One piece swivel cap

Abstract

While the specification has disclosed one form in which the invention may be embodied, it is understood that this form is shown for illustrative purposes only, and that the invention is not limited to the specific disclosure but may be modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit. In short, the invention includes all modifications and embodiments within the scope of the following claim.

Description

[0001] The one-piece swivel broom cap can be snap-lock attached to a metal rounded tube to create a swivel cap. The assembly includes a cap with one or more inner annular indented collars spaced from the end cap by four integrally molded legs. A separate metal tube has one or more annular flange portions designed to fit inside the collar of the cap. The metal tube is automatically assembled to the plastic cap using a specific and calculated force to snap-lock the tube flange portion into the indented annular inside of the cap. The cap can rotate or swivel relative to the tube and must resist a pulling force of 27 kg (60 lbs) for 10 seconds before pulling out. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of household accessories, and in particular, concerns a swivel cap for various broom handles and extensible handles. These handles, fixed or extensible, can be used to support brooms, flags, clothes-stands, hooks, curtains, paint rollers, and any other object that can be manually moved and supported. For simplicity, the description will primarily refer to brooms, although this should not be considered a limitation. Brooms typically have a handle with a threaded end and a swivel cap on the opposite end.

[0003] This invention focuses on caps for the ends of broom handles, particularly a one-piece swivel cap with a hole for hanging the broom on a hook. One objective of this invention is to provide a device that allows the loop to move freely to a limited extent, making it easier to engage over a supporting hook or nail. Another objective is to replace the previous two-piece swivel caps and the fixed cap with a design that is simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, easy to install and use, compact, aesthetically pleasing, and highly durable.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention provides a detailed solution for creating a one-piece swivel cap for broom handles and other extensible handles. The cap includes one or more annular indented collars and is designed to snap-lock onto a metal tube with one or more annular flanges. The assembly process involves precise alignment and the application of a calculated force to ensure a secure attachment. The swivel cap must withstand a pulling force of 27 kg (60 lbs) for 10 seconds, ensuring durability and reliability in practical use.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention will now be described in greater detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use it.Components:

[0006] 1. Cap: The cap is a single piece made of durable plastic, featuring one or more annular indented collars and four integrally molded legs spaced from the end of the cap. 2. Metal Tube: The metal tube includes one or more annular flange portions designed to fit inside the collar of the cap. Assembly Process:

[0007] 1. Preparation: Ensure that the annular flange on the metal tube is pre-formed to fit perfectly into the indented collar of the cap. 2. Alignment: Align the annular flange of the metal tube with the indented collar of the cap. 3. Application of Force: Apply a calculated force to snap-lock the annular flange of the tube into the indented collar inside the cap. This process can be automated to ensure consistency and precision. 4. Testing: Once assembled, the cap should rotate or swivel relative to the tube. It must withstand a pulling force of 27 kg (60 lbs) for 10 seconds to ensure the assembly is secure. DRAWINGS

[0008] Fig. 1: A longitudinal sectional view showing the improved broom cap on the upper end of a broom handle. Fig. 2: A longitudinal sectional view of the end tube with an end flange that will be assembled to the cap. Fig. 3: A longitudinal sectional view showing the final assembly where the end flange of the tube is fitted inside the indented annular ring of the cap. Fig. 4: A longitudinal sectional view showing the final assembly of 2 flanges of the tube are fitted inside 2 indented annular rings of the cap. MODIFICATIONS

[0009] The invention is not limited to the specific examples described above. Various modifications can be made to the cap and the metal tube to suit different applications and requirements: 1. Shape of the Internal Part of the Cap: The internal part of the cap can be modified into different shapes to provide varying degrees of rotation or resistance to rotation. For example, it can be cylindrical, rectangular, or polygonal, depending on the desired rotation characteristics. 2. Indented Annular Ring / s: The internal indented annular ring of the cap, which engage with the metal tube, can vary in size, shape, and number. This can affect the locking mechanism's strength and the smoothness of the rotation action. Options include triangular, square, or rounded teeth. 3. Material Variations: While the cap is typically made of plastic, it can be constructed from other materials such as metal, rubber, or composite materials to enhance durability, flexibility, or aesthetic appeal. 4. Leg Structure: The integrally molded legs can vary in number, thickness, and spacing to fit different tube sizes and provide different levels of stability and support. 5. Flange Design: The design and number of the annular flanges on the metal tube can be adjusted to enhance the locking mechanism or to fit different cap designs. For example, the flange can have a beveled edge, be thicker, or have additional notches. The tube can have more than one annular flange for added stability and locking strength. 6. Range of Rotation: The degree of rotation can be controlled by modifying the internal structure of the cap. Limiting stops or friction elements can be incorporated to limit the rotation range or provide variable resistance. 7. Additional Features: The cap can include additional features such as hooks, grips, or decorative elements to enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal. 8. Shape and Size of the Cap: The overall shape and size of the cap can be adjusted to fit different handle diameters and types. For example, the cap can be designed to fit square or oval handles in addition to round ones. 9. Internal Cap Structure: The internal surface of the cap can be textured or coated to increase friction and improve grip on the metal tube. 10. Color and Finish: The cap can be produced in different colors and finishes to meet design preferences and product branding. USES

[0010] The one-piece swivel cap can be used for: Brooms and Squeegees: Facilitates easy hanging and storage. Flags: Allows free movement of the flag. Clothes-Stands: Provides a sturdy and movable base. Hooks and Curtains: Supports various household items. Paint Rollers: Ensures easy maneuverability. Other Manually Movable Objects: Supports any object that benefits from a swivel connection. BENEFITS

[0011] Simplicity: The one-piece design reduces the number of parts and simplifies production. Economic Convenience: Lower production costs due to reduced material and assembly complexity. Ease of Installation: Quick and simple assembly process. Durability: Designed to withstand significant pulling forces. Aesthetic Appeal: Compact and ornamental design.

Claims

1. A one-piece swivel cap comprising: ∘ a cap with one or more annular indented collars, the collars spaced from the end cap by four integrally molded legs; ∘ a metal tube with one or more annular flange portions designed to fit inside the collar of the cap; ∘ wherein the metal tube is automatically assembled to the plastic cap by applying a specific and calculated force to snap-lock the tube flange portion into the indented annular inside of the cap; ∘ and wherein the cap can rotate or swivel relative to the tube and must resist a pulling force of 27 kg (60 lbs) for 10 seconds before pulling out.

2. The one-piece swivel cap of claim 1, wherein the cap is made from plastic material, providing durability and flexibility for various applications.

3. The one-piece swivel cap of claim 1, wherein the cap includes additional features such as hooks, grips, or decorative elements to enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal.

4. The one-piece swivel cap of claim 1, wherein the annular flange on the metal tube can have a beveled edge or additional notches to enhance the locking mechanism.

5. The one-piece swivel cap of claim 1, wherein the internal teeth of the cap can vary in size, shape, and number to adjust the locking mechanism's strength and the smoothness of the rotation action.

6. The one-piece swivel cap of claim 1, wherein the integrally molded legs of the cap can vary in number, thickness, and spacing to fit different tube sizes and provide different levels of stability and support.

7. The one-piece swivel cap of claim 1, wherein the cap can be produced in different colors and finishes to meet design preferences and product branding.

8. The one-piece swivel cap of claim 1, wherein the cap includes one or more annular indented collars designed to accommodate a metal tube with one or more annular flange portions.

9. The one-piece swivel cap of claim 1, wherein the internal structure of the cap can be modified to include limiting stops or friction elements to control the degree of rotation and provide variable resistance.

10. The one-piece swivel cap of claim 1, wherein the shape and size of the cap can be adjusted to fit different handle diameters and types, including square or oval handles.

11. The one-piece swivel cap of claim 1, wherein the internal surface of the cap can be textured or coated to increase friction and improve grip on the metal tube.

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