Incremental lowering pole jack

Abstract

Provided herein is a pole jack assembly. The pole jack assembly includes an outer pole including a first load-bearing surface and an inner pole telescopically coupled with the outer pole so as to be movable relative thereto, with the inner pole including a second load-bearing surface. The pole jack assembly also includes an adjustment assembly linking the outer pole and the inner pole and operable to provide movement of the inner pole relative to the inner pole, with the adjustment assembly further comprising a housing having a plurality of shelves, an incremental raising actuator configured to extend the inner pole relative to the outer pole, an incremental lowering assembly including an incremental lowering actuator configured to retract the inner pole into the outer pole, and a release actuator configured to allow unrestricted slidable movement between the inner pole and the outer pole.

Description

INCREMENTAL LOWERING POLE JACKCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 568,488 filed March 22, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0002] Pole jacks are material handling tools that comprise an extendable pole with a pair of load-bearing surfaces that are commonly utilized to support ceiling drywall off of a floor or brace one wall off of another wall.Description of Related Art

[0003] Conventional pole jacks include an extension actuator to extend a length of the pole, and thus move one load-bearing surface away from the other, as well as a release actuator to allow free relative movement between first and second portions of the pole.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Provided herein is a pole jack assembly that includes an outer pole including a first load-bearing surface and an inner pole telescopically coupled with the outer pole so as to be movable relative thereto, the inner pole including a second load-bearing surface. The pole jack assembly also includes an adjustment assembly linking the outer pole and the inner pole and operable to provide movement of the inner pole relative to the inner pole, with the adjustment assembly comprising a housing comprising a plurality of shelves, an incremental raising actuator configured to extend the inner pole relative to the outer pole, an incremental lowering assembly including an incremental lowering actuator configured to retract the inner pole into the outer pole, and a release actuator configured to allow unrestricted slidable movement between the inner pole and the outer pole.

[0005] In certain configurations, the outer pole comprises a first portion, a second portion slidably received in the first portion and movable relative thereto between a retracted position and an extended position, with the inner pole positionable within both the first portion and the second portion;, and a lock for selectively securing the first portion and the second portion, to enable or prevent relative movement therebetween.

[0006] In certain configurations, the second portion includes therein a plurality of holes along its length, and wherein the lock selectively engages with one of the holes to hold the second portion in a desired extension relative to the first portion.

[0007] In certain configurations, the adjustment assembly further comprises a lock plate forming part of the release actuator, the lock plate bearing against a first shelf of the plurality of shelves, with the first shelf acting as a hinge for the lock plate, and a first spring configured to apply a biasing force to the lock plate that pushes the lock plate upward, wherein the first spring and the first shelf force the lock plate to bite into the inner pole, to lock the inner pole into position relative to the outer pole, and wherein actuation of the incremental raising actuator, the incremental lowering actuator, or the release actuator releases the inner pole from engagement with the lock plate.

[0008] In certain configurations, the incremental lowering assembly comprises a holding plate and a second spring that cooperate with the incremental lowering actuator to incrementally move the inner pole inwards towards the housing, wherein when in a resting position, the holding plate does not bite into the inner pole, and wherein depression of the incremental lowering actuator raises the holding plate and depresses the lock plate, with raising of the holding plate causing the holding plate to bite into the inner pole and angle upwards, so as to push the inner pole inwards towards the housing and decrease an overall length of the pole jack assembly.

[0009] In certain configurations, the incremental lowering assembly comprises a pivot pin rotatably coupling the incremental lowering actuator to the holding plate and a third spring configured to reset the incremental lowering actuator after each depression thereof.

[0010] In certain configurations, the second spring keeps the holding plate pressed against the lock plate and resets the incremental lowering assembly following each depression of the incremental lowering actuator.

[0011] In certain configurations, the adjustment assembly further comprises a lock plate bearing against a first shelf of the plurality of shelves, with the first shelf acting as a hinge for the lock plate, a linkage connecting the release actuator to the lock plate to translate motion of the release actuator to the lock plate, and a first spring configured to apply a biasing force to the lock plate that pushes the lock plate upward, wherein the first spring and the first shelf force the lock plate to bite into the inner pole to lock the inner pole into position relative to the outer pole, and wherein actuation of the incremental raising actuator, the incremental lowering actuator, or the release actuator releases the inner pole from engagement with the lock plate.

[0012] In certain configurations, the incremental lowering assembly comprises a holding plate and a second spring that cooperate with the incremental lowering actuator to incrementally move the inner pole inwards towards the housing, wherein when in a resting position, the holding plate does not bite into the inner pole, and wherein depression of the incremental lowering actuator raises the holding plate and depresses the lock plate, with raising of the holding plate causing the holding plate to bite into the inner pole and angle upwards, so as to push the inner pole inwards towards the housing and decrease an overall length of the pole jack assembly.

[0013] In certain configurations, the incremental lowering assembly comprises a pivot pin rotatably coupling the incremental lowering actuator to the holding plate and a third spring configured to reset the incremental lowering actuator after each depression thereof.

[0014] In certain configurations, the pole jack assembly further includes a pair of additional pivot pins rotatably coupling the release actuator to the linkage and to the housing and a fourth spring configured to reset the release actuator after depression thereof.

[0015] In certain configurations, the linkage extends through an aperture formed in the incremental lowering actuator.

[0016] In certain configurations, the pole jack assembly further includes a lift plate bearing against a second shelf of the plurality of shelves, with the second shelf acting as a swivel point for the lift plate, and a lifting spring configured to apply a biasing force to the lift plate that pushes the lift plate upward, wherein when in a resting position, the lift plate does not bite into the inner pole, and wherein actuation of the incremental raising actuator toward the housing causes a pin of the incremental raising actuator to press downward on the lift plate, thereby causing the lift plate to bite into the inner pole and angle downwards, so as to push the inner pole outwards from the housing and increase an overall length of the pole jack assembly.

[0017] In certain configurations, the housing comprises a third shelf of the plurality of shelves that limits movement of the incremental raising actuator and maintains the lift plate in a normal orientation relative to the inner pole when the incremental raising actuator is not actuated and a fourth shelf configured to limit a range of motion of the incremental raising actuator during actuation thereof, to control a maximum amount by which the inner pole is pushed outwards from the housing for each actuation of the incremental raising actuator.

[0018] In certain configurations, each of the first load-bearing surface and the second loadbearing surface is configured to rotate and / or pivot relative to a direction of elongation of the pole jack assembly.

[0019] Also provided herein is a pole jack assembly that includes a pole housing comprising an upper pole housing, a lower pole housing, and an adjustment assembly housing positioned between the upper and lower pole housings, the lower pole housing including a first loadbearing surface. The pole jack assembly also includes an extension pole telescopically coupled with the upper pole housing so as to be movable relative thereto and extendable out from the upper pole housing, the extension pole including a second load-bearing surface. The pole jack assembly further includes an adjustment assembly operable to provide movement of the extension pole relative to the pole housing, the adjustment assembly comprising an adjustment bar positioned within the pole housing and having a plunger at an upper end thereof in contact with a bottom end of the extension pole, an incremental raising assembly actuatable to move the adjustment bar upward within the pole housing, such that the plunger pushes the extension pole upward within the upper pole housing to extend out therefrom, an incremental lowering assembly actuatable to move the adjustment bar downward within the pole housing, with downward movement of the adjustment bar causing retraction of the extension pole back into the upper pole housing, and a release actuator configured to allow unrestricted slidable movement of the adjustment bar within the pole housing.

[0020] In certain configurations, the adjustment assembly further comprises a lock plate, bearing against a shelf of the adjustment assembly housing, with the shelf acting as a hinge for the lock plate, a linkage connecting the release actuator to the lock plate to translate motion of the release actuator to the lock plate, and a first spring configured to apply a biasing force to the lock plate that pushes the lock plate downward, wherein the first spring and the shelf force the lock plate to bite into the adjustment bar to lock the adjustment bar into position relative to the pole housing, and wherein actuation of the incremental raising actuator, the incremental lowering actuator, or the release actuator releases the adjustment bar from engagement with the lock plate.

[0021] In certain configurations, the incremental lowering assembly comprises a lowering U- plate that cooperates with the incremental lowering actuator to incrementally move the adjustment bar downward within the pole housing, wherein when in a resting position, the lowering U-plate does not bite into the adjustment bar, and wherein actuation of the incremental lowering actuator causes a downward angling and movement of the lowering U-plate and raises the lock plate, with downward angling and movement of the lowering U-plate causing the lowering U-plate to bite into the adjustment bar, so as to push the adjustment bar down relative to the pole housing.

[0022] In certain configurations, the incremental lowering assembly further comprises a second spring positioned below the lowering U-plate, with the second spring keeping the lowering U-plate pressed against the lock plate and resetting the incremental lowering assembly following each actuation of the incremental lowering actuator.

[0023] In certain configurations, the incremental raising assembly comprises an incremental raising actuator actuatable by the user and a lift plate operatively connected to the incremental raising actuator, such that actuation of the incremental raising actuator causes movement of the holding plate, wherein the second spring is configured to apply a biasing force to the lift plate that pushes the lift plate downward, wherein when in a resting position, the lift plate does not bite into the adjustment bar, and wherein actuation of the incremental raising actuator toward the adjustment assembly housing causes a raising actuator lever of the incremental raising actuator to press upward on the lift plate, thereby causing the lift plate to bite into the adjustment bar and angle upwards, so as to push the adjustment bar upwards within the pole housing, thereby pushing the extension pole upward within the upper pole housing and increasing an overall length of the pole jack assemblyBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pole jack assembly, according to a non-limiting embodiment described herein;

[0025] FIG. 2A is a side cross-sectional view of a telescopic outer pole of the pole jack assembly of FIG. 1, with the telescopic outer pole in a retracted configuration;

[0026] FIG. 2B is a side cross-sectional view of a telescopic outer pole of the pole jack assembly of FIG. 1, with the telescopic outer pole in an extended configuration;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a portion of the pole jack assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating an adjustment assembly of the pole jack assembly;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pole jack assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating a raising actuator of the adjustment assembly in greater detail;

[0029] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pole jack assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating an incremental lowering assembly and release actuator of the adjustment assembly in greater detail;

[0030] FIG. 6A is an isolated view of an incremental lowering assembly and release actuator of the pole jack assembly of FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 6B is an exploded view of the incremental lowering assembly and release actuator of FIG. 6A;

[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pole jack assembly, according to another non-limiting embodiment described herein;

[0033] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a portion of the pole jack assembly of FIG. 7, illustrating an adjustment assembly of the pole jack assembly;

[0034] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pole jack assembly of FIG. 7, illustrating an incremental lowering assembly and release actuator of the adjustment assembly in greater detail;

[0035] FIG. 10A is an isolated view of an incremental lowering assembly and release actuator of the pole jack assembly of FIG. 7;

[0036] FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the incremental lowering assembly of FIG. 10A;

[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pole jack assembly, according to another non-limiting embodiment described herein;

[0038] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pole jack assembly of FIG. 11, taken along line 12-12;

[0039] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of a portion of the pole jack assembly of FIG. 7, illustrating an incremental lowering assembly and release actuator of the adjustment assembly in greater detail;

[0040] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the incremental lowering assembly and release actuator of FIG. 13;

[0041] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pole jack assembly of FIG. 11, showing the pole jack assembly in a collapsed configuration; and

[0042] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pole jack assembly of FIG. 11, showing the pole jack assembly in a partially extended configuration.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Disclosed herein is an improved pole jack assembly having incremental lowering functionality that facilitates adjustability thereof. This creates a low-profile tool capable of single-handed use to incrementally raise and lower items. Aspects of the disclosure are discussed with reference to the appended Figures.

[0044] Figure 1 illustrates a pole jack assembly 10 having an outer pole 20 and an inner pole 30 telescopically coupled together. The outer pole 20 and the inner pole 30 each include a load-bearing surface 40 (individually load-bearing surface 40a associated with the outer pole20 and load-bearing surface 40b associated with the inner pole 30). In some embodiments the load-bearing surfaces 40 may comprise a swivel pad facilitating rotation thereof. In some embodiments the load-bearing surfaces 40 may comprise a hinged or ball and socket configuration so as to permit pivoting of the load-bearing surface relative to the direction of elongation of the pole jack assembly.

[0045] It may be appreciated that the outer pole 20 and the inner pole 30 are linked by an adjustment assembly 50, described in greater detail below. As further shown, in some embodiments one or more of the outer pole 20 and inner pole 30 may itself comprise a telescoping tube assembly or similar adjustability functionality. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer pole 20 comprises a first portion 20a and a second portion 20b, where the second portion 20b is slidably received in the first portion 20a. A lock 20c selectively couples the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b relative to one another, as described below.

[0046] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate enlarged sectional views of outer pole 20, and in particular the telescoping tube configuration thereof in some embodiments. As shown in Figure 2A, where the second portion 20b is slidably received in the first portion 20a, the inner pole 30 may be received within both the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b. As further shown, the second portion 20b may include therein a plurality of holes 60 along its length, where the lock 20c (which in some embodiments may be a retention pin, and in some such embodiments may be a spring-loaded retention pin) may selectively engage with one of the holes 60 to hold the second portion 20b in a desired extension relative to the first portion 20a.

[0047] Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of the adjustment assembly 50. As shown, the adjustment assembly 50 may comprise an incremental raising actuator 70 (e.g., a lever) configured to extend the inner pole 30 relative to the outer pole 20. The adjustment assembly 50 may also comprise an incremental lowering actuator 80 (e.g., a lever) configured to retract the inner pole 30 into the outer pole 20. Furthermore, the adjustment assembly 50 may comprise a release actuator 90 (e.g., a button) configured to allow unrestricted slidable movement between the inner pole 30 and the outer pole 20.

[0048] A cross sectional view of a portion of the adjustment assembly 50 in Figure 4 (i.e., of an incremental raising assembly of the adjustment assembly 50) illustrates how pushing of the incremental raising actuator 70 towards a housing 100 of the adjustment assembly 50 may cause the inner pole 30 to move outwards (e.g., downwards) from the adjustment assembly 50. As discussed below, the housing 100 may include shelves 100a, 100b and 100c which may act as bearing surfaces for the mechanism that facilitates incremental raising through the incremental raising actuator 70. As shown, in an embodiment the incremental raising actuator70 may be coupled to the housing 100 by a pivot 110. A lift plate 120 may be provided that bites into the inner pole 30 when the incremental raising actuator 70 is pivoted towards the housing 100. Alternatively, when the lift plate 120 is normal to the elongation of the inner pole 30, the lift plate 120 allows the inner pole 30 to slide through the lift plate 120. The shelf 100a prevents the incremental raising actuator 70 from falling too far forward towards the housing 100 and also keeps the lift plate 120 normal to the inner pole 30 when the incremental raising actuator 70 is not actuated. The shelf 100b acts as a swivel point for the lift plate 120, and also allows the lift plate 120 to remain normal to the length of the inner pole 30 when the incremental raising actuator 70 is not actuated.

[0049] When the incremental raising actuator 70 is pressed towards the housing 100, a pin 130 pushes downwards on the lift plate 120. A spring 140 pushes the lift plate 120 against the shelf 100b, assisting in the shelf 100b acting as a swivel point. The spring 140 also pushes against the lever pin 130. This action of the spring 140 also keeps the lift plate 120 normal to the length of the inner pole 30 to allow free movement of the inner pole 30 along its length at the location of the lift plate 120.

[0050] It may be appreciated that the shelf 100c may control the amount of raising per actuation of the incremental raising actuator 70. Such limitation on movement may prevent the incremental raising actuator 70 (e.g., when a lever) from maxing out and contacting the housing 100.

[0051] Turning to Figure 5, the incremental lowering actuator 80 and release actuator 90 are illustrated in greater detail in cross section with the housing 100. As shown, the release actuator 90 may couple to or include a lock plate 90a. The lock plate 90a may bear against a shelf lOOd that acts a hinge for the lock plate 90a. The lock plate 90a may, when in a resting position, bite into the inner pole 30, locking the position thereof unless either the incremental raising actuator 70 or the incremental lowering actuator 80 is actuated. When the release actuator 90 is depressed or otherwise actuated, the inner pole 30 may freely move inwards or outwards relative to the housing 100. A spring 150 may push the lock plate 90a upward to make the lock plate 90a bite against the inner pole 30. It may be appreciated that the combination of the shelf lOOd and the spring 150 may force the lock plate 90a to bite into the inner pole 30.

[0052] Further illustrated in Figure 5 is the incremental lowering actuator 80, which may cooperate with a holding plate 160 and a spring 170 to incrementally move the inner pole 30 and associated load-bearing surface 40 inwards towards the housing 100. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, when the incremental lowering actuator 80 is pressed, it raises the holding plate 160 and slightly depresses the lock plate 90a. The holding plate 160 bites into theinner pole 30 when the incremental lowering actuator 80 is depressed. In this situation, the holding plate 160 angles upwards, pushing the inner pole 30 inwards. When in a resting position, the holding plate 160 does not bite into the inner pole 30. The spring 170 keeps the holding plate 160 pressed against the lock plate 90a and resets the incremental lowering assembly following each press of the incremental lowering actuator 80.

[0053] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate, in isolation and in exploded view, components of the incremental lowering assembly. As seen in Figure 6B, a pivot pin 180 and a spring 190 are further provided. It may be appreciated that the spring 190 may additionally or alternatively help reset the incremental lowering actuator 80 after each depression or actuation thereof.

[0054] Figures 7-10B illustrate an embodiment of a pole jack assembly 10* having an alternative configuration of adjustment assembly 50, namely adjustment assembly 50*. Elements having the same configuration as in the pole jack assembly 10 as illustrated and described above will be labeled identically, however variants in the illustrated embodiment of the pole jack assembly 10* will have new numbers denoted by an *. The overall assembly of the illustrated embodiment of pole jack assembly 10* is depicted in Figure 7.

[0055] As shown in Figure 8, where an enlarged view of the adjustment assembly 50* is depicted, the adjustment assembly 50 may comprise an incremental raising actuator 70 (e.g., a lever) configured to extend the inner pole 30 relative to the outer pole 20. The adjustment assembly 50 may also comprise an incremental lowering actuator 80* (e.g., a lever) configured to retract the inner pole 30 into the outer pole 20. Furthermore, the adjustment assembly 50* may comprise a full release actuator 90* (e.g., a button) configured to allow unrestricted slidable movement between the inner pole 30 and the outer pole 20.

[0056] In some embodiments, a similar configuration of the incremental raising actuator 70 may be utilized in the pole jack assembly 10*. Turning to Figure 9, however, differences in the incremental lowering actuator 80* and release actuator 90* according to some embodiments are illustrated in greater detail in cross section with a housing 100* of the adjustment assembly 50*. As shown, the release actuator 90* may couple to a lock plate 90a* via a linkage 90b*. The linkage 90b* may extend through an aperture 80a* formed in the incremental lowering actuator 80*. The lock plate 90a* may bear against a shelf lOOd* that acts a hinge for the lock plate 90a*. The lock plate 90a* may otherwise act similarly to the lock plate 90a, selectively biting into the inner pole 30.

[0057] Figures 10A and 10B illustrate, in isolation and in exploded view, components of the incremental lowering assembly. As seen in Figure 10B, a pivot pin 180* and a spring 190* are further provided to couple the incremental lowering actuator 80* to the holding plate 160*. Itmay be appreciated that the spring 190* may additionally or alternatively help reset the incremental lowering actuator 80* after each depression or actuation thereof. A spring 200* may help the release actuator 90* reset after depression thereof in the illustrated configuration, with the release actuator 90* leveraging its own pivot pins 210* and 220* (one of which couples the release actuator 90*to the housing 100*, the other of which couples the release actuator 90*to the linkage 90b*), as seen more clearly in Figure 9.

[0058] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a pole jack assembly 300 having an alternate configuration. The pole jack assembly 300 includes a pole housing 310 having an upper pole housing 320, a lower pole housing 330, and an adjustment assembly housing 340 positioned between the upper and lower pole housings 320, 330. An extension pole 350 is housed within the upper pole housing 320 outer pole 20 and is in a telescopic arrangement with the upper pole housing 320. The extension pole 350 and the lower pole housing 330 each include a load-bearing surface 360 (individually load-bearing surface 360a associated with the extension pole 350 and loadbearing surface 360b associated with the lower pole housing 330). In some embodiments the load-bearing surfaces 360 may comprise a swivel pad facilitating rotation thereof. In some embodiments the load-bearing surfaces 360 may comprise a hinged or ball and socket configuration so as to permit pivoting of the load-bearing surface relative to the direction of elongation of the pole jack assembly.

[0059] It may be appreciated that the movement of the extension pole 350 relative to pole housing 310 (i.e., telescoping of the extension pole 350 relative to upper pole housing 320) is enabled by an adjustment assembly 370. The adjustment assembly 370 may comprise an adjustment bar 380 having a plunger 390 at an upper end thereof, an incremental raising actuator 400 (e.g., a lever) configured to extend the adjustment bar 380 relative to the upper pole housing 320 and thereby extend the extension pole 350, an incremental lowering actuator 410 (e.g., a lever) configured to retract the adjustment bar 380 relative to the upper pole housing 320 and thereby retract the extension pole 350, and an override or release actuator 420 (e.g., a knob) configured to allow unrestricted slidable movement of the adjustment bar 380.

[0060] The cross sectional view of the adjustment assembly 370 provided in Figure 12 better illustrates how actuation of the incremental raising actuator 400 and incremental lowering actuator 410 may cause the adjustment bar 380 to move upward or downward, with the plunger 390 of adjustment bar 380 thus sliding upward or downward within upper pole housing 320 to cause a corresponding movement of the extension pole 350, so as to cause the extension pole 350 to extend out from or retract back into the upper pole housing 320.

[0061] In one embodiment, the incremental raising actuator 400 may be coupled to the adjustment assembly housing 340 by a pivot 430. The incremental raising actuator 400 forms part of an incremental raising assembly 435 that also includes a lift plate 440 that bites into the adjustment bar 380 when the incremental raising actuator 400 is pivoted towards the adjustment assembly housing 340. Alternatively, when the lift plate 440 is normal to the elongation of the adjustment bar 380, the lift plate 440 allows the adjustment bar 380 to slide through the lift plate 440. A raising actuator lever 450 may be provided at the end of incremental raising actuator 400 that functions to keep the lift plate 440 normal to the adjustment bar 380 when the incremental raising actuator 400 is not actuated. When the incremental raising actuator 400 is pressed towards the adjustment assembly housing 340, the raising actuator lever 450 pushes upward on the lift plate 440 and causes the lift plate 440 to pivot and bite into the adjustment bar 380, thereby causing upward movement of the adjustment bar 380.

[0062] Adjustment assembly 370 may further include a spring 460 positioned above the lift plate 440 and that pushes against the lift plate 440 and raising actuator lever 450. This action of the spring 460 maintains the incremental raising actuator 400 in its non-actuated position and keeps the lift plate 440 normal to the length of the adjustment bar 380, to allow free movement of the adjustment bar 380.

[0063] As further shown in Figure 12, and now also in Figures 13 and 14, the release actuator 420 may couple to a lock plate 470 via a linkage 480. The linkage 480 may extend through an aperture 490 formed in the incremental lowering actuator 410. The lock plate 470 may bear against a shelf 500 of adjustment assembly housing 340 that acts a hinge for the lock plate 470. The lock plate 470 may, when in a resting position, bite into the adjustment bar 380, locking the position thereof unless either the incremental raising actuator 400 or the incremental lowering actuator 410 is actuated. When the release actuator 420 is depressed or otherwise actuated, the adjustment bar 380 may freely move upwards or downwards relative to the pole housing 310, in order to cause movement of the extension pole 350. A spring 510 may push the lock plate 470 downward to make the lock plate 470 bite against the adjustment bar 380. It may be appreciated that the combination of the shelf 500 and the spring 510 may force the lock plate 470 to bite into the adjustment bar 380.

[0064] In some embodiments, a spring 520 may help the release actuator 420 reset after actuation thereof, with the release actuator 420 leveraging its own pivot pin 530 (which couples the release actuator 420 to the adjustment assembly housing 340 and the linkage 480),

[0065] Further illustrated in Figures 12-14 is an incremental lowering assembly 535 that includes the incremental lowering actuator 410 and a lowering U-plate 540, with theincremental lowering actuator 410 cooperating with the lowering U-plate 540 to incrementally move the adjustment bar 380 downward and thereby retract the extension pole 350 back into upper pole housing 320. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, when the incremental lowering actuator 410 is actuated by a user relative to adjustment assembly housing 340, the incremental lowering actuator 410 pivots about pins 550 formed on the incremental lowering actuator 410 that are set within channels 560 of the lowering U-plate 540, with the pivoting of the incremental lowering actuator 410 slightly raising the lock plate 470 and causing a downward angling and movement of the lowering U-plate 540, causing the lowering U-plate 540 to bite into the adjustment bar 380. In this situation, the lowering U-plate 540 pushes the adjustment bar 380 (and plunger 390 thereon) downwards, which in turn causes extension pole 350 (supported by plunger 390) to move downwards and retract back into the upper pole housing 320. When in a resting position, the lowering U-plate 540 does not bite into the adjustment bar 380. The spring 460 keeps the lowering U-plate 540 pressed against the lock plate 470 and resets the incremental lowering assembly following each press of the incremental lowering actuator 410.

[0066] Thus, via operation of adjustment assembly 370, the pole jack assembly 300 may be actuated between an initial or collapsed configuration and an extended configuration. Figure 15 shows the pole jack assembly 300 in its collapsed configuration, where the adjustment bar 380 is primarily housed within the lower pole housing 330 and extends up only a short distance into upper pole housing 320, such that the plunger 390 of adjustment bar supports and positions extension pole 350 in a retracted configuration within upper pole housing 320. Figure 16 shows the pole jack assembly 300 in a partially extended configuration, where the adjustment bar 380 has been raised via actuation of adjustment assembly 370 (i.e., actuation of incremental raising actuator 400), with the adjustment bar 380 thus extending up further into upper pole housing 320 such that the plunger 390 of adjustment bar supports and positions extension pole 350 in a (partially) extended configuration where the extension pole extends / telescopes out from the upper pole housing 320 - to increase the overall length / height of the pole jack assembly 300.

[0067] According to embodiments of the disclosure, the adjustment assembly 370 may be configured and / or positioned in a number of different arrangements to provide for a desired actuation of the adjustment assembly 370 and configuring of the pole jack assembly 300. That is, with the adjustment assembly 370 being separated from extension pole 350, it is recognized that the adjustment assembly 370 may be provided at any of a number of locations on pole jack assembly 300, thereby allowing for user interaction with the adjustment assembly 370 to be at a desirable ergonomic position. For example, user interaction with the adjustment assembly370 can be via a foot of the user if the adjustment assembly 370 is positioned lower on the pole housing 310 or via a hand of the user if the adjustment assembly 370 is positioned higher on the pole housing 310. Additionally, different lower housing extensions could be provided on pole jack assembly 300 to enable the change from a foot-activated to a hand-activated pole jack assembly 300.

[0068] The objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, may be apparent upon consideration of the description and drawings herein, all of which form a part of this specification. In one embodiment of the invention, the structural components illustrated herein are drawn to scale. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In addition, it should be appreciated that structural features shown or described in any one embodiment herein can be used in other embodiments as well. As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0069] In various embodiments, the pole jack described herein may be formed from metal, plastic, ceramic, wood, or any other appropriate material, or combinations of such materials. It may be appreciated that the components described herein may be of different constructions or configurations, including but not limited to one or more being comprised of different material choices. For example, various components described herein may each be constructed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to one or more of fabrics, plastics, metals, rubbers, elastomers, or any other appropriate material choice, such as aluminum (e.g., machined aluminum), iron (e.g., steel), ceramic, or any other appropriate material. In addition, portions of tools leveraging the above teachings may be formed from molded plastic, metal, or combinations thereof (e.g., plastic with metal supports or fasteners coupling portions together). In some embodiments, structural and functional components may be formed from metal or hard plastic, while exterior-most gripped components positioned to engage the palm of a gripping hand to provide the palm with a comfortable gripping surface may be made of a suitable molded plastic material or elastomeric material, and may be generally formed as a bi-material suitable molded plastic material coated with a layer of an elastomeric material, such as a rubber based material. In some embodiments, the material choices may differ from component to component. In various embodiments, some components may be integrally formed together, while other components may be assembled by any appropriate mechanism, including but notlimited to fastened, welded, snap-fit, friction fit, adhesive bonding, or other appropriate securements.

[0070] Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope inventions more specifically understood in the context of the above disclosure.

Claims

THE INVENTION CLAIMED IS:

1. A pole jack assembly comprising: an outer pole including a first load-bearing surface; an inner pole telescopically coupled with the outer pole so as to be movable relative thereto, the inner pole including a second load-bearing surface; and an adjustment assembly linking the outer pole and the inner pole and operable to provide movement of the inner pole relative to the inner pole, the adjustment assembly comprising: a housing comprising a plurality of shelves; an incremental raising actuator configured to extend the inner pole relative to the outer pole; an incremental lowering assembly including an incremental lowering actuator configured to retract the inner pole into the outer pole; and a release actuator configured to allow unrestricted slidable movement between the inner pole and the outer pole.

2. The pole jack assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer pole comprises: a first portion; a second portion slidably received in the first portion and movable relative thereto between a retracted position and an extended position, with the inner pole positionable within both the first portion and the second portion; and a lock for selectively securing the first portion and the second portion, to enable or prevent relative movement therebetween.

3. The pole jack assembly of claim 2, wherein the second portion includes therein a plurality of holes along its length, and wherein the lock selectively engages with one of the holes to hold the second portion in a desired extension relative to the first portion.

4. The pole jack assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjustment assembly further comprises: a lock plate forming part of the release actuator, the lock plate bearing against a first shelf of the plurality of shelves, with the first shelf acting as a hinge for the lock plate; anda first spring configured to apply a biasing force to the lock plate that pushes the lock plate upward; wherein the first spring and the first shelf force the lock plate to bite into the inner pole, to lock the inner pole into position relative to the outer pole; and wherein actuation of the incremental raising actuator, the incremental lowering actuator, or the release actuator releases the inner pole from engagement with the lock plate.

5. The pole jack assembly of claim 4, wherein the incremental lowering assembly comprises a holding plate and a second spring that cooperate with the incremental lowering actuator to incrementally move the inner pole inwards towards the housing; wherein, when in a resting position, the holding plate does not bite into the inner pole; and wherein depression of the incremental lowering actuator raises the holding plate and depresses the lock plate, with raising of the holding plate causing the holding plate to bite into the inner pole and angle upwards, so as to push the inner pole inwards towards the housing and decrease an overall length of the pole jack assembly.

6. The pole jack assembly of claim 5, wherein the incremental lowering assembly comprises: a pivot pin rotatably coupling the incremental lowering actuator to the holding plate; and a third spring configured to reset the incremental lowering actuator after each depression thereof.

7. The pole jack assembly of claim 5, wherein the second spring keeps the holding plate pressed against the lock plate and resets the incremental lowering assembly following each depression of the incremental lowering actuator.

8. The pole jack assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjustment assembly further comprises: a lock plate, the lock plate bearing against a first shelf of the plurality of shelves, with the first shelf acting as a hinge for the lock plate; a linkage connecting the release actuator to the lock plate, to translate motion of the release actuator to the lock plate; anda first spring configured to apply a biasing force to the lock plate that pushes the lock plate upward; wherein the first spring and the first shelf force the lock plate to bite into the inner pole, to lock the inner pole into position relative to the outer pole; and wherein actuation of the incremental raising actuator, the incremental lowering actuator, or the release actuator releases the inner pole from engagement with the lock plate.

9. The pole jack assembly of claim 8, wherein the incremental lowering assembly comprises a holding plate and a second spring that cooperate with the incremental lowering actuator to incrementally move the inner pole inwards towards the housing; wherein, when in a resting position, the holding plate does not bite into the inner pole; and wherein depression of the incremental lowering actuator raises the holding plate and depresses the lock plate, with raising of the holding plate causing the holding plate to bite into the inner pole and angle upwards, so as to push the inner pole inwards towards the housing and decrease an overall length of the pole jack assembly.

10. The pole jack assembly of claim 9, wherein the incremental lowering assembly comprises: a pivot pin rotatably coupling the incremental lowering actuator to the holding plate; and a third spring configured to reset the incremental lowering actuator after each depression thereof.

11. The pole jack assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a pair of additional pivot pins rotatably coupling the release actuator to the linkage and to the housing; and a fourth spring configured to reset the release actuator after depression thereof.

12. The pole jack assembly of claim 8, wherein the linkage extends through an aperture formed in the incremental lowering actuator.

13. The pole jack assembly of claim 1, further comprising:a lift plate, the lift plate bearing against a second shelf of the plurality of shelves, with the second shelf acting as a swivel point for the lift plate; and a lifting spring configured to apply a biasing force to the lift plate that pushes the lift plate upward; wherein, when in a resting position, the lift plate does not bite into the inner pole; and wherein actuation of the incremental raising actuator toward the housing causes a pin of the incremental raising actuator to press downward on the lift plate, thereby causing the lift plate to bite into the inner pole and angle downwards, so as to push the inner pole outwards from the housing and increase an overall length of the pole jack assembly.

14. The pole jack assembly of claim 13, wherein the housing comprises: a third shelf of the plurality of shelves, the third shelf limiting movement of the incremental raising actuator and maintaining the lift plate in a normal orientation relative to the inner pole when the incremental raising actuator is not actuated; and a fourth shelf configured to limit a range of motion of the incremental raising actuator during actuation thereof, to control a maximum amount by which the inner pole is pushed outwards from the housing for each actuation of the incremental raising actuator.

15. The pole jack assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first load-bearing surface and the second load-bearing surface is configured to rotate and / or pivot relative to a direction of elongation of the pole jack assembly.

16. A pole jack assembly comprising: a pole housing including an upper pole housing, a lower pole housing, and an adjustment assembly housing positioned between the upper and lower pole housings, the lower pole housing including a first load-bearing surface; an extension pole telescopically coupled with the upper pole housing so as to be movable relative thereto and extendable out from the upper pole housing, the extension pole including a second load-bearing surface; and an adjustment assembly operable to provide movement of the extension pole relative to the pole housing, the adjustment assembly comprising: an adjustment bar positioned within the pole housing and having a plunger at an upper end thereof in contact with a bottom end of the extension pole;an incremental raising assembly actuatable to move the adjustment bar upward within the pole housing, such that the plunger pushes the extension pole upward within the upper pole housing to extend out therefrom; an incremental lowering assembly actuatable to move the adjustment bar downward within the pole housing, with downward movement of the adjustment bar causing retraction of the extension pole back into the upper pole housing; and a release actuator configured to allow unrestricted slidable movement of the adjustment bar within the pole housing.

17. The pole jack assembly of claim 16, wherein the adjustment assembly further comprises: a lock plate, the lock plate bearing against a shelf of the adjustment assembly housing, with the shelf acting as a hinge for the lock plate; a linkage connecting the release actuator to the lock plate, to translate motion of the release actuator to the lock plate; and a first spring configured to apply a biasing force to the lock plate that pushes the lock plate downward; wherein the first spring and the shelf force the lock plate to bite into the adjustment bar, to lock the adjustment bar into position relative to the pole housing; and wherein actuation of the incremental raising actuator, the incremental lowering actuator, or the release actuator releases the adjustment bar from engagement with the lock plate.

18. The pole jack assembly of claim 17, wherein the incremental lowering assembly comprises a lowering U-plate that cooperates with the incremental lowering actuator to incrementally move the adjustment bar downward within the pole housing; wherein, when in a resting position, the lowering U-plate does not bite into the adjustment bar; and wherein actuation of the incremental lowering actuator causes a downward angling and movement of the lowering U-plate and raises the lock plate, with downward angling and movement of the lowering U-plate causing the lowering U-plate to bite into the adjustment bar, so as to push the adjustment bar down relative to the pole housing.

19. The pole jack assembly of claim 18, wherein the incremental lowering assembly further comprises a second spring positioned below the lowering U-plate, with the second spring keeping the lowering U-plate pressed against the lock plate and resetting the incremental lowering assembly following each actuation of the incremental lowering actuator.

20. The pole jack assembly of claim 19, wherein the incremental raising assembly comprises: an incremental raising actuator actuatable by the user; and a lift plate operatively connected to the incremental raising actuator, such that actuation of the incremental raising actuator causes movement of the holding plate; wherein the second spring is configured to apply a biasing force to the lift plate that pushes the lift plate downward; wherein, when in a resting position, the lift plate does not bite into the adjustment bar; and wherein actuation of the incremental raising actuator toward the adjustment assembly housing causes a raising actuator lever of the incremental raising actuator to press upward on the lift plate, thereby causing the lift plate to bite into the adjustment bar and angle upwards, so as to push the adjustment bar upwards within the pole housing, thereby pushing the extension pole upward within the upper pole housing and increasing an overall length of the pole jack assembly.

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