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US 12,759,130 B2Granted
Locking device for tool handle shaft and tool body
OwnerStephen C. Fedorinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims19
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 handle shaft is adapted to be formed or provided with a grip for a user to manipulate the tool body,
- 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 threaded bore of the tool body and keyhole of the handle shaft and a second position where the key is located in the keyhole, of the handle shaft
- 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.
5 more elements
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 threaded bore of the tool body and keyhole of the handle shaft and a second position where the key is located in the keyhole of the handle shaft, 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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.