GB2557661A

GB2557661A - Anti rotational telescopic pole

Info

Publication number: GB2557661A
Application number: GB1621302.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Everingham Richard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-12-14
Filing date: 2016-12-14
Publication date: 2018-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-14
Also published as: GB201621302D0; GB2557661B

Abstract

A non-rotating telescopic device has tubular poles 3 with non-circular cross section, having two flat edges. Following extension or retraction of a pole with a smaller diameter, within a pole of a larger diameter, the poles are clamped in position. A first section of a clamping device 2 has an internal surface that conforms to an external surface of the larger pole, and a second section has an internal surface that conforms to an external surface of the smaller pole. The second section has a lever mechanism 8 for performing clamping. A cleaning tool, such as a brush, may be attached to the telescopic device, which may be fed with water. The telescopic device may be modular, form an airtight connection between the connected poles, and used with vacuum equipment to collect duct or suck dirt from guttering. Each pole may be a cone shape.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Anti rotational telescopic pole

Abstract Title: Non-rotating telescopic pole with clamping device (57) A non-rotating telescopic device has tubular poles 3 with non-circular cross section, having two flat edges.

Following extension or retraction of a pole with a smaller diameter, within a pole of a larger diameter, the poles are clamped in position. A first section of a clamping device 2 has an internal surface that conforms to an external surface of the larger pole, and a second section has an internal surface that conforms to an external surface of the smaller pole. The second section has a lever mechanism 8 for performing clamping. A cleaning tool, such as a brush, may be attached to the telescopic device, which may be fed with water. The telescopic device may be modular, form an airtight connection between the connected poles, and used with vacuum equipment to collect duct or suck dirt from guttering. Each pole may be a cone shape.

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DRAWINGS

Figure 1

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Figure 2

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Figure 3

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Figure 4

ANTI-ROTATIONAL TELESCOPIC POLE AND CLEANING TOOL

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to anti-rotational telescopic poles and cleaning tools. More specifically it relates to a cleaning tool comprising an extendable pole of two or more telescoping tubular members of a non-circular cross-section.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Extendable telescopic poles are well-known and have been used in many fields, such as cleaning and gardening tools, mounts for cameras and detectors, fishing rods, marine applications, painting walls, etc. Telescoping poles usually have two or more concentrically disposed tubular sections that are axially movable with respect to each other. The telescopic pole has an advantage of being collapsible to a compact dimension for easy transport and storage.

Relative movement of the telescopic sections is inhibited with a locking device housed within one or more of the inner sections. The locking device typically comprises a pin that is biased to extend from an inner section through a hole in an adjacent outer section.

The prior art technical sources describe variety of telescoping poles, which are made by using variety of different non-circular cross-sections and provide antirotation properties. Also a number of prior art solutions feature various ways of how to lock together the poles of telescoping devices.

Telescopic poles exist in a variety of design features. For example, a US patent No. US2004100109 describes an extendable reacher having a plurality of extendable sections, including a center section. The center section includes a distal portion that inserts into an opening in the rear wall of the handle to retain the reacher in its retracted position. The extendable sections include outer and inner surfaces that engage to prevent relative rotation of the sections and the tip. The telescoping arm of this reacher can be configured in a non-cylindrical shape, i.e.

having two sides flat and thus ensuring resistance to rotation of the pole members with respect to each other.

Another US patent application No. US4653142 describes a tool such as the cleaning tool, which has an extensible handle comprising two or more telescoping tubes of elliptical or other noncircular cross-section which, when their axes are aligned, may be freely telescoped relative to one another until a desired extension is reached, and may then be rotated out of alignment to bind the tubes together.

Another US patent application No. US4793646 describes an adjustable handle and arm assembly. By providing at least two elongated, telescopically engaged tube members which incorporate therein a spring biased, dual locking pin structure in combination with tube aligning and centralizing zones, the unique, adjustable handle and arm assembly is achieved, which is capable of being easily moved into a plurality of alternate positions and securely engaged in each position, with unwanted dislodgement or lateral wobbling or movement being completely eliminated. In the preferred embodiment, the elongated telescopically engaged tube members are constructed with cooperating enlarged diameter zones and reduced diameter zones to prevent the unwanted disengagement of the tube members. In addition, a plurality of alternate operative end units can be quickly and easily mounted to said elongated handle and arm assembly, with one of said end units comprising a unique mooring clasp and book hook construction.

Yet another US patent application No. US6343568 describes a nontelescoping pole with interengaging sections that are convex polygonal in crosssection such that the sections are axially slidable with respect to each other but not rotatable. When said pole has three sections, upper, intermediate and lower, the sidewalls of upper section are preferably made with an incurved portion forming a longitudinal groove and the sidewalls of the lower section are preferably made with an outcurved portion forming a spline such that a cavity is formed between the grooves and the intermediate section and between the spline and the intermediate section to reduce friction between the sections.

Another US patent No. US5515574 describes a non-cylindrical telescoping handle. Non-cylindrically shaped tube members, such as ergonomically designed substantially triangular shaped tubes, are slidably engaged within one another which allow the tubes to move only in a linear relationship with respect to one another. By preventing the tubular members from rotating relative to one another, the telescoping handle can be moved and locked into a plurality of alternate positions of varying lengths. A spring-snap button is provided in the inner tubular member whereby the snap button protrudes through an aperture in the outer member when the two structures come into alignment. Furthermore, an elongated opening is provided at the end of the outer tubular member providing an emergency stop to prevent the tube members from completely separating.

Yet another US patent application No. US4325157 describes the extension handle for a tool such as a paint roller, paint pad or the like includes a first tubular member including an attachment device for attaching the paint roller or the like thereto. The extension handle further includes a second tubular member telescopically mounted within the first tubular member. The second tubular member includes a detent mechanism that engages one of several detent capturing devices on the first tubular member thereby defining a plurality of stops allowing adjustment of the relative position of the first and second tubular members to provide the extension feature of the handle. The handle further includes an alignment structure including a groove in one of the first and second tubular members and a tongue in the other of the first and second members that engage each other to align the first and second tubular members and the detent and detent capturing mechanism relative to each other.

Chinese patent No. CN201973024 describes a utility model, which provides an anti-twisting telescopic rod related to the telescopic rod. The utility model provides the anti-twisting telescopic rod, which has the advantages that the twisting can be thoroughly avoided, and the use is convenient. The anti-twisting telescopic rod comprises a sleeve rod, an insertion rod, a joint and a locking screw, wherein the sleeve rod is a tubular sleeve rod, the insertion rod is a tubular insertion rod, the joint is a tubular joint, the joint is sheathed on the insertion rod, the joint is provided with an annular embedding groove which axially extends from the end surface, a rotation stop tooth is arranged in the annular embedding groove, the upper end of the sleeve rod is embedded in the annular embedding groove of the joint, the pipe wall of the upper end of the sleeve rod is provided with a rotation stop notch, the rotation stop tooth is embedded in the rotation stop notch, a screw hole is arranged at the upper end of the sleeve rod, a screw hole is arranged on the joint, and the sleeve rod is tightly locked with the insertion rod through a locking screw. The anti-twisting telescopic rod has wide application, and is particularly suitable for being used as a support rod for a tent.

US patent application No. US6213672 describes a telescoping self-aligning tube having the inner tube dimensioned and configured to fit within the outer tube which is equipped with a guide slot for receiving a snap button, thereby preventing rotation of the inner tube relative to the outer tube. The guide slot allows the telescoping tube to self-align such that the user does not have to twist and maneuver the inner and outer tubes when changing the tube length in order to align a detent button with its detent hole. Embodiments include detent holes located both within and radially opposite with respect to the guide slot. A Foam insert may be located on both ends of the inner tube allow the telescoping tube to be buoyant. A special layer of rubberized or polymer coating protects the cleaned surface from abrasions due to contact with the telescoping tube.

Australian patent application No. AU2013237640 describes a detector with the telescopic carrier/guide rod at which a measuring probe is disposed at one end, wherein the carrier/guide rod features at least two tubes longitudinally movable inside one another, in which respectively two tubes disposed adjacently in radial direction form an outer tube and an inner tube, whereby the respective outer tube at its overlapping tube end facing the measuring probe features a clamping means for engaging the inner tube. In accordance with this invention, the clamping means is formed as a clamping device that features a profile clamp with a quick-locking device. The profile clamp comprises a holding ring with two half shell-shaped clamping ring segments that are interconnected flexibly on one side and on the opposite side they can be clamped together with a clamping lever. The holding ring features ring breakthroughs and the outer tube the corresponding tube breakthroughs for the accommodation of clamping pieces that are pressed against the inner tube when clamping the clamping ring segments together under pressure. Preferably the clamping ring segment is formed on the holding ring.

However, no prior art solutions describe a locking-clamping device of the non-circular cross-section, which is compatible with telescoping tubular members of the non-circular cross-section respectively.

Furthermore, the prior art solutions mentioned above have obvious 5 disadvantages, e.g. the last mentioned Australian patent describes the quicklocking device, in which two tubes longitudinally movable inside one another are clamped together with the clamping lever and two ring segments, thus these tubes experiences huge influence of mechanical pressure, mechanical friction and attrition between certain regions of the tubular members. In case the pressure is not distributed evenly around the perimeter of tubular member ends, such localized pressure might cause the tubular member to collapse upon higher mechanical loads or the overall rigidity of such telescoping pole is rather poor.

SUMMARY

In order to eliminate the disadvantages indicated above, this invention aims to create a cleaning tool comprising an extendable pole of two or more telescoping tubular members of a non-circular cross-section, which has two flat sides, and the clamping devices with the same form of non-circular cross-section, thus they serve as a locking mechanism for clamping together telescoping tubular members with a clamping lever.

The invention comprises a cleaning tool, which is mounted at one end of the telescoping pole that has telescopic tubular members, clamping devices with levers and the end cap that is attached to the other end of the telescopic pole. Telescoping tubular members of the pole are connected through the clamping device, wherein one open end of the clamping device comprises an internal surface matching an external surface of a thicker tubular member and the second end of the clamping device comprises an internal surface, which matches an external surface of a thinner tubular member. Also clamping device comprises a notch extending through the length of the second end of the clamping device, and a lever mechanism, wherein the second end of the clamping device is arranged for diameter reduction upon performing a clamping action with the lever.

One of the applications of the telescopic pole as the cleaning tool is realized, wherein the telescopic pole is convert into a waterfed pole by running a tube to the top of the pole, to which a brush tool is added. Another possible usage of this cleaning tool is a modular design of telescopic pole, wherein each tubular member is pieced together without the use of a clamp, thus creating an air tight connection, wherein the pole is arranged to be used in conjunction with vacuum equipment to either collect dust at height or to suck out dirt from guttering.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Drawings are provided as examples only and should not limit the scope of the invention.

Figure 1. An exemplary drawing of an anti-rotational telescopic pole with an extendable device, wherein telescoping tubular members of a noncircular cross-section, having two flat sides, have the lockingclamping devices with the same form of non-circular cross-section and a clamping lever, which clamps the tubular members together.

Figure 2. An exemplary drawing of an anti-rotational telescopic pole with an extendable device, wherein telescoping tubular members have a noncircular cross-section.

Figure 3. An exemplary drawing of a locking-clamping device with the non20 circular cross-sections and a clamping lever, which can clamp together telescopic tubular members.

Figure 4. A schematic drawing of cross-sections of a clamp body of a clamping device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure relates to cleaning tools comprising anti-rotational telescopic poles with non-circular cross-sections (1) and locking-clamping devices (2) with the same shape of cross-sections respectively. The invention can be used in many fields, such as cleaning or gardening tools, mounts for cameras and detectors, fishing rods, marine applications, painting walls, etc.

The present invention comprises the telescoping pole, which has two or more telescoping tubular members (3) of the non-circular cross-section (1), which io have two flat sides to ensure resistance to rotation of extendable device members (3) with respect to each other. Said telescoping tubular members (3) are extractable from one end of a main tube (4), which is used for holding and handling the entire device, while the other end of the main tube (4) has an end cap (5) attached thereto. Telescoping tubular members (3) of the extendable device 15 are connected through locking-clamping devices (2) which comprise clamp bodies (6) with non-circular cross-sections, having two flat sides to ensure anti-rotational locking of non-circular tubular members (3). One open end of the clamping device (2) comprises an internal surface matching an external surface of a thicker tubular member and the second end ofthe clamping device comprises an internal surface, which matches an external surface of a thinner tubular member, preferably with small dimensional tolerances. Also, the clamp body (6) comprises a notch (7) extending through the length of the second end of the clamping device (2), and a lever (8) mechanism, wherein the second end of the clamping device (2) is arranged for diameter reduction upon performing a clamping action with the lever (8). The locking-clamping device (2) comprises one pin (9), which is inserted into the clamping lever through two holes of the clamping lever (8). The clamping lever (8) with the pin (9) are assembled onto a lever holder (10), which is placed on the top of the clamp body (6) so that circular holes of the lever holder (10) and the clamp body (6) match together essentially concentrically. Then two hollow pins (11) are inserted into the clamp body (6) so that their circular holes are near by the circular holes of clamp body (6). A screw (12) and a spring (13) are inserted into clamp body (6) through circular holes of clamp body (6), two hollow pins (11), the lever holder (10) and the pin (9) for holding the components of the locking mechanism together.

The present invention features safer handling, when holding the anti5 rotational telescopic pole with locking-clamping devices (2) of non-circular crosssection. Two flat sides of said cross-sections provide additional safer grip and control, as compared to other cases, wherein a round shaped pole is used. Also the present invention provides extra stiffness, rigidity, which provides more control at height with a less of whipping action (bouncing) from the pole, when it moves io in a cleaning action on the surface or maneuvers.

In the most preferred embodiment, the cleaning tool is mounted on the top of anti-rotational telescopic pole for the application of the cleaning industry. The free ends of the thinnest tubular member and the thickest tubular member have no clamping devices (2) attached and the free end of the thinnest tubular member comprises means for attaching a cleaning tool. There are various means for attaching the cleaning tool to the anti-rotational telescopic pole, for example various mounts, articulated or swivel joints of different shapes and configurations.

In one embodiment, a brush tool is mounted on the free end of the thinnest tubular member. Additional means for water delivery can be used to convert the anti-rotational telescopic pole into a waterfed pole. For example, a water-tight telescoping pole itself or a hose attached externally along the extended pole carries a liquid solution to the brush head tool utilizing a water pump delivery device of which they are many. Its purpose is to soften the dirt on the surface to be cleaned and additionally rinse away the mixture of dirt and liquid agitated in conjunction with the brush tool. It can also be used in conjunction with a higher pressured water nozzle and lance, which will softly spray liquid onto a larger surface. A bit like a pressure washer but with less water pressure.

Yet in another embodiment, the anti-rotational telescopic pole is modular, wherein each telescopic tubular member (3) is pieced together with use of the locking-clamping devices (2), thus creating an air-tight connection between the telescoping members. In this embodiment the pole is arranged to be used in conjunction with vacuum equipment to either collect dust at height or to suck out dirt from guttering. To create an air-tight modulus pole the tolerance between each pole section is virtually 0 mm or additional gaskets shall be used. The base of the first pole is slightly coned in shape allowing the top of the proceeding section to insert. When inserted fully and no gap is noticed, thus air tight connection is realized. Another way is to have a minimal tolerance allowing the telescopic pole section to be clamped and uses a slightly modified larger version of non-circular clamp device and squeezing the pole sections together and thus forming an air tight connection.

In the most preferable embodiment, the first open end of the clamping io device (2) is permanently attached to the external surface of the thicker tubular member by gluing, thermal forming, molding or similar. A person skilled-in-the-art might use other methods of attachment, if it ensures air-tight connection between the outer surface of the tubular member and the inner surface of the first open end of the clamping device (2).

In the embodiment where the telescoping pole has an air-tight connection between the telescoping members, the complete body of the clamping device (2) or just the second end thereof can be made of an elastic material, which molds onto the surface of the thinner tubular member in an air-tight fashion, but allows relative translation of the thinner tubular member in a telescoping action.

Similarly, the notch (7) of the clamp body (6) can be filled with an elastic material, such as rubber. Such filling ensures air tightness, whereas the complete stiff body (6) of the clamping device (2) and the clamp itself in its locked position ensure high rigidity of the entire pole in its extended position.

Yet in another embodiment, the present invention can be used in many fields, where stable, long-term and strong anti-rotational telescopic devices are needed because the external surfaces of thicker tubular members with clamping devices (2) mounted thereto, suffer much less mechanical pressure than the external surfaces of a thinner tubular members that are clamped with clamping levers (8), thus this locking device (2) decreases influence of mechanical pressure, mechanical friction and attrition between parts, as compared to other mechanisms used for the clamping of tubes.

Claims

1. An extendable device comprising two or more telescoping tubular members of a non-circular cross-section, which have two flat sides to ensure resistance to rotation of extendable device members with respect to each other, characterized in that telescoping tubular members are connected together through a clamping device, wherein one open end of the clamping device comprises an internal surface matching an external surface of a thicker tubular member and the second end of the clamping device comprises an internal surface, which matches an external surface of a thinner tubular member and further comprises a notch extending through the length of the second end of the clamping device, and a lever mechanism, wherein the second end of the clamping device is arranged for diameter reduction upon performing a clamping action with said lever.

2. The extendable telescopic device according to claim 1, characterized in that free ends of the thinnest tubular member and the thickest tubular member have no clamping devices attached and the free end of the thinnest tubular member comprises means for attaching a cleaning tool.

3. The extendable telescopic device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the free end of the thinnest tubular member comprises means for attaching a brush tool.

4. The extendable telescopic device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the telescoping pole is modular, wherein each telescopic section is pieced together by creating an air tight connection, wherein the pole is arranged to be used in conjunction with vacuum equipment to either collect dust at height or to suck out dirt from guttering.

5. The extendable telescopic device according to claim 4, characterized in that one end of each telescoping member is slightly coned in shape allowing the top of the proceeding section to be inserted.

6. The extendable telescopic device according to claim 4, characterized in that the telescoping members have minimal dimensional tolerances allowing the telescoping members to be clamped using non-circular clamp device and squeezing the pole sections together and thus forming the air tight connection.

7. A cleaning tool comprising an extendable pole of two or more telescoping tubular members, characterized in that the tubular members are of a non-circular cross-section, which have two flat sides to ensure resistance to rotation of extendable device members with respect to each other.

8. The cleaning tool according to claim 7, characterized in that telescoping tubular members are connected together through a clamping device, wherein one open end of the clamping device comprises an internal surface matching an external surface of a thicker tubular member and the second end of the clamping device comprises an internal surface, which matches an external surface of a thinner tubular member and further comprises a notch extending through the length of the second end of the clamping device, and a lever mechanism, wherein the second end of the clamping device is arranged for diameter reduction upon performing a clamping action with said lever.

9. The cleaning tool according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the free end of the thinnest tubular member comprises means for attaching a brush tool.

10. The cleaning tool according to claim 7, characterized in that the telescoping pole is modular, wherein each telescopic section is pieced together by creating an air tight connection, wherein the pole is arranged to be used in conjunction with vacuum equipment to either collect dust at height or to suck out dirt from guttering.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1621302.7 Examiner: Dr Gareth W John