Patent Description:
Finisher boxes are used to apply drywall joint compound (or other materials) over wall seams or other joints to seal and finish them. Currently, these materials are extruded from finisher boxes by pivoting movement of a push plate on the finisher box. Typically, a short, fixed-length handle is fastened to the push plate to assist a user in extruding material from the finisher box. It is convenient to have an extendable handle to extrude material from the finisher box at otherwise hard to reach locations.

<CIT> discloses an extension rod assembly for manually positioning a tool head in contact with a work surface comprises an extension rod, a pivotable tool head, and a control linkage for locking the tool head in a selected angular position relative to the extension rod. The control linkage comprises an elongate connecting member which extends through the rod, a manually operable handle at the control end of the rod, and a clutch mechanism which is operated by the handle. The clutch has a first position in which it is disengaged from the connecting member, and a second position in which it is frictionally engaged to the connecting member in order to exert a linearly-directed force on the connecting member so as to actuate a locking assembly which locks the tool head in position. In the disengaged position, the clutch permits linear movement of the connecting member past the clutch and handle as tubular portions of the extension rod are telescoped to a desired length. In this manner, operation of the handle to select the disengaged position permits the operator. A handle assembly for a finisher box according to the preamble of claim <NUM> is known from said document.

The scope of the invention is set out in the appended claims. The invention provides, in one aspect, a handle assembly for a finisher box. The handle assembly includes a first tube including a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first tube defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The handle assembly also includes a second tube disposed within the first tube. The second tube is movable relative to the first tube along the longitudinal axis. The first tube includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The handle assembly further includes a connecting plate pivotably supported by the second end of the second tube. The connecting plate is configured to be coupled to the finisher box to support the finisher box from the handle assembly. The handle assembly further includes a brake assembly with a brake handle coupled to the first end of the first tube. The brake assembly is configured to selectively inhibit pivoting movement of the connecting plate.

The invention provides, in another aspect, a handle assembly for a finisher box, the handle assembly including a first tube with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first tube defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The handle assembly also includes a second tube movable relative to the first tube along the longitudinal axis. The second tube includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The second tube has a longitudinal slot extending between the first and second ends. The handle assembly further includes a brake assembly with a brake handle coupled to the first end of the first tube, a brake clamp coupled to the second end of the second tube, a pull rod coupled at one end to the brake handle and positioned within the slot of the second tube, and a brake rod. The handle assembly further includes a connecting plate pivotably coupled to the brake clamp. The connecting plate is configured to be coupled to the finisher box to support the finisher box from the handle assembly. The brake rod is operable to apply a clamping force to the brake clamp in response to actuation of the brake handle to inhibit the connecting plate from pivoting.

The invention provides, in another aspect, a handle assembly for a finisher box, the handle assembly including a first tube with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first tube defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The handle assembly also includes a second tube movable relative to the first tube along the longitudinal axis. The second tube includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The brake assembly further includes a brake assembly including a brake handle coupled to the first end of the first tube, a clamp assembly supported by the first tube, a brake rod having a first end and a second end opposite the first end extending through the clamp assembly, and a pull rod having a first end coupled to the brake handle and a second end opposite the first end coupled to the clamp assembly. The handle assembly further includes a connecting plate pivotably coupled to the second end of the brake rod. The connecting plate is configured to be coupled to the finisher box to support the finisher box from the handle assembly. The clamp assembly is operable to apply a clamping force to the brake rod in response to actuation of the brake handle to inhibit the connecting plate from pivoting.

The invention provides, in yet another aspect, a handle assembly for a finisher box, the handle assembly including a tube having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The handle assembly also includes a brake assembly having a brake handle coupled to the first end of the tube, a clamp assembly disposed within an interior of the tube, a brake rod having a first end and a second end opposite the first end extending through the clamp assembly, and a pull rod having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end opposite the first end coupled to the clamp assembly. The handle assembly further includes a connecting plate pivotably coupled to the second end of the brake rod. The connecting plate is configured to be coupled to the finisher box to support the finisher box from the handle assembly. The clamp assembly is operable to apply a clamping force to the brake rod in response to actuation of the brake handle to inhibit the connecting plate from pivoting.

<FIG> illustrates a handle assembly <NUM> for use with a finisher box <NUM> (<FIG>). In the illustrated embodiment, the handle assembly <NUM> is an extendable handle assembly, permitting a user to use the finisher box <NUM> in high and hard to reach locations. In other words, the handle assembly <NUM> is operable to telescope to a variety of different lengths. The handle assembly <NUM> includes an outer tube <NUM>, an inner tube <NUM> received within the outer tube <NUM>, and a connecting plate <NUM> to which the finisher box <NUM> can be fastened, thereby unitizing the connecting plate <NUM> to the finisher box <NUM>.

For the purposes of this application, the finisher box <NUM> is preferably for drywall finishing on a joint between adjacent pieces of drywall. Drywall finishing is described herein as an example application, but the finisher box <NUM> may also be used to apply compound to other types of joints or seams that need to be sealed or finished. Alternatively, the finisher box <NUM> may apply material other than drywall compound to almost any surface, not limited to joints, such as fiber reinforced plastic sheeting or tiling.

With reference to <FIG>, the finisher box <NUM> includes a shell or housing <NUM> with a floor <NUM> and spaced-apart sides 55a-c. The floor <NUM> defines a footprint of the housing <NUM> measured by the length and width of the floor <NUM>. The floor <NUM> and the sides 55a-c are adapted to receive joint compound in a cavity (not illustrated) they form. The floor <NUM> and sides 55a-c may be formed as one piece or coupled by any suitable means. The finisher box <NUM> also includes a pressure plate <NUM> positioned between the sides 55a-c. The pressure plate <NUM> is retained to and is pivotable within the housing <NUM> and between the sides 55a-c about a pivot axis A.

The finisher box <NUM> also includes an opening or aperture <NUM> located between adjacent edges or surfaces of the floor <NUM> and the side 55b. The aperture <NUM> allows joint compound or a seaming compound to be extruded therethrough from the cavity. As the pressure plate <NUM> is manually pivoted along the sides 55a-c toward the floor <NUM>, seaming compound, for example, is forced out through the aperture <NUM>. The pressure plate <NUM> also includes two threaded studs <NUM> extending upward from the pressure plate <NUM> that are receivable within corresponding notches <NUM> (<FIG>) defined in the connecting plate <NUM> of the handle assembly <NUM>. Fasteners, such as wing nuts <NUM>, are threaded to the studs <NUM> for clamping the connecting plate <NUM> to the pressure plate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer tube <NUM> includes a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM> opposite the first end <NUM>, and a longitudinal axis <NUM> extending centrally between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment of the handle assembly <NUM>, the outer tube <NUM> is a generally oval-shaped, having a height that is greater than its width. In particular, the outer tube <NUM> has a height H1 that is approximately between <NUM> and <NUM> and a width W1 that is approximately between <NUM> and <NUM>. The outer tube <NUM> further includes a rear bracket <NUM> (<FIG>) adjacent the first end <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM> that extends into an interior <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the inner tube <NUM> includes a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM> opposite the first end <NUM>, a rear bushing <NUM> (<FIG>) adjacent the first end <NUM>, and a plurality of apertures <NUM> that extend between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. The rear bushing <NUM> limits the extent to which the inner tube <NUM> is retractable within the outer tube <NUM> when abutted with the rear bracket <NUM> in the outer tube <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the apertures <NUM> are threaded to receive an insert <NUM>. The inserts <NUM> include a head <NUM> with threads on an outer periphery and a shank <NUM> extending from the head having a threaded bore <NUM>. The head <NUM> of the insert <NUM> defines a recess <NUM> and is threaded to the threaded apertures <NUM> with the shank <NUM> extending into additional apertures <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM> opposite the threaded apertures <NUM>. Screws are inserted through the additional apertures <NUM> and threaded to the threaded bores <NUM> of the shank <NUM>, thus locking the inserts <NUM> to the inner tube <NUM>. The insert <NUM> is made from a strong durable material, such as, stainless steel.

With reference to <FIG>, the inner tube <NUM> is positioned within the interior <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM>. As such, the inner tube <NUM> has smaller dimensions than the outer tube <NUM>. For example, the inner tube <NUM> may have an overall height H2 that is approximately between <NUM> and <NUM> and a width W2 that is approximately between <NUM> and <NUM>. The inner tube <NUM> is movable relative to the outer tube <NUM> along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The inner tube <NUM> includes a longitudinal slot <NUM> that extends between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. The slot <NUM> provides access to an interior <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM>. The interior <NUM> is further defined by three sides 170a-c that form a generally C-shaped profile with curved outer edges that correspond to the shape of the outer tube <NUM>.

As will be explained in more detail below, the apertures <NUM>, and thus the inserts <NUM>, correlate to discrete locations in which the inner tube <NUM> may be fixed relative to the outer tube <NUM> (<FIG>). In the illustrated embodiment, the inner tube <NUM> includes four apertures <NUM> corresponding to four discrete fixing locations. In other embodiments, the inner tube <NUM> may include more than or less than four apertures <NUM> extending between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the apertures <NUM> are evenly spaced between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. In further embodiments, the apertures <NUM> are intermittently spaced between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> to fix the inner tube <NUM> relative to the outer tube <NUM> in user favorable positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner and outer tubes <NUM>, <NUM> are made from a lightweight metal such as Aluminum. In other embodiments, the inner and outer tubes <NUM>, <NUM> may be made from other materials or metals.

With reference to <FIG>, the handle assembly <NUM> includes a brake assembly <NUM> having a brake handle <NUM>, a pull rod <NUM>, a brake rod <NUM>, a pawl <NUM>, and a brake clamp <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the brake handle <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the rear bracket <NUM> about a pivot axis B. The brake handle <NUM> includes a grip <NUM> that a user may use to pivot the brake handle <NUM> towards the outer tube <NUM>. The pull rod <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> that is pivotably coupled to the brake handle <NUM> about a pivot axis C that is parallel with the pivot axis B and a second end <NUM> that is coupled to the pawl <NUM> (<FIG>). The pull rod <NUM> extends through the slot <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the pull rod <NUM> may be a flexible band that stretches when a tensile force is applied to it. In other embodiments, the pull rod <NUM> may be rigid and non-stretchable.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the brake rod <NUM> is positioned within the interior <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM>. Generally, the brake rod <NUM> is movable together with the inner tube <NUM> relative to the outer tube <NUM>. The brake rod <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> that is slidably supported by the rear bushing <NUM> and a second end <NUM> that is coupled to a brake lever <NUM>, the purpose of which is explained in detail below. The brake lever <NUM> includes a foot <NUM> that engages the brake clamp <NUM> to apply a clamping force to the brake clamp <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the brake rod <NUM> also includes a plurality of racks <NUM>. Each rack <NUM> is positioned adjacent an aperture <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM>. As such, the racks <NUM> are in discrete locations that corresponds to positions where the inner tube <NUM> may be fixed to the outer tube <NUM>. The racks <NUM> include teeth <NUM> that correlate to teeth <NUM> on the pawl <NUM>. The pawl <NUM> is pivotably supported by an adjustment assembly <NUM> about a pivot axis D. The pawl <NUM> is pivotable within the slot <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM> in a counter-clockwise direction (as viewed from <FIG>) to engage the racks <NUM>. As such, when disengaged from the racks <NUM>, the pawl <NUM> does not interfere with the telescoping movement of the inner tube <NUM> relative to the outer tube <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the brake clamp <NUM> is coupled to a mount <NUM> that is coupled to the second end <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM>. The brake clamp <NUM> includes a wrap-around portion <NUM>, a first flange <NUM> coupled to the mount <NUM>, and a second flange <NUM> opposite the first flange <NUM>. A pivot shaft <NUM> of the connecting plate <NUM> is received within the wrap-around portion <NUM> for rotation relative to the brake clamp <NUM> about an axis of rotation E (<FIG>). The mount <NUM> defines a first opening <NUM> through which the second end <NUM> of the brake rod <NUM> extends and a second opening <NUM> (<FIG>) through which the lever <NUM> extends. In the illustrated embodiment, the mount <NUM> is made from a high-quality plastic and the brake clamp <NUM> is made from stainless steel.

As described above, the finisher box <NUM> applies a drywall compound to joints between pieces of drywall. During a drywall finishing application, a user holds the outer tube <NUM> with the first end <NUM> proximate the user's body. The user may then place the finisher box <NUM> against a joint between pieces of drywall. A user may apply manual pressure to the pressure plate <NUM> through the connected handle assembly <NUM>, so that the pressure plate <NUM> is rotated about the pivot axis A and compound is extruded from the aperture <NUM>.

While applying the drywall compound, the pivot shaft <NUM> of the connecting plate <NUM> allows the finisher box <NUM> to rotate relative to the handle assembly <NUM> about the axis of rotation E to accommodate the contour of a surface or to maintain the finisher box <NUM> against the drywall while the handle assembly <NUM> is moved away from the body of a user. However, while transporting the finisher box <NUM> to a new joint or while filling the finisher box <NUM> with drywall compound, rotation of the finisher box <NUM> relative to the handle assembly <NUM> is undesirable. To prevent the rotation of the finisher box <NUM> relative to the handle assembly <NUM>, a user may pivot the brake handle <NUM> about the pivot axis B towards the outer tube <NUM> (<FIG>). This pivots the first end <NUM> of the pull rod <NUM> about the pivot axis C, moving the pull rod <NUM> in a direction towards the first end <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the pull rod <NUM> pivots the pawl <NUM> in a counter-clockwise direction about the pivot axis D to engage one of the racks <NUM> of the brake rod <NUM> (<FIG>). Once the teeth <NUM> of the pawl <NUM> engage the teeth <NUM> of the rack <NUM>, the brake rod <NUM> is translated rearward in a direction towards the first end <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM>. As the brake rod <NUM> is translated rearward, the lever <NUM> pivots about a pivot axis F in a counter-clockwise direction, causing the foot <NUM> to move upward from the frame of reference of <FIG>, drawing the second flange <NUM> towards the first flange <NUM>. As the first and second flanges <NUM>, <NUM> get closer, the effective inner diameter of the wrap-around portion <NUM> decreases, applying a clamping force to the pivot shaft <NUM> of the connecting plate <NUM>. The clamping force prevents the connecting plate <NUM>, and thus the finisher box <NUM>, from pivoting relative to the handle assembly <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the adjustment assembly <NUM> is operable to adjust the combined length of the tubes <NUM>, <NUM> by adjusting the protruding length of the inner tube <NUM> from the outer tube <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> includes an adjustment housing <NUM> positioned on the second end <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM>, an adjustment lever <NUM>, and a detent <NUM>. The pawl <NUM> is pivotably supported on the adjustment housing <NUM> for rotation about the axis D (<FIG>). The adjustment lever <NUM> is pivotable relative to the adjustment housing <NUM> and includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The detent <NUM> is coupled to the first end <NUM> of the adjustment lever <NUM> and extends into the interior <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM>. A resilient member (e.g., a compression spring, not shown) is positioned between the adjustment housing <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the adjustment lever <NUM> to bias the detent <NUM> into the interior <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM>. The detent <NUM> extends into the recess <NUM> of the insert <NUM> to fix the inner tube <NUM> relative to the outer tube <NUM>.

To adjust the length of the handle assembly <NUM>, a user may pivot the adjustment lever <NUM> towards the adjustment housing <NUM> against the bias of the resilient member to remove the detent <NUM> from the recess <NUM> of the insert <NUM>. Once the detent <NUM> is removed, the inner tube <NUM> is allowed to move relative to the outer tube <NUM>. The user may further extend the inner tube <NUM> from the outer tube <NUM> to increase the length of the handle assembly <NUM> or the user may retract the inner tube <NUM> into the outer tube <NUM> to decrease the length of the handle assembly <NUM>. While extending or retracting the inner tube <NUM>, a user may continue to support the weight of the handle assembly <NUM> and the finisher box <NUM> with both two hands on the outer tube <NUM>. As the inner tube <NUM> moves, the detent <NUM> will be biased back into the recess <NUM> of an adjacent insert <NUM> to fix the inner tube <NUM> relative to the outer tube <NUM>. If a user wishes to extend or retract the inner tube <NUM> further than the adjacent insert <NUM>, a user may continue to hold the adjustment lever <NUM> against the bias of the resilient member until a desired length of the handle assembly <NUM> is achieved. By providing the detent recess <NUM> within the insert <NUM>, which is made from a harder material than the inner tube <NUM>, as opposed to positioning the detent <NUM> directly within an aperture <NUM> in the inner tube <NUM>, the useful life of the handle assembly <NUM> is increased because the risk of marring and elongating the apertures <NUM> in the inner tube <NUM> is eliminated. Additionally, the inserts <NUM> may be easily replaced if damaged by unthreading the insert <NUM> from the aperture <NUM> and replacing with a new insert <NUM>.

It is typically recommended that after each drywall finishing job is complete, the handle assembly <NUM> is cleaned. To clean the handle assembly <NUM>, a user may discharge water through the opening <NUM> adjacent the first end <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM>. The water will then pass through both the interior <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM> and the interior <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM> to collect and carry any residual drywall compound left in the inner and outer tubes <NUM>, <NUM>. The water is then discharged from the first opening <NUM> in the mount <NUM>. Additionally, the inner tube <NUM> is removable from the outer tube <NUM> to separately clean the interiors <NUM>, <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM> and outer tube <NUM>, respectively. A user may remove the inner tube <NUM> from the outer tube <NUM> by using the adjustment assembly <NUM> described above. Water can then be discharged through each component separately for cleaning before repositioning the inner tube <NUM> within the outer tube <NUM>.

By locating the brake handle <NUM> on the outer (larger diameter) tube <NUM>, a user is provided with a more comfortable grip compared to an embodiment in which the brake handle <NUM> is located on a smaller diameter, inner tube. Additionally, by locating the brake handle <NUM> on the outer (larger diameter) tube <NUM>, the center of mass of the handle assembly <NUM> is shifted closer towards the user, providing the user with more control of the handle assembly <NUM> while applying drywall compound with an attached finisher box <NUM>. Further, providing the brake handle <NUM> on the larger diameter outer tube <NUM> provides a large opening <NUM> at the rear of the handle assembly <NUM> through which the user can discharge water for easier cleaning of the handle assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a handle assembly <NUM> according to another embodiment of the invention. The handle assembly <NUM> is like the handle assembly <NUM> with like features being represented by like reference numerals. As such, only the differences will be described below. The handle assembly <NUM> includes the outer tube <NUM>, the inner tube <NUM> received within the outer tube <NUM>, and a connecting plate <NUM> to which the finisher box <NUM> can be fastened, thereby unitizing the connecting plate <NUM> to the finisher box <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the handle assembly <NUM> includes a brake assembly <NUM> having a brake handle <NUM>, a pull rod <NUM>, a brake rod <NUM>, and a clamp assembly <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the brake handle <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the rear bracket <NUM> about a pivot axis <NUM>. The pull rod <NUM> extends through the interior <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM> and includes a first end <NUM> protruding from the opening <NUM> (<FIG>) and a second end <NUM> (<FIG>) that is coupled to the clamp assembly <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the pull rod <NUM> is threaded. A connector <NUM> and an adjuster <NUM> are positioned concentrically about the first end <NUM> of the pull rod <NUM>. The connector <NUM> includes a hub <NUM> having a hole through which the first end <NUM> of the pull rod <NUM> is received (<FIG>) and a cross-pin <NUM> affixed to the hub <NUM> that is received within slots <NUM> in the brake handle <NUM> on opposite sides of the hub <NUM> (<FIG>). The adjuster <NUM> includes threads that are mated with the corresponding threads on the second end <NUM> of the pull rod <NUM>. The adjuster <NUM> is also abutted with the hub <NUM> of the connector <NUM>. Therefore, the adjuster <NUM> may be rotated by a user to axially move the connector <NUM> along the pull rod <NUM>, moving the relative position of cross-pin <NUM> within the slots <NUM> to change the position of the brake handle <NUM> relative to the rear bracket <NUM>. This permits the user to adjust the gap between the brake handle <NUM> and the tube <NUM> to account for different hand sizes. In operation of the handle assembly <NUM>, as the brake handle <NUM> is pivoted about the pivot axis <NUM>, the brake handle <NUM> pulls the connector <NUM> and the abutted adjuster <NUM>, and thus the pull rod <NUM>, along a central axis <NUM> of the pull rod <NUM> further out of the opening <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the brake rod <NUM> also extends through the interior <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM> and includes a first end <NUM> (<FIG>) that is slidably supported by the rear bushing <NUM>, which moves with the inner tube <NUM> as it telescopes relative to the outer tube <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> that extends through the clamp assembly <NUM> and is coupled to an end cap <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> is coupled to an arm <NUM> protruding from the connecting plate <NUM> through a link <NUM>. The link <NUM> is pivotable relative to the end cap <NUM> about an axis <NUM> and is pivotable relative to the connecting plate <NUM> through an axis <NUM>. A mount <NUM> is attached to the second end <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM> and pivotably supports the connecting plate <NUM>. The mount <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> through which the arm <NUM> of the connecting plate <NUM> extends. The connecting plate <NUM> is pivotable relative to the mount <NUM> about an axis <NUM> defined by a pivot shaft <NUM> supported on the mount <NUM>. In order for the connecting plate <NUM> to pivot relative to the mount <NUM>, the brake rod <NUM> must be permitted to freely move relative to the inner tube <NUM>, allowing the link <NUM> to pivot the connecting plate <NUM> about the pivot shaft <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the clamp assembly <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> that is supported within the interior <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM> proximate the second end <NUM>, a clamp <NUM>, a clamp actuator <NUM>, and a resilient member (e.g., a compression spring <NUM>). The housing <NUM> includes a top portion <NUM> and a bottom portion <NUM>. The top portion <NUM> includes a window <NUM> in which the compression spring <NUM> is positioned and an opening <NUM> through which the brake rod <NUM> extends. The bottom portion <NUM> includes a first opening <NUM> through which the brake rod <NUM> extends, a second opening <NUM> through which the pull rod <NUM> extends, a channel <NUM> that supports the clamp <NUM>, and a rib <NUM> extending along a bottom surface of the bottom portion <NUM> that is positioned within the slot <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM> (<FIG>). The rib <NUM> supports the clamp assembly <NUM> on an interior surface of the outer tube <NUM>, allowing the inner tube <NUM> to axially slide relative to the outer tube <NUM> (and the clamp assembly <NUM>) while avoiding the clamp assembly <NUM>. The clamp <NUM> includes a central bore <NUM> through which the brake rod <NUM> extends and two flanges <NUM> that are separated by a split <NUM> that extends into the central bore <NUM>. The flanges <NUM> are resilient and may be biased towards each other to decrease the size (i.e., width) of the split <NUM> and therefore, the inner diameter of the central bore <NUM>. Each flange <NUM> includes a recess <NUM> that extends towards the split <NUM>. Each recess <NUM> includes a tapered surface <NUM> that is tapered towards the first end <NUM> of the brake rod <NUM>. In other words, the recess <NUM> decreases in depth closer to the first end <NUM> of the brake rod <NUM>.

The clamp actuator <NUM> includes a cradle <NUM> and two roller axles <NUM> (although only one is shown in <FIG>). The cradle <NUM> supports the second end <NUM> of the pull rod <NUM>. A roller <NUM> is positioned around each of the roller axles <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> are concentric with the roller axles <NUM> and rotatable about the roller axles <NUM>. When assembled, the rollers <NUM> are positioned in the recesses <NUM> of the clamp <NUM> adjacent the tapered surfaces <NUM>. The compression spring <NUM> is positioned around the second end <NUM> of the pull rod <NUM> within the cradle <NUM>. The compression spring <NUM> extends between opposed seats, <NUM>, <NUM> on the bottom portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the clamp actuator <NUM>, respectively. The second end <NUM> of the pull rod <NUM> is fixed to the seat <NUM>. As such, the compression spring <NUM> biases the clamp actuator <NUM> away from the first end <NUM> of the pull rod <NUM> to maintain the rollers in contact with a deeper part of the tapered surfaces <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A handle assembly (<NUM>) for a finisher box (<NUM>), the handle assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a first tube (<NUM>) including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first tube defining a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends;
a second tube (<NUM>) disposed within the first tube (<NUM>), the second tube movable relative to the first tube (<NUM>) along the longitudinal axis, the second tube (<NUM>) including a first end and a second end opposite the first end;
a connecting plate (<NUM>) pivotably supported by the second end of the second tube (<NUM>), the connecting plate (<NUM>) configured to be coupled to the finisher box (<NUM>) to support the finisher box (<NUM>) from the handle assembly (<NUM>); and
a brake assembly (<NUM>) including a brake handle (<NUM>) coupled to the first end of the first tube (<NUM>), the brake assembly (<NUM>) configured to selectively inhibit pivoting movement of the connecting plate (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the second tube (<NUM>) defines a slot (<NUM>) that extends between the first and second ends of the second tube (<NUM>) along the longitudinal axis, and
wherein the brake assembly (<NUM>) is at least partially disposed within the slot (<NUM>).