holder

Abstract

A holder (1) for releasable connection of a handle to a tool (2), wherein the holder (1) comprises a space (3) into which a handle end can be introduced, wherein the space (3) comprises a wall surface with one or more cutting elements (5a, 5b) protruding for cutting a complementary thread, which can be releasably connected by means of the complementary thread, wherein the holder (1) comprises a coupling part (6) and a holding part (7), the coupling part (6) comprising the one or more cutting elements (5a, 5b), wherein the coupling part (6) is made of a first material comprising plastic, the holding part (7) being made of a second material, the hardness of the first material being greater than the hardness of the second material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a retainer for releasably connecting a handle to a tool, wherein the retainer includes a space into which a handle end of the handle can be rotatably introduced substantially along a rotation axis to connect the handle to the retainer, wherein the space includes a wall surface extending about the rotation axis, and the wall surface includes one or more protruding cutting elements for cutting complementary threads, the one or more cutting elements being releasably connected by means of complementary threads and this occurring during the rotation of the handle end into the space, such that both a substantially smooth handle end and a handle end including external threads can be releasably connected to the retainer.

[0002] The invention also relates to a tool including the retainer, wherein the tool comprises a working element and a coupling that carries the working element, wherein the coupling is made of a material substantially comprising plastic. The invention further relates to methods for manufacturing such retainers and methods for manufacturing such tools.

[0003] In this context, the term "handle" refers to a handle that has at least part of the shape of a rod or shaft, such as, for example, a brush handle, a handle for a floor mop, a handle for a shovel, a handle for a doctor blade, etc. Background Technology

[0004] Tools such as floor mops, brushes, shovels, scrapers, and forks include a working element through which the function of the tool can be performed. The working element may include, for example, a rubber squeegee or brush bristles. These tools are provided with a coupling that forms part of or is connected to the working element for attaching a handle to the working element, allowing the tool to be operated in a simple manner. For this purpose, the coupling is connected to a retainer, or the coupling includes a retainer in which the handle end can be fitted.

[0005] These tools have different types of retainers depending on the type of tool and / or its design.

[0006] Tools that include connectors made of polypropylene typically include retainers made of polypropylene, which are in this case attached to the connector by rotational welding. The retainer includes a space extending about the axis of rotation, and the wall surface of this space includes internal threads. These retainers are then configured to connect to a handle, which includes a handle end having external threads corresponding to the internal threads of the retainer. These external threads are, for example, made of polypropylene, while the rest of the handle is made of another material, such as metal. Typically, it is desirable to be able to use a wooden handle with a smooth, tapered handle end to connect these retainers. Using brushes and floor mops, for example, it is useful for the user to be able to choose which type of handle to attach to the brush or the floor mop. Therefore, the retainer can be additionally provided with a clamping system by which the handle can be clamped. Using a cork type, external threads are cut / formed in the handle end of the wooden handle when the handle is turned into the space. The clamping action of the clamping system is an additional clamping action that hinders movement in the direction of the axis of rotation. In this case, a disadvantage is that the internal threads become dull after frequent use of the wooden handle, resulting in a less secure threaded connection. Additionally, the clamping system still allows rotation about the axis of rotation. In other words, these tools can theoretically be connected via wooden handles, but in practice, this is not done often, or at least infrequently.

[0007] Some tools include a connector made of wood with a metal retainer hammered into it. This metal retainer has internal threads that can cut into the smooth wood surface. When using a metal retainer with sufficient rigidity, cutting the threads into the wooden handle does not cause wear on the internal threads. Therefore, the tool can be attached to a metal / plastic handle with corresponding external threads, or to a wooden handle with a smooth end. However, it is not easy to incorporate a metal retainer into a tool with a connector made of plastic. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to manufacture a retainer that can be easily attached to different types of handles, and wherein the retainer can be coupled to a tool including a coupling made of plastic and / or can be simply formed into part of a tool including a coupling made of plastic. Another object of the present invention is to manufacture a tool including a coupling made of plastic, wherein the tool can be easily attached to different types of handles.

[0009] On one hand, this objective is achieved by providing a retainer for releasably connecting a handle to a tool, wherein the retainer includes a space into which a handle end of the handle is substantially rotatably introduced along a rotation axis to connect the handle to the retainer, wherein the space includes a wall surface extending about the rotation axis, and the wall surface includes one or more protruding cutting elements for cutting complementary threads, the one or more cutting elements being releasably connected by means of complementary threads and this occurs during the rotation of the handle end into the space, such that both a substantially smooth handle end and a handle end including external threads can be releasably connected to the retainer, wherein the retainer includes a connecting portion and a retaining portion, the connecting portion including one or more cutting elements, the retaining portion for retaining the connecting portion, wherein the connecting portion is made of a first material, the retaining portion is made of a second material, the first material having a hardness greater than / higher than the hardness of the second material, and the second material substantially comprising plastic.

[0010] In this case, the protruding one or more cutting elements may be, for example, internal threads or one or more segments of internal threads. The external threads corresponding to these protruding one or more cutting elements can therefore be releasably connected to these one or more cutting elements. In other words, a handle including such external threads can be easily connected to the retainer.

[0011] In this configuration, one or more protruding cutting elements are capable of cutting external threads in the handle end, which is rotatably fitted into space. In this context, the expression "cutting external threads" is understood to mean forming external threads on the handle end. These one or more cutting elements can therefore also be referred to as one or more thread-forming elements.

[0012] In this configuration, the connecting portion comprising the one or more cutting elements is made of a material with a hardness greater than that of the first material. The harder the material used to manufacture the one or more cutting elements, the better it can cut threads into the handle end. This also means that the one or more cutting elements will wear less quickly or not at all during use and / or when connected to the handle. In other words, the retainer can easily cut external threads into a smooth handle end made of a material with a lower hardness than the first material, such as a tapered smooth handle end made of certain types of wood. Moreover, these one or more cutting elements can engage with corresponding external threads. If it is desired to connect the one or more cutting elements to a non-corresponding external thread, these one or more cutting elements will also be able to easily cut new external threads if the non-corresponding external thread is made of a material with a lower hardness than the first material.

[0013] Therefore, different types of handles can be connected to tools through this retainer.

[0014] Because the retaining part is made of plastic, it can be easily attached to components made of plastic. Preferably, the plastic used to manufacture the component has substantially the same melting point as the plastic used to manufacture the retaining part. Known techniques for achieving this include friction welding, and more specifically, rotary welding. In other words, this universal retainer can be easily attached to a tool comprising a working element and a connecting member carrying the working element, wherein the connecting member is made of plastic. In this case, the retaining part itself can also form the connecting member of the tool. Therefore, the plastic used for the retaining part can be selected based on the tool, and the desired hardness can still be provided to the connecting part, making the retainer usable for various types of handles. In this context, the expression "substantially the same melting point" is understood to mean that the melting point of the connecting member does not differ from the melting point of the second material by more than 10°C, and more preferably by no more than 5°C.

[0015] The statement that the retaining portion holds the connecting portion is understood to mean that the retaining portion holds the connecting portion in a specific position. For this purpose, the retaining portion and the connecting portion are connected to each other such that the connecting portion cannot move substantially relative to the retaining portion during use of the retainer. Preferably, the connecting portion is substantially non-releasable connected to the retaining portion. Furthermore, it is preferable that the retaining portion is arranged against the connecting portion and connected to the connecting portion by injection molding.

[0016] Preferably, the second material comprises polypropylene, and more preferably, the second material comprises substantially polypropylene. Polypropylene is a raw material frequently used in brushes and floor mops. Most brushes and floor mops include working elements, which respectively comprise bristles and wiping strips / wiping elements, and these brushes and floor mops also include a connector that carries the working element. This connector is usually made of polypropylene because it is an inexpensive raw material that can be easily shaped to the desired form, and because such a connector has a certain degree of durability. However, the hardness of the polypropylene used is lower than that of certain types of wood used to manufacture the handle. In other words, if the one or more cutting elements are expected to cut satisfactorily over a considerable period of time, these cutting elements cannot be made of such polypropylene. The hardness of this polypropylene is in the range of 65 to 80 Shore D. The hardness of the types of wood currently used to manufacture the handle is in the range of 60 to 90 Shore D. In this case, the hardness of the first material is greater than the hardness of the polypropylene currently used in the tool. In other words, the hardness of the first material is preferably greater than 80 Shore D, thereby enabling the one or more cutting elements to cut external threads in a wide range of wood types.

[0017] In a highly preferred embodiment, the connecting portion includes an inner surface comprising one or more protruding cutting elements, wherein the inner surface at least partially forms the wall surface of the space, wherein the connecting portion includes an outer surface positioned opposite the inner surface, wherein the outer surface includes one or more outwardly pointing protrusions, and wherein a retaining portion abuts against the outer surface of the connecting portion such that the retaining portion at least partially surrounds the one or more protrusions. This indicates that these protrusions are at least partially embedded in the retaining portion. Therefore, the retaining portion is connected to the connecting portion in a very reliable manner, such that the connection cannot be broken, or at least is very difficult to break, when the retainer is used. Force is applied to the connecting portion when, for example, the handle is fitted into the space and / or when the tool to which the handle is fitted is used. It is important that the retaining portion firmly holds the connecting portion so that these portions do not disengage from each other during tool use. Because one or more of the protrusions are at least partially embedded in the retaining portion, the connecting portion does not move, or is very difficult to move, relative to the retaining portion when force is applied to the connecting portion. The retaining portion can be arranged against the connecting portion, for example, by injection molding. In this case, the one or more protrusions provide additional mechanical anchoring to the connecting portion in the retaining portion.

[0018] Viewed along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the size of the retaining portion near the protrusion on the outer surface of the connecting portion, along a straight line intersecting the axis of rotation, preferably substantially corresponds to the corresponding size of the protrusion. The end of the protrusion is embedded only in the retaining portion. If there are several protrusions, this is preferably the case for all of them. The retaining portion extends between the protrusions. Viewed along the radius through the axis of rotation, the retaining portion does not extend beyond the protrusions, or only slightly. This retainer is easily manufactured by first forming the connecting portion, then placing the connecting portion in a mold, and introducing plastic into the mold to form the retaining portion.

[0019] Furthermore, preferably, one or more protrusions extend substantially along a plane forming an angle with respect to the axis of rotation. Preferably, this angle is in the range of 5° to 85°, such that these protrusions are angled relative to the axis of rotation. Therefore, forces acting on the connecting portion, such as forces pointing along the axis of rotation or forces resulting from rotation about the axis of rotation, can be absorbed by these protrusions in a satisfactory manner. The one or more protrusions are, for example, plate-like or rod-like elements, thus creating a certain contact area between these protrusions and the retaining portion, and the force is therefore transferred from the protrusions to the retaining portion in a satisfactory manner. Furthermore, preferably, the angle is in the range of 30° to 60°, and even more preferably substantially 45°.

[0020] Alternatively, one or more protrusions may be, for example, needle-shaped or cone-shaped protrusions, in which case the length direction of these protrusions forms an angle with the axis of rotation.

[0021] Viewed along the axis of rotation, one or more protrusions have a T-shape, with a portion of each protrusion extending approximately along the axis of rotation. Due to this shape, another portion of the protrusion extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Forces directed along and perpendicular to the axis of rotation can be absorbed in a very satisfactory manner by these protrusions. The connection between the retaining part and the connecting part therefore does not loosen or is difficult to loosen during use of the retainer.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting portion includes an inner surface comprising one or more protruding cutting elements, wherein the inner surface substantially forms the wall surface of the space, and, viewed along the axis of rotation, the retaining portion extends substantially around the connecting portion. Preferably, the retaining portion extends substantially around the connecting portion such that the connecting portion is reliably held by the retaining portion, and the retaining portion does not obstruct access to the space. Here, the wall surface is made substantially entirely of a harder first material, thereby making the wall surface less susceptible to wear. Preferably, the inner surface is the wall surface.

[0023] Furthermore, preferably, the connecting portion substantially forms a space, the inner surface substantially forms a wall surface, and viewed along the axis of rotation, the connecting portion includes an opening on one side through which the space is accessible, and the connecting portion includes a bottom on the other side, such that the space is substantially defined by the bottom and the inner surface, wherein the bottom includes one or more outwardly pointing arms, and the retaining portion rests against the bottom and at least partially surrounds the one or more arms. In this case, the arms of the bottom are at least partially embedded in the retaining portion, thereby creating a very strong connection between the retaining portion and the connecting portion.

[0024] In a highly preferred embodiment, the space is substantially tapered, and the retainer includes an opening through which the space is accessible, and the diameter of the space increases in the direction of the opening when viewed along the axis of rotation. Due to this tapered shape, the retainer is capable of easily cutting threads in the tapered smooth handle end and in the tapered handle end that includes external threads that are not complementary to the one or more cutting elements.

[0025] Preferably, the wall surface of the space includes one of the cutting elements, and the cutting element is internally threaded. If the connecting portion is made primarily of a relatively hard plastic, such as polycarbonate, it is easy to form the connecting portion including the internal thread by injection molding. It is also very easy to form / cut the external thread through the internal thread.

[0026] In another embodiment, the one or more cutting elements are multiple teeth that together form at least one segment of an internal thread. If the connecting part is made of metal, it is simpler to form one or more segments of the internal thread by protruding teeth.

[0027] Preferably, the first material has a hardness of at least 80 Shore D. More preferably, the first material has a hardness of at least 85 Shore D, and even more preferably at least 90 Shore D. The handle is made of wood or includes a handle end having external threads made of a plastic such as polypropylene. Wood types commonly used for handles typically have a hardness in the range of 60 to 90 Shore D. Polypropylene with external threads on the handle typically has a hardness in the range of 65 to 80 Shore D. In order to facilitate easy cutting / forming of external threads in many types of handles, the first material therefore preferably has a hardness greater than 80 Shore D.

[0028] Furthermore, preferably, the first material is made substantially of polycarbonate or metal. The average hardness of the polycarbonate is in the range of 80 to 100 Shore D. Preferably, the first material is made substantially of polycarbonate having a hardness in the range of 90 to 100 Shore D.

[0029] This objective is also achieved by providing a tool comprising a retainer as described above, wherein the tool includes a working element and a coupling that carries the working element, wherein the coupling is made of a material substantially comprising plastic, wherein the melting point of the material of the coupling substantially corresponds to the melting point of the second material, and wherein the coupling is connected to the retaining portion of the retainer. Preferably, the material of the coupling substantially corresponds to the second material.

[0030] The working element includes, for example, bristles or a wiping strip. Optionally, it may additionally include a retaining element for the bristles or a retaining element for the wiping strip.

[0031] In this case, retainers and couplings that can be easily and substantially non-releasable connected to each other can be manufactured using simple techniques. Plastic parts with substantially the same melting point can be easily joined by locally fusing these plastic components together. This can be achieved, for example, by friction welding. This is a simple way to configure a tool containing plastic couplings with one or more of the cutting elements having sufficient hardness so that the tool can be easily connected to different handles.

[0032] This objective is also achieved by providing a tool comprising a retainer as described above, wherein the tool includes a working element and a connecting member carrying the working element, wherein the connecting member is made of a material substantially comprising plastic, and wherein the connecting member is the retaining portion of the retainer. In this case, the connecting member has two functions: retaining the working element and retaining the connecting portion. In this case, the material used to manufacture the connecting member is therefore the second material. In this case, the retainer also has two functions: enabling the tool to be connectably connected to a handle and retaining the working element.

[0033] This objective is also achieved by providing a method for manufacturing a retainer, wherein the retainer is the retainer as described above, and the method includes the following steps:

[0034] • Manufacture the connecting parts;

[0035] • Place the connecting part in the mold and injection mold plastic into the mold to form a retaining part against the connecting part.

[0036] By manufacturing the retainer in this manner, the connecting portion is formed separately, thus allowing it to be easily made from a desired material, i.e., a first material. Then, by placing the connecting portion in a mold and introducing plastic into the mold, the plastic adheres to the connecting portion, thereby forming a plastic retaining portion that firmly holds the connecting portion. With the aid of the mold, the retaining portion can be given a desired shape, such as the shape of the connecting element that can be easily attached to a tool, or the shape of the connecting element itself.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting portion includes positioning elements that hold the connecting portion in a substantially fixed position during the introduction of plastic into the mold after the connecting portion has been placed in the mold. In the case of injection molding, the plastic is introduced into the mold under pressure. In this case, one or more positioning devices prevent the connecting portion in the mold from changing position during injection molding, thereby always forming the desired retainer.

[0038] Preferably, the connecting portion includes an inner surface comprising one or more protruding cutting elements, wherein the inner surface at least partially forms the wall surface of the space, and the connecting portion includes an outer surface positioned relative to the inner surface, wherein the outer surface includes one or more outwardly pointing protrusions, wherein at least one of these protrusions substantially abuts against an edge of the mold, and these protrusions are one or more of the positioning elements. By using the one or more protrusions abutting against one or more edges of the mold, the connecting portion is securely held in place in the mold during the introduction of plastic into the mold via injection molding. In the case of injection molding, the plastic is introduced into the mold under pressure. In this case, the one or more protrusions prevent the connecting portion in the mold from changing position during injection molding, thereby always forming the desired retainer. Furthermore, the plastic also adheres to these one or more protrusions, thereby at least partially embedding these one or more protrusions into the plastic. The connecting portion is then further mechanically anchored in the retaining portion by these one or more protrusions. Therefore, the connecting portion will not detach from the retaining portion or will detach very difficultly. This is especially important when using a retainer, because force will be applied to the connecting part during use, and the goal is to prevent the connecting part from changing position relative to the retaining part while the retainer is in use.

[0039] Preferably, the connecting portion substantially forms a space, the inner surface substantially forms a wall surface, and viewed along the axis of rotation, the connecting portion includes an opening on one side through which the space is accessible, and the connecting portion includes a bottom on the other side, such that the space is substantially defined by the bottom and the inner surface, wherein the bottom includes one or more outwardly pointing arms, at least one of these arms substantially abutting the edge of the mold, and these arms are one or more of the positioning elements. In this case, the retaining portion surrounds most of the connecting portion, thereby holding the connecting portion very securely. Furthermore, most of the outer surface of the retainer is thus formed by the retaining portion, making it possible to have a larger contact area between the retaining portion of the tool and the connecting element, by means of which the retainer will be connected.

[0040] The retainer is attached to the coupling by friction welding, preferably at the location of its retaining portion. In this way, the coupling can be attached to the coupling, for example, by rotary welding. In this way, the tool described above is then formed. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The retainer, tool, and method according to the invention will be described in detail below. The sole purpose of this detailed description is to indicate how the invention can be implemented and to illustrate specific features of the invention, and to further explain these if necessary. Therefore, this description should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of patent protection. The scope of application of the invention is also not limited based on the following description.

[0042] This specification includes reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 A perspective view of a first embodiment of the retainer according to the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the connecting portion of the retainer shown;

[0045] Figure 3 is Figure 2 The cross-section of the connecting part shown;

[0046] Figure 4 shows Figure 1 The perspective view of the retainer shown is provided, in which the connecting portion is not shown, so that only the retaining portion is visible.

[0047] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The cross-section of the retainer is shown;

[0048] Figure 6 A perspective view of a second embodiment of the retainer according to the present invention is shown;

[0049] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the connecting portion of the retainer shown;

[0050] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The cross-section of the retainer is shown;

[0051] Figure 9 A perspective view of the tool according to the invention is shown, wherein the retainer is not yet connected to the coupling. Detailed Implementation

[0052] These figures illustrate two types of retainers 1, each configured to connect to the coupling 13 of the tool 2. Clearly, other types of retainers are also feasible. Retainers that themselves form the coupling of the tool are also feasible, but are not shown here.

[0053] Figures 1 to 5 A first embodiment of the retainer 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figures 6 to 8 A second embodiment of the retainer 1 according to the present invention is shown.

[0054] According to both embodiments, the retainer 1 comprises two parts 6 and 7, which serve as a connecting part 6 and a retaining part 7, respectively, and are substantially inreleasably connected to each other. The retaining part 7 is substantially made of polypropylene. The connecting member 13 configured to connect with the retainer 1 is substantially made of the same polypropylene.

[0055] Each retainer 1 includes a space 3 into which a handle end can be rotatably introduced substantially along a rotation axis A to connect the handle to the retainer 1. The space 3 includes a wall surface extending about the rotation axis A, and the wall surface includes one or more protruding cutting elements 5a, 5b for cutting complementary external threads. These cutting elements 5a, 5b are releasably engaged during rotation of the handle end into the space 3 by means of the complementary external threads, such that a substantially smooth handle end or a handle end including (complementary) external threads can be releasably connected to the retainer 1.

[0056] The connecting portion 6 includes one or more cutting elements 5a, 5b, and the retaining portion 7 holds the connecting portion 6. The connecting portion 6 is made of a first material. The hardness of the first material is greater than that of the polypropylene.

[0057] Polypropylene has a hardness in the range of 65 to 85 Shore D. The first material has a hardness greater than 90 Shore D. In a first embodiment, the first material substantially comprises polycarbonate. In a second embodiment, the second material substantially comprises metal. In this case, the one or more cutting elements 5a, 5b therefore have a hardness greater than 90 Shore D. Since the types of wood currently used for handles have a hardness in the range of 60 to 90 Shore D, this means that the one or more cutting elements 5a, 5b are harder than current wooden handles and therefore capable of forming / cutting external threads on the handle ends of these wooden handles.

[0058] Furthermore, each connecting portion 6 includes an inner surface 4 comprising one or more protruding cutting elements 5a, 5b, wherein the inner surface 4 substantially forms the wall surface of the space 3. The connecting portion 6 includes an outer surface 8 positioned opposite the inner surface 4, wherein the outer surface 8 includes one or more outwardly pointing protrusions 9, wherein the retaining portion 7 abuts against the outer surface 8 of the connecting portion 6 and at least partially surrounds the one or more protrusions 9. In this case, the protrusions 9 are thus at least partially embedded in the retaining portion 7.

[0059] In the first embodiment, viewed along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation A, the dimensions of the retaining portion 7 along a straight line intersecting the axis of rotation A and at the location of each of the protrusions 9 on the outer surface 8 of the connecting portion 6 substantially correspond to the corresponding dimensions of the protrusions 9. In the first embodiment, the protrusions 9 of the connecting portion 6 and the retaining portion 7 together form the smooth outer surface of the retainer 1. In this case, the end of each protrusion 9 is not surrounded by the retaining portion 7. This design is primarily determined by the manufacturing method of the retainer 1 (see below).

[0060] In the second embodiment, the protrusion 9 is fully embedded in the retaining portion 7.

[0061] In the first embodiment of the retainer 1, the connecting portion 6 contains two types of protrusions 9: fin-shaped protrusions 9 extending along a plane and T-shaped protrusions 9. The plane forms an angle of approximately 45° with the axis of rotation A. Due to this position, these fin-shaped protrusions 9 can easily absorb forces pointing along the axis of rotation A, rotational forces around the axis of rotation A, and forces at an angle to the axis of rotation A. Viewed along the axis of rotation A, the T-shaped protrusions 9 have a T-shaped shape, wherein a first portion of the protrusion 9 extends substantially along the axis of rotation A, and a second portion extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation A, thereby allowing the first portion to easily absorb rotational forces around the axis of rotation A, and the other portion to easily absorb forces pointing along the axis of rotation A.

[0062] The connecting portion 6 in the second embodiment includes a type of protrusion 9, each protrusion being at an angle to the axis of rotation A.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the connecting portion 6 substantially forms the space 3, the inner surface 4 substantially forms the wall surface, and viewed along the axis of rotation A, the connecting portion 6 includes an opening on one side through which the space 3 is accessible, and the connecting portion 6 includes a bottom 10 on the other side, such that the space 3 is defined by the bottom 10 and the inner surface 4. This bottom 10 also includes one or more outwardly pointing arms 11, wherein the retaining portion 7 rests against the bottom 10 and at least partially surrounds one or more arms 11.

[0064] In both embodiments, space 3 is substantially conical, wherein the retainer 1 includes an opening through which space 3 can be accessed, and when viewed along the axis of rotation A, the diameter of space 3 increases in the direction of the opening.

[0065] In the first embodiment, there is one cutting element 5a, and the cutting element 5a is an internal thread 5a. In the second embodiment, there are several cutting elements 5b, which together form two segments with the same internal thread.

[0066] The retainer 1 as described above is formed as follows: First, the connecting portion 6 is formed separately. In the first embodiment, this is achieved by injection molding. Subsequently, the retaining portion 7 is formed around the connecting portion 6 in such a way that the protrusion 9 and the optional arm 11 are (substantially) embedded in the retaining portion 7.

[0067] In the first embodiment, which includes a connecting portion 6 made of polycarbonate, the connecting portion 6 is placed in a mold. The mold is designed, and the protrusions 9 and arms 11 are designed to fit together such that the protrusions 9 and arms 11 contact the mold wall. When polypropylene is introduced into the mold to form the retaining portion 7, the protrusions 9 and arms 11 ensure that the connecting portion 6 remains stable and does not move within the mold. Therefore, these protrusions 9 and arms 11 serve as positioning elements 9, 11 that hold the connecting portion 6 in a substantially fixed position during the introduction of polypropylene into the mold. The surface of the protrusion 9 in contact with the mold is not covered by polypropylene and thus remains visible after the retainer 1 is formed.

[0068] The tool 2, including the aforementioned retainer 1, is formed as follows: The retainer 1 and the connecting member 13, which is connected to the working element 12, are formed independently of each other. In this case, the tool 2 is a floor mop, and thus the working element 12 is a wiping element. Figure 9 As can be seen, the working element 12 includes a retaining element for holding the wiping element. A support element is connected to a connector 13. Furthermore, the connector 13 is essentially made of polypropylene. The connector 13 is provided with a recess 14 that is essentially shaped like the outer wall of the retainer 1. The retainer 1 is then inserted into the recess 14 and connected to the connector 13 by rotational welding. The resulting tool 2 can be connected to different types of handles.

Claims

1. A tool (2) comprising a retainer (1) for releasably attaching a handle to the tool (2), wherein, The retainer (1) includes a space (3) into which the handle end can be rotatably introduced substantially along a rotation axis (A) to connect the handle to the retainer (1), wherein the space (3) includes a wall surface extending about the rotation axis (A), and the wall surface includes one or more protruding cutting elements (5a, 5b) for cutting complementary threads, the one or more cutting elements being releasably connected by means of the complementary threads and this occurs during the rotation of the handle end into the space (3), such that both the substantially smooth handle end and the handle end including external threads are releasably connected to the retainer (1), characterized in that the retainer (1) includes a connecting portion (6) and a retaining portion (7), the connecting portion (6) including the one or more cutting elements (5a, 5b), the retaining portion (7) for retaining the connecting portion (6), wherein the connecting portion (6) is made of a first material, the retaining portion (7) is made of a second material, the first material being harder than the second material, and the second material comprising plastic. The connecting portion (6) includes an inner surface (4) including the one or more protruding cutting elements (5a, 5b), wherein the inner surface (4) at least partially forms the wall surface of the space (3), and wherein the connecting portion (6) includes an outer surface (8) positioned opposite the inner surface (4), wherein the outer surface (8) includes one or more outwardly pointing protrusions (9), and wherein the retaining portion (7) abuts against the outer surface (8) of the connecting portion such that the retaining portion (7) at least partially surrounds the one or more protrusions (9). The protrusion (9) of the connecting portion (6) and the retaining portion (7) together form the smooth outer surface of the retainer (1). The tool (2) further includes a working element (12) and a connector (13) that carries the working element (12), wherein the connector (13) is made of a material containing plastic, wherein the melting point of the material of the connector (13) substantially corresponds to the melting point of the second material, and wherein the connector (13) is connected to the retaining portion (7) of the retainer (1).

2. The tool (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second material includes polypropylene.

3. The tool (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more protrusions (9) extend substantially along a plane that forms an angle with the axis of rotation (A).

4. The tool (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Viewed along the axis of rotation (A), the one or more protrusions (9) have a T-shape, and a portion of each of the one or more protrusions (9) extends approximately along the axis of rotation (A).

5. The tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The connecting portion (6) includes an inner surface (4) which includes the protruding one or more cutting elements (5a, 5b), wherein the inner surface (4) substantially forms the wall surface of the space (3), and when viewed along the axis of rotation (A), the retaining portion (7) extends substantially around the connecting portion (6).

6. The tool (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting portion (6) substantially forms the space (3), the inner surface (4) substantially forms the wall surface, and viewed along the axis of rotation (A), the connecting portion (6) includes an opening on one side through which the space (3) is accessible, and the connecting portion (6) includes a bottom (10) on the other side, such that the space (3) is substantially defined by the bottom (10) and the inner surface (4), wherein the bottom (10) includes one or more outwardly pointing arms (11), wherein the retaining portion (7) rests against the bottom (10) and at least partially surrounds the one or more arms (11).

7. The tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The space (3) is substantially conical, and the retainer (1) includes an opening through which the space (3) is accessible. When viewed along the axis of rotation (A), the diameter of the space (3) increases in the direction of the opening.

8. The tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The wall surface of the space (3) includes a cutting element (5a), and the cutting element (5a) is an internal thread (5a).

9. The tool (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The cutting element (5b) has a plurality of teeth that together form at least one segment of an internal thread.

10. The tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first material has a hardness of at least 80 Shore D.

11. The tool (2) according to claim 10, wherein, The first material comprises polycarbonate or metal.

12. A method for manufacturing a tool (2), wherein, The tool (2) is the tool (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and the method includes the following steps: • Manufacture the connecting part (6); • Place the connecting portion (6) in the mold and injection mold plastic into the mold so as to form the retaining portion (7) against the connecting portion (6); and • The retainer (1) is connected to the coupling (13) at the location of its retaining portion (7) by friction welding.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The connecting portion (6) includes positioning elements (9, 11), which hold the connecting portion (6) in a substantially fixed position during the introduction of the plastic into the mold after the connecting portion (6) has been placed in the mold.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The connecting portion (6) includes an inner surface (4) including one or more protruding cutting elements (5a, 5b), wherein the inner surface (4) at least partially forms the wall surface of the space (3), and wherein the connecting portion (6) includes an outer surface (8) positioned relative to the inner surface (4), wherein the outer surface (8) includes one or more outwardly pointing protrusions (9), wherein at least one of these one or more protrusions (9) substantially abuts against the edge of the mold, and these one or more protrusions (9) are one or more of the positioning elements.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The connecting portion (6) substantially forms the space (3), the inner surface (4) substantially forms the wall surface, and viewed along the axis of rotation (A), the connecting portion (6) includes an opening on one side through which the space (3) is accessible, and the connecting portion (6) includes a bottom (10) on the other side, such that the space (3) is substantially defined by the bottom (10) and the inner surface (4), wherein the bottom (10) includes one or more outwardly pointing arms, wherein at least one of these one or more arms (11) substantially rests against the edge of the mold and these one or more arms (11) are one or more of the positioning elements.

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