EP4363125A1

EP4363125A1 - Tool with a lock

Info

Publication number: EP4363125A1
Application number: EP22730496.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Kohl; Markus Maag
Original assignee: Husqvarna AB
Current assignee: Husqvarna AB
Priority date: 2021-07-01
Filing date: 2022-05-25
Publication date: 2024-05-08
Also published as: TW202313203A; WO2023274639A1; CN117615857A

Abstract

A tool (100) includes a handle (110) that defines a handle body (111). The tool (100) further includes a trigger (120) that is operatively attached with the handle (110). The trigger (120) is actuable to different positions to perform one or more actions by the tool (100). The trigger (120) is movable between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) with the trigger (120) being biased towards the first position (P1). A lock (130) is adapted to lock the trigger (120) at the second position (P2). The tool (100) is characterized in that the lock (130) allows the trigger (120) to selectively lock at one or more locking positions between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2).

Description

TOOL WITH A LOCK

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a tool. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a tool which allows efficient and user-friendly operation.

BACKGROUND

Tools such as a gripper or a spray gun are known that include a manually operable trigger for their operation. These tools often require pressing and locking of the trigger to different trigger positions depending on their application. The locking of the trigger to a particular trigger position requires the person to constantly hold the trigger at that trigger position. This is cumbersome, unergonomic and not user-friendly particularly for different persons, such as with limited physical ability depending upon age, strength, or the like.

An example of a tool is provided in PCT patent application 2015,135,568 (hereinafter referred to as ’568 reference). The ’568 reference provides a water application device. The water application device includes a main body graspable along a handle portion thereof by an operator and an operable member. The main body may house a flow control assembly configured to enable the device to execute a control function relative to flow of water through the device. The operable member may be attachable to the main body to interface with the flow control assembly to alternately provide flow and stop flow based on a position of the operable member. The operable member may have a length extending substantially parallel to an axis of the handle portion. The operable member may interface with a locking member disposed at a first surface of the operable member. The first surface may face away from the main body. The locking member may be configured to enable the operator to lock the operable member in a flow provision state based on positioning the locking member in a locked state. The locking member may be configured to move between the locked state and an unlocked state via movement relative to the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the handle portion. However, the ’568 reference seems short of disclosing locking of a trigger (herein, the operable member) at different trigger positions, which may be required when using the tool such as spray gun that varies in its water stream (flow control) dependent on the position of the trigger.

Another example is provided by Japanese patent reference JP 2013 136043 A which discloses a lever type liquid injector which alters form of injection water flow from a nozzle. The injector includes a multistage holding mechanism that can hold the operated lever at a plurality of positions differing in the divergence of an on-off valve. The multistage locking mechanism is formed by combining a plurality of locking claws, a ratchet claw that can be engaged and disengaged with respect to the locking claws, and a locking claw case.

Yet another example is provided by US patent US 6 158 624 A1 which discloses a foam dispensing gun. A trigger arm includes a plurality of grooves or channels extending across its front surface. A locking bracket is provided which can be used to hold the trigger at a desired position. The locking bracket has a pair of side arms having fingers at their ends which are received in holes in the sides of the grip. A front member extends between the arms, and a handle extends from the member. The bracket is pivotal with respect to the grip, and the front member is sized to be received in the trigger arm grooves. By placing the member in a desired one of the grooves, the tubes will be set opened a desired amount.

Thus, there is a need of a variable locking mechanism to lock a trigger of a tool at different trigger positions to make the tool user-friendly and ergonomic in operation.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a tool. The tool includes a handle that defines a handle body. The tool further includes a trigger that is operatively attached with the handle. The trigger is actuable to different positions to perform one or more actions by the tool. The trigger is movable between a first position and a second position with the trigger being biased towards the first position. A lock is adapted to lock the trigger at the second position. The tool is characterized in that the lock allows the trigger to selectively lock at one or more locking positions between the first position and the second position.

Thus, the present disclosure provides a simple and efficient tool (say a gripper or a spay gun) with the trigger that allows the trigger to be locked at different trigger positions. Further, this obviates a need to constantly hold the trigger at a particular trigger position for a longer duration. The trigger may simply be locked at any desired trigger position as per use. Thus, the tool prevents person using the tool from fatigue and is easy to use for persons with different physical ability based upon age, strength, skill, or the like.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lock includes a slot and a locking member, such that the locking member moves within the slot. The slot allows for movement of the locking member to accomplish locking of the trigger at different trigger positions. The slot allows locking member to simply hang when not in use. Thus, there is no accidental misplacement of the locking member.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lock includes a counter surface such that when the trigger is locked, the locking member contacts the trigger against the counter surface. The counter surface provides a support to the locking member and helps to effectively secure or lock the trigger at a particular trigger position.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more locking positions are defined by one or more grooves defined in the counter surface. The locking member engages with the one or more grooves to lock the trigger in the one or more locking positions. The one or more grooves provided in the counter surface provides better grip and check inadvertent movement of the locking member when the locking member is holding the trigger to a particular trigger position. The one or more grooves also facilitate in selective locking of the trigger to the one or more locking positions.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tool is one or more of a gripper, and a spray gun. The tool may find application in various technical fields such as those belonging to portable devices for grasping and manipulation of objects, watering of gardens or surface cleaning and the like, which requires the trigger operable at various trigger positions.

Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective side view of a tool with a trigger in a first position, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A shows a side view of a gripper in an open state, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B shows a side view of a gripper in a closed state, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 A shows a side view of a gripper having a jaw attachment in an open state, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B shows a side view of a gripper having a jaw attachment in a closed state, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective side view of the tool with the trigger locked in a second position, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective side view of the tool with the trigger locked at a locking position between the first position and the second position, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective side view of the tool with the trigger locked at another locking position between the first position and the second position, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 shows a perspective side view of a lock of the tool, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention may be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward", "sideward", "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.

FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B illustrates a tool 100. The tool 100 of the present disclosure may find application in various technical fields such as those belonging to portable devices for grasping and manipulation of objects, watering of gardens or surface cleaning and the like. The tool 100 may find applications which requires a trigger 120 operable at various trigger positions. In some embodiments, the tool 100 is one or more of a gripper 140 (shown in FIG. 2A and 2B) and a spray gun (not shown). The gripper 140 includes a pair of jaws 142, as illustrated in an open state and a closed state in FIGS. 2A, 2B, respectively. The open state of the gripper 140 may indicate a free or non-engaged state of the trigger 120. Further, the tool 100 is generally provided with various trigger positions/states/modes of the trigger 120 as per different applications, object to be engaged and the like. The extent to which the jaws 142 is opened may depend upon the object to be gripped, or other relevant operations by the tool 100.

In some embodiments, the gripper 140 or the jaws 142 may include jaw attachment 144 as shown in FIG. 3A and 3B. The jaw attachment 144 may result in different various trigger/states/modes of the trigger 120, at which the jaw 142 closes. The jaw attachment 144 may be any attachment such as, but not limited to, a rake, a broom, a shovel, an open collection box and a bag. Further, there may be application constrains when different objects are picked by the gripper 140 and should further be held without interference of a user.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the tool 100 includes a handle 110 that defines a handle body 111. The handle body 111 includes a bottom portion 112, a front portion 116, and a back portion 118. The bottom portion 112 of the handle body 111 is provided with a removable cover (not shown). The cover may be removed to gain access inside the handle body 111 of the tool 100. The cover may also be removed to attach a hose pipe to the tool 100 (say for a spray gun). The tool 100 includes the trigger 120 operatively attached with the front portion 116 of the handle 110. An extended part of the front portion 116 of the handle body 111 includes a lock 130 and a tube 114 connects the jaws 142 with the tool 100. The tool 100 of the present disclosure includes the lock 130 to provide various trigger positions.

The handle 110 may be molded plastic, composite material, metal, or any other suitable material that has sufficient rigidity. In some embodiments, the handle 110 may further include a forearm brace running from the back portion 118 along the user's forearm to help support the tool 100. Such braces are especially useful for users having low wrist strength. Thus, the back portion 118 of the handle 110 may include an over molded layer of rubber, thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, or the like. In some embodiments, the trigger 120 may comprise, thermoplastic elastomer and/or thermoplastic rubber (e.g., as an over molded layer on, e.g., Lexan, etc.).

The trigger 120 of the tool 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 is actuable to different positions to perform one or more actions, say cutting, holding, spraying as per the application, by the tool 100. The trigger 120 is movable between a first position PI (shown in FIG. 1) and a second position P2 (shown in FIG. 4) with the trigger 120 being biased towards the first position PI. The lock 130 is adapted to lock the trigger 120 at the second position P2, as shown in FIG. 4. The trigger 120 experiences substantially low (or nil) force at the first position PI and maximum force at the second position P2. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lock 130 further allows the trigger 120 to selectively lock at one or more locking positions between the first position PI and the second position P2. The one or more locking positions of the trigger 120 may be defined as a first intermediate position P3 and a second intermediate position P4. The force experienced by the trigger 120 at the first intermediate position P3 and the second intermediate position P4 is more compared to the first position PI and less compared to the second position P2. Further, the force experienced by the trigger 120 at the first intermediate position P3 is more than at the second intermediate position P4.

The lock 130, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, includes a slot member 131, alternatively slot 131 (best shown in FIG. 1) and a locking member 134. The locking member 134 moves within the slot 131. The slot 131 allows for movement of the locking member 134 to accomplish locking of the trigger 120 at different trigger positions. The slot 131 allows the locking member 134 to hang freely when not in use, as shown in FIG. 1. Such arrangement of the locking member 134 with the slot 131 may check misplacement of the locking member 134. The lock 130 further includes a counter surface 136 such that when the trigger 120 is locked, the locking member 134 contacts the trigger 120 against the counter surface 136. The counter surface 136 provides a support to the locking member 134 and helps to effectively secure or lock the trigger 120 at the one or more locking positions. Thus, the locking member 134 against the counter surface 136, effectively secures or locks the trigger 120 at the one or more locking positions, as shown in FIGS. 4- 6.

In some embodiments, the counter surface 136 may include a hook and a bow portion. In particular, the counter surface 136 may be S-shaped. This may allow to hang the tool 100 on a nail or the like for storage after use. The one or more locking positions are defined by one or more grooves Gl, G2, G3 defined in, on or with the counter surface 136. The grooves Gl, G2, G3 defined as a first groove, a second groove and a third groove are illustrated in detail in FIG. 7. The locking member 134 engages with the one or more grooves Gl, G2, G3 to lock the trigger 120 in the one or more locking positions. The one or more grooves Gl, G2, G3 provided in the counter surface 136 provides better grip and check inadvertent movement of the locking member 134 when the locking member 134 is holding the trigger 120 to a particular trigger position. The one or more grooves Gl, G2, G3 also facilitate in selective locking of the trigger 120 to the one or more locking positions. The size of the one or more grooves Gl, G2, G3 is such that the locking member 134 engages without any inadvertent movement, such as by easy friction fit therewith. The locking member 134 tightly engages with the one or more grooves Gl, G2, G3 and maintain its position within the one or more grooves 138 until the user of the tool 100 manually presses or engages the trigger 120.

In some embodiments, during application of the tool 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1, the user may engage with the trigger 120, which is initially at the first position PI. When the tool 100 is desirably engaged (or grasped), the trigger 120 is pressed to one or more of the second position P2, the first intermediate position P3 or the second intermediate position P4, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Such locking of the trigger 120 is by engagement of the lock 130 with the one or more grooves Gl, G2, G3.

In some embodiments, the user may lock the trigger 120 at the second position P2, as shown in FIG. 4. In the second position P2, one end of the locking member 134 of the lock 130 engages with the first groove Gl of the counter surface 136, while another end of the locking member 134 being around the right wall 132 of the slot 131.

In some embodiments, the user may lock the trigger 120 at the first intermediate position P3,as shown in FIG. 5. In the first intermediate position P3, one end of the locking member 134 engages with the second groove G2 of the counter surface 136 and the other end of the locking member 134 substantially moves around middle (or any other position) of the slot 131.

In some embodiments, the user may lock the trigger 120 at the second intermediate position P4_s as shown in FIG. 6. In the second intermediate position P4, one end of the locking member 134 engages with the third groove G3 of the counter surface 136 and the other end of the locking member 134 rests around (or engages with) the left wall 133 of the slot 131.

As used herein, “the lock 130” includes one or more of the locking member 134_s the counter surface 136, the slot 131. Further, the locking member 134 engages with the one or more grooves Gl, G2, G3, while being biased by the counter surface 136, the slot 131 to lock the trigger 120 at various trigger positions such as the second position P2, and the first, and second intermediate position P3, P4. The present disclosure illustrates different positions, engagements of the locking member 134, however actual implementation of the present disclosure may have many different positions, type, shape, number, engagements of the locking member 134 with one or more of the counter surface 136, the slot 131, or even the one or more grooves Gl, G2, G3.

In some embodiments, the lock 130 may be disengaged by the user simply by pressing the trigger 120 locked at the first intermediate position P3 or at the second intermediate position P4. This may free the locking member 134 which may then be securely disengaged from the trigger 120, say towards the counter surface 136, or with the slot 131 as shown in FIG. 1. Further, the locking member 134 is movable within the slot 131 to disengage the locking member 134 from the groove G2 or the groove G3, as per the case.

In some embodiments, the trigger 120 may be readily unlocked to switch between different trigger positions. For an exemplary purpose, the trigger 120 may be locked at the second position P2. To disengage the lock 130 from the second position P2, the user may need to grasp the locking member 134 and apply little force in downward direction such as to disengage the locking member 134 from the first groove Gl. On such disengagement from the first groove Gl, the locking member 134 becomes free to disengage from the counter surface 136 and the trigger 120. Thus, the lock 130 gets disengaged and the locking member 134 remains fee (say hangs on the slot 131). This unlocking of the trigger 120 may be similarly applied for unlocking from the first intermediate position P3 or the second intermediate position P4.

The present disclosure provides a simple and efficient tool 100 with the trigger 120 that allows easy locking, unlocking at different trigger positions by means of the lock 130. Further, the present disclosure obviates a manual effort and skill to engage the trigger 120 at a particular trigger position for a substantial (say longer) application durations. The trigger 120 may simply be locked at any desired trigger position with the one or more grooves Gl, G2, G3 by presence of a user- friendly arrangement of the lock 120 having the locking member 134 along with the counter surface 136, and the slot 131. Thus, the tool 100 prevents person using the tool 100 from fatigue and is easy to use for persons with different physical ability irrespective of age, strength, skill, or the like.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation of the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

100 Tool

110 Handle

111 Handle Body

112 Bottom Portion

114 Tube

116 Front Portion

118 Back Portion

120 Trigger

130 Lock

131 Slot Member/Slot

132 Right Wall

133 Left Wall

134 Locking Member

136 Counter Surface

140 Gripper

142 Jaw

144 Jaw Attachment

PI First Position

P2 Second Position

P3 First Intermediate Position

P4 Second Intermediate Position G1 First Groove

G2 Second Groove

G3 Third Groove

Claims

1. A tool (100) comprising: a handle (110) defining a handle body (111); a trigger (120) operatively attached with the handle (110), wherein the trigger (120) is accruable to different positions to perform one or more actions by the tool (100), and wherein the trigger (120) is movable between a first position (PI) and a second position (P2) with the trigger (120) being biased towards the first position (PI); and a lock (130) adapted to lock the trigger (120) at the second position (P2) wherein the lock (130) allows the trigger (120) to selectively lock at one or more locking positions between the first position (PI) and the second position (P2); characterized in that: the lock (130) includes a slot (131) and a locking member (134), such that the locking member (134) moves within the slot (131) and the slot (131) allows the locking member (134) to hang freely when not in use; the lock (130) includes a counter surface (136) such that when the trigger (120) is locked, the locking member (134) contacts the trigger (120) against the counter surface (136); and the one or more locking positions are defined by one or more grooves (Gl, G2, G3) defined in the counter surface (136), wherein the locking member (134) engages with the one or more grooves (GI, G2,

G3) to lock the trigger (120) in the one or more locking positions.

2. The tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the tool (100) is one or more of a gripper (140), and a spray gun.