LOCKING DEVICE FOR TOOL HANDLE SHAFT AND TOOL BODY

Abstract

A locking device for securing a tool handle shaft to a tool body such as a broom, brush, hoe, rake or shovel that selectively prevents removal of the handle shaft from the tool body utilizing a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operatively connected to the tool body and includes a key that is selectively mateable to the keyhole in the handle shaft thereby locking the handle shaft to the tool body.

Claims

1. A locking device for connecting a handle shaft to a tool body, comprising: a handle shaft having a longitudinal length, with a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second portion of the handle shaft, wherein the first end of the shaft is substantially cylindrical and externally threaded, wherein the first end of the shaft further includes a keyhole recessed into the shaft, a tool body having a threaded bore that is mateable with the threads of the handle shaft, the threaded bore having an outer rim, wherein the tool body has a keyway spaced from the outer rim that provides an additional access location to the threaded bore, a locking mechanism having a body having a key mateable in the keyhole of the handle shaft, wherein the locking mechanism is hingedly connected at a first end to the tool body such that the key can be moved between a first position whereby the key is not situated in the bore and keyhole and a second position where the key is located in the keyhole, wherein when the key is located in the keyhole, the handle shaft is prevented from rotating about the longitudinal axis, and wherein when the key is not located in the keyhole, the handle shaft is rotatable about the longitudinal axis allowing the handle shaft to be removed from the tool body.

2. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism body includes a hinge arm or hinge socket and the tool body has a complimentary tool arm or tool socket mated with the respective hinge arm or hinge socket to selectively provide mating between the key and keyhole.

3. The locking device according to claim 2, wherein the key rotates in an arc about a rotational axis of the hinge arm or hinge socket.

4. The locking device according to claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism body includes the hinge arm and the tool body includes the tool socket, wherein a pair of hinge arms are present and located on opposing sides of the locking mechanism body.

5. The locking device according to claim 4, wherein the tool body keyway is sized to accommodate at least a portion of the locking mechanism, and wherein the keyway includes the tool sockets.

6. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein the key extends outwardly from a surface of the locking mechanism body.

7. The locking device according to claim 6, wherein the key is a projection having a height greater than a width, and wherein the keyhole has a height greater than a width.

8. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein the tool body keyway has a sidewall including a latch bore, wherein the locking mechanism includes a latch arm flexibly connected to the body of the locking mechanism, and wherein the latch arm is mateable with the sidewall including a latch bore.

9. The locking device according to claim 8, wherein the latch arm is located on an upper surface of the locking mechanism body.

10. The locking device according to claim 9, wherein the key extends laterally outward from a sidewall of the locking mechanism body.

11. The locking device according to claim 5, wherein the tool body keyway has a sidewall including a latch bore, wherein the locking mechanism includes a latch arm flexibly connected to the body of the locking mechanism, and wherein the latch arm is mateable with the sidewall including the latch bore.

12. The locking device according to claim 11, wherein the latch arm is located on an upper surface of the locking mechanism body, and wherein the key extends laterally outward from a sidewall of the locking mechanism body.

13. The locking device according to claim 4, wherein each of the hinge arms are resiliently connected to the locking mechanism body.

14. The locking device according to claim 12, wherein each of the hinge arms are resiliently connected to the locking mechanism body.

15. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein the keyhole is located in the threaded area of the handle shaft.

16. A method for connecting a handle shaft to a tool body, comprising the steps of: obtaining a handle shaft having a longitudinal length, with a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second portion of the handle shaft, wherein the first end of the shaft is substantially cylindrical and externally threaded, wherein the first end of the shaft further includes a keyhole recessed into the shaft, mating a tool body having a threaded bore with the threads of the handle shaft, the threaded bore having an outer rim, wherein the tool body has a keyway spaced from the outer rim that provides an additional access location to the threaded bore, wherein a locking mechanism is hingedly connected at a first end to the tool body, wherein the locking mechanism has a body having a key mateable in the keyhole of the handle shaft, and manipulating the locking mechanism from a first position whereby the key is not situated in the bore and keyhole and a second position where the key is located in the keyhole, wherein when the key is located in the keyhole, the handle shaft is prevented from rotating about the longitudinal axis, and wherein when the key is not located in the keyhole, the handle shaft is rotatable about the longitudinal axis allowing the handle shaft to be removed from the tool body.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the locking mechanism body includes a hinge arm or hinge socket and the tool body has a complimentary tool arm or tool socket mated with the respective hinge arm or hinge socket to selectively provide mating between the key and keyhole, and further including the step of rotating the key and an arc about a rotational axis of the hinge arm or hinge socket.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the locking mechanism body includes the hinge arm and the tool body includes the tool socket, wherein a pair of hinge arms are present and located on opposing sides of the locking mechanism body.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the tool body keyway has a sidewall including a latch bore, wherein the locking mechanism includes a latch arm flexibly connected to the body of the locking mechanism, and wherein the latch arm is mateable with the sidewall including a latch bore, wherein the latch arm is located on an upper surface of the locking mechanism body, and further including the step of mating the latch arm sidewall including the latch bore.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent by reading the detailed description of the invention, taken together with the drawings, wherein:

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a locking device according to the invention showing a handle shaft having a lower end disposed in a tool body having a bore with the locking mechanism shown in a locked position;

[0042] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a locking device according to the invention showing a handle shaft disposed in the tool body bore with the locking mechanism shown in an unlocked position, wherein the handle shaft keyhole is vertically aligned with the key of the locking mechanism;

[0043] FIG. 3A is a front view of a handle shaft having a vertically oriented keyhole located in a threaded section of the shaft;

[0044] FIG. 3B is a side view of the a tool body and the locking mechanism connected thereto, with the locking mechanism shown in an unlocked position;

[0045] FIG. 3C is a side view of the handle shaft shown in FIG. 3A threaded into the tool body, wherein the locking mechanism is shown in the locked position with the key to the locking mechanism being disposed in the keyhole of the handle shaft;

[0046] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a portion of a tool body of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 5 is a side view of one embodiment of a locking mechanism of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a top view of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 5; and

[0049] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the locking mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] This description of preferred embodiments is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, corresponding reference numbers are used throughout to identify the same or functionally similar elements. Relative terms such as horizontal, vertical, up, upper, down, lower, top and bottom as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., horizontally, downwardly, upwardly, etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and are not intended to require a particular orientation unless specifically stated as such. Terms including inwardly versus outwardly, longitudinal versus lateral and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as connected and interconnected, refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term operatively connected is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.

[0051] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers represent like or similar parts throughout the several views. FIGS. 1, 2, 3B and 3C show one embodiment of a locking mechanism 10 of the present invention which is adapted to secure handle shaft 20 to tool body 40 using locking mechanism 60 so that rotation of the handle shaft 20 about a longitudinal axis 26 thereof in relation to the tool body 40 is prevented by the locking mechanism 60 when engaged with handle shaft 20.

Handle Shaft

[0052] Handle shaft 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3C includes a first end 22 and a second portion 24, which can be a second end of the handle shaft 20 when the handle shaft is straight. Longitudinal axis 26 extends between first end 22 and at least second portion 24. It is to be understood that the handle shaft 20 can be constructed having a large variety of sizes, shapes and compositions which generally depend upon an end use of the tool.

[0053] The first end 22 of handle shaft 20 further includes a keyhole 28 recessed into the handle shaft. The keyhole illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3C is a vertical recess. However, it is to be understood that the keyhole can have any desired shape and size so long as the keyhole 28 of the shaft and key 62 of the locking mechanism cooperate to secure the handle shaft against rotational movement in relation to the tool body 40. Examples of other suitable keyhole shapes include, but are not limited to, cubes, rectangular prisms, spheres, hemispheres, cylinders, semi-cylinders or generally any other geometric or non-geometric form, and combinations thereof.

[0054] The first end 22 of handle shaft 20 is substantially cylindrical and preferably cylindrical. Threads 30 are formed or are otherwise present on the outer surface of handle shaft 20. In a preferred embodiment, the keyhole 28 is formed in a threaded area of the handle shaft. That said, in other embodiments, the keyhole 28 can be present in an area above the threads 30, and thus located further away from first end 22 of handle shaft 30.

Tool Body

[0055] Tool body 40 comprises an upper or face surface 41 including a bore 42 which is threaded and mateable with the threads 30 of handle shaft 20. Threaded bore 42 includes an outer rim 44. Bore 42 extends a sufficient depth within the tool body 40 such that handle shaft 20 can be secured thereto. Bore depth depends upon factors including, but not limited to, composition of the handle shaft 20 and tool body 40 for example. Tool body 40 includes a keyway 50 that is separate and distinct from bore 42. Keyway 50 can be on the same face surface 41 or a different face surface, for example face surface 45 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3B and 3C. Keyway 50 is spaced from the outer rim 44 and provides an additional access point to threaded bore 42. Keyway 50 is sized appropriately to house locking mechanism 60 or a portion thereof as desired.

[0056] As explained further herein and below, keyway 50 includes one or more sidewalls 52. At least one of the sidewalls includes a tool arm or tool socket 54 which cooperates with a respective hinge socket or hinge arm 64 of locking mechanism 60 which is described further below.

[0057] A latch bore 56 is present in tool body 40 in order to secure locking mechanism 60 in a locking position. In an alternative embodiment, the latch bore can be a latch projection extending outwardly from sidewall 52 in order to secure locking mechanism 60 in the locking position.

[0058] Tool body 40 includes working end 58 located on the bottom surface thereof. It is to be understood that the tool itself can be any useful article such as, but not limited to, broom, brush, hoe, mop, pain roller, rake, shovel or stall pick.

Locking Mechanism

[0059] Locking mechanism 60 has a body 61 having a key 62 mateable in the keyhole 28 of handle shaft 20. The locking mechanism is hingedly connected at a first end 66 to the tool body 40 such that the key 62 can be moved between a first position, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3B whereby the key 62 is not situated in the bore 42, tool body 40 and keyhole 28 of handle shaft 20 and a second position as shown in FIGS. 1, 3C and 4, where the key is located in the keyhole. When the key is located in the keyhole, the handle shaft is prevented from rotating about the longitudinal axis 26. When the key is not located in the keyhole, the handle shaft is rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereby allowing the handle shaft to be removed from the tool body.

[0060] Locking mechanism 60 is hingedly connected to tool body 40 in a preferred embodiment by an arm and socket arrangement in one embodiment, with an arm of the locking mechanism being rotatable within the socket. For example, as shown in the figures, the locking mechanism body 61 includes a hinge arm 64 and the tool body 40 has a complimentary tool socket 54 operatively connected to the hinge arm to selectively provide mating between the key and keyhole. As illustrated, a pair of hinge arms 64 are located on opposing sides of the locking mechanism body 61 and each fit in a separate tool socket 54 on opposite sidewalls 52 of keyway 50.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment the hinge arms 64 are resiliently connected to hinge body 61. In order to connect the locking mechanism 60 to the tool body 40, the hinge arms 64 are compressed an aligned with tool socket 54. Thereafter, they are allowed to reexpand and provide the fitted, rotatable connection within tool socket 54.

[0062] As described hereinabove, the opposite arrangement could readily be utilized wherein the hinge socket is located in the locking mechanism 60 and a tool arm can be located in a sidewall 52 of keyway 50. Other connection arrangements between the locking mechanism 60 and tool body 40 can alternatively be utilized so long as the arrangement allows key 62 to be selectively located in keyhole 28 of handle shaft 20.

[0063] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3B and 3C, he key 62 of locking mechanism 60 rotates in an arc about a rotational axis extending through the hinge arm 64 and tool socket 54.

[0064] Key 62 extends outwardly from at least one surface of locking mechanism body 61. The key 62 is a projection. The projection illustrated in FIGS. 12, 3B, 3C, 5 and 6 is a rectangular prism which mates with keyhole 28 recessed in handle shaft 20. The rectangular prism illustrated has a height greater than a width and keyhole 28 also has a height greater than a width thereof. Key 62 can assume other shapes which include, but are not limited to, cubes, spheres, hemispheres, cylinders, semi-cylinders or any other geometric or non-geometric form, and combinations thereof. The only requirement regarding the shape of the key is that the same when engaged in keyhole 28 prevents the handle shaft from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the handle shaft.

[0065] In the embodiment illustrated, key 62 extends laterally outward from a sidewall of locking mechanism body 61.

[0066] Locking mechanism 60 in one embodiment includes a latch arm 68 flexibly and/or resiliently connected to body 61 of the locking mechanism. The latch arm is mateable with a portion of keyway 50, preferably a sidewall 52 in some embodiments, wherein the sidewall includes latch bore 56. In FIGS. 1, 2, 3B, 3C, 5 and 7 latch arm 68 is shown located on an upper surface of locking mechanism body 61. Latch arm 68 includes a projection 69 which mates with latch bore 56.

Methods of Use

[0067] In order to secure a handle incorporating handle shaft 20 to the locking device 10 of the present invention, the first end 22 of the handle shaft is threaded into bore 42 of tool body 40. Once the handle shaft has been inserted to a sufficient depth, the keyhole 28 is aligned with key 62 of locking mechanism 60 such as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C. Locking mechanism 60 is then manipulated so that the key rotates in an arc about the rotational axis of the hinge arm and tool socket combination. Latch arm 68 is pushed downwardly towards the top surface of the body 61 so that projection 69 can clear and be inserted into latch bore 56 after which the latch arm 68 is released. During the process, the key 62 is inserted into keyhole 28 whereby handle shaft 20 is prevented from rotating about the longitudinal axis 26 of handle shaft 20. Latch arm 68 and locking mechanism 60 can be released from handle shaft 20 by depressing the latch arm to remove projection 69 from latch bore 56 whereafter the locking mechanism can be rotated outwardly such that the key 62 is removed from keyhole 28.

[0068] In accordance with the patent statutes, the best mode and preferred embodiment have been set forth; the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, but rather by the scope of the attached claims.