ADJUSTABLE TOOL HANDLE
First Claim
1. An adjustable handle comprising:
- a generally axially extending central core comprising a core first end, a core second end, and an outer surface having a plurality of axially extending grooves located therein, each of the axially extending grooves comprising a plurality of radially extending ramps, the ramps extending radially outward to the outer surface, the first end of the core having an opening for receiving a tool element, and the core having a threaded region along the outer surface proximate the second end;
a knob engaged with the threaded region of the central core;
a sleeve positioned about the central core and having a sleeve first end and a plurality of slots extending axially to a sleeve second end thereby forming a plurality of flexible expander members extending about the central core, each of the plurality of flexible expander members having a plurality of fins positioned in a sliding relationship with the axially extending grooves of the central core; and
a cover positioned about the plurality of flexible expander members of the sleeve.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An adjustable handle and method of adjusting the cross-sectional shape of a handle is disclosed. The handle comprises a central core having a plurality of axially extending grooves each having at least two radially extending ramps as well as a sleeve having a plurality of flexible expandable members with a plurality of fins in sliding relationship with the axially extending grooves and ramps. When a user turns a knob of the handle, the sleeve is directed to slide axially within the groove such that the fins of the flexible expandable members contact the ramps thereby altering the cross sectional shape of the handle over an axial distance.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An adjustable handle comprising:
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a generally axially extending central core comprising a core first end, a core second end, and an outer surface having a plurality of axially extending grooves located therein, each of the axially extending grooves comprising a plurality of radially extending ramps, the ramps extending radially outward to the outer surface, the first end of the core having an opening for receiving a tool element, and the core having a threaded region along the outer surface proximate the second end; a knob engaged with the threaded region of the central core; a sleeve positioned about the central core and having a sleeve first end and a plurality of slots extending axially to a sleeve second end thereby forming a plurality of flexible expander members extending about the central core, each of the plurality of flexible expander members having a plurality of fins positioned in a sliding relationship with the axially extending grooves of the central core; and a cover positioned about the plurality of flexible expander members of the sleeve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A tool handle capable of adjusting to a user'"'"'s grip comprising:
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a generally axially extending central core comprising a core first end, a core second end, and an outer surface having a plurality of axially extending grooves located therein, each of the axially extending grooves comprising a plurality of radially extending ramps, the ramps extending radially outward to the outer surface, the first end of the core having an opening for receiving a tool element, and the core having a threaded region along the outer surface proximate the second end; a knob engaged with the threaded region of the central core; a sleeve positioned about the central core and having a sleeve first end and a plurality of slots extending axially to a sleeve second end thereby forming a plurality of flexible expander members extending about the central core, each of the plurality of flexible expander members having a plurality of fins positioned in a sliding relationship with the axially extending grooves of the central core; and a cover positioned about the plurality of flexible expander members of the sleeve; wherein a user can adjust a shape of the tool handle by turning the knob in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction so as to move the sleeve and plurality of flexible expander members axially such that the fins move along the radially extending ramps in a radial and axial direction. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of adjusting a shape of a handle comprising:
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providing a handle comprising a central core with a first end, a second end, and an outer surface having a plurality of axially extending grooves located therein, each of the axially extending grooves having a plurality of ramps extending radially outward towards the outer surface, the core having a threaded region along the outer surface proximate the second end, the handle having a knob in threaded engagement with the threaded region of the central core, a sleeve positioned about the central core and having a sleeve first end and a plurality of axially slots extending to a sleeve second end thereby forming a plurality of flexible expander members extending about the central core, each of the plurality of flexible expander members having a plurality of fins in a sliding relationship with the axially extending grooves of the central core and a cover positioned about the plurality of flexible expander members of the outer sleeve; gripping the cover of the handle with a user'"'"'s first hand; and turning the knob in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction with a user'"'"'s second hand, thereby moving the sleeve and plurality of flexible expander members axially such that the fins move along the radially extending ramps of the central core to adjust the shape of the handle within the user'"'"'s first hand to the user'"'"'s satisfaction and comfort. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification