Patent Publication Number: US-6669397-B1

Title: Quick disconnect tool apparatus

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to interchangeable tools and more particularly pertains to a new quick disconnect tool apparatus for permitting a user to utilize a single pole member in conjunction with a variety of yard tools. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     The use of interchangeable tools is known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,161 describes a device for quick release lock mechanisms. Another type of interchangeable tools is U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,788 having a threaded system allowing the user to attach various tools to a handle. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the need remains for a system that has the capability of adapting to various tool utilizing a quick release mechanism. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention meets the needs presented above by having a first portion of a quick release coupling system on the end of the pole and a mating second portion of the quick release coupling system on the tools. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new quick disconnect tool apparatus that allows diversity in the number and types of tools the user desires to use. 
     Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a new quick disconnect tool apparatus that prevents the tool from rotating with regards to the pole once coupled, thereby completely securing the tool to the pole. 
     To this end, the present invention generally comprises an elongate pole member having a uniquely shaped aperture. Inside the aperture are bearing members surrounded by a sliding sleeve member designed to position the bearing members inwardly and outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pole. Tool members having a tool coupler with a groove are insertable into the aperture and are releasably secured when the bearing members engage the groove. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter f the claims appended hereto. 
     The objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the pole member and the some tool members of a new quick disconnect tool apparatus according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective exploded view showing the tool coupler of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective exploded view showing the tool aperture of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 4 thereof, a new quick disconnect tool apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral  10  will be described. 
     As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, the quick disconnect tool apparatus  10  generally comprises a pole member  12  that is elongate and has a first end  14  and a second end  16 . The second end  16  forms a first coupler  18 . The first coupler  18  includes a tool aperture  20 . 
     A plurality of bearing members  22  is positioned inside of the tool aperture  20 . 
     A bearing sleeve  24  is slidably positionable within the first coupler  18  and encompassing the bearing members  22 . The bearing sleeve  24  has an inner end  26  and an outer end  28 . 
     A biasing member  30  biases the bearing sleeve  24  towards the outer end  28  is positioned adjacent the inner end  26 . 
     A knob  32  is attached to the bearing sleeve  24  for selectively positioning the sleeve member such that when the sleeve member is directed towards the inner end  26 , the bearing members  22  are permitted to reposition outwardly. 
     A plurality of tool members  34  releasably attach to the pole member  12 . Each of the tool members  34  has a tool coupler  36  for selectively coupling to the first coupler  18 . 
     The tool coupler  36  has a shape conforming to the aperture such that rotation of the tool members  34  is restricted when coupled to the pole member  12 . 
     The tool coupler  36  has a groove  38 . The groove  38  has a width generally equal to a diameter of the bearing members  22  such that when the tool coupler  36   s  are inserted into the tool aperture  20 , the bearing members  22  engage the groove  38  thereby releasably coupling the tool members  34  and the pole member  12 . 
     A gasket member  40  prevents intrusion of moisture and debris into the aperture when the first coupler  18  and the tool coupler  36 . are joined. The gasket member  40  is positioned on an outer ridge  42  of the pole member  12  such that a perimeter rim  44  of the tool members  34  abuts the gasket member  40  when the pole member  12  and the tool members  34  are joined. 
     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.