Implement with connector joining handle to working head

#This invention relates to tools or implements having a handle and a head joined to the handle. More particularly, this invention is concerned with an improved implement having a handle joined to the head by means of an improved connector.

#A wide variety of tools or implements, including utensils, comprise a working head to which a handle is connected. Some such implements are floor sweeping brushes or brooms, scrapers, applicators for surface coatings such as waxes, paints and varnishes, tamping tools, cutters and the like.

#Many implements have a threaded socket into which the end of a handle is directly threaded or into which a connector on the handle end is threaded. When a tubular metal handle is used it is common to insert a connector into the handle end and to permanently unite it to the handle by a rivet extending through the handle and connector. The end of the connector extending beyond the handle end is threaded so that it can be removably threaded into the socket in the head.

#FIG. 1 a side elevational view of a push broom according to the invention with the upper portion of the handle removed;

#FIG. 2 is a side view, partially in section, of the broom shown in FIG. 1 with a connector shown threaded into a socket in the broom head and the handle partially installed on the fluted portion of the connector;

#FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 2;

#To the extent it is reasonable and practical the same or similar elements which appear in the various views of the drawings will be identified by the same numbers.

#With reference to FIG. 1 the push broom 20, which is a representative tool or implement, has an elongated working head 22 with bristles or hairs 24 extending downwardly from the head bottom in a conventional manner. The head 22 can be made of any suitable material but usually is made of wood or a solid polymeric material, such as high density polypropylene, which can be reinforced with fibers, such as glass fibers. The head 22 has a centrally positioned threaded socket 26 in the upper side located at about a 45.degree. angle.

#Connector 30 has a generally cylindrical body with a threaded portion 32 at one end, a fluted portion 34 at the other end, and a peripheral ring or collar 36 between and separating the threaded and fluted portions. An axial bore or hole 38 is located in the fluted portion 34 of the connector 30. The presence of the hole conserves material and reduces weight.