Importance

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Abstract

A dipstick comprises a blade (1) having a handle (4) connected to one end of the blade by means of an intermediate resilient tubular collar (3), said one end of the blade and said collar being provided with first formations (10,11) that cooperate as a snap-fit when said one end of the blade is inserted into the collar thereby to retain the two axially together, and said handle having a central aperture (5) to receive the collar as a close fit and said handle and said collar being provided with second formations (16,18) that cooperate as a snap-fit when said collar is inserted into the central aperture in the handle thereby to retain the two axially together, said first formations (10,11) then being constrained radially within said aperture (5) so as to lock the blade therein. Thus, the blade and collar can be easily assembled together and both then inserted into the handle to form the complete assembly in a simple manner. Preferably, the handle and collar are composed of plastics material and the blade is either metal or plastics depending upon the particular application. Said first formations may comprise a pair of notches (10) in the blade and a cooperating projection (11) on the inner surface of the collar. Said second formations may comprise a pair of lugs (16), provided on an end of the collar that project from said central aperture and cooperate with a shoulder. An axial slit divides said projecting end of the collar into two in a plane perpendicular to the blade and extends as far as the notches in the blade.

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First Claim