# US 10,368,631 B2 · Tool assembly comprising universal handle and interchangeable tool heads > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,368,631 B2 - Document ID: US10368631B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/339,432 - Filed: 2016-10-31 - Published: 2017-02-16 - Granted: 2019-08-06 - Earliest claimed: 2015-01-16 - Assignees: Ecolab USA Inc. - Applicants: Ecolab USA Inc. - Inventors: Eric R. Balz; Eric Gingras; Scott Latimer; Jeremy Finison; Dan Anderson; Sarah Gilbertson - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10368631B2 ## CPC - A47L 13/12: Implements with several different treating devices - A46B 5/0008: {Brushes with two or more heads on the same end of a handle not intended for simultaneous use} - A46B 7/044: {Sliding connections for bristle carriers} - A46B 11/001: {with integral reservoirs (A46B11/0003, A46B11/0006 take precedence)} - A47L 13/24: Frames for mops; Mop heads (handles B25G) - A47L 13/42: Details - B25G 1/00: Handle constructions - B25G 3/12: Locking and securing devices - B25G 3/20: comprising clamping or contracting means acting concentrically on the handle or socket - B25G 3/22: Chucks - B25G 3/24: comprising clamping or contracting means acting transversely on the handle or socket - B25G 3/30: comprising screwed sockets or tangs - A46B 5/0095: {Removable or interchangeable brush heads} - A46B 2200/302: Broom - Y10T 403/7033: including a lock or retainer - Y10T 403/7098: Non-circular rod section is joint component - A47L: DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING (brushes A46B; cleaning quantities of bottles or of other hollow articles of one kind B08B9/00; laundry D06F); SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL (cleaning in general B08) - A46B: BRUSHES (handles not integral with brushware B25G) - B25G: HANDLES FOR HAND IMPLEMENTS (attaching the blades or the like to handles of hand tools for soil working A01B1/22; handles of hand implements for harvesting A01D1/14; handles integral with brushware A46B) - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A tool assembly includes an elongated handle and a locking system for attaching a tool head to the handle. The tool head can be a floor care tool or other accessory that can be attached to the handle such that the elongated length of the handle can aid in the use of the tool attached. The locking system includes a keyed locking collar for engaging at least a first portion of the tool head, and a locking cap rotatably positioned on the handle for engaging a second portion of the tool head. The handle can be extendable, such as by telescoping, and can also be overmolded. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A tool for use with a handle, the tool comprising: a head member comprising a body and including first and second connection points for connecting the head member to the handle, wherein the body includes a bottom and side walls extending generally upward from the bottom to form a substantially hollow inner section, wherein the sidewalls extend at opposite longitudinal ends such that the substantially hollow inner section is open from a front of the head member to a rear of the head member; said head member further comprising a tool head insert being separate from the head member and positioned at the inner section of the head member with the insert at least partially within the bottom and side walls of the body of the head member, said insert including a reservoir and a plurality of apertures; and an engaging member attachment operatively connected to the head member for selectively attaching one of a plurality of engaging members to the head member; wherein said tool head insert comprises a main aperture sized larger than the plurality of apertures to allow for refilling of the reservoir via the main aperture, and wherein said main aperture open to refill the reservoir by placing in a liquid. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The tool of claim 1, wherein said first connection point is positioned at or near the engaging member attachment and the second connection point extending from a distal end of the head member. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The tool of claim 2, wherein said first connection point comprising internal threading and said second connection point comprising external threading. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The tool of claim 1, wherein said inner section of said head member being substantially hollow. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The tool of claim 1, further comprising a clamping member at the inner section for operatively connecting additional members to the tool. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The tool of claim 1, wherein said second connection point comprising a non-uniform aperture for engaging a like portion of the handle to aid in aligning the handle relative to the tool. ### Claim 7 A tool assembly for use with cleaning, the assembly comprising: a universal handle comprising an elongated handle having first and second ends and a locking system positioned at or near the second end of the handle; and a tool operatively attached to the universal handle, the tool comprising a head member comprising a body having a bottom wall and side walls extending generally upward from the bottom wall and connecting to form a hollow inner section, wherein the sidewalls extend at opposite longitudinal ends such that the substantially hollow inner section is open from a front of the head member to a rear of the head member, and including first and second connection points for connecting the head member to the universal handle, said head member further comprising a tool head insert positioned at the inner section of the head member with the insert at least partially within the bottom and side walls of the body of the head member, said insert including a reservoir and apertures, and at least one engaging member attachment operatively connected to the head member for selectively attaching one of a plurality of engaging members to the head member, wherein said tool head insert comprises a main aperture sized larger than the plurality of apertures to allow for refilling of the reservoir via the main aperture, and wherein said main aperture open to refill the reservoir by placing in a liquid; wherein the locking system comprising a keyed locking collar for orienting and engaging at least a first portion of a tool and a locking cap rotatably positioned on the handle for engaging a second portion of the tool. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The assembly of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the universal handle is positioned through the second connection point of the tool and operatively positioned at the first connection point thereof. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The assembly of claim 7, wherein said tool head insert positioned within a substantially hollow portion of the tool body. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The assembly of claim 7, further comprising bristles operatively attached to the tool body in the form of a deck brush.