FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to handles that are attached to or otherwise utilized with hand-held tools and the like. In particular, the present invention relates to such handles that are specifically configured to be easily and quickly shortened or lengthened, as desired by the person using the handle to accomplish a work task. Even more particularly the present invention relates to such handles which are specially adaptable for use with torque applying tools, such as a ratchet, wrench, breaker bar and the like, and for use as an extendable pole for mops, brooms, brushes, umbrellas and other sun covers, walking or skiing poles, table legs, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Many hand-held tools have handles which the user grasps when he or she is using the tool to accomplish the desired work objective with the work portion of the tool. Most handles are attached to or integral with the work portion of the tool and are of a fixed length, meaning that the length of the handle cannot be changed without disconnecting from the work portion of the tool. Examples of such tools are conventionally configured ratchets, wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers and the like. Likewise most commercially available mops, brooms, brushes and the like (for the present disclosure, these are also referred to as tools) have a fixed length handle, which may be relatively short (i.e., six to twelve inches) or somewhat long (four to six feet) that is attached to or integral with the work portion of the tool. As generally known to persons who are skilled in the art, such tools are commonly available with different sized work portions and with different lengths of handles (though the handle is a fixed length).

The circumstances pertaining to the common uses of a tool are such that having a fixed length handle attached to or integral with the work portion of the tool is sufficient, or at least adequate, for the user of the tool to accomplish the desired work objective. In certain circumstances, having a tool with a fixed length handle can present one or more problems for the user. One such circumstance is when the handle of the tool is not long enough for the user to reach the object on or at which he or she desires to utilize the work portion of the tool to accomplish the particular work objective. For instance, many machines have components that are located on the interior of the machine at a distance that is somewhat away from the exterior surface of the machine where the machinist, operator, repair person or other person is located. The person needing to accomplish the work objective with a tool, such as a ratchet, wrench, breaker bar or the like often cannot reach the interior areas of the machine in order to use the tool to engage the interior component with the tool. Another circumstance where a single, fixed length handle may limit or even prevent a person from accomplishing a work objective is when the person must use the tool to apply torque to a work object, such as a bolt, nut, screw or the like, to loosen or adequately tighten the work object. As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the art, a longer length handle allows the user of the tool to apply more torque to the work object. In other circumstances, the handle of a tool may be too long for certain uses. For instance, a tool with a longer length handle may be difficult, if not impossible, to maneuver into or through a machine to the location where the work portion of the tool can be utilized to operatively engage a work object, such as a bolt, to accomplish the necessary work objective (i.e., to apply torque to loosen or tighten the work object).

Perhaps the most common solution to having a tool with a handle that is either too short or too long is to swap the tool out for another tool that has a handle which is more useful, functional and/or otherwise appropriate for engaging the work object to accomplish the work objective. As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the art, because the person usually has to stop doing what he or she is doing, find the correct sized tool (which may take several tries) and repeat the effort to accomplish the desired task, swapping out one tool for another tool can be both time consuming and somewhat frustrating to the person trying to accomplish the task. Another solution is to use an extension rod, tube or like member that engages the handle of the tool in a manner which increases the length between the user's hand and the work portion of the tool to provide extra reach for the tool. Although extension members may be useful in many types of circumstances, they still require the user to stop what he or she is doing, find the correct size extension member and then re-attempt the work objective. In addition, these extension members generally do not help the person who needs the tool to have a shorter handle.

Yet another solution to the problem of having a tool with a handle that is not of the correct or desirable size to accomplish a work objective is for the person to utilize a tool having an adjustable length handle. In fact, a wide variety of different types of adjustable length handles are described in the prior art, including adjustable length handles utilized for ratchets, wrenches, breaker bars and the like that are utilized to apply torque to an object. Substantially all prior art adjustable handles utilized an inner handle member and an outer handle member that are, at least to some extent, telescopically arranged such that the two handle members move relative to each other along the longitudinal axis of the handle. The same is true for poles used as the handle or leg of an umbrella, or as legs for sun covers or adjustable height tables, and the like. A number of the conventional adjustable length handles and poles utilize a detent device or mechanism that moves a ball or other object into engagement with a round, rectangular or other cooperatively shaped aperture to lock the handle at the user's desired length. Most detent devices require the user to manually push or otherwise manipulate a portion of the detent device, which typically comprises a spring or other biasing device, into and out of the aperture. Other conventional adjustable length handles have a latching mechanism that is associated with one of the handle members and is configured to engage a portion of the other handle member to lock the handle at the desired length. Yet other prior art adjustable length handles utilize a compression type of arrangement wherein the outer handle member (typically) is rotated or otherwise manipulated to securely tighten the compression mechanism against the inner handle member to fix the length of the handle. This latter type of adjustable length handle is particularly common in handles used for brooms, mops, brushes, skiing poles, walking/hiking poles and the like. A variety of other types of length adjusting mechanisms are utilized with the prior art adjustable length handles to lengthen or shorten the handle based on the user's particular needs when he or she is using the handle.

As well known in the art, the various prior art adjustable devices or mechanisms can be somewhat difficult for the user to manipulate under actual working conditions and are subject to being clogged or otherwise becoming inoperable or having reduced function due to dirt, grease and other materials, or moisture leading to rust. For instance, the adjustable length handles having a detent device or mechanism often require the user to push the ball or other detent with his or her finger and then extend the inner handle member relative to the outer handle member. Even when clean, some of the detent devices are difficult to push. When the detent device/mechanism, or the user's hand, is covered with grease, dirt or other materials, it can be nearly impossible for the user to easily engage the detent and unlock the device/mechanism to shorten or lengthen the handle. The latching operation of the adjustable length handles that utilize a latching mechanism to lock/unlock the inner and outer handle members so the user can adjust the length of the handle tend to be easily compromised by grease, dust and like materials. In addition, the latching mechanisms can become damaged by inadvertent contact with other objects during use of the tool. The compression type adjusting mechanisms are also subject to interference by grease, dirt and other “messy” materials and damage from inadvertent contact with other objects. In addition, over time one or more components of the compression mechanism tends to wear and, as a result, the mechanism is no longer able to provide the necessary engagement to tightly hold the inner and outer handle members together.

Further, conventional systems which provide a tab and slot mechanism for engaging the inner and outer handles often comprise a single longitudinal slot with short lateral engagement slots branching off therefrom. These lateral engagement slots typically comprise a short, distal longitudinal slot which requires an extra longitudinal movement in order to fully engage the tab, and allow for some longitudinal movement of the outer member while the tool is in use. For many applications, such as wrenching, this longitudinal movement prevents a solid grip while significant force is being applied to the handle, potentially leading to slippage and injury to the user's hand or damage to the tool or machine/object being worked on. Additionally, for those systems which do not include a distal longitudinal slot, the lateral slot is typically circumferentially short (e.g., comprise an arc length along the perimeter of the inner member of approximately 45 degrees or less). In such systems, when the tool is being used to pull or wrench on an object, the outer member may easily be accidentally disengaged due to the normal twisting which may occur in the user's wrist during use. Longer lateral slots would prevent such issues, such that a user holding the handle in a normal working grip would have to significantly twist his or her wrist, or let go of the handle entirely, in order for the tab to disengage from a lateral slot.

Finally, for systems including adjustable length poles which require significant strength against longitudinal compressive force, conventional detent mechanisms, circumferential tightening systems, and typical single-tab and slot systems, often limit the utility of the tool/pole/table. Such systems are not able to provide significant strength to hold up or resist a substantially heavy weight, wherein tables utilizing detents for adjustable length legs cannot be loaded with heavy items, and skiing or hiking poles utilizing twist-tighten mechanisms require constant and time-consuming readjustment. Other problems are also well known in the art.

What is needed, therefore, is an improved adjustable length handle that allows the user to quickly, easily and effectively change the overall length of the handle of a tool as is necessary or beneficial for the user to accomplish his or her work objective. The new adjustable length handle should be adaptable for use with a wide variety of different types of tools, including those which are utilized to apply torque to a work object. Preferably, the new adjustable length handle is also adaptable for being integrally formed with or attached to, including being removably attached, to a work portion of a tool. The new adjustable length handle should also be adaptable for being manufactured in a wide range of different lengths, whether relatively short or very long, and suitable for being made out of a wide range of materials. To overcome problems common with prior art handles, an improved adjustable length handle should be structured and arranged so as to reduce the likelihood that grease, dirt and other materials will interfere with the ability of the user to easily and quickly shorten or lengthen the handle as needed. Likewise, the new adjustable length handle should be less subject to damage that results in the adjusting mechanism becoming nonfunctional as a result of contact with other objects. In a preferred configuration, the new adjustable length handle should be configured to be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The adjustable length handle of the present invention provides the benefits and solves the problems identified above. That is to say, the adjustable length handle of the present invention is structured and arranged to allow a person to quickly, easily and effectively change the overall length of the handle of a tool as the user deems necessary or beneficial to accomplish his or her work objective. In the preferred configurations of the present invention, the adjustable length handle is adaptable for use with a wide variety of different types of tools, including tools that are or may be utilized to apply torque to a work object, including nuts, bolts and the like.

The new adjustable length handle of the present invention can be integrally formed with or attached, including being removably attached, to a variety of different types of work portions to form a tool. In some embodiments, the work portion of the tool may comprise a ratchet, a socket, a lever, a cylinder, a claw, a net, a foot, a brush, and the like. The adjustable length handle of the present invention is also adaptable for being manufactured in a manner that can produce a wide range of different length handles, whether relatively short or very long. The new adjustable length handle of the present invention can be manufactured out of a wide range of materials. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the adjustable length handle is structured and arranged to reduce the likelihood that grease, dirt and other materials will interfere with the ability of the user to easily and quickly adjust the handle length as needed, thereby overcoming one of the most common problems with prior art adjustable handles. The new adjustable length handle of the present invention is also much less subject to being damaged, which could result in the handle no longer being able to adjust in length, as a result of contact with other objects. In the preferred embodiments, the new adjustable length handle of the present invention is configured to be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

In one embodiment, the new adjustable length handle of the present invention generally comprises a first handle member, a tubular shaped second handle member and an adjusting mechanism that moveably interconnects the two handle members to allow the user to quickly and easily shorten or lengthen the length of the handle. The first handle member has a handle body with a first end, a second end and an outer surface. The second handle member has a handle body, a first end, a second end, an outer surface and an interior channel. The interior channel defines an inner surface. The first handle member is moveably received in the interior channel such that the outer surface of the first handle member is in opposing relation to the inner surface of the interior channel. The handle members define a longitudinal axis of the handle. Either handle member may be attached to, including removably, or integral with a work portion to form a tool. The work portion of the tool may be attached to the extendable handle in a removable manner, such as by threading onto the handle, clamping onto the handle, engaging the handle via an outer socket with a detent, another similar mode of attaching two mechanical parts, or a combination thereof.

The adjusting mechanism interconnects the outer surface of the first handle member and the inner surface of the second handle member. In the preferred embodiment, the adjusting mechanism comprises an engaging member that extends outwardly from the outer surface of the handle body of the first handle member, a length adjusting slot that is longitudinally disposed in the inner surface of the second handle member and one or more engaging slots that are disposed in the inner surface of the second handle member. Each of the engaging slots have a first end that is passably connected to the length adjusting slot and a second end that is in spaced apart relation to the length adjusting slot. Each of the engaging member, length adjusting slot and engaging slots are cooperatively sized and configured so the engaging member can move, typically slidably, along the length adjusting slot when the handle is in a disengaged condition and move into the engaging slots to place the handle in an engaged condition. When the handle is in its disengaged condition, the adjusting mechanism allows linear movement of one of the handle members relative to the other handle member along the longitudinal axis of the handle to allow the user to easily move the handle between a retracted position and an extended position so he or she may select a handle length for the handle. Upon rotational movement of one handle member relative to the other handle member, the engaging member moves from the length adjusting slot into one of the engaging slots to prevent any linear movement of the handle members relative to each other to fixedly establish the handle length. In one embodiment, each engaging slot has a secondary shaped section at the second end that receives the engaging member when the handle is in its engaged condition.

In some embodiments, the engaging slots may comprise a length which represents an increased arc length around the inner or outer handle member, so as to allow for a greater margin of error without the engaging member disengaging from an engaging slot when the user twists his or her wrist while the tool is in use. In some embodiments, the engaging slots may each comprise an arc in a range from about 30 degrees to about 180 degrees, and all values or ranges of values in between (e.g., from about 45 degrees to about 150 degrees, from about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, from about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, and the like). In some embodiments, the engaging slots may each comprise an arc of about 90 degrees (e.g., from about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees). In some embodiments, the engaging slots may each comprise an arc of at least 90 degrees. The engaging slots of the present invention may thereby prevent accidental disengagement of the engaging member due to a normal flexion of the wrist which may occur while using the handle of the present invention to perform a task. However, a user may still be able to adjust a length of the handle with one hand and without taking the work end away from the work (e.g., without taking the socket off of the bolt), by intentionally twisting the handle.

In some embodiments, the present invention may comprise a releasing lateral slot, the releasing lateral slot providing a path from the lengthening slot to a releasing longitudinal slot. The releasing lateral slot may comprise an orientation and shape similar to the engaging slots, and may be arranged at an end of the lengthening slot. The releasing longitudinal slot provide a path which allows the engaging member to exit from the respectively opposite handle member (e.g., if the engaging member is located on the inner member, the releasing longitudinal slot may provide a path for the engaging member to exit from the outer member, and if the engaging member is located on the outer member, the releasing longitudinal slot may provide a path for the engaging member to exit from the inner member). The releasing lateral slot and releasing longitudinal slot may thus allow the inner member to slide out from the outer member in the same longitudinal direction in which the inner member entered the outer member (e.g., wherein the engaging member first entered the lengthening slot). Thereby, the inner member may be operable to slide out from engagement with the outer member in either longitudinal direction. Such an arrangement may allow the handle of the present invention to be disassembled from either end, which may be useful if the disassembly from one end is prevented by the tool portion, or a blockage in the lengthening slot, etc.

The engaging member may comprise a shape which is complementary to a shape of the length adjusting slot and a shape of the engaging slots. In some embodiments, the profile of the engaging member may comprise a round shape (e.g., a cylindrical extension having a flat distal surface) which is complementary to a flat-bottomed trough shape of the length adjusting slot and the engaging slots. In other embodiments, the engaging member may comprise a dome shape (e.g., a cylindrical extension having a domed or hemispherical distal surface) which is complementary to a rounded-bottom trough shape of the length adjusting slot and the engaging slots. In yet other embodiments, the engaging member may comprise a polygonal shape (e.g., a cube-shaped extension having a flat distal surface) which is complementary to a flat-bottomed trough shape of the length adjusting slot and the engaging slots. In some embodiments, the polygonal extension member may comprise rounded or beveled corners and edges, and the transition points between the length adjusting slot and the engaging slots (e.g., the corners where the walls of each meet) may each comprise a rounded or beveled corner, such that a user may more easily find and engage the engaging slots with the engaging member while adjusting the length of the handle.

The present invention may further comprise an adjustable stop, the stop blocking the engaging member from progressing through a slot of the handle when in a first position, and allowing the engaging member to pass through the slot when the stop is in a second position. The stop may comprise any mechanism operable to prevent the passage of the engaging member through a slot of the present invention. In some embodiments, the stop may comprise a threaded member operable to thread into a threaded passage in the outer member such that when an outer end of the stop is flush with the outer surface of the outer member, the inner end of the stop extends into the releasing longitudinal slot (e.g., a small bolt threading into a bolt hole in the outer member, the bolt having an inverted, polygonal engagement member for receiving the end of a hex wrench). In other embodiments, the stop may comprise a button having a distal end which extends into the releasing longitudinal slot when the button is depressed.

The present invention may further comprise a removable distal cap for sealing a distal end of the outer member. The cap may comprise any device for removably attaching to and sealing a distal end of the outer member. When installed on the distal end of the outer member, the cap may prevent the inner member from passing out of the outer member at the distal end, and may prevent debris, moisture, and other contaminants from entering the outer member from the distal end. When the cap is removed from the distal end of the outer member, the distal end may comprise a passage for sliding the inner member into or out of the outer member. The distal cap may comprise an attachment mechanism for attaching to the distal end of the outer member. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism may comprise an outer threading having a shape complementary to a threading on an inner surface of the outer member. In other embodiments, the attachment mechanism may comprise at least one of a latch, a clamp, a clip, a lip operable to press-fit into a depression in the inner surface of the outer member, and another similar attachment mechanism.

The engaging member may comprise an increased diameter or width as compared to conventional systems (e.g., in a range from about ⅛ to about ½, of a width of the inner member, and all fractions therebetween) and a high-strength material (e.g., steel, titanium, another metal alloy, graphene, carbon fiber, at the like). In some embodiments, the diameter or width of the engaging member may comprise at least one of about 3/16, about ¼, about 5/16, about ⅓, about 7/16, or about ½ of a width of the inner member. In other embodiments, the current invention may comprise a plurality of engaging members arranged in series along the length of the handle for simultaneous engagement with a plurality of engaging slots. Each of these aspects may provide increased strength to the present invention, and be able to resist breaking or disengagement while under a greater level of force (e.g., levering force as with wrenching, or longitudinal compressive force as with a table leg) than that of conventional systems. The present system may therefor be utilized for heavy-duty jobs such the work performed by semi-truck mechanics, high-rise building framing, supporting heavier weight on fold-out tables, and the like.

In a preferred configuration, the adjustable length handle also has a ring-shaped sealing plate at a first end of the interior channel. The sealing plate has an aperture that allows the outer surface of the first handle member to pass through the sealing plate, but prevents passage of the portion of the first handle member having the engaging member. In addition to keeping the first handle member in the channel, the sealing plate prevents grease, dirt, debris or other materials from getting inside the channel where the material could interfere with the operation of the adjusting mechanism. In some embodiments, the aperture may comprise a sealing member for contacting an outer surface of the inner member. In some embodiments, the sealing member may comprise a gasket or grommet made from a flexible material, the sealing member being operable to provide a tight grip around the outer surface of the inner member without preventing adjustment of a length of the handle. In another embodiment, a brush-like component can be placed in the aperture of the sealing plate to scrape any grease, dirt, debris or other material off the outer surface of the first handle member as it passes into the channel of the second handle member. In other embodiments, the sealing plate may comprise both a sealing member and a brush-like component acting in series. In either embodiment, the sealing plate can be removably connected to the second handle member.

In other embodiments, the new handle can have multiple engaging members on the outer surface of the first handle member, with each engaging member being configured to be received in an engaging slot to provide additional strength when higher torque loads are anticipated. In yet another embodiment, the components of the adjusting mechanism can be switched between the two handle members. In this embodiment, the second handle member can have the engaging member extending into the channel and the outer surface of the first handle member can have the length adjusting slot and engaging slots.

Accordingly, the primary object of the present invention is to provide a new adjustable length handle that has the advantages set forth above and which overcomes the various disadvantages and limitations which are associated with presently available adjustable length handles.

It is an important object of the present invention to provide a new adjustable length handle that is specifically structured and arranged to allow a person to quickly, easily and effectively adjust the length of a handle that is integral with or attached to the work portion of a tool so that the person may be able to accomplish his or her work objective, which may be applying torque to a work object.

An important aspect of the present invention is that it provides a new adjustable length handle that accomplishes the objectives set forth above and elsewhere in the present disclosure.

Another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides an adjustable length handle that is structured and arranged to allow a person to easily, quickly and effectively shorten or lengthen the handle of a tool so that he or she may more efficiently accomplish his or her work objective.

Another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides an adjustable length handle that is structured and arranged to allow a person to easily and quickly change the length of the handle as he or she deems it necessary or beneficial to accomplish a work objective, such as applying torque to a nut, bolt or other work object.

Another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides an adjustable length handle that is structured and arranged to be integrally formed with or attached to, including removably attached, the work portion of a tool.

Another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides an adjustable length handle that is adaptable for use with a wide variety of different types of tools, including ratchets, wrenches, breaker bars and like tools that are or may be utilized to apply torque to a work object, including nuts, bolts and the like.

Another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides an adjustable length handle that can be manufactured out of a wide range of materials and which is adaptable for being manufactured in a manner that can produce a wide range of different length handles, whether the handle will be relatively short or very long, depending on the anticipated needs of the user.

Another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides an adjustable length handle that is structured and arranged to reduce the likelihood that grease, dirt and other materials and/or contact with other objects will interfere with the ability of the user to easily and quickly adjust the handle length as may be needed or beneficial for the user to accomplish a work objective.

Another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides an adjustable length handle having an inner handle member, a tubular shaped outer handle member and an attachment mechanism, with the attachment mechanism comprising an outwardly extending projection on the inner handle member that is moveably received in a longitudinal slot in an inner surface of an interior channel of the outer handle member to allow the handle to move in a longitudinal direction between a retracted position and an extended position and which moves from the longitudinal slot into one of a plurality of connected lateral slots when one of the handle members are rotated relative to the other handle member to fix the position of the two handle members relative to each other and, therefore, the overall length of the adjustable length handle.

Yet another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides an adjustable length handle that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

As will be explained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiments which follow, the above and other objects and aspects are accomplished or provided by the present invention. As set forth herein and will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and/or combination of processes presently described and understood by the claims. The drawings and the description of the invention which follows in the Detailed Description are presented for purposes of illustrating one or more of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention. The scope of the invention is only limited by the claims which follow after the discussion.

The above-described objects, advantages and features of the invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described herein. Further benefits and other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

