Handle attachment assembly

Abstract

A handle attachment assembly (10) comprises a body (12) having a first engagement formation defined by a channel (20) configured to receive and releasably engage a handle portion of a handheld appliance (50); and a second engagement formation defined by a connection portion (30) configured to couple with an elongated extension member (60). The channel (20) extends along a channel axis (X) and the second engagement formation is configured to secure the elongated extension member (60) so that a longitudinal axis of the elongated extension member (60) is angularly offset relative to the channel axis (X).

Description

HANDLE ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLYTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a handle attachment assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to a handle attachment assembly for use with a pet hair removal tool. However, it will be appreciated that the handle attachment assembly may be used with other appliances or consumer products.BACKGROUND

[0002] Any reference in this specification to prior art, or matter which is said to be known, is not to be taken as an acknowledgement or admission that such prior art or matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of invention to which this specification relates.

[0003] Many appliances are designed having a specific use. For example, pet brushes and lint rollers, generally speaking, are handheld and used in close proximity to a pet for their intended purposed. In many instances, the handheld appliances may be provided in different sizes which are chosen according to the specific application (i.e. furniture, travel, etc.).

[0004] Whilst pet brushes and lint rollers work well in their intended handheld capacity, there are scenarios in which a user may wish to deploy such appliances at a distance, in which case they are not optimised due to the short handle portion.SUMMARY

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a handle attachment assembly comprising:a body having:a first engagement formation defined by a channel configured to receive and releasably engage a handle portion of a handheld appliance; anda second engagement formation defined by a connection portion configured to couple with an elongated extension member;wherein the channel extends along a channel axis and the second engagement formation is configured to secure the elongated extension member so that a longitudinal axis of the elongated extension member is angularly offset relative to the channel axis.

[0006] The body is preferably constructed of a single integrally formed component.

[0007] The channel is preferably complimentary in profile to the handle of the handheld appliance.

[0008] The longitudinal axis of the elongated extension member is preferably fixedly angularly offset relative to the channel axis.

[0009] The handle attachment assembly preferably comprises a locking member for retaining / releasing the handheld appliance.

[0010] The locking member preferably includes a tooth extending into the channel, the tooth being resiliently biased towards a locked position.

[0011] The locking member is preferably retractable in response to:insertion of the handheld appliance into the channel; and / orapplication of a force to a button or lever.

[0012] The locking member is preferably seated on a resiliently biased finger which has first and second free lateral edges defined by slots which extend generally parallel with the channel axis.

[0013] The locking member preferably has an angled surface which is located adjacent to a shoulder, the shoulder and angled surface define a one-way barb mechanism to inhibit separation of the handle portion of the handheld appliance from the body.

[0014] The longitudinal axis of the elongated extension member is preferably angularly offset relative to the channel axis by between 100 degrees and 160 degrees, and most preferably about 120 degrees.

[0015] The locking member preferably moves to the locked position when the handle is seated within the channel.

[0016] The connection portion preferably comprises a threaded profile for receiving the elongated extension member by threaded engagement.

[0017] The connection portion preferably comprises one or more outwardly biased pins for passing through respective apertures in the elongated extension member and the connection portion when aligned.

[0018] The elongated extension member is preferably coupled at the connection portion by one or more screws.

[0019] The elongated extension member is preferably coupled at the connection portion by adhesives.

[0020] The handle attachment assembly preferably comprises an integrally formed elongated extension member.

[0021] The elongated extension member preferably comprises a plurality of portions arranged in a telescopic arrangement.

[0022] The handheld appliance is preferably a handheld pet appliance for use on a pet.

[0023] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing an extended handle for a handheld appliance, the method including the steps of:releasably coupling a handheld appliance to a body of a handle attachment assembly by inserting a handle portion of the handheld appliance into a first engagement formation defined by a channel formed in the body of the handle attachment assembly; andcoupling an elongated extension member to the body of the handle attachmentassembly by a second engagement formation defined by a connection portion configured for coupling with an elongated extension member,wherein the channel extends along a channel axis and the second engagement formation is configured to secure the elongated extension member such that a longitudinal axis of the elongated extension member is angularly offset relative to the channel axis.

[0024] The angle of offset is preferably between 100 degrees and 160 degrees, and most preferably about 120 degrees.

[0025] There is disclosed herein a handle attachment assembly comprising: a body comprising a channel configured for receiving and releasably coupling a handheld appliance; and the body further comprising a connection portion for coupling with an elongated member;wherein the elongated member is movable so as to operate the handheld appliance from a distal end of the elongated member when coupled with the elongated memberthrough the body of the handle attachment assembly.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of preferred but non-limiting embodiments thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:Figure 1 is an isometric view of a handle attachment assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;Figure 2 is a right rear isometric view of the handle attachment assembly of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is side view of the handle attachment assembly of Figure 1 ;Figure 4 is a right rear isometric view of the handle attachment assembly of Figure 1 having a pet appliance engaged therewith;Figure 5 is a front isometric view having an elongated member coupled thereto;Figure 6 is a front isometric view of a handle attachment assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; andFigure 7 is a rear isometric view of a handle attachment assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figures 1 to 7 depict embodiments of a handle attachment assembly 10 according to embodiments of the present invention. The handle attachment assembly 10 comprises a body 12 having an internal blind recess or channel 20 and a connection portion 30. As shown in the side view of Figure 3, the handle attachment assembly 10 has a generally V-shaped overall profile.

[0028] The channel 20 defines a first engagement formation and is configured, adapted and / or formed so as to receive and retain a handle portion, or another suitable portion, of a handheld appliance, such as a pet lint roller 50 (as seen in Figure 4).

[0029] Whilst the handheld appliance is depicted as handheld pet lint roller 50, the handle attachment assembly 10 may be used in relation to other handheld appliances, particularly appliances having a handle comprising a shoulder or recess for temporarily preventing removal from the channel 20 of the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10.

[0030] The connection portion 30 provides a second engagement formation for coupling an elongated extension member 60 such as a pole to the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10. Several methods of coupling will be discussed in detail below. The elongated extension member 60 comprises a proximal end 62 and a distal end 64 relative to the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10.

[0031] When the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10 is coupled to the handheld appliance, such as a pet lint roller 50, and to the elongated extension member 60, the elongated extension member 60 may be operated from anywhere along thelength of the elongated member from the proximal end 62 to the distal end 64 so as to extend the reach and use of the handheld appliance.

[0032] The pet lint roller 50 depicted in Figure 4 is ordinarily operated in isolation with the user holding the handle 52 in their hand. However, this can make it difficult to operate the lint roller 50 on surfaces such as the floor, as the user will need to position their body close to the ground to effectively hold the handle. This can be ergonomically undesirable, and may be particularly problematic for elderly or immobile persons. In contrast, the handle attachment assembly 10 enables the user to operate the handheld appliance on a floor or furniture surface without needing to bend down.

[0033] The entire handle attachment assembly 10 or at least the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly may be constructed of a single unitary piece. This reduces / eliminates the need for moving parts and potential weak points for damage to the body 12. Alternatively, the handle attachment assembly 10 may be made in two or more parts, such as two halves fastened or otherwise secured together.

[0034] The handle attachment assembly 10 is fabricated from a suitable polymer or plastic such as ABS Plastic (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).

[0035] Referring to Figure 4, in a preferred embodiment, the channel 20 of the handle attachment assembly 10 is configured for receiving a handle 52 or portion thereof of the handheld appliance, typically a pet lint roller 50. In most instances the handheld appliance comprises a handle which projects away from a working portion of the handheld appliance. However, in some embodiments, the channel 20 may be configured to receive and releasably couple to a housing or a portion of the handheld appliance which leaves the working portion of the handheld portion exposed and available for performing the intended action of the handheld appliance. For example, the bristles of a brush may still be exposed for contact and movement against a pet.

[0036] The channel 20 comprises a profile or inner profile which is complimentarily shaped or conforms to receive the handle 52 of the handheld appliance or a portionthereof. The use of the handle attachment assembly 10 may assist standardisation of different manufacturers products such that different handles 52 or portions thereof are compatible and available for use with the handle attachment assembly 10.

[0037] The handle attachment assembly 10 acts as an adaptor which may facilitate the deployment of different appliances with a single extension handle.

[0038] Referring to Figure 3, in the preferred embodiment, the channel 20 of the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10 extends along or is substantially aligned with a channel axis X.

[0039] In the preferred embodiment, the connection portion 30 of the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly extends along or is substantially aligned with an axis Y, such that a longitudinal axis of the elongated extension member (when secured to the connection portion 30) is angularly offset relative to the channel axis X. In the preferred embodiment, the offset angle 0 is fixed.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment, the angle 0 between the channel axis X of the channel 20 and the axis Y of the connection portion 30 is fixed by virtue of the single unitary construction of the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10. The angle 0 is chosen so as to ensure that the handheld appliance is in a useable orientation and angle relative to the surface where it is to be used when in operation, and coupled to the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10 and having the elongated extension member 60 coupled to the same. The angle 0 may be in the range of between about 100 and 160 degrees, and most preferably around 120 degrees.

[0041] As seen in Figure 1 , in the preferred embodiment, the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10 comprises a locking member 14 for releasably coupling the handheld appliance 50 to the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10. The locking member 14 is configured to move into affirmative engagement with a shoulder or other portion of the handle 52 of the pet lint roller 50 so as to prevent unintended removal of the pet lint roller 50.

[0042] The locking member 14 is defined by a tooth or other such projection which extends radially inwardly into the channel 20, and is seated on a resiliently biased finger 15 that has first and second free lateral edges defined by slots 151 which extend generally parallel with the axis channel X. The base 152 of the finger 15 which is located furthest from the locking member 14, is integrally formed with the body 12. The free lateral edges enable the finger 15 to elastically deform at or near the base, so the locking member 14 can be moved perpendicular relative to the channel axis X.

[0043] The locking member 14 acts as a quick connector for releasably coupling the handheld appliance to the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10. The locking member 14 may be operated manually by a lever 16, which can be pulled or pushed by the user, to selectively control the position of the locking member 14 relative to the channel 20. For example, the lever 16 may be urged in a direction away from the pet lint roller 50 to disengage the locking member 14. Alternatively the lever 16 can be urged toward the pet lint roller 50 to engage the locking member 14. However, the resilient bias of the finger 15 urges the locking member 14 into an engaged position in the absence of an overriding larger force.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the locking member 14 has an angled or inclined surface 17 which is angled and located adjacent to a shoulder 19. The shoulder 19 and inclined surface define a one-way barb mechanism, such that when the handle 52 of the pet lint roller 50 is pushed against it during insertion into the channel 20, the locking member 14 is caused to retract (move away from the channel 20). This allows the handle 52 of the pet lint roller to move into a seated position within the channel 20 of the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 12. The handle 52 of the pet lint roller is inserted until a shoulder, or other engagement surface at the end of the handle slides beyond the shoulder 19 of the locking member 14, and the locking member 14 then moves back to a locked condition thereby locking the handheld appliance 50 in place within the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly. The locking member 14 is resiliently biasedtowards a locked / engaged condition.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment depicted in Figure 7, subject to the shape and / or configuration of the handle 52 of the pet lint roller 50, the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10 may comprise a rearward locking mechanism 40 as seen in Figure 7. The rearward locking mechanism 40 may be in addition to or instead of locking member 14.

[0046] Many handheld appliances are provided with a loop in the handle 52 for hanging when not in use. The rearward locking mechanism 40 preferably comprises a projection which pivots about a pin 42 in and out of position to retain the handheld appliance by the loop. To remove the projection from engagement with the loop, pressure is applied by the user to a button 44 to move the projection upward thereby releasing the loop from the rearward locking mechanism 40 and allowing the handle 52 of the pet lint roller 50. When released, the pet lint roller 50 may be removed from the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10. The projection and loop arrangement may also assist in orienting the working portion of the handheld appliance in a desired orientation for use with the handle attachment assembly.

[0047] The rearward locking mechanism 40 may act as one or more quick connectors for releasably coupling the handheld appliance to the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly. The rearward locking mechanism 40 may be manually operated by button 44. The locking member 14 and the projection of the rearward locking mechanism 40 are preferably resiliently biased towards a locked condition. Accordingly, when free to move to a locked condition each of the locking member 14 and / or the projection will move to said locked condition. Preferably, the locking member 14 and the projection of the rearward locking mechanism (not shown) are angled such that when the handle 52 of the pet lint roller 50 is pushed against it during insertion into the channel 20, the locking member 14 and / or the projection are caused to retract. This allows the handle 52 of the pet lint roller to move into a seated position within the channel 20 of thebody 12 of the handle attachment assembly 12. The handle 52 of the pet lint roller is inserted until the shoulder, other engagement surface or the loop at the end of the handle provides freedom for the locking member 14 and / or the projection of the rearward locking mechanism 40 to move back to a locked condition thereby locking the handheld appliance in place within the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly. The locking member 14 and / or the projection of the rearward locking mechanism 40 will return to the locked condition when the handle 52 of the pet lint roller 50 is seated in the channel.

[0048] Referring to Figure 5, as mentioned above, there are several ways in which the elongated extension member 60 may be permanently or releasably coupled to the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10. In some cases, uninstallation and removal of the elongated member 60 may be desirable for storage purposes. In other cases, uninstallation and removal of the elongated member 60 may not be desirable. In the preferred embodiment, the connection portion 30 comprises a female threaded profile 32. The threaded profile 32 is complementary to the profile on the proximal end 62 of the elongated member 60. The elongated member 60 may be releasably coupled to the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10 by threaded engagement between the connection portion 30 and the proximal end 62 of the elongated member 60. While the preferred embodiment teaches the connection portion 30 comprising the female thread configuration and the elongated member having the male threaded configuration, in alternative embodiments, these configurations may be switched.

[0049] In another alternative embodiment, the connection portion 30 and the elongated extension member 60 may comprise one or more apertures 34 which align with each other when meshed together. Either the connection portion 30 and / or elongated member 60 may comprise a retaining clip having pins (not shown) which are resiliently biased outwards from the innermost apertures 34. When aligning the apertures34 the pins are retracted inwardly to allow the elongated member 60 to receive the connection portion 30 or vice versa. When aligned, the pins are free to expand outward thereby releasably locking the elongated member 60 to the connection portion 30.

[0050] In a further alternative embodiment and as seen in Figure 6, the elongated extension member 60 may be inserted and received into the connection portion 30. One or more screws and / or an adhesive may be used to permanently or semi-permanently couple the elongated member 60 to the connection portion 30. In the preferred embodiment, the elongated member 60 is a broomstick. In alternative embodiments, the elongated member 60 may include, but not be limited to, a hollow rod, a plastic rod or a composite rod.

[0051] In the preferred embodiment, the elongated member 60 is a separate component which may be sourced from a number of different providers. In an alternative embodiment, the elongated member 60 is integrally formed with the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10. Furthermore, the elongated member 60 may be provided in a plurality of portions. Those plurality of portions may be arranged in a telescopic arrangement, or otherwise configured to connect to each other.

[0052] In the preferred embodiment, the handheld appliance is a handheld pet appliance including, but not limited to, the pet lint roller 50, a pet brush, etc.

[0053] The method of use will now be described with respect to the Figures.

[0054] The present invention provides a method for providing an extended handle for a handheld appliance. It is noted that the order of assembly should not limit the scope of the invention. The handle 52 of the pet lint roller 50 is inserted into a channel 20 of the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10. The handle 52 is continued to be inserted until the locking member 14 and / or a projection of a rearward locking mechanism 40 locks thereby coupling the handle 52 of the pet lint roller 50 to the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10.

[0055] The method of coupling the elongated member 60 to the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10 is subject to whether it is intended to be permanently or releasably coupled to the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10. If it is to be releasably coupled, the threaded proximal end 62 of the elongated member 60 is positioned into the connection portion 30 and rotated to threadedly mate the threaded profile 32 of the connection portion 30 with the threaded proximal end 62 of the elongated member 60. Alternatively, if using a clip with resiliently outwardly biased pins, the pins are pushed inwardly to allow the connection portion 30 or the proximal end 62 of the elongated member 60 being received to be received by the other of the connection portion 30 or the proximal end 62 of the elongated member 60. The elongated member 60 and / or the connection portion 30 are rotated to align respective apertures 34 so as to allow the pins to project outwardly to retain the elongated member in place with the connection portion 30 of the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10.

[0056] When assembled, the user may move the elongated member 60 to manoeuvre and operate the handheld appliance at an extended distance without touching the handheld appliance.

[0057] To remove the pet lint roller 50 from the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10, the user need only press on the lever 16 and / or the button 44 of the rearward locking mechanism 40. When pressed, the locking member 14 and / or the projection of the rearward locking mechanism 40 are retracted. The user is then free to pull the pet lint roller 50 from the channel 20 of the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10.

[0058] Subject to whether the elongated member 60 has been permanently or releasably coupled to the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10, the removal is generally the reverse of installation. For example, if threadedly engaged, the elongated member 60 is rotated the opposite direction as was used to engage the threaded profile32 of the connection portion 30. If a clip having pins was utilised, the pins may be pressed inwardly such that the apertures 34 may move out of alignment and separate the elongated member 60 from the connection portion 30 of the body 12 of the handle attachment assembly 10.

[0059] Advantageously, the need for separate products which perform similar tasks and which are sized differently if only for convenience can be obviated. The ease and cost of manufacture is relatively low for its intended purpose and benefits. The present invention allows for extended use of applications for products which were only provided or designed for use up close or in specific orientations.

[0060] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and any variations thereof such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are to be interpreted in a non-exhaustive sense.

[0061] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[0062] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

Claims:

1. A handle attachment assembly comprising:a body having:a first engagement formation defined by a channel configured to receive and releasably engage a handle portion of a handheld appliance; anda second engagement formation defined by a connection portion configured to couple with an elongated extension member;wherein the channel extends along a channel axis and the second engagement formation is configured to secure the elongated extension member so that a longitudinal axis of the elongated extension member is angularly offset relative to the channel axis.

2. The handle attachment assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the body is constructed of a single integrally formed component.

3. The handle attachment assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel is complimentary in profile to the handle of the handheld appliance.

4. The handle attachment assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongated extension member is fixedly angularly offset relative to the channel axis.

5. The handle attachment assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle attachment assembly comprises a locking member for retaining / releasing the handheld appliance.

6. The handle attachment assembly according to claim 5, wherein the locking member includes a tooth extending into the channel, the tooth being resiliently biased towards a locked position.

7. The handle attachment assembly according to claim 6, wherein the locking member is retractable in response to:insertion of the handheld appliance into the channel; and / or application of a force to a button or lever.

8. The handle attachment assembly according to claim 7, wherein the locking member is seated on a resiliently biased finger which has first and second free lateral edges defined by slots which extend generally parallel with the channel axis.

9. The handle attachment assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the locking member has an angled surface which is located adjacent to a shoulder, the shoulder and angled surface define a one-way barb mechanism to inhibit separation of the handle portion of the handheld appliance from the body.

10. The handle attachment assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongated extension member is angularly offset relative to the channel axis by between 100 degrees and 160 degrees, and most preferably about 120 degrees.

11. The handle attachment assembly according to claim 6 or 8, wherein the lockingmember moves to the locked position when the handle is seated within the channel.

12. The handle attachment assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection portion comprises a threaded profile for receiving the elongated extension member by threaded engagement.

13. The handle attachment assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection portion comprises one or more outwardly biased pins for passing through respective apertures in the elongated extension member and the connection portion when aligned.

14. The handle attachment assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated extension member is coupled at the connection portion by one or more screws.

15. The handle attachment assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated extension member is coupled at the connection portion by adhesives.

16. The handle attachment assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle attachment assembly comprises an integrally formed elongated extension member.

17. The handle attachment assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated extension member comprises a plurality of portions arranged in atelescopic arrangement.

18. The handle attachment assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handheld appliance is a handheld pet appliance for use on a pet.

19. A method for providing an extended handle for a handheld appliance, the method including the steps of:releasably coupling a handheld appliance to a body of a handle attachment assembly by inserting a handle portion of the handheld appliance into a first engagement formation defined by a channel formed in the body of the handle attachment assembly; andcoupling an elongated extension member to the body of the handle attachment assembly by a second engagement formation defined by a connection portion configured for coupling with an elongated extension member,wherein the channel extends along a channel axis and the second engagement formation is configured to secure the elongated extension member such that a longitudinal axis of the elongated extension member is angularly offset relative to the channel axis.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the angle of offset is between 100 degrees and 160 degrees, and most preferably about 120 degrees.

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