On-the-go adjustable extension pole providing hands-free tool connection and disconnection

Abstract

A hands-free system for connecting and disconnecting a tool from an adjustable length extension pole. The system includes first and second slidably interconnected elongated members, a tool-holding assembly releasably coupled to the second elongated member, and a locking assembly disposed between the first and second elongated members. The relative sliding of the first and second elongated members can be selectively restrained by rotating the first and second elongated members relative to one another. The tool-holding assembly can be disconnected from the second elongated member by sliding the first and second elongated members together.

1 . A hands-free method for changing working tools on an extended reach device having slidably intercoupled first and second elongated members, said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) sliding the first and second elongated members together such that the extended reach device is contracted into a tool disconnect condition to thereby automatically decouple a first working tool assembly from the second elongated member,   step (a) including the step of releasing a catch from a locking condition, in which the catch securely locks the first working tool assembly to the second elongated member, by movement of the device into the tool disconnect condition.   
     
     
         2 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 ; and
 (b) aligning the second elongated member with an opening in a second working tool assembly.   
     
     
         3 . The method as claimed in  claim 2 ; and
 (c) inserting the second elongated member into the opening in the second working tool assembly to thereby couple the second working tool assembly to the second elongated member.   
     
     
         4 . The method as claimed in  claim 3 ,
 step (b) including the step of aligning a slot in the second working tool assembly with a protrusion on the second elongated member.   
     
     
         5 . The method as claimed in  claim 3 ,
 step (c) including the step of contacting the second elongated member with the second working tool assembly such that the releasable catch is initially shifted away from the locking condition as the second working tool assembly is coupled to the second elongated member, whereupon the catch is automatically shifted into the locking condition to thereby securely lock the second working tool assembly to the second elongated member.   
     
     
         6 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 ,
 step (a) including the step of contacting first and second hand grips disposed on the first and second elongated members, respectively, with one another to thereby apply a longitudinal force therebetween and deform a compressible portion of at least one of the hand grips.   
     
     
         7 . The method as claimed in  claim 6 ,
 at least a portion of one of said hand grips being formed of a resilient, deformable material such that compression of the one hand grip applies a longitudinal force to the other hand grip to thereby bias the elongated members away from the tool disconnect condition.   
     
     
         8 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 ,
 said step of releasing the catch being performed by contacting the first elongated member and the first working tool assembly.