CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of
US Provisional Application 62/556,605 filed on September 11, 2017 and is a continuation-in-part of
US Application. 15/238,262 filed on August 16, 2016, which claims the benefit of
US Provisional Application 62/298,155 filed on February 22, 2016 and
US Provisional Application 62/206,072 filed on August 17, 2015, and related to, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure is related to tool handles. More particularly, the present
disclosure is related to tool handles that have stationary and rotational portions.
[0003] Various tools such as, but not limited to, cleaning tools (e.g., mops) are used in
many commercial and/or residential settings together with poles. In some instances,
the tool includes a handle or grip (hereinafter "handle") on one or more locations
of the pole where the user places their hand(s). The handle can provide improved comfort,
improved grip, and other attributes.
[0004] Often, the use of the tool requires movement of the pole in a number of different
directions. As a result of the above, it has been determined by the present disclosure
that there is a need for handles that have both stationary and rotational portions
in order to overcome, alleviate, and/or mitigate one or more of the aforementioned
and other deleterious effects of prior art handles.
[0005] Accordingly, while existing tools and tool handles are suitable for their intended
purpose the need for improvement remains, particularly in providing a tool or a tool
handle having the features described herein.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to an embodiment, a tool is provided. The tool includes a pole defining
an axis and a first handle. The first handle includes both a first stationary portion
and a first rotational portion, the first stationary portion and the first rotational
portion forming a unitary assembly with the first stationary portion and the first
rotational portion being immediately adjacent one another along the axis. The first
stationary portion is secured to the pole in a manner that prevents the first stationary
portion from rotational movement with respect to the pole about the axis and in a
manner prevents the first stationary portion from translational movement with respect
to the pole along the axis. The first rotational portion is secured to the first stationary
portion in a manner that allows the first rotational portion to freely rotate with
respect to the pole about the axis and with respect to the first stationary portion
and in a manner that prevents the first rotational portion from translational movement
with respect to the pole and the first stationary portion along the axis.
[0007] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the first handle is positioned so that the first
stationary portion is at a top of the pole.
[0008] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the first handle is positioned so that the first
rotational portion is at a top of the pole.
[0009] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the first handle is at region other than the top
of the pole.
[0010] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, a second handle is provided having a second stationary
portion and a second rotational portion. The second stationary portion and the second
rotational portion forming a second unitary assembly with the second stationary portion
and the second rotational portion being immediately adjacent one another along the
axis. The second stationary portion is coupled to the pole at a region other than
the top of the pole.
[0011] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the first handle further comprises an activation
trigger.
[0012] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the activation trigger is positioned on the first
rotational portion.
[0013] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, wherein the activation trigger is positioned on
the first stationary portion.
[0014] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the first handle further comprises a rotational
coupler, the rotational coupler securing the first stationary portion and the first
rotational portion to one another.
[0015] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the first stationary portion has a length of between
2 - 4 inches.
[0016] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the first stationary portion has a length of about
2 inches.
[0017] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the first rotational portion has a length along
the axis that is between 4 - 6 inches.
[0018] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the first stationary portion and the first rotational
portion have a common outer diameter.
[0019] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the pole is a straight pole or a bent pole.
[0020] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the pole is a fixed length pole or a telescoping
pole.
[0021] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the first handle further comprises one or more
gripping regions positioned and/or configured to assist in gripping of the handle.
[0022] In accordance with another embodiment a method of moving a tool back-and-forth, is
provided. The method includes positioning an upper hand on an upper handle of a pole
so that a first portion of the upper hand grasps a stationary portion of the upper
handle and a second portion of the upper hand grasps a rotational portion of the upper
handle. A lower hand is positioned on a lower handle of the pole so that a first portion
of the lower hand grasps a stationary portion of the lower handle and a second portion
of the lower hand grasps a rotational portion of the lower handle. The user switches
between grasping the stationary and/or rotational portions of the upper and/or lower
handles by adjusting which of the first and second portions of the upper and/or lower
hands applies pressure to the upper and/or lower handles, respectively.
[0023] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the switching step comprises using only the first
portion of the upper and lower hands to apply pressure to only the stationary portions
of the upper and lower handles.
[0024] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the switching step comprises using only the second
portion of the upper and lower hands to apply pressure to only the rotational portions
of the upper and lower handles.
[0025] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the switching step comprises:using only the first
portion of the lower hand to apply pressure to only the stationary portion of the
lower handle; and using only the second portion of the upper hand to apply pressure
to only the rotational portion of the upper handle
[0026] In some embodiments either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned
and/or after-mentioned embodiments, the switching step comprises using only the second
portion of the lower hand to apply pressure to only the rotational portion of the
lower handle; and using only the first portion of the upper hand to apply pressure
to only the stationary portion of the upper handle.
[0027] The above-described and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will
be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed
description, drawings, and appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool having a bent or offset pole in use with exemplary
embodiments of top and middle handles according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tool having a straight pole in use with the top
and middle handles of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the top handle of FIGS.
1 and 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the middle handle of FIGS.
1 and 2;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of the top handle
of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the top handle of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a sectional, partially exploded view of the top handle of FIG. 3;
FIG. 8 is a perspective exploded view of the middle handle of FIGS. 4; and
FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a back-and-forth cleaning path of the
tool of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-2, exemplary embodiments of
handles according to the present disclosure are shown and are generally referred to
by reference numeral 10. Advantageously, handles 10 have both a stationary portion
12 and a rotational portion 14, which have been found by the present disclosure to
provide enhanced utility by allowing the user more gripping and use choices than previously
possible.
[0030] Handles 10 are shown in use with a pole 16 having a tool 18. For ease of discussion,
tool 18 is shown as cleaning implement as disclosed in Applicant's own
U.S. Application No. 15/238,262, which is incorporated herein by reference. Of course, it should be recognized that
handles 10 are contemplated for use with any desired tool. Similarly, pole 16 is shown
for ease of discussion as being either a bent/offset pole (FIG. 1) or a straight pole
(FIG. 2). Of course, it should also be recognized that handles 10 are contemplated
for use with any desired pole, including fixed length poles or telescoping poles.
[0031] Handles 10 are shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with two different variants, namely as
a top handle 20, shown in more detail in FIG. 3 and a middle handle 22, shown in more
detail in FIG. 4. Top handle 20 and middle handle 22 each include stationary portion
12 and rotational portion 14.
[0032] Additionally, top handle 20 includes an activation trigger 24 that can be operatively
connected to one or more portions of tool 18. In the illustrated embodiment, trigger
24 is positioned on the rotational portion 14. Of course, it is contemplated by the
present disclosure for trigger 24 to be positioned on the stationary portion 12. Alternately
in another embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 5, it is contemplated by the present disclosure
for top handle 20 to lack any trigger. Moreover and although not shown, in still further
embodiments it is contemplated by the present disclosure for middle handle 22 to include
a trigger positioned on either stationary or rotational portions 12, 14.
[0033] In some embodiments, handles 20, 22 can include one or more gripping regions 26.
Gripping regions 26 can be formed of material that provides increased friction, provides
softer materials than pole 16, provides raised or textured areas, provides a diameter
large enough for comfortable gripping as pole 16 can of the be too small to easily
hold, or any other attribute to assist in gripping. For example, it is contemplated
by the present disclosure for handles 10 to be made of any desired material. For example,
handles 20, 22 can be made of plastics such as, but not limited to, polypropylene
(PP),
polyoxymethylene (POM),
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and others, and can include one or more thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) gripping
regions 26.
[0034] Top handle 20 is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. Top handle
20 includes stationary portion 12, rotational portion 14, and a rotational coupler
30. Rotational coupler 30 secures stationary and rotational portions 12, 14 to one
another so as to allow the portions to freely rotate with respect to one another about
a longitudinal axis (A), but prevents translational movement of the portions with
respect to one another along the axis (A). Stationary portion 12 is secured to pole
16 in a manner that prevents rotation about the axis (A) and prevents translational
movement along the axis (A).
[0035] As used herein, the terms "freely rotate" and "free rotation" shall mean rotate at a
torque of less than about 15 kg-mm, with less than 10 kg-mm being desired, and less
than 3 kg-mm being desired.
[0036] In one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, portions 12, 14 have a length
(L1, L2) along the axis (A) that is sufficient to allow the user to grip the respective
portion. In some embodiments, stationary portion 12 has a length (L1) of between 2
to 4 inches, while rotational portion 14 has a length (L2) of between 4 to 6 inches
with between 4 to 5 inches being desired.
[0037] Here, the present application has found that - particularly in middle handle 22 -
that the length (L1) of stationary portion 12 need not be sufficient to receive the
entire hand of the user. Rather, it has been determined that length (L2) of stationary
portion 12 of middle handle 22 having enough length to receive one or two fingers
(i.e., about 2 inches) provides sufficient area for the user to control tool 18 by
preventing rotation when desired. For example, positioning of stationary and rotational
portions 12, 14 into a unitary assembly immediately adjacent one another allows the
user to have their hand bridge the two portions so that some fingers are on the stationary
portion 12 and others are on the rotational portion 14. In this manner, the user can
switch between grasping the stationary portion 12 and grasping the rotational portion
14 by merely adjusting which of their fingers is applying pressure to the handles
20, 22. In some embodiments, portions 12, 14 are configured with outer diameters that
are common to allow easy transition between the two portions and/or to allow for grasping
of both portions with different fingers of the same hand.
[0038] During assembly, rotational coupler 30 is inserted into a bore 32 of stationary portion
12. Coupler 30 is fixedly secured to rotational portion 14 so as to secure portions
12, 14 to one another in allow free rotation about axis (A), but prevent translational
movement of the portions along axis (A). For example, coupler 30 can have screws 34
passed through the coupler and into nuts 36 held by rotational portion 14.
[0039] Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for portions 12, 14 to be
secured to one another in any desired manner that is sufficient to allow free rotation
of the portions with respect to one another about the axis (A), but to prevent translational
movement of the portions with respect to one another along the axis (A).
[0040] Finally, stationary portion 12 is secured to pole 16. In the illustrated embodiment,
stationary portion 12 includes a stationary coupler 38 that receives a rivet or other
mechanical fastener (not shown) to secure the stationary portion to pole 16 in a manner
that prevents rotation about the axis (A) and prevents translational movement along
the axis (A). Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for stationary
portion 12 to be secured to pole 16 in any desired manner that is sufficient to prevent
rotation about the axis (A) and prevent translational movement along the axis (A)
such as, but not limited to, a press fit, an adhesive connection, a welded connection,
and any others.
[0041] Middle handle 22 is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8. Middle handle
22 includes stationary portion 12, rotational portion 14, and a fixing coupler 40.
Coupler 40 captures rotational portion 14 between the coupler and stationary portion
12 so as to allow the portions 12, 14 to freely rotate with respect to one another
about axis (A), but to prevent translational movement of the portions 12, 14 along
the axis (A).
[0042] Additionally, stationary portion 12 is secured to pole 16 in a manner that prevents
rotation of the stationary portion about the axis (A) and prevents translational movement
of the stationary portion along the axis (A). In the illustrated embodiment, stationary
portion 12 includes a stationary coupler 38 that receives a rivet or other mechanical
fastener (not shown) to secure stationary portion 12 to pole 16. Of course, it is
contemplated by the present disclosure for stationary portion 12 to be secured to
pole 16 in any desired manner that is sufficient to prevent rotation about the axis
(A) and prevent translational movement along the axis (A) such as, but not limited
to, a press fit, an adhesive connection, a welded connection, and any others.
[0043] Similarly, coupler 40 receives a rivet or other mechanical fastener (not shown) to
secure the coupler 40 to pole 16 in a manner that prevents rotation about the axis
(A) and prevents translational movement along the axis (A). Of course, it is contemplated
by the present disclosure for coupler 40 to be secured to pole 16 in any desired manner
that is sufficient to prevent rotation about the axis (A) and prevent translational
movement along the axis (A) such as, but not limited to, a press fit, an adhesive
connection, a welded connection, and any others. In this manner, rotational portion
14 is freely rotatably between coupler 40 and stationary portion 12 in a desired position
on pole 16.
[0044] During assembly, stationary portion 12 includes a region 42 that is inserted into
a bore 44 of rotational portion 14. Coupler 40 and stationary portion 12 are fixedly
secured to pole 16 so as to secure rotational portion 14 between the coupler and the
stationary portion.
[0045] Advantageously, stationary portion 12 remains in the preset position on pole 16 without
rotation about axis (A) or translation along axis (A), while rotational portion 14
remains in the preset position on pole 16 without translational movement along axis
(A), but in a manner that allows free rotation about axis (A). Moreover, portions
12, 14 have lengths (L1, L2) that allow either portion to be grasped by the user.
It has been determined by the present disclosure that handles 20, 22 allow the user
to grip tool 18 in a plurality of combinations not previously possible.
[0046] Handles 10 of the present disclosure find use with pole 16 configured as the bent/offset
pole and tool 18 that requires a back-and-forth cleaning path such as in FIG.1. The
back-and-forth cleaning path is shown in FIG. 9, where tool 18 is pulled along a surface
being cleaned while the leading edge (Le) of the tool 18 is moved back-and-forth.
The back-and-forth motion can be efficient for cleaning large areas. The ease of movement
of tool 18, or lack thereof, can be magnified in instances where the total surface
area of the surface being cleaned/conditioned is large - either by virtue of there
being a single large surface or multiple smaller surfaces. Handles 10 of the present
disclosure have been found to reduce fatigue by improving the efficiency of motion
by increasing the use of larger muscle groups when cleaning is desired when cleaning/conditioning
surfaces by providing more flexibility to meet each user's particular method of inducing
the back-and-forth cleaning path.
[0047] Specifically, it has surprisingly been found by the present disclosure that different
users induce the same back-and-forth cleaning path with such bent/offset poles 16
in very different manners - such that providing handles 20, 22 both with stationary
and rotational portions 12, 14 has been found to particularly suited to maximize the
gripping options for the users. For example, some users exclusively make use of rotational
portion 14 of both handles 20, 22 to induce the back-and-forth cleaning path. Other
users primarily make use of stationary portion 12 of middle handle 22 to induce the
back-and-forth cleaning path while gripping rotational portion 14 of upper handle
20 so that the upper handle rotates freely. Still other users primarily make use of
stationary portion 12 of top handle 20 to induce the back-and-forth cleaning path
while gripping rotational portion 14 of middle handle 22 so that the middle handle
rotates freely. Still other users make primary use of stationary portions 12 of both
top and middle handles 20, 22.
[0048] Advantageously, handles 20, 22 allow the end user to determine which combination
of stationary/rotational portions 12, 14 to use for each of the handles works best
for them to create the desired back-and-forth motion. Further, handles 20, 22 allow
the end user to easily adjust the stationary/rotational grip for each of the handles
without having to significantly change hand position, which improved ergonomics and
reduced fatigue.
[0049] Handles 20, 22 are further configured, due to the integration of both stationary
and rotational portions 12, 14 into a unitary assembly immediately adjacent one another,
so that the user can allow their hand to bridge stationary and rotational portions
12, 14 so that some fingers are on the stationary portion and others are on the rotational
portion. In this manner, the user can switch between grasping the stationary portion
12 and the rotational portion 14 by merely adjusting which of their fingers is applying
pressure to the handles 20, 22.
[0050] Moreover, it has been found by the present disclosure that use of only handles that
freely rotate creates issues when utilizing tool 18 in cleaning tasks that do not
require the back-and-forth motion - such as in tight spaces (e.g., around table legs,
chairs, and the like) and/or during scrubbing tasks. As used herein, scrubbing tasks
are intended to define tasks that require the user to apply an additional force along
the axis (A) to increase the localized force between tool 18 and the surface being
cleaned.
[0051] Here, use of stationary portion 12 of both handles 20, 22 provides the user increased
control of tool 18, which can be particularly useful in tight spaces and scrubbing
tasks. Again, the ease with which the user can switch between grasping stationary
portion 12 and rotational portion 14 on each of handles 20, 22 provides increased
ease than previously possible.
[0052] Although various attributes of assembly are described herein with respect to different
embodiments, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for the assembly to include
any of the attributes described herein in any desired combination.
[0053] It should also be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third", "upper", "lower",
"front", "back", and the like may be used herein to modify various elements. These
modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified
elements unless specifically stated.
[0054] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary
embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes
may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing
from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made
to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without
departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure
not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated.
1. A tool comprising
a pole defining an axis; and
a first handle having both a first stationary portion and a first rotational portion,
the first stationary portion and the first rotational portion forming a unitary assembly
with the first stationary portion and the first rotational portion being immediately
adjacent one another along the axis,
the first stationary portion secured to the pole in a manner that prevents the first
stationary portion from rotational movement with respect to the pole about the axis
and in a manner prevents the first stationary portion from translational movement
with respect to the pole along the axis, and
the first rotational portion secured to the first stationary portion in a manner that
allows the first rotational portion to freely rotate with respect to the pole about
the axis and with respect to the first stationary portion and in a manner that prevents
the first rotational portion from translational movement with respect to the pole
and the first stationary portion along the axis.
2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first handle is positioned so that the first stationary
portion is at a top of the pole.
3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first handle is positioned so that the first rotational
portion is at a top of the pole.
4. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first handle is at region other than the top of the
pole.
5. The tool of claim 1, further comprising:
a second handle having a second stationary portion and a second rotational portion,
the second stationary portion and the second rotational portion forming a second unitary
assembly with the second stationary portion and the second rotational portion being
immediately adjacent one another along the axis,
wherein the second stationary portion is coupled to the pole at a region other than
the top of the pole.
6. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first handle further comprises an activation trigger.
7. The tool of claim 6, wherein the activation trigger is positioned on the first rotational
portion.
8. The tool of claim 6, wherein the activation trigger is positioned on the first stationary
portion.
9. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first handle further comprises a rotational coupler,
the rotational coupler securing the first stationary portion and the first rotational
portion to one another.
10. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first stationary portion has a length of between
2 - 4 inches.
11. The tool of claim 10, wherein the first stationary portion has a length of about 2
inches.
12. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first rotational portion has a length along the axis
that is between 4 - 6 inches.
13. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first stationary portion and the first rotational
portion have a common outer diameter.
14. The tool of claim 1, wherein the pole is a straight pole or a bent pole.
15. The tool of claim 1, wherein the pole is a fixed length pole or a telescoping pole.
16. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first handle further comprises one or more gripping
regions positioned and/or configured to assist in gripping of the handle.
17. A method of moving a tool back-and-forth, comprising:
positioning an upper hand on an upper handle of a pole so that a first portion of
the upper hand grasps a stationary portion of the upper handle and a second portion
of the upper hand grasps a rotational portion of the upper handle;
positioning a lower hand on a lower handle of the pole so that a first portion of
the lower hand grasps a stationary portion of the lower handle and a second portion
of the lower hand grasps a rotational portion of the lower handle; and
switching between grasping the stationary and/or rotational portions of the upper
and/or lower handles by adjusting which of the first and second portions of the upper
and/or lower hands applies pressure to the upper and/or lower handles, respectively.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the switching step comprises using only the first
portion of the upper and lower hands to apply pressure to only the stationary portions
of the upper and lower handles.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the switching step comprises using only the second
portion of the upper and lower hands to apply pressure to only the rotational portions
of the upper and lower handles.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the switching step comprises:
using only the first portion of the lower hand to apply pressure to only the stationary
portion of the lower handle; and
using only the second portion of the upper hand to apply pressure to only the rotational
portion of the upper handle.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein the switching step comprises:
using only the second portion of the lower hand to apply pressure to only the rotational
portion of the lower handle; and
using only the first portion of the upper hand to apply pressure to only the stationary
portion of the upper handle.