Tool assembly comprising universal handle and interchangeable tool heads

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11039726-B2
Application number	US-201815968434-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	May 1, 2018
Priority date	Jan 16, 2015
Publication date	Jun 22, 2021
Grant date	Jun 22, 2021

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.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A cleaning assembly for use with a handle, the cleaning assembly comprising:
a head member comprising a body and including first and second connection points for connecting the head member to the handle;
a bracket operatively attached to the head member at or near the first connection point;
said bracket comprising a generally planar extension comprising an aperture for receiving a portion of the handle and a connection portion for operatively connecting to a cleaning member, said bracket further comprising at least one protrusion extending therefrom in generally the same direction as the planar extension comprising the aperture; and
a receptacle forming a part of the head member and configured to engage the at least one protrusion so as to orient the bracket relative to the head member.

2. The cleaning assembly of claim 1 , wherein the connection portion of the bracket comprises a body for receiving the cleaning member.

3. The cleaning assembly of claim 2 , wherein the cleaning member comprises:
a. a broom;
b. a mop;
c. a brush; or
d. a combination thereof.

4. The cleaning assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bracket comprises first and second protrusions that are alignable with first and second receptacles of the head member for orientation of the bracket relative to the head member.

5. A cleaning assembly for use with a handle, the cleaning assembly comprising:
a head member comprising a body and including first and second connection points for connecting the head member to the handle;
a bracket operatively attached to the head member at or near the first connection point;
said bracket comprising an aperture for receiving a portion of the handle and a connection portion for operatively connecting to a cleaning member;
a receptacle configured to engage at least one protrusion so as to orient the bracket relative to the head member; and
a mop connected to a lower portion of the head member for use with the cleaning member of the bracket.

6. The cleaning assembly of claim 5 wherein the mop is engaged by a clamping member of the head member.

7. A tool assembly for use with cleaning, the assembly comprising:
a handle having first and second ends, and a locking system positioned at or near the second end of the handle, the locking system comprising a keyed locking collar and a locking cap rotatably positioned on the handle; and
a cleaning assembly comprising:
a head member comprising a body and including first and second connection points for connecting the head member to the handle;
a bracket operatively attached to the head member at or near the first connection point;
said bracket comprising an aperture for receiving a portion of the handle and a connection portion for operatively connecting to a cleaning member; and
a receptacle configured to engage at least one protrusion so as to orient the bracket relative to the head member;

said cleaning assembly operatively connected to the handle.

8. The tool assembly of claim 7 , wherein the connection portion of the bracket comprises a body for receiving the cleaning member.

9. The tool assembly of claim 8 , wherein the cleaning member comprises:
a. a broom;
b. a mop;
c. a brush; or
d. a combination thereof.

10. The tool assembly of claim 7 , further comprising a clamp operatively connected to the head member for connecting an additional cleaning member to the head member.

11. The tool assembly of claim 10 , wherein the additional cleaning member is a mop.

12. The tool assembly of claim 10 , wherein the additional cleaning member comprises:
a. a brush;
b. bristles; or
c. a squeegee.

13. The tool assembly of claim 7 , wherein at least a portion of the handle is positioned through the second connection point of the head member and operatively positioned at the first connection point thereof.

14. The tool assembly of claim 7 , further comprising a tool insert positioned within a substantially hollow portion of the head member.

15. The tool assembly of claim 14 , wherein the tool insert comprises:
a. a reservoir;
b. a weighted member;
c. a light; or
d. a battery.

16. The tool assembly of claim 15 , further comprising bristles operatively attached to the head member in the form of a deck brush.

Assignees

• Ecolab Usa Inc

Inventors

• Balz Eric R
• Gingras Eric
• Latimer Scott
• Finison Jeremy B
• Anderson Dan
• Gilbertson Sarah

Classifications

• B25G3/30 Primary

  comprising screwed sockets or tangs · CPC title

• B25G3/24

  comprising clamping or contracting means acting transversely on the handle or socket · CPC title

• B25G3/22

  Chucks · CPC title

• B25G3/20

  comprising clamping or contracting means acting concentrically on the handle or socket · CPC title

• B25G3/12

  Locking and securing devices · CPC title