GB2150804A - Garden implements - Google Patents

Abstract

A garden implement comprises a frame 2 having a pair of axles 7 which are adapted to carry water-filled rollers 10 (Figure 1), so that the frame 2 may be pushed over the ground. A cross member is secured on the frame 2, between two fasteners 12. A support bracket 13 is slidably mounted on the cross member and, in turn, a hedge cutter 14 is mounted on the support bracket 13. The position of the hedge cutter 14 on the frame 2 may be adjusted, and the frame 2 may be pushed along the ground beside a hedge, with the hedge cutter 14 in an operative position such that it cuts the hedge. The specification also discloses a number of other configurations to which the frame 2 may be adapted, to serve as various different tools - such as a garden roller, wheelbarrow, handcart, lawn aerator, and lawn spreader. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Garden implements This invention relates to garden implements, and is concerned particularly although not exclusively with multi-purpose garden tools.

One of the most time-consuming jobs in the garden, and one of the jobs that it is most difficult to do well, is hedge cutting. This is especially so where long lengths of hedge are concerned. It takes a considerable amount of skill to trim a long hedge in a uniform manner. Even with powered hedge cutters, it takes a long time and a lot of effort.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to provide improved means to facilitate the cutting of hedges. However, as will be apparent from the following, the present invention has numerous inventive aspects and numerous different applications. Therefore, although some inventive aspects may be highlighted herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to just those aspects. Indeed, the present invention is concerned with every novel feature and every novel combination of features present herein.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garden implement comprising a frame which is adapted to be pushed over the ground and is provided with a support of adjustable height which is adapted to carry a hedge cutter at one side of the frame, the arrangement being such that the implement may be pushed along the ground beside a hedge with the hedge cutter in an operative position cutting the hedge.

Preferably, the support is so mounted as to be capable of pivotal movement, together with a respective hedge cutter, in at least one plane.

The support is preferably adjustable to carry the hedge cutter with its cutting element selectively in either one of at least two different planes. Such planes may include a substantially horizontal and/or a substantially vertical plane.

The frame is preferably provided with ground engaging wheels. The wheels may be in the form of rollers, and preferably water-fitted rollers.

The implement may advantageously be provided with a detachable bin adapted to cath falling cuttings.

The implement may with advantage be convertible for use as a garden roller. Means may be provided for mounting wheels on the frame selectively on either one of at least two different axes. Said axes may include at least two orthogonal axes.

The implement may with advantage be convertible for use as a wheelbarrow and/or as a handcart, when the aforementioned bin may be employed. It may advantageously be convertible for use as lawn aerator, and/or as a lawn spreader.

The implement may with advantage be convertible for use as a sweeping machine, and/or a rolling rake and/or a harrow. It may be convertible for use as a self supporting ladder. Where one or more water-filled roller is provided, a spray pump may be provided for operation with the roller.

The hedge cutting facility is not essential in all embodiments of the invention.

Numerous further optional features will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. To a large degree, the wide choice of the various optional features stems from the configuration of the novel frame.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figures 1 to 3 show a garden implement embodying the invention, respectively in side elevation, end elevation, and top plan view; Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2, but showing a hedge cutter supported on the implement; Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 2, but showing a bin supported on the implement; Figure 6 illustrates in section a support member of the implement; Figure 7 is a perspective sketch illustrating an alternative support of the implement; Figures 8 to 10 are views corresponding to Figures 1 to 3 respectively, but showing the implement adapted as a garden roller; Figure 11 illustrates the implement adapted as a trolley;; Figure 12 illustrates the implement adapted as a wheelbarrow; Figure 13 illustrates a modification of the arrangement of Figure 12; Figure 14 illustrates the implement adapted as a cart; Figure 15 illustrates a modification of the arrangement of Figure 14; Figure 16 illustrates the implement adapted as a combined lawn aerator and spreader; Figure 17 illustrates the implement adapted as a brushing machine; Figure 18 shows in end elevation a tined sleeve for use in adapting the implement as a lawn aerator; Figure 19 is a front elevation of part of an alternative lawn aerator arrangement; Figure 20 shows in end elevation part of a rolling rake arrangement; and Figures 21 and 22 show, respectively in end and front elevation, part of a harrow arrangement.

In the various figures, like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts.

The illustrated garden implement 1 comprises a frame 2 which may be constructed of, for example, tubular metal. The frame 2 comprises a main upright part which is generally U-shaped, comprising two legs 4 joined by an upper web part 3. A respective extension arm 5 is secured to each of the legs 4. The parts 3,4 and 5 of the frame may be formed integrally, or formed as separate parts which are fastened together in any suitable manner.

If desired, the web 3 may comprise a separate Ushaped part which engages the legs 4 in a telescopically adjustable manner, such that the height of the web 3 may be adjusted as desired. A cross-member 6, also generally of U-shape, is secured to the legs 4. It, too, may be secured in such a way that its height with respect to the legs 4 may be adjusted as desired.

A respective axle 7 is secured between the foot of each leg 4 and its corresponding arm 5, in a detachable manner. An axle 8 is secured between the feet of the two arms 5, also in a detachable manner. A cross-member (which may be in the form of another axle, but need not be) is secured between the feet of the two arms 4, parallel to the axle 8. This cross-member is not visible in the drawings.

A respective water-filled roller 10 is mounted on each of the axles 7. As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the diameter of each roller 10 is of appreciable size, and when each roller 10 is full of water, it is of appreciable weight. It will be appreciated that the frame 2 may be pushed over the ground, supported by the rollers 10, in a direction from left to right and vice versa, as seen in Figures 1 to 3.

The view of Figure 4 corresponds generally to that of Figure 2, but the rollers 10 have been omitted to show the respective axle 7 more clearly. In Figure 4, a cross-member 11 (shown in section in Figure 6) is supported between the opposite legs 4 by means of respective fasteners 12, each of which is adjustable in position along the respective leg 4. A support bracket 13 (again, seen in Figure 6) is slidably mounted on the cross-member 11. A hedge cutter 14 is in turn mounted on the support bracket 13, by means of an extension piece 15 to one end of which a handle 16 is secured. The handle 16 may be secured to the extension piece 15 substantially in the position as shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, it may be secured substantially in line with the extension piece 15.As may be seen in Figure 6, the extension piece 15 is secured to the support bracket 13 by means of a pin 17, such that the extension piece 15 may pivot about the axis of the pin 17.

In use, the implement illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 is positioned on the ground adjacent a hedge to be trimmed. The rollers 10 are filled with water, to give substantial weight to the apparatus. The fasteners 12 are so adjusted on the frame 2 as to position the hedge cutter 14 at a desired height, to which the top of the hedge is to be cut. The hedge cutter 14 is started, and the frame 2 is simply pushed along the side of the hedge, whereupon the hedge cutter 14 progressively cuts the top of the hedge in a substantially uniform manner. When desired (e.g. if a particularly tough piece of hedge is encountered), the hedge cutter 14 may be swung by means of the handle 16 about its pivot point, to cut the top of the hedge in a sweeping path.If desired, the extension piece 15 may be adjustable in length, to afford adjustment of the cutting position of the hedge cutter 14, across the hedge. Alternatively, if the extension piece 15 is sufficiently long in the first place, the cutting position of the hedge cutter 14 may be adjusted simply by adjusting the spacing of the frame 2 from the hedge being cut.

As will be described in a little more detail later, the extension piece 15 may alternatively be mounted on the support bracket 13 as to be in a substantially vertical plane, rather than the substantially horizontal plane illustrated. The hedge cutter 14 is then operative to cut the side of a hedge, as the frame 2 is wheeled along beside the hedge. It is to be understood that means may be provided for disposing the extension piece 15 at any desired angle with respect to the frame 2, so as to cause the hedge cutter 14 to cut at any desired angle.

It may be appreciated, therefore, that the illustrated implement 2 may be used with great advantage to trim hedges in a much more easy and accurate manner than has been possible heretofor.

It is of particular advantage where long lengths of hedge are to be trimmed, on fairly level ground.

In Figure 5, there is shown a bin 20, which is supported on the frame 2. To this end, the bin 20 is provided with side brackets or clips 21, which engage over respective portions of the arms 5. One end wall 22 of the bin 20 abuts the axle 8. Preferably, the arrangement is such that the angle of the bin 20 with respect to the frame 2 is adjustable. The bottom 23 of the bin 20 is provided with serrations, which may engage with an axle or cross-member on the frame 2, to support the bin 20 at any selected one of a plurality of possible positions.

It will be appreciated that, in the position illustrated in Figure 5, the bin 20 is positioned to catch neatly cuttings from a hedge being trimmed by the hedge cutter 14 of Figure 4. If the position of the bin 20 is adjustable, as mentioned above, its end wall 24 may be brought closely adjacent a hedge being trimmed, to catch all of the cuttings neatly.

Reference has already been made above to Figure 6, which shows the support bracket 13 for the extension piece 5 and associated hedge cutter 14.

As may be seen in Figure 6, the cross-member 11 is substantially of T-section, engaging in a correspondingly shaped groove formed in the support bracket 13. The pin 17 extends through a passage provided therefor in the support bracket 13.

Figure 6 also shows an alternative position for another pin 18, which extends horizontally rather than vertically. It will be appreciated that the crossmember 11 will have to be provided with at least one aperture for the passage therethrough of the pin 18. The pin 18 serves to secure the extension piece 15 and the associated hedge cutter 14 in a substantially vertical plane, rather than the substantially horizontal plane afforded bythe,pin 17.

It will be appreciated that, if means are provided for detaching the cross-member 11 from the frame 2, the support bracket 13 may be slid along and removed from the cross-member 11, inverted, and then fitted back on to the cross-member 11 in the opposite orientation.

Figure 7 illustrates an alternative arrangement for the cross-member 11. Here, the cross-member 11 is of substantially Section, and is detachably secured to the two fasteners 12, the position of which is, as mentioned above, adjustable in height upon the legs 4. The support bracket 3 here is mounted for sliding movement along the cross-member 11, by means of wheels 19, each of which is supported at a respective end of a bearer 25, which is in turn secured to a respective side of the support bracket 13. Each of the wheels 19 is adapted to engage upon the lower flange of the I-section cross-member 11, effectively to support the bracket 13 slidably thereon. Apertues 26 and 27 in the bracket 13 are for the passage of pins 17 and 18 respectively.In the arrangement of Figure 7, the pin 18 need not pass through the cross-member 11, the pin 18 being held captive in a satisfactory manner in the respective side of the support bracket 13.

Having described the mode of operation of the garden implement in facilitating the trimming of hedges, there will now become apparent numerous different ways in which the garden implement 1 may be employed, by virtue of its novel configuration.

In Figures 8,9 and 10, the axles 7 have been removed from the frame 2, the water filled rollers 10 have been removed therefrom, and the axles 7 have been replaced in position. The axle 8 has been removed, the water-filled rollers 10 placed thereon (with suitable spacers if necessary), and replaced such that the rollers 10 are in the position as illustrated. Preferably, the axles 7 and 8 are mounted on the frame 2 so as to be speedily detachable therefrom, to facilitate the changing over of position of the rollers 10.

It will be appreciated that, with the rollers 10 positioned as shown in Figures 8 to 10, the implement 1 is adapted for use as a garden roller. As already mentioned, the rollers 10 are of appreciable diameter, and thus of appreciable weight when filled with water. Of course, the water may be emptied from the rollers 10, to facilitate their handling when the weight requirement is not of importance.

In Figure 11, a pair of narrow wheels 30 have been fitted to the axle 8, in place of the water filled rollers 10. Thus, the implement 1 is now adapted for use as a trolley. Suitable loads may be placed directly on the frame 2. Alternatively, suitably adapted trays may be secured to the frame 2, to facilitate the transport of articles.

Instead of fitting trays to the frame 2, the bin 20 may be placed thereon, to provide the wheelbarrow illustrated in Figure 12. In this figure, the serrated bottom 23 of the bin 20 engages on the crossmember 6, and the clips 21 engage over the legs 4. It will be appreciated that, due to the provision of the serrations 23, the position of the bin 20 in the frame 2 may be adjusted as required.

In Figure 12, there may be provided the pair of narrow wheels 30, as illustrated in Figure 11.

Alternatively, a single wheel 30 may be provided centrally on the axle 8, more in the manner of a conventional wheelbarrow. Instead of the narrow wheel 30, a ball may be provided, mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis. Alternatively, one or both of the water-filled rollers 10 may be used.

In the modification shown in Figure 13, the bin 20 is engaged on the frame 2 as shown in Figure 12.

However, the wheels 30 are not mounted on the axle 8. Instead they are mounted on pivot pins 31 mounted in suitable apertures formed at the elbow of each of the arms 5. As an alternative, a further axle (not shown) may extend between these elbows, with the wheels 30 suitably mounted thereon.

In Figure 14, a pair of wheels 30 is provided not only at the elbow of the arms 5 but also upon the axle 8. Thus, there is provided a four-wheeled cart, for the stable transport of heavy loads. Instead of using a pair of wheels 30 at the front axle 8, any of the alternatives mentioned previously may be adopted.

Figure 15 shows the implement 1 adapted as anotherfour-wheeled cart, in a mannersimilarto that illustrated in Figure 14. However, in Figure 15, the bin 20 is positioned more centrally over the two pairs of wheels 30, the serrated bottom of the bin 20 resting on the axle 8 and also on the axle for the rear pair of wheels. If the rear pair of wheels are mounted on respective stub-axles rather than a common-axle which can be used to support the bin 20, the cross-member 6 may be moved further along the legs 4, until it abuts the rearwall 22 ofthe bin 20, to support the latter.

In Figure 16, the arrangement shown in Figures8 to 10 is adapted as an aerator/spreader. In Figure 16, a sleeve 35 is fitted over the water-filled roller, in frictional engagement therewith. The sleeve 35 is formed with a plurality of radiating tines 36. The sleeve 35 is shown in end elevation in Figure 18. A dispenser 37 is mounted above the nowtined roller 10. The dispenser 37 is adapted to receive fertilizer or any other product to be spread. The tines 36 may be arranged to co-operate with the bottom of the dispenser 37, to permit outlet of the fertilizer therein art a controlled rate.

In use, the implement 1 arranged as shown in Figure 16 is pushed or pulled over the ground. By way of example, it may be traversed over a lawn, whereupon the tines 36 dig into the lawn to aerate it, simultaneously with the application of fertilizer from the dispenser 37. If desired, the dispenser 37 may be dispensed with, such that the apparatus 1 serves simply as a lawn aerator. Alternatively, the tines may be dispensed with and the implement 1 so arranged that fertilizer from the dispenser 37 is fed onto the ground as the roller 10 rotates.

Figure 19 illustrates an alternative to the tined sleeve 35 as fitted to the water-filled roller 10. In Figure 19, there is employed a special axle 39 which replaces the axle 8, and which has mounted thereon narrow wheels 38 and tines 36, all of which are mounted on the axle 39 to rotate therewith.

In Figure lithe implement 1 is adapted as a brushing or sweeping machine. The cross-member 6 is adjusted in position towards the rear of the frame 2 (as seen in Figure 17), where it engages the serrated underside 23 of the bin 20, to support it.

The end wall 24 of the bin 20 rests, in this arrangement, on the ground.

A pair of narrow wheels 40 are mounted on the axle 8, and are arranged to drive a pulley 41 in rotation with the wheels 40. A further axle 42 is mounted between the elbows of the arms 5, and carries a further pulley (not shown) for rotation therewith. A drive belt 43 passes around the pulley 41 and the further pulley on the axle 42. The axle 42 carries sets of radiating bristles 44, to form a cylindrical brush 45.

In use, the implement 1 as shown in Figure 17 is pushed over the ground, such that rotation of the wheels 40 causes the cylindrical brush 45 to be rotated at higher speed by the drive connection afforded by the two pulleys and the drive belt 43.

Thus, as the implement 1 is pushed over the ground, the rotating brush 45 sweeps up any debris into the bin 20. It will be appreciated that this may be particularly useful for sweeping up leaves. The cylindrical brush 45 may be driven in either direction of rotation, depending upon the arrangement of the drive belt 43. Instead of a belt drive, there may be employed any other suitable mechanismfor example, a chain or gear drive.

Figure 20 illustrates an alternative arrangement which may be secured to the frame 2 in place of the axle 8, in an arrangement otherwise generally shown in Figure 9, for example. In Figure 20, an axle 50 carries a pair of narrow wheels 51, and is arranged to be secured between the arms 5, in place of the axle 8 of Figures 8 to 10. The axle 50 is arranged not to rotate, the wheels 51 being rotatably mounted thereon. Secured to the axle 50 between the wheels 51 are a plurality of tines 52, formed from spring wire. With the axle 50 fitted into the frame 2, the implement 1 is drawn across the ground, whereupon the tines 52 serve as a rolling rake.

Depending upon the direction in which the tines extend, the implement may be either pulled or pushed.

Figures 21 and 22 show yet another axle 55 which is adapted to be secured in the frame 2 in place of the axle 8, as illustrated in Figures 8 to 10, for example. A plurality of harrowing discs 56 are secured to the axle 55, between a pair of narrow wheels 57. With the arrangement 55,56,57 engaged in the frame 2, the implement 1 is drawn over the ground, to break-up rough or hard dry surfaces. In the arrangement of Figure 20 and in the arrangement of Figures 21 and 22, there may optionally be mounted also on the frame 2 a heavy roller arrangement between the elbows of the arms 5, to provide sufficient pressure for the rolling rake or the harrow, as the case may be.

Other optional uses of the garden implement 1 are as follows.

Where a water-filled roller is used, there may be provided means for connecting a spray-pump to the roller 10, which then serves as a reservoir for the spray pump. This may be very useful where a considerable amount of spraying has to be done over a fairly large distance, as it obviates the frequent carrying of small quantities of liquid to and fro. In this respect, the roller 10 may contain any desired mix (e.g. insecticide, fungicide) for spraying.

The frame 2 may be used as an important part of a self-supporting ladder. Consider the frame 2 as shown in Figure 4, but with the hedge cutter 14 and its mounting arrangement omitted. An otherwise normal rung ladder may be provided with adjustable clips which are adapted to engage on the top web 3 of the frame 2. Thus, as seen in Figure 4, the foot of the ladder would be placed to the right of the frame 2, with the ladder extending upwardly towards the left. The clips on the ladder would be adjusted to the desired position on the ladder, where they engage the top web 3 of the frame 2.

It will thus be appreciated that the illustrated garden implement 1 serves not only as an extremely convenient means to facilitate the trimming of hedges, but is also adaptable for a multitude of various other purposes in the garden. A particularly important advantage is that, although the implement 1 may provide all of the illustrated functions, and even more, it may be stored away with its various components in relatively little space.

Self-contained apparatuses for performing the various functions outlined above would not only be of considerable expense, but would also require an extremely large space for storage.

The very diverse nature of this invention will be only too readily appreciated from the foregoing, and it is to be emphasized again that protection is hereby sought for every novel feature and novel combination of features herein. One especially useful arrangement is that of a wheelbarrow (e.g. as in Figure 12) which may be selectively converted to a roller (e.g. as in Figures 8 to 10). Another possible combination is that of the rake (e.g. Figure 20) preceding or following the aerator (e.g. Figure 18 or 19). Yet another possible arrangement is that of the rake (e.g. Figure 20) preceding the sweeping machine (e.g. Figure 17), such that the brush 45 continually sweeps debris into the bin 20, to keep the rake relatively clear.

Claims (24)

1. A garden implement comprising a frame which is adapted to be pushed over the ground and is provided with a support of adjustable height which is adapted to carry a hedge cutter at one side of the frame, the arrangement being such that the implement may be pushed along the ground beside a hedge with the hedge cutter in an operative position cutting the hedge.

2. A garden implement as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the support is capable of pivotal movement, together with a respective hedge cutter, in at least one plane.

3. A garden implement as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the support is adjustable to carry the hedge cutter with its cutting element selectively in any one of at least two different planes.

4. A garden implement as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said planes include a substantially horizontal plane.

5. A garden implement as claimed in Claim 3 or 4, wherein said planes include a substantially vertical plane.

6. A garden implement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the frame is provided with ground engaging wheels.

7. A garden implement as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said wheels are in the form of rollers.

8. A garden implement as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said rollers are adapted to be water-filled.

9. A garden implement as claimed in any preceding claim, provided with a detachable bin adapted to catch falling cuttings.

10. A garden implement as claimed in any preceding claim, convertible for use as a garden roller.

11. A garden implement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein means is provided for mounting wheels on the frame selectively on any one of at least two different axes.

12. A garden implement as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said axes include at least two orthogonal axes.

13. A garden implement as claimed in any preceding claim, convertible for use as a wheelbarrow.

14. A garden implement as claimed in any preceding claim, convertible for use as a handcart.

15. A garden implement as claimed in Claim 9 together with Claim 13 or 14, wherein said bin serves as the receptacle of the wheelbarrow or handcart.

16. A garden implement as claimed in any preceding claim, including lawn aerating means, whereby the implement is convertible for use as a lawn aerator.

17. A garden implement as claimed in any preceding claim, including lawn spreader means, whereby the implement is convertible for use as a lawn spreader.

18. A garden implement as claimed in any preceding claim, including sweeping means, whereby the implement is convertible for use as a sweeping machine.

19. A garden implement as claimed in any preceding claim, including rake means, whereby the implement is convertible for use as a rolling rake.

20. A garden implement as claimed in any preceding claim, including harrow means, whereby the implement is convertible for use as a harrow.

21. A garden implement as claimed in any preceding claim, including ladder means, whereby the implement is convertible for use as a selfsupporting ladder.

22. A garden implement as claimed in Claim 8 or any one of Claims 9 to 21 as appendant thereto, including a spray-pump adapted for operation with the roller (or one of the rollers) which is adapted to be water-filled.

23. A garden implement, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. A garden implement comprising a frame which is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.