Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
189 words
A method of forming a handle connection for impact tools comprising the steps of providing a metallic tool head with a handle receiving eye which increases in cross-section toward an exit end and a non-metallic handle having an end portion for insertion into the eye having a shoulder portion dimensioned for engagement with an entrance end of the eye while the remainder of the end portion is dimensioned to provide a clearance space between it and the eye and has a peripheral recessed portion therein adjacent the shoulder portion, inserting the end portion of the handle into the eye from the entrance end thereof and causing the shoulder to form a tight connection with the entrance end of the eye, injecting a heated thermoplastic through the exit end of the eye into the space between the end portion of the handle and the eye under a pressure in excess of the compressive strength of the material of the handle, compressing and densifying said material of the handle, and maintaining said pressure in excess of the compressive strength of the material of the handle while permitting the thermoplastic to solidify.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
189 words
A method of forming a handle connection for impact tools comprising the steps of providing a metallic tool head with a handle receiving eye which increases in cross-section toward an exit end and a non-metallic handle having an end portion for insertion into the eye having a shoulder portion dimensioned for engagement with an entrance end of the eye while the remainder of the end portion is dimensioned to provide a clearance space between it and the eye and has a peripheral recessed portion therein adjacent the shoulder portion, inserting the end portion of the handle into the eye from the entrance end thereof and causing the shoulder to form a tight connection with the entrance end of the eye, injecting a heated thermoplastic through the exit end of the eye into the space between the end portion of the handle and the eye under a pressure in excess of the compressive strength of the material of the handle, compressing and densifying said material of the handle, and maintaining said pressure in excess of the compressive strength of the material of the handle while permitting the thermoplastic to solidify.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic is heated to a temperature within the range of 300°-600°F prior to injection into the handle receiving eye.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said clearance space is provided entirely around the periphery of the end portion of the handle, the peripheral recessed portion in the handle end portion is a circumferential groove, and the end portion of the handle is terminated short of the exit end of the eye.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the handle is a wooden handle and the injection molding pressure is of the order of 6,000 to 10,000 psi.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the handle is a wooden handle and the peripheral recessed portion in the end portion is a circumferential groove.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the thermoplastic is a hard and rigid molding thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, acetal and ABS resins, and glass fiber reinforced resins of said group.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the end portion of the handle is terminated short of the exit end of the eye and sufficient thermoplastic is injected into the eye to cover the end of the eye and close the exit end of the eye.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the thermoplastic is a hard and rigid molding thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, acetal and ABS resins.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 8 wherein said resin contains glass reinforcing fibers.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 7 herein a sprue bushing is pressed against the exit end of the eye to drive the head tightly into engagement with the handle and to close the mold cavity provided by the space within the eye surrounding the end portion of the handle, and the thermoplastic is injected through the sprue.