Patent Application
20090249569
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an extension pole for interconnecting a water source and washing implement and, more particularly, to a telescoping extension pole having a locking mechanism for retaining the pole in various length configurations.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many types of cleaning implements, as well as other tools, are equipped with an elongated handle which is grasped by the user to manipulate the device carried on the distal end of the handle. Such implements include those wherein a liquid, such as water or a cleaning solution, is supplied to one end of a hollow, metal tube and allowed to flow through the tube to be discharged at the opposing end, often through a removably mounted cleaning tool, such as a scrubber, sponge, or brush. Extendible versions of these implements generally comprise an inner and an outer tube that are positioned in a telescoping arrangement, with the inner tube adapted to provide for the flow of fluids therethrough. Extendible poles also locking mechanisms for retaining the telescoping inner and outer tubes in a fixed position relative to each other at various lengths selected by the user. The locking mechanisms are often quite cumbersome, however, and require that the user twist a locking nut positioned on the outer tube through several rotations to advance it over a clamping element that presses tightly against the inner tube, thereby locking the telescoping poles into their current position.
It is therefore a principal object and advantage of the present invention to provide a locking mechanism that is easy to use.
It is another object and advantage of the present invention to provide a locking mechanism that securely retains a telescoping extension pole in various positions
It is a further object and advantage of the present invention to provide an extension pole that prevents rotation of an attached implement.
In accordance with the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention provides an extension pole comprising an outer tube extending along a longitudinal axis and having a first end adapted for interconnection to a water source, such as a hose, and a second end for receiving an inner tube extending along the longitudinal axis and positioned in a telescoping relationship to the outer tube. The inner tube includes a first end adapted to be positioned into the second end of the outer tube and a second end that is adapted for interconnection to a cleaning implement, such as a scrubber, sponge, or brush. Inner tube preferably includes at least one portion comprising a first tubular section in fluid communication with the outer tube positioned inside of a second tubular section that is not in fluid communication with the outer tube. Second tubular section further includes a series of openings, such as slots, holes, or grooves, which are formed therein and spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. Outer tube further comprises a locking assembly positioned on its second end that includes an locking member extending inwardly for engaging one of the openings formed in the second tubular section of the inner tube. Locking assembly further includes a spring or other bias element for biasing the locking member inwardly to securely engage the openings, and a release button interconnected to locking member for the manual application of a force opposite to the bias element to move the locking member out of engagement with the openings, thereby allowing inner and outer tubes to be moved with respect to each other. The extension pole further comprises a locking nut positioned on the second end of the inner tube for releasably engaging a cleaning tool and preventing rotation of the cleaning tool during use.
The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, there is seen in
Inner tube 20 includes a first end 22 adapted to be positioned into second end 18 of outer tube 12, and a second end 24 that is adapted for interconnection to a cleaning implement 26, such as a scrubber, sponge, or brush. As seen in
As seen in
Locking assembly 38 further includes a spring 42 or other biasing element for biasing locking member 40 inwardly to securely engage features 36, and a release lever 44 pivotally interconnected to locking assembly 38 and locking member 40 for the manual application of a force opposing spring 42 to move locking member 40 out of engagement with features 36, thereby allowing inner tube 20 and outer tube 12 to be moved with respect to each other. In another embodiment of the present invention, locking assembly comprises a high-tension biasing element for forcing locking member 40 into frictional contact with inner tube 20 sufficient to prevent telescoping with respect to outer tube, thereby eliminating the need for features 36 on inner tube 20.
Extension pole 10 further comprises a locking assembly 46 positioned on second end 24 of inner tube 20 for releasably engaging cleaning implement 26 and preventing rotation of implement 26 during use. As seen in
To provide a water-tight fit and prevent interference between water flow and locking assembly 38, first end 26 of inner tube 20 is closed with respect to first tubular section 30 and second tubular section 32, and may include a series of O-rings 52 around the outside thereof for engaging the inner surface of outer tube 12.
