Telescopic Pole For Swimming Pool Tools

Abstract

An apparatus for cleaning swimming pools, cement finishing tools, and wire ceiling applications, having an outer tube having a collar and angled detent, and a mechanism for attaching a tool. A dodecagon shaped inner tube configured to be received within the outer tube within an aperture in the collar. The inner tube is shaped to slide within the outer tube to a selected position in relation to the outer tube, allowing for the angled detent to position and secure the inner tube within the outer tube. A plurality of apertures are aligned on the inner tube, so that the angled detent, which includes a locking mechanism, which may be a tapered or ringed pin that is operably engaged with one of the apertures, to secure the inner tube at a selected position within the outer tube.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cleaning swimming pools, cement finishing tools, ceiling wire applications, and the like, comprising: an outer tube having a first end and a second end, said first end of the outer tube having a collar housing and angled detent, said second end of said outer tube having means for attaching a tool; a dodecagon shaped inner tube having a first end and a second end, and includes a detachable grooved grip for grasping and positioning the apparatus; said second end of said inner tube is adapted and configured to be received within said outer tube within an aperture in said collar housing; the inner tube is shaped to slide within said outer tube to a selected position in relation to said outer tube, allowing for said angled detent to position and secure the inner tube within the outer tube; and a plurality of apertures aligned on the inner tube, so that the angled detent, which includes a locking means, may be operably engaged with one of said apertures, to secure and position the inner tube at a selected position within said outer tube.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said locking means of said angled detent is a tapered pin.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said locking means of said angled detent is a ringed pin.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said locking means of said angled detent includes an angled actuator arm.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said locking means of said angled detent includes an actuator means, comprising a enlarged surface area to facilitate activating said angled actuator arm.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said collar housing includes fastening means for securing and tightening said collar housing to said outer tube.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said inner tube includes an inner insert for engagement with said angled detent.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said angled detent includes a ring-shaped mechanism for securing said locking means of said angled detent within one of said plurality of apertures in the inner tube.

9. A telescoping pole for swimming pool cleaning tools, comprising: an outer tube having a first end and a second end, said first end of the outer tube having a collar and angled detent secured thereto, said second end of said outer tube having means for attaching a tool; a dodecagon shaped inner tube having a first end and a second end, and includes a detachable grip for grasping and positioning the apparatus; said second end of said inner tube is adapted and configured to be received within said outer tube within an aperture in said collar; the inner tube is shaped to slide within said outer tube to a selected position in relation to said outer tube, allowing for said angled detent to position and secure the inner tube within the outer tube; and a plurality of apertures aligned on the inner tube, so that the angled detent, which includes a locking means, may be operably engaged with one of said apertures, to secure and position the inner tube at a selected position within said outer tube.

10. The telescoping pole for swimming pool cleaning tools of claim 9, wherein said locking means of said angled detent is a tapered pin.

11. The telescoping pole for swimming pool cleaning tools of claim 9, wherein said locking means of said angled detent is a ringed pin.

12. The telescoping pole for swimming pool cleaning tools of claim 9, wherein said locking means of said angled detent includes an angled actuator arm.

13. The telescoping tool for swimming pool cleaning tools of claim 9, wherein said locking means of said angled detent includes an actuator means, comprising a enlarged surface area to facilitate activating said angled actuator arm.

14. The telescoping pole for swimming pool cleaning tools of claim 9, wherein said collar includes fastening means for securing and tightening said collar to said outer tube.

15. The telescoping pole for swimming pool cleaning tools of claim 9, wherein said inner tube includes an inner insert for engagement with said angled detent.

16. A telescoping tool for swimming pool cleaning tools, comprising: an outer tube having a first end and a second end, said first end of the outer tube having a collar housing an angled detent, said second end of said outer tube having means for attaching a tool; a dodecagon shaped inner tube having a first end and a second end, and includes a detachable grooved grip for grasping and positioning the apparatus; said second end of said inner tube is adapted and configured to be received within said outer tube within an aperture in said collar; the inner tube is shaped to slide within said outer tube to a selected position in relation to said outer tube, allowing for said angled detent to position and secure the inner tube within the outer tube; and a plurality of apertures aligned on the inner tube, so that the angled detent, which includes a locking mechanism, may be operably engaged with one of said apertures, to secure and position the inner tube at a selected position within said outer tube, thereby allowing for the length of the telescoping handle to be adjusted to a desired length.

17. The telescoping tool for swimming pool cleaning tools of claim 16, wherein said locking mechanism of said angled detent includes a tapered pin.

17. The telescoping tool for swimming pool cleaning tools of claim 16, wherein said locking mechanism of said angled detent includes a ringed pin.

18. The telescoping tool for swimming pool cleaning tools of claim 16, wherein said locking mechanism of said angled detent includes an angled actuator arm.

19. The telescoping handle for swimming pool cleaning tools of claim 16, wherein said locking mechanism of said angled detent includes an actuator means, comprising a enlarged surface area to facilitate activating said angled actuator arm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and, together with a general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a telescopic pole for swimming pool tools and the like, having a pool cleaning tool operably attached thereto, according to the invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a stop ring mechanism for the telescopic pole for swimming pool tools and the like, according to the invention.

[0020] FIG. 3, shows the inner structure of the dodecagon shaped tube, according to the invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows a collar housing and angled detent configured according to the invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the angled detent within the housing, according to the invention.

[0023] FIG. 6, shows a side view of the housing for the angled detent with attachment screw or bolt, according to the invention.

[0024] FIG. 7 shows an end view of the housing for the angled detent having a dodecagon shaped inner surface, according to the invention.

[0025] FIG. 8 shows a shows a top perspective view of the housing for the angled detent having a dodecagon shaped inner surface, according to the invention.

[0026] FIG. 9 shows the angled detent removed from the housing, according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 10 shows a side view of the angled detent removed from the housing and having a tapered pin, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 11 shows a tapered pin according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of the angled detent removed from the housing, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 13 shows a pin attachment mechanism of the angled detent with pin, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 14 shows a ringed or notched pin according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 15 shows a bottom view of the angled detent removed from the housing, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 16 shows a disassembled spring pressure mechanism of the angled detent, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 17 shows the assembled spring pressure mechanism of of the angled detent, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0036] In accordance with the present invention, and as seen in FIG. 1, there is provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention, an apparatus or tool 10, for cleaning swimming pools, cement finishing tools, ceiling wire applications and the like, comprising an outer tube 12, having a first end 14, and a second end 16. The first end 14, of the outer tube 12, has a collar housing 18, and angled detent 20, providing a lock assembly, and the second end 16, of said outer tube 12, having means for attaching a tool thereto, such as leaf skimmer 21, which may be a plurality of apertures 22, and drain hole 24. A dodecagon shaped inner tube 26, is provided having a first end 28, and a second end 30, and includes a detachable grooved grip 32, for grasping and positioning apparatus 10, as desired. The second end 30, of the inner tube 26, is adapted and configured to be received within the outer tube 12, within an aperture 31, of collar housing 18. The inner tube 26, is shaped to slide within the outer tube 12, to a selected position in relation to the outer tube 12, allowing for the angled detent 20, to position and secure the inner tube 26, within the outer tube. A plurality of apertures 34, are aligned on the dodecagon shaped inner tube 26, so that the angled detent 20, which includes a locking mechanism, may be operably engaged with one of the apertures 34, so as to secure and position the inner tube 26, at a selected position within the outer tube 12. The apparatus, in a preferred embodiment uses a tapered 38, or ringed pin 40, best seen in FIGS. 10, 11, and 14, for the locking means of the angled detent 20. The locking means of the angled detent 20, also preferably includes an angled actuator arm 42, see for example FIG. 4. The locking means of the angled detent 20, also includes an actuator means, comprising a enlarged surface area 46, to facilitate activating angled actuator arm 42, when pushed or depressed. The collar housing 18, which houses angled detent 20, or lock assembly, includes a fastening means 48, such as a screw, bolt or the like, for securing and tightening collar housing 18, to outer tube 12. Preferably, the inner dodecagon shaped tube 26, includes an inner insert 50, best seen in FIG. 3, for support and for engagement with the detent pin.

[0037] As seen in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for cleaning swimming pools, cement finishing tools, ceiling wire applications 10, is shown. Preferably, the telescoping pole comprised of outer tube 12, and inner dodecagon shaped tube 26, utilize the angled detent 20, with either tapered ring 38, or notched or ringed pin 40, for locking the apparatus in position. It is essential that the pole can be locked in a chosen position without collapsing or rotating. The locking mechanism provided by angled detent 20, positioning and snapping or locking and pins 38, or 40, in apertures 34, is preferably controlled by a spring pressure mechanism, comprising a spring 52, best seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, operably positioned within angled detent 20. The spring pressure forces pin 38 or 40, into one of the apertures 34, in inner dodecagon shaped tube 26, and because of the angled detent 20, and tapered 38, or ringed pin 40, the pole is locked together at a desired length and remains stable when either forward or backward motion is applied. The tapered ring 38, or angled ring 40, prevent the pins from pulling up and out of apertures 34.

[0038] It is also seen in FIG. 1, that collar housing 18, prevents the pins from exposure to outside damage if the apparatus 10, is dropped on the ground. The locking mechanism provided by angled detent 20, and the tapered pin 38, or ringed pin 40, with spring 52, is completely protected by collar housing 18, which protects the pin and detent mechanism form outside damage.

[0039] With reference now to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the apparatus or tool 10, is shown according to another embodiment of the invention where a plurality of stop buttons 54, are positioned near the second end 30, of inner dodecagon shaped tube 26. A stop ring 56, is operably secured to the end and this provides a stop on the pole, preventing inner tube 26, from pulling out of outside tube 12. Stop buttons 54, stop when hitting the inside of collar housing 18, which in addition to stop ring 56, creates a stop. In alternative embodiments, stop ring 56, may be eliminated, thereby using the stop buttons 54, as the sole stop mechanism.

[0040] In FIG. 3, shows the inner structure of the inner dodecagon shaped tube 26, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Inner tube 26, preferably has insert and elevated portion 50, for support and for engagement with the locking assembly of the angled detent, and dodecagon shaped inner wall 33.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 4 collar housing 18, and angled detent 20, are shown detached from the outer and inner tube, and configured according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Preferably angled detent 20, is configured with actuator means, which is shown as enlarged surface area 46, and angled actuator arm 42, and dodecagon shaped inner wall 31.

[0042] In FIG. 5a top view of the angled detent 20, within the housing 18 is shown, according a preferred embodiment of the invention. Preferably angled detent 20, is configured with actuator means, which is shown as enlarged surface area 46, and angled actuator arm 42. A side view of collar housing 18, for the angled detent with attachment screw or bolt 48, is seen in FIG. 6, according to the invention.

[0043] In FIG. 7 an end view of the collar housing 18, for the angled detent 20, is shown, having dodecagon shaped inner surface 31, to receive the inner tube of the telescoping pole, according to the invention.

[0044] With reference now to FIG. 8, shows a top perspective view of the collar housing 18, for the angled detent having a dodecagon shaped inner surface. In FIG. 8, the collar housing 18, is illustrated alone, without angled detent 20 or the inner and outer tubes, for illustrative purposes, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0045] In FIG. 9, angled actuator arm 42, of angled detent 20, is removed from the collar housing 18. Fastening means 48, which can be a screw, bolt, rivet, or other fastening mechanism well know in the art is shown. A preferred configuration of enlarged surface area 46, and angled actuator arm 42 is shown. Tapered pin 38, is shown providing a locking means for the telescoping pole are shown according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 10, a side view of the angled detent 20, removed from the housing 18, and having tapered pin 38, secured to mount 37, is shown, according to one embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 11, tapered pin 38, is shown detached from the angled detent. Tapered pin 38, may be provided in alternative configurations such as seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, where a notch or ring is provided, so that the pin is ringed. In any configuration, whether tapered, or ringed, or notched, the pin is controlled by spring pressure and is snapped or pushed into one of the plurality of apertures on the dodecagon shaped inner tube.

[0047] Preferably, outer tube 12, and dodecagon inner tube 26, are composed of a durable resilient material such a aluminum or other metal, plastic, rubber, or the like. It is also noted, that in other embodiments, inner tube 26, may have an alternative configuration which is not dodecagon shaped, such as round, or rectangular, hexagon, or pentagon shaped as desired, but preferably is shaped a as dodecagon. Outer tube 12, and inner tube 26 may be of any selected length depending upon the application and use. For example, inner tube may be 3 feet long, 5 feet long, 8 feet long, or otherwise as desired. Collar housing 18, is preferably composed of a durable resilient material such as plastic, rubber, composite, metal, or the like. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, tapered pin 38, or ringed or notched pin 40, are composed of a durable resilient material such as plastic, metal, composite, or thermoplastic, for example. The detachable grooved grip 32, may be composed of plastic, rubber, neoprene, or other flexible, durable, material.

[0048] With reference now to FIG. 12a bottom view of the angled detent 20, is shown removed from the housing, according to one embodiment of the invention. Angled detent 20, is configured with enlarged surface area 46, and angled actuator arm 42, is shown from a bottom view. Tapered pin 38, which may of course be replaced with a ringed or notched pin, is also shown.

[0049] FIG. 13 shows a pin attachment mechanism of the angled detent with pin 38, secured to mount 37, and to angled actuator arm 42, according to one embodiment of the invention. Tapered pin 38, may be replaced by ringed or notched pin 40, best seen in FIG. 14.

[0050] FIG. 15 shows a bottom view of the angled detent 20, with pin 38, removed from the housing, enlarged surface area 46, for facilitating pressing and snapping pin 38, in place in aperture 34 of inner dodecagon shaped tube 26, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention embodiment of the invention.

[0051] A disassembled spring pressure mechanism is shown FIG. 16, with spring 52, screw 48, bolt 49 to secure screw 48, and angled detent 20, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 17 the assembled spring pressure mechanism of the angled detent, is shown assembled by detached from housing collar 18, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Preferably spring 52, is operably engaged to screw 48, as shown, providing a spring pressure mechanism to force tapered pin 38, or notched or ringed pin 40, into an aperture 34, of inner dodecagon shaped tube 26.

[0053] In operation and use, the telescoping pole 10, of the present invention provides an apparatus that may be used for cleaning swimming pools, cement finishing tools, ceiling wire tools and the like. In particular, the telescoping pole 10, provides an apparatus for attachment to tools for cleaning swimming pools, cement finishing tools, ceiling wire tools, or the like. Telescoping pole or apparatus 10, may be easy, safely, and efficiently used to extend the reach of the user while using the tool. Telescoping pole 10, easily and quickly snaps or locks into place by using a series of apertures in an inner dodecagon shaped pole. A pin that is tapered, notched or ringed and is used and controlled by spring pressure that forces the pin into an aperture and stays in place while forward and backward movement is applied. By providing a tapered or ringed pin, this eliminates the pin pulling up and out of the aperture when pressure and force is applied. This also creates a stopping effect on the pulling up of the pin from the aperture, resulting in a stable and reliable lock position. Telescoping pole or apparatus 10, may be used for pool cleaning, cement finishing, ceiling wire applications and any application that requires different lengths of pole or tubing at different times of application. Telescoping pole 10, may be provided in a wide variety of different sizes and configurations.

[0054] Additional advantages and modification will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is, therefore, not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures from such details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.