QUICK RELEASE IMPLEMENT

I. Background

A. Field of Invention

The present invention generally relates to poles, extension poles and tool handles, and in particular, quick release means of attaching same thereto.

B. Description of the Related Art

Connecting a pole and or extension pole to a tool or like implement is known. Typically, a tool consists of a handle that is shaped and designed to connect to a pole and or extension pole. In the example of a pool implement, such as a pool skimmer, the skimmer typically has a cylindrical handle extending from the tool with a clip disposed therein that connect to an extension pole.

The clip, commonly referred to as a "v-clip," consists essentially of a set of legs that usually extend symmetrically from an apex, within the same plane, much like the letter 'v.' At the end of each leg is a pin, which extends in from the base of the legs in opposing directions in the same plane. The clip is biased in the 'v' form such that if the ends of the legs and or pins are compelled towards each (i.e., compressed), the clip springs back to its original form when released. In use, pins extend beyond the exterior surface of a handle and provide means to secure a pole, for example, when the pins are aligned with corresponding holes formed through a pole.

Typically, it is common for a user to have less poles and or extension poles than implements. Therefore, it is necessary to remove a tool from a pole. Generally, in order to separate the tool from the pole, the pins are typically compressed by use of finger tips, which force the pins to retract and or escape the holes of the pole, while at the same time pulling apart/separating the handle from the pole. Because the spring of the clip may be particularly indignant, and because the pins are relatively small, finger tips tend to commonly slip off the pins and or cause skin to be cinched. Additionally, by virtue of finger placement and or applied compression, sometimes pins are retracted unevenly preventing or hampering the separation of the pole and tool. Ultimately, there is a need for a way to retract pins on a v-clip quickly and safely, without having to directly compress the two pins, so that the pins evenly retract and do not cause injury to a user.

II. Summary

The instant invention provides for the ability to separate a pole from a handle without directly contacting the pins. The inventor of the instant invention has discovered that a handle may be modified such that there is direct access to the interior locking mechanism (i.e., clip), so that a displacing force may be applied thereto, causing the clip to deform and displace and or disengage a detent, such as a locking pin from a hole, thus allowing for separation.

In an embodiment, the lever portion of a clip is displaced, which may be accomplished by directly contacting the lever through a hole in the handle at an access area. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism may consist of a button in the access area that communicates with the lever or the button may be connected to the clip and whereby the apex and or lever of the clip extend beyond the interior of the handle. It is an embodiment of the invention that the clip consists of one leg. It is a further embodiment of the invention that leg(s) of the clip may be moved, causing the a detent and or pin(s) to displace and or disengage the hole on the handle, allowing for separation. The aforementioned force may include a push, pull or twist action.

In an embodiment, a fulcrum, is disposed inside the handle in proximity to the clip, for example a portion of a leg, such that when a displacing force is applied to clip at or about the lever, the clip deforms by virtue of the leg being directed by the fulcrum, for example which may be a slope or channel, etc. Because the legs provide for direct communication between the lever and the detent, when the leg is moved, so too are its ends, which in this invention includes the movement of the pin disengaging.

III. Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, some embodiments of which will be described in the specification and illustrated in accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, wherein, when referring to the drawings, the inventor identifies the following components thereto,

• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an implement according to an embodiment of the invention of a quick release tool.
• FIG. 2 is an elevated, right side, perspective view of a portion of a tool handle, with clip in a biased, extended position.
• FIG. 3 is a top view of clip, according to the instant invention, in a naturally biased, extended position.
• FIG. 4 is a top view of clip, according to the instant invention, in a naturally biased, extended position.
• FIG. 5 is an elevated, right side, perspective view of a portion of a tool handle, with clip in compressed, retracted position.
• FIG. 6 is a top view of a deformed clip in a compressed, retracted position, according to the instant invention.
• FIG. 7 is a top view of a deformed clip in a compressed, retracted position, according to the instant invention.
• FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a portion of a tool handle according to the instant invention defining a cut away A-A view to be shown in the following Figures, FIGS. 9 and 10.
• FIG. 9 is a top-elevated, perspective view identified by A-A from FIG. 8, wherein the clip is in it biased, extended position.
• FIG. 10 is a bottom-elevated, perspective view identified by A-A from FIG. 8, wherein the clip is compressed, retracted position.
• FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a portion of a tool handle according to the instant invention defining a cut away D-D view to be shown in the following Figures, FIGS. 12 and 13.
• FIG. 12 is a front view identified by D-D from FIG. 11, wherein the clip is in it biased, extended position.
• FIG. 13 is a front view identified by D-D from FIG. 11, wherein the clip is compressed, retracted position.

IV. Detailed Description of the Invention

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the instant invention wherein the quick release tool 10 is for example, a wall brush for a pool, and comprises a substantially hollow handle 30, defined by an outer wall surrounding an internal area that houses a clip (which is partially shown, yet defined by button 40 disposed about the access area 100 of the handle 30 and a pin 20 that is engaged with hole 35). Access area 100 may be anywhere on said handle 30 so long as it provides access to at least the lever portion 40 of a clip 60 such that when lever 40 is displaced, detent 20 disengages as a result of the contact between means disposed in said internal area, such as the interaction between a leg of clip and a fulcrum (not shown).

As should be understood, the exposed pins 20 are detents that lock the quick release tool 10 to other poles such as an extension pole (not shown). This locking means is wellknown in the art and essentially consists of a hollow extension pole surrounding a portion of handle 30 such that pins 20 engage with complimentary holes formed on an extension pole. According to an embodiment of the instant invention, when button 40 is pressed, an internal lever displaces, which causes pins 20 to retract and or disengage, allowing the implement to be easily separated therefrom.

FIG. 2 is an elevated, right side perspective view of a portion of a tool handle 30, wherein clip 60 is in a biased, extended position. FIGS. 2 and 3 provide two different embodiments of a clip 60 subject to the instant invention that is shown in a naturally extended and or biased position. Essentially, a clip 60 subject to the instant invention has two ends, one that consists of a detent 20 shown in the figures as a pin, and the other end that consists of a lever 40 shown in the figures as a button, and a leg 50 is defined as the portion there between. As shown, the clip 60 may also be defined as having an apex 40 which defines a lever and has a leg 50 extending therefrom at an angle Ø in relation to a second leg 50. (It is within the scope of the invention that there is only one leg.) Detent, i.e., pin 20 extends from end of leg 50.

FIG. 2, shows an embodiment of pin 20 in a biased, extended position. As shown, the button, lever and or apex 40 protrudes from the wall of handle 30 at the access area 100. It is an object of the invention that this apex 40 may be completely hidden and or contained within handle 30. In an embodiment, when the apex 40 is hidden and or contained completely within the internal area of handle 30 it may be contacted and or displaced when the access area 100 is a hole that provides direct access thereto. It is an alternate embodiment of the invention that the access area 100 is a portion of the wall consisting of deformable material that can depress sufficiently such that the lever 40 within said internal area is still is capable of being accessed and or displaced.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of how pin 20 disengages with hole 35 formed on said handle 30. In an embodiment subject to the instant invention, when button 40 is displaced, as shown pressed down, pins 20 retract from handle 30, based on means disposed in said internal area. FIGS. 6 and 7 provide two different embodiments of how clip 60 subject to the instant invention may appear when clip 60 is a v-clip compressed and or when pins 20 are in a retracted position.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a portion of a tool handle 30 according to the instant invention when clip 60 is in a biased, extended position, and identifies a cut away A-A. FIG. 9 provides an inside view of the internal area of handle 30 based on A-A, when clip 20 is in the biased, extended position. As shown, the internal area of handle 30 provides means 70 disposed in said internal area that disengages the detent 20 and hole 30, according to communications between lever 20 and access area 100.

In the embodiment as shown, means 70 is a fulcrum that is in contact with leg 50 when detent 20 is disengages with hole 35. As shown, fulcrum 70 includes a guide defined by slope 170. As shown, when lever 40 is displaced, such as being pressed down, a portion of leg 50 comes in contact with slope 170 and deforms clip 60. As shown in the embodiment, clip 60 is compressed. Au cause de deformation, pin 20 retracts and or disengages hole 35, as shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a portion of a tool handle according to the instant invention as provided in FIG. 8, and identifies a cut away in direction of D-D (opposite of A-A in FIG. 8). Accordingly, FIG. 12 provides an inside view of handle 30 based on D-D, when clip 60 is in a biased, extended position, and FIG. 13 shows when pins 20 are retracted, (i.e., when button and or apex 40 is pressed down and legs 50 are caused to contact slope 60 and thereby drawn together, causing pins 20 to retract.

While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions may be made without departing from the invention herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.