Quick disconnect tool apparatus

• US 6,669,397 B1
• Filed: 10/19/2001
• Issued: 12/30/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/19/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Woodson Christion
• Original Assignee: Woodson Christion
• Inventors: Christion, Woodson
• Primary Examiner(s): Browne, Lynne H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Garcia, Ernesto
• Application Number:
  US10/045,909
• Time in Patent Office: 802 Days
• Field of Search: 403/322.2, 403/DIG.6, 151/05, 151/761, 151/766, 164/05, 164/29, 164/36
• US Class Current: 403/322.2
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 3/00 Attaching handles to the implements
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 3/26 comprising nails, screws, bolts, or pins traversing or entering the socket
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 403/06 Reciprocable ball detent
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/592 Ball detent

Abstract

A quick disconnect tool apparatus for permitting a user to utilize a single pole member in conjunction with a variety of yard tools. The quick disconnect tool apparatus includes an elongate pole member having a uniquely shaped aperture. Inside the aperture are bearing members surrounded by a sliding sleeve member designed to position the bearing members inwardly and outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pole. Tool members having a tool coupler with a groove are insertable into the aperture and are releasably secured when the bearing members engage the groove.

Claims

1. A quick disconnect tool apparatus for permitting a user to utilize a single pole member in conjunction with a variety of yard tools, said apparatus comprising:

a pole member being elongate and having a first end and a second end, said second end forming a first coupler;

a plurality of tool members for releasably attaching to said pole member, each of said tool members having a tool coupler for selectively coupling to said first coupler;

a gasket member for preventing intrusion of moisture and debris into a tool aparture when said first coupler and said tool coupler being joined; and

wherein said tool coupler having a shape conforming to said tool aperture such that rotation of said tool members is restricted when coupled to said pole member.

2. The quick disconnect tool apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of bearing members being positioned inside of said tool aperture.

7. The quick disconnect tool apparatus as set forth in claim 2, further comprising said tool coupler having a groove.

8. The quick disconnect tool apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein said groove having a width generally equal to a diameter of said bearing members such that when one of the said tool couplers are inserted into said tool aperture said bearing members engage said groove thereby releasably coupling said tool members and said pole member.

3. A quick disconnect tool apparatus for permitting a user to utilize a single pole member in conjunction with a variety of yard tools, said apparatus comprising:

a pole member being elongate and having a first end and a second end, said second end forming a first coupler;

a plurality of tool members for releasably attaching to said pole member, each of said tool members having a tool coupler for selectively coupling to said first coupler;

wherein said first coupler including a tool aperture;

a plurality of bearing members being positioned inside of said tool aperture; and

a bearing sleeve being slidably positionable within said first coupler and encompassing said bearing members.

4. The quick disconnect tool apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said bearing sleeve having an inner end and an outer end.

5. The quick disconnect tool apparatus as set forth in claim 3, further comprising a biasing member for biasing said bearing sleeve towards said outer end being positioned adjacent said inner end.

6. The quick disconnect tool apparatus as set forth in claim 3, further comprising a knob being attached to said bearing sleeve for selectively positioning said sleeve member such that when said sleeve member is directed towards said inner end, said bearing members are permitted to reposition outwardly.

9. The quick disconnect tool apparatus as set forth in claim 3, further comprising a gasket member for preventing intrusion of moisture and debris into said aperture when said first coupler and said tool coupler being joined.

12. The quick disconnect tool apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said tool coupler having a shape conforming to said tool aperture such that rotation of said tool members is restricted when coupled to said pole member.

13. The quick disconnect tool apparatus as set forth in claim 3, further comprising said tool coupler having a groove.

14. The quick disconnect tool apparatus as set forth in claim 13, wherein said groove having a width generally equal to a diameter of said bearing members such that when said tool couplers are inserted into said tool aperture said bearing members engage said groove thereby releasably coupling said tool members and said pole member.

15. The quick disconnect tool apparatus as set forth in claim 9, further comprising said gasket member being positioned on an outer ridge of said pole member such that a perimeter rim of said tool members abut said gasket member when said pole member and said tool members are joined.

10. A quick disconnect tool apparatus for permitting a user to utilize a single pole member in conjunction with a variety of yard tools, said apparatus comprising:

a pole member being elongate and having a first end and a second end, said second end forming a first coupler,

a plurality of tool members for releasably attaching to said pole member, each of said tool members having a tool coupler for selectively coupling to said first coupler; and

a gasket member for preventing intrusion of moisture and debris into a tool aparture when said first coupler and said tool coupler being joined; and

said gasket member being positioned on an outer ridge of said pole member such that a perimeter rim of said tool members abut said gasket member when said pole member and said tool members are joined.

11. A quick disconnect tool apparatus for permitting a user to utilize a single pole member in conjunction with a variety of yard tools, said apparatus comprising:

a pole member being elongate and having a first end and a second end, said second end forming a first coupler, said first coupler including;

a tool aperture;

a plurality of bearing members being positioned inside of said tool aperture;

a bearing sleeve being slidably positionable within said first coupler and encompassing said bearing members, said bearing sleeve having an inner end and an outer end;

a biasing member for biasing said bearing sleeve towards said outer end being positioned adjacent said inner end;

a knob being attached to said bearing sleeve for selectively positioning said sleeve member such that when said sleeve member is directed towards said inner end, said bearing members are permitted to reposition outwardly;

a plurality of tool members for releasably attaching to said pole member, each of said tool members having a tool coupler for selectively coupling to said first coupler, said tool coupler having a shape conforming to said tool aperture such that rotation of said tool members is restricted when coupled to said pole member, said tool coupler having a groove, said groove having a width generally equal to a diameter of said bearing members such that when said tool couplers are inserted into said tool aperture said bearing members engage said groove thereby releasably coupling said tool members and said pole member; and

a gasket member for preventing intrusion of moisture and debris into said tool aperture when said first coupler and said tool coupler being joined, said gasket member being positioned on an outer ridge of said pole member such that a perimeter rim of said tool members abut said gasket member when said pole member and said tool members are joined.