn pulls on the drawbar member  270  and the housing.  FIG. 20  illustrates the housing in a second, downward position adjacent the lower side of the first apertures  290  in the first handle portion  25  when the snap ring  380  is disengaged from the planar ledge  410 . In the second position, the snap ring  380  is engaged with the tapered sidewall  415  of the snap ring holder  375 . Also, the actuator spring  495  biases the actuator  385  upward relative to the housing  320  after the user releases the actuator  385 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 12 and 15 , when the housing moves to the second position, the engagement panels  565  slide outward along the underside of the frame  545 , moving the angled pins  740  so that the angled pins  740  engage the mop  50  to secure the mop  50  to the tool head  20 . At the same time, the straight pins  745  stretch the mop  50  to pull the mop  50  taut and keep pressure on the backside of the mop  50 . Generally, the glide pins  750  are separated from the floor when the mop  50  is attached to the tool head  20 , regardless of whether the glide pins  750  are on the engagement panels  565  or positioned to the side of the mop  50  on the end caps  590 . 
     The mop  50  can be detached from the tool head  20  (e.g., to discard the mop  50 , to store the mop  50 , to use the other side of the mop  50 , etc.) by actuating the actuator mechanism  275  to release the angled pins  740  from the mop  50 . The tool head  20  can be on or above the floor when it is desired to detach the mop  50 . More specifically, the user grasps the housing and pulls up along the axis  60  slightly to force the snap ring  380  over the rim  405  so that the catches  435  engage the planar ledge  410 . While the actuator spring  495  between the housing  320  and the actuator  385  mildly resists upward motion of the housing, the housing moves upward such that the first annular flange  390  contacts the underside of the actuator  385 . As the snap ring  380  engages the planar ledge  410 , the bias of the actuator spring  495  no longer acts on the housing and instead pushes on the actuator  385  so that the actuator  385  returns to its initial position. 
     By pulling up on the housing, the drawbar member  270  and the cable holder  780  are also pulled upward, which in turn pulls on the cable(s)  805  and the spring holders  820   a ,  820   b  against their bias and slides the engagement panels  565  inward from the lateral edges of the frame  545 . At this point, the angled pins  740  are substantially released from the mop  50  so that the tool head  20  can be separated from the mop  50 , or so that the mop  50  can be separated from the tool head  20  (e.g., when the tool head  20  is lifted off the floor). 
     When the tool head  20  is in the engaged state, the angled pins  740  hold a substantial portion of the mop  50  in engagement with the tool head  20  even when the tool head  20  is lifted off the floor. The straight pins  745  can be located adjacent one longitudinal edge of the frame  545  (e.g., the backside or the front side) so that a portion of the mop  50  (e.g., the rear third of the mop  50 ) drops down away from the frame  545 . The partially engaged, partially disengaged mop  50  assists the user with accurately discarding the mop  50  and returning the mop  50  to storage for future use without requiring that the user touch the mop  50  or the tool head  20 . For example, when it is desired to return the mop  50  to storage, the user can lift the tool  10  off the floor and place the dropped portion of the mop  50  in storage (e.g., in a bin) before releasing the mop  50  from the angled pins  740  by actuating the actuator mechanism  275 . 
     Also, when the mop  50  is a double-sided mop, the user can flip the mop  50  to use the unused side (i.e., the side directly engaged with the frame  545 ) without having to reach down and touch the mop  50  or the tool head  20 . More specifically, the user lifts the tool head  20  off the floor a short distance and pulls back slightly so that the dropped portion of the mop  50  curls on the floor. Curling the mop  50  in this manner partially engages the previously unused side with the floor. The user then actuates the actuating mechanism to release the angled pins  740  from the mop  50  so that the remaining portion of the mop  50  engages the floor. The user can then re-attach the mop  50  to the tool head  20  using the same process described above for initially attaching the mop  50  to the tool head  20 . 
     The tool  10  utilizes a cable routing system  280  that guides one or more cables  805  from the frame  545  through the first and second axles  620 ,  625  of the tool  10  to permit attachment and removal of a mop  50  relative to the tool head  20 . Also, the first and second axles  620 ,  625  permit handle  15  and tool head  20  manipulation by a user without interfering with movement of the cable(s). 
     The sliding engagement panels  565  move away and toward each other to selectively engage and disengage a mop  50  without requiring the user to touch the mop  50  or reach down to manipulate the tool head  20 . In some constructions, one of the engagement panels  565  can slide or otherwise move relative to the other engagement panel  565 . While the angled pins  740  hold the mop  50  on the tool head  20 , the stationary or movable straight pins  745  keep the entire mop  50  in engagement with the floor so that a relatively large surface area can be mopped. More generally, the engagement panels  565  on the underside of the frame  545 , as well as the engagement sections themselves, can be installed, moved, and replaced to achieve a desired pattern of pins  740 ,  745 ,  750  on the underside of the frame  545  that are the most effective in attaching the mop  50  to the tool head  20 . Such customization may be desirable based on the type of floor to be maintained. 
     Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.