Pole assembly

Abstract

A pole assembly and method of assembling the same. The pole assembly includes upper and lower poles. Each pole includes an open end where the upper and lower poles are aligned. Each pole has a pole aperture spaced apart from the open end. Upper and lower internal sleeves are positioned within the upper and lower poles, respectively. Each internal sleeve includes an internal sleeve aperture coinciding with the pole aperture when the internal sleeve and the pole are engaged. A connector is positioned within the upper and lower internal sleeves. A connecting sleeve circumscribes the upper and lower poles at the open ends when engaged. Upper and lower fasteners extend though the upper and lower apertures, respectively, such that the upper fastener abuts the connecting sleeve at a top end, and the lower fastener abuts the connecting sleeve at a bottom end.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 812P017N 1 -WOPOLE ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present international application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 703,637, titled “Handle for Cleaning Device,” filing on October 4, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to cleaning devices in general, and in particular to a pole assembly for a cleaning device.BACKGROUND

[0003] Many types of cleaning devices exist for different purposes. Some examples include: brooms, which are normally used to sweep hard surfaces; mops, which are used to wipe down hard surfaces; vacuum cleaners, which are used to clean different types of surfaces by using suction; and more recently, lint and pet hair removers such as the Uproot Cleaner Xtra®.

[0004] Those cleaning devices are sold packaged in boxes and often times shipped to the consumer. For the seller as well as the consumer, it is desirable that the packaging is compact as shipping costs are reduced and for ease of handling. Compact packaging is also desirable for products to be stocked on shelves at stores to save space.

[0005] To accomplish this goal, some cleaning devices are packaged and sold with handles or sticks with multiple pieces for the consumer to assemble. However, in some cases, manufacturers and sellers purposefully shorten the overall length of the handles or sticks to fitAttorney Docket No. 812P017N 1 -WO within smaller packaging so that shipping costs could be reduced. However, shortened handles or sticks decrease the effectiveness of the cleaning device and are non-ergonomic to the user.

[0006] Another problem arises with multi-piece handles or sticks. When assembled the connection points are weak and are unable to withstand the forces exerted on the handles or sticks when the cleaning device is in use. Also, often times segments of handles or sticks are assembled by threaded engagement and as such, those segments rotate apart from each other when the cleaning device is used.

[0007] Thus, a need exists for a handle or stick for a cleaning device capable of being compactly packaged without sacrificing length. A need also exists for a multi-piece handle or stick that could be assembled into a secure, sturdy and stable component that is able to withstand forces exerted while in use.SUMMARY

[0008] The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key / critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0009] The present invention provides a cleaning device capable of being compactly packaged without sacrificing length, and that could be assembled into a secure, sturdy and stable component able to withstand forces exerted while in use.

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention provides a pole assembly for a cleaning device comprising: an upper pole and a lower pole, each pole having a pole inner surface and a poleAttorney Docket No. 812P017N 1 -WO outer surface, each pole having an open end wherein the upper and lower poles are engaged at each of the open ends, each pole having a pole aperture spaced apart from the open end; an upper internal sleeve and a lower internal sleeve, each internal sleeve having a sleeve inner surface and a sleeve outer surface, the sleeve outer surface configured to engage the pole inner surface, each internal sleeve having an internal sleeve aperture coinciding with the pole aperture when the internal sleeve and the pole are engaged; a connector having a connector outer surface, connector engaged with the inner surfaces of the upper and lower internal sleeves; a connecting sleeve having a top end and a bottom end, the connecting sleeve configured to circumscribe the upper and lower poles at the open ends when engaged; and an upper fastener and a lower fastener, the upper fastener extending though the pole aperture of the upper pole and the aperture of the upper internal sleeve while the upper fastener abuts the connecting sleeve top end, and the lower fastener extending through the pole aperture of the lower pole and the aperture of the lower internal sleeve while the lower fastener abuts the connecting sleeve bottom end.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides a pole assembly for a cleaning device comprising: an upper pole and a lower pole aligned with each other along a longitudinal axis; an upper internal sleeve and a lower internal sleeve engaged with and positioned within the upper and lower poles, respectively; a connector engaged with and positioned within the upper and lower internal sleeves; and a connecting sleeve circumscribing the upper and lower poles.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of assembling a pole assembly comprising the steps of: inserting an upper internal sleeve into an upper pole; extending an upper fastener through the upper pole and the upper internal sleeve; inserting a lower internal sleeve into a lower pole; extending a lower fastener through the lower pole and the lower internal sleeve; inserting an upper portion of a connector into the upper internal sleeve;Attorney Docket No. 812P017N 1 -WO positioning a connecting sleeve on the lower pole such that a lower end of the connecting sleeve abuts the lower fastener; aligning the upper pole and the lower pole along a longitudinal axis; and inserting a lower portion of the connector into the lower internal sleeve such that an upper end of the connecting sleeve abuts the upper fastener.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For purposes of illustrating the invention, shown in the drawings are embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0014] In the drawings:

[0015] Fig. 1 shows a handle or stick for a cleaning device of the present invention in a fully assembled state;

[0016] Fig. 2 shows and exploded view of a pole assembly of Fig. 1;

[0017] Fig. 3 shows an assembled view of the pole assembly of Fig. 2;

[0018] Fig. 4 shows a front view of a connecting sleeve section of the pole assembly of Fig. 3;

[0019] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of Fig. 4;

[0020] Fig. 6 shows a side view of Fig. 4;

[0021] Fig. 7 is a sectional view of Fig. 6;

[0022] Fig. 8 shows a step of assembling the handle or stick of the present invention; and

[0023] Fig. 9 shows another step of assembling the handle or stick of the present invention.Attorney Docket No. 812P017N 1 -WO

[0024] To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale and are shown for illustrative purposes only.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The article “a” is intended to include one or more items, and where only one item is intended the term “one” or similar language is used. Additionally, to assist in the description of the present invention, words such as top, bottom, side, upper, lower, front, rear, inner, outer, right and left are used to describe the accompanying figures. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0026] Referring to Fig. 1, a cleaning device 3 having a handle or stick 1 of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the cleaning device 3 is a lint and pet hair remover sold under the mark Uproot Cleaner Xtra®. However, other cleaning devices such as brooms and mops could be used with the handle or stick 1 of the present invention. Generally, the handle or stick 1 includes a lower pole or segment 2, an intermediate pole or segment 4 and an upper pole or segment 6. As will be described below, the poles 2, 4, 6 are attached together with an attachment assembly 10. For purposes of clarity, the structure of the assembled state of two adjacent poles 2, 4, 6 and attachment assembly 10 is referred to as “pole assembly.” The cleaning device 3 is coupled to the lower pole 3 and the upper pole 6 includes an upper handle 8 coupled thereto. In this embodiment, the poles 2, 4, 6 are cylindrical and substantially hollow, and constructed of a metal, preferably aluminum, to provide a sturdy yet lightweight handle or stick 1. However,Attorney Docket No. 812P017N 1 -WO other materials such as wood, plastic, steel and metal alloys could be used, as examples. Also, in this embodiment, each pole 2, 4, 6 is equal in dimensions including length but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the length of each of the poles 2, 4, 6 could vary and be different from each other without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Although the components 2, 4 and 6 are referred to as “poles,” it is not intended to be limiting. That is, the components 2, 4 and 6 could be square or rectangular in cross-section, at least with respect to the outermost cross-section, and could be solid throughout rather than hollow.

[0027] Referring to Figs. 2-7, an embodiment of an attachment assembly 10 of the present invention is shown. For purposes of illustration, the attachment assembly 10 is shown with the lower pole 2 and the intermediate pole 4, but the connection between the intermediate pole 4 and the upper pole 6 is identical to that shown in the Figs. 2-7. Each pole 2, 4 includes an upper aperture 12 positioned proximate an upper end 22 and a lower aperture 14 positioned proximate a lower end 24, and extending therethrough substantially perpendicular to the pole 2, 4. The lower aperture 14 is configured to be coupled with the cleaning device 3 by a fastener 15 extending through the lower aperture 14 and the cleaning device 3, as shown in Fig. 1. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the position of the lower aperture 14 could be adjusted by the manufacturer depending on the position of the cleaning device 3 and its attachment point.

[0028] Referring to Fig. 2, the attachment assembly 10 includes a pair of partially hollow cylindrical internal sleeves 30 for fixing to the inside of the poles 2, 4. The internal sleeves 30 have an outer circumference that is substantially similar to the inner circumference of the poles 2, 4, and therefore, slidable thereon. In this embodiment, the internal sleeve 30 is constructed of a plastic material but other materials such as rubber and synthetic rubber could be used. Each internal sleeve 30 includes a plurality of grooves 32 on an outer surface. In this embodiment, theAttorney Docket No. 812P017N 1 -WO grooves 32 circumscribe the outer surface, i.e., the grooves are substantially circular, but in other embodiments, the grooves could be linear and positioned parallel to the length of the internal sleeve 30 and poles 2, 4. Moreover, in this embodiment, the grooves 32 extend only partially along the length of the outer surface of the internal sleeve 30 from an inner end 34 to a position intermediate the inner end 34 and an outer end 36. However, in other embodiments, the grooves 32 could extend the entire length of the outer surface of the sleeve 30. As shown in Fig. 2, the outer surface of the internal sleeve 30 proximate the inner end 34 includes indented flat surfaces 38 on opposing sides, which include aligned apertures 40 extending therethrough.

[0029] Referring to Figs. 2 and 7, with respect to the inside of the internal sleeve 30, the inner end 34 is closed off and solid with a solid section 42 (other than the aperture 40) extending from the inner end 34 to a position intermediate the inner end 34 and the outer end 36. A hollow section 44 extends from the outer end 36 to a floor 45 at the position intermediate the inner end 34 and the outer end 36. An inner wall 43 is provided with threads 46 extending radially inwardly from the outer end 36 to a position intermediate the inner end 34 and the outer end 36. Thus, the inner wall 43 includes a threaded portion 46 and a non-threaded portion.

[0030] Referring to Fig. 7, the inner sleeve 30 inner end 34 is inserted first into the opening of the pole ends 22, 24 and the apertures 14, 40 are aligned. The grooves 32 of the internal sleeve 30 engage the inner wall of the pole 2, 4 to provide a friction-fit. A fastener 48 is extended through the aligned apertures 14, 40 to further fix the inner sleeve 30 to the pole 2, 4. In this embodiment, the fastener 48 is a rivet but other fasteners such as a nut and bolt combination could be used.

[0031] Referring to Figs. 2 and 7, the attachment assembly 10 also includes a connector 60, which connects the lower pole 2 and the intermediate pole 4 via the internal sleeves 30 therein.Attorney Docket No. 812P017N 1 -WOIn this embodiment, the connector 60 is cylindrical and hollow inside and configured such that overall length is substantially the same as the overall length of two hollow sections 44 of the internal sleeve 30. Moreover, the outer diameter of the connector 60 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the hollow sections 44 of the internal sleeve 30. The connector 60 includes two sets of threads 62 circumscribing an outer wall 66, i.e., the outer surface the connector 60. As shown in Figs. 2 and 7, the threads 62 of the connector 60 extend substantially the same length as the corresponding threads 46 of the internal sleeve 30 and match the threads 46 of the internal sleeve 30. Thus, the outer wall 66 includes a threaded portion 62 and a non-threaded portion. The connector 60 is sized such that each distal end 64a, 64b abuts corresponding floors 45 of each respective opposing internal sleeve 30 when assembled. Also, the non-threaded portion of the outer wall 66 of the connector 60 abuts the non-threaded portion of the inner wall 43 of the internal sleeve 30 when assembled, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0032] Referring to Figs. 2-7, the attachment assembly 10 also includes a connecting sleeve 50 having an upper opening 51 and an opposing lower opening 53. In this embodiment, the connecting sleeve 50 is constructed of plastic and is a hollow cylinder, however, other materials could be used with other shapes. For example, the connecting sleeve 50 could be constructed of metal and have a generally square outer cross section if the outer cross section of the poles 2, 4, 6 are shaped as such. The inner diameter of the connecting sleeve 50 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the poles 2, 4, 6 such that the connecting sleeve 50 is slidable thereon. The connecting sleeve 50 includes grips 52 to aid the user when the cleaning device is in use. Also, the grips 52 could include marketing material 56 such as brand names, as shown in the figures, affixed either by injection molding or by adhesive label. The connecting sleeve 50 includes a semi-circular cut-out 54 at a lower end thereof. The cut-out 54 is sized and shaped substantiallyAttorney Docket No. 812P017N 1 -WO the same as the head 49 of the fastener 48 such that when received therein, a snug fit is provided. However, the size and shape of the cut-out 54 could vary depending on the size and shape of the fastener 48. For example, if the fastener head 49 and cut-out 54 could be square or hexagonal in shape.

[0033] As discussed above, the handle or stick 1 and cleaning device 3 are packaged together disassembled. Each pole 2, 4, 6 is pre-assembled with the internal sleeves 30 and fasteners 48, as described above, prior to packaging and shipping. For purposes of clarity, in this embodiment, for ease of assembly, the lower pole 2 includes an internal sleeve 30 only at the upper end 22, the intermediate pole 4 includes an internal sleeve 30 at the upper end 22 and the lower end 24, and the upper pole 6 includes an internal sleeve 30 only at the lower end 24. Optionally, the lower end 24 of the lower pole 2 and the upper end 22 of the upper pole 6 could be provided with internal sleeves 30. The upper handle 8 is also pre-assembled to the upper end 22 of the upper pole 6. In addition to the pre-assembled poles 2, 4, 6 and the cleaning device 3, the packaging also includes two connecting sleeves 50 and two connectors 60. In the alternative, the internal sleeve 30 could be separated when packaged and shipped.

[0034] To assemble, the user attaches the cleaning device 3 to the lower pole 2 via fastener 15 through the lower aperture 14, as shown in Fig. 1. Referring to Figs. 7-9, the user then attaches one end of the connector 60 to the intermediate pole 4 by rotating the connector 60 into the internal sleeve 30 therein, thereby engaging the corresponding threads 46, 62 until the connector upper distal end 64a abuts the floor 45 of the internal sleeve 30. The user then inserts the upper end 22 of the lower pole 2 into the lower opening 53 of the connecting sleeve 50 and slides the connecting sleeve 50 downward until the fastener head 49 is secured within the cut-out 54. The lower distal end 64b of the connector 60 is then inserted into the upper opening 51 of theAttorney Docket No. 812P017N 1 -WO connecting sleeve 50 and into the internal sleeve 30 in the lower pole 2. The intermediate pole 4, with the connector 60 engaged therein, is rotated, thereby engaging the corresponding threads 46, 62 until the connector lower distal end 64b abuts the floor 45 of the internal sleeve 30 of the lower pole 2. Moreover, the outer end 36 of each internal sleeve 30 abuts each other. As a result, the fastener head 49 of the intermediate pole 4 abuts the upper end of the connecting sleeve 50, as shown in Fig. 3-7. The upper pole 6 is attached to the intermediate pole 4 in the same manner.

[0035] Alternatively, the poles 2, 4, 6 could be assembled from bottom to top. That is, the lower distal end 64b of the connector 60 is first screwed into the upper end 22 of the lower pole 2; the lower opening 53 of the connecting sleeve 50 is slid onto the upper end 22 of the lower pole 2 and secured to the fastener head 49 thereon; then the lower end 24 of the intermediate pole 4 is slid into the upper opening 51 of the connective sleeve 50 and screwed into the upper distal end 64a of the connector 60. The upper pole 6 is then connected to the intermediate pole 4 in the same manner.

[0036] As a result, a secure and stable handle or stick 1 is provided. Specifically, each pole 2, 4, 6 is secured to each other not only by threaded engagement but further stabilized with the connecting sleeve 50. That is, the engagement of the fastener heads 49 and the cut-outs 54 prevents the poles 2, 4, 6 from rotating against each other. Moreover, if desired, the user is capable of disassembling the handle or stick 1 and the cleaning device 3 by reversing the steps described above.

[0037] The present invention allows manufacturers and sellers to package a handle or stick, and a cleaning device in a compact manner. In the embodiment described herein, the maximum length of the packaging is the length of a pole 2, 4, 6 and the maximum width of the packaging is the height of the cleaning device 3. However, the overall size of the packaging could be furtherAttorney Docket No. 812P017N 1 -WO reduced by providing additional pre-assembled poles of shorter lengths along with additional connecting sleeves and / or providing a cleaning device with smaller dimensions.

[0038] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention will be, therefore, indicated by claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 812P017N1-WOCLAIMS1. A pole assembly comprising: an upper pole and a lower pole, each pole having a pole inner surface and a pole outer surface, each pole having an open end wherein the upper and lower poles are engaged at each of the open ends, each pole having a pole aperture spaced apart from the open end; an upper internal sleeve and a lower internal sleeve, each internal sleeve having a sleeve inner surface and a sleeve outer surface, the sleeve outer surface configured to engage the pole inner surface, each internal sleeve having an internal sleeve aperture coinciding with the pole aperture when the internal sleeve and the pole are engaged; a connector having a connector outer surface, connector engaged with the inner surfaces of the upper and lower internal sleeves; a connecting sleeve having a top end and a bottom end, the connecting sleeve configured to circumscribe the upper and lower poles at the open ends when engaged; and an upper fastener and a lower fastener, the upper fastener extending though the pole aperture of the upper pole and the aperture of the upper internal sleeve while the upper fastener abuts the connecting sleeve top end, and the lower fastener extending through the pole aperture of the lower pole and the aperture of the lower internal sleeve while the lower fastener abuts the connecting sleeve bottom end.

2. The pole assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the upper and lower internal sleeves comprises a cavity having a closed end opposite an open end, the connector being extended through the open end to the closed end.

3. The pole assembly of claim 1, wherein the internal sleeves and the connector are engaged via threaded engagement.Attorney Docket No. 812P017N1-WO4. The pole assembly of claim 1, wherein the connecting sleeve is positioned on the upper and lower poles proximate the connector.

5. The pole assembly of claim 1, wherein the connecting sleeve bottom end comprises an indent, the lower fastener positioned within the indent.

6. A pole assembly comprising: an upper pole and a lower pole aligned with each other along a longitudinal axis; an upper internal sleeve and a lower internal sleeve engaged with and positioned within the upper and lower poles, respectively; a connector engaged with and positioned within the upper and lower internal sleeves; and a connecting sleeve circumscribing the upper and lower poles.

7. The pole assembly of claim 6, wherein the upper and lower poles are engaged with the upper and lower internal sleeves via friction-fit.

8. The pole assembly of claim 6, wherein the internal sleeves and the connector are engaged by threaded engagement.

9. The pole assembly of claim 6, wherein the connecting sleeve is positioned proximate the position of the connector.

10. The pole assembly of claim 6, further comprising an upper fastener extending through the upper internal sleeve and the upper pole, an upper end of the connecting sleeve abutting the upper fastener.11 . The pole assembly of claim 10, further comprising a lower fastener extending through the lower internal sleeve and the lower pole, a lower end of the connecting sleeve abutting the lower fastener.Attorney Docket No. 812P017N1-WO12. The pole assembly of claim 11 , wherein the lower end of the connecting sleeve comprises an indent, the lower fastener positioned therein.

13. A method of assembling a pole assembly comprising the steps of: inserting an upper internal sleeve into an upper pole; extending an upper fastener through the upper pole and the upper internal sleeve; inserting a lower internal sleeve into a lower pole; extending a lower fastener through the lower pole and the lower internal sleeve; inserting an upper portion of a connector into the upper internal sleeve; positioning a connecting sleeve on the lower pole such that a lower end of the connecting sleeve abuts the lower fastener; aligning the upper pole and the lower pole along a longitudinal axis; and inserting a lower portion of the connector into the lower internal sleeve such that an upper end of the connecting sleeve abuts the upper fastener.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the upper and lower poles are engaged with the upper and lower internal sleeves via friction-fit.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the internal sleeves and the connector are engaged by threaded engagement.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the upper and lower internal sleeves comprises a cavity having a closed end opposite an open end, the connector being extended through the open end to the closed end.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the lower end of the connecting sleeve comprises an indent, the lower fastener positioned therein.Attorney Docket No. 812P017N1-WO18. The method of claim 13, wherein the connecting sleeve is positioned on the upper and lower poles proximate the connector.

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