GB2218028A

GB2218028A - Handle-mounted tool stand

Info

Publication number: GB2218028A
Application number: GB8908625A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Francis Roach
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-04-18
Filing date: 1989-04-17
Publication date: 1989-11-08
Also published as: GB8908625D0; GB8809111D0

Abstract

The stand comprises an elongate member (1) having a curved profile over a substantial part of its length. One end (3) of the member (1) is capable of resting upon or engaging a ground surface (4). The other end (5) of the member (1) is shaped to permit a hinged connection of the member (1) to a tool handle (7). Securing means (8), which may be a tightenable nylon band, are provided for attaching the member (1) at the end (5) to the tool handle (7) so as to permit hinging of the member (1) towards and away from the handle (7). The securing means (8) and the end (5) are capable of frictionally retaining the member (1) in a closed position adjacent the handle (7) and in an open position wherein the end (3) is spaced away from the tool handle (7). <IMAGE>

Description

TITLE Tool Stand This invention is concerned with a tool stand. It is more particularly concerned with a stand intended tosupport garden tools and the like, when not in use.

When garden tools, such as rakes, hoes, lawn edgers, spades, forks and the like are not in use they are generally laid flat on the ground or rested upon a building or other upright surface. It is not always convenient to rest tools against an upright surface which may be some distance away from the area being worked in the garden. Additionally when tools are laid flat on the ground they represent a hazard and can be difficult to pick up by those who are elderly or infirm.

Accidentally standing upon a rake, for example, resting on the floor or ground can have serious consequences.

The present invention aims to provide a tool stand which can be conveniently located round the handle of a tool, such as a garden tool.

According to this invention there is provided a tool stand comprising an elongate stand member having a curved profile over a substantial part of its length, one end of the member capable of resting upon or engaging a ground surface, the other end being shaped to permit a hinged connection of said member to a tool handle, and securing means for attaching the stand member at its said other end to the handle so as to permit hinging of the stand member towards and away from the handle, the securing means and said shaped other end capable of frictionally retaining the stand member in a closed position adjacent the tool handle and in an open position wherein the said one end of the stand member is spaced away from the tool handle.

It is preferred that the stand member comprises a one-piece plastics member, such as an extrusion. The securing means may comprise a fastenable tie, such as a strap, e.g. a nylon strap, which is commercially available. The strap may comprise a member having a notched surface and a clamp mechanism, the notched member being insertable through the clamp mechanism and excess length being cut off as required. It is also preferred that the securing means passes through apertures located at or near the said other end of the stand member.

The said other end of the stand member may be shaped by means of a cutaway section, part of which can abut the tool handle when the stand is in its maximum open position. This can usefully limit the maximum displacement of tool stand member away from the too handle. Accordingly this may limit the relative angle between stand member and tool handle, when the former is resting upon a ground surface, to an acute angle of e.g.

3--60o.

The invention further provides the combination of the tool stand as defined above together with a tool handle forming part of e.g. a garden tool. It is to be noted that the lowermost end of the stand member (the ground resting or engaging end) need not require additional supporting means to retain the stand member in its closed position.

Use of the present tool stand may allow the garden tool, e.g. rake, broom or the like to stand at.a convenient height when not in use. This can assist prevention of accidents by reducing the likelihood of someone standing upon the end of an upturned rake or similar tool. Additionally as the combined garden tool and tool stand can support the tool at any required location in a garden this will be found most convenient by the elderly and infirm, for example, those gardeners who may suffer from back problems.

The present tool stand can be easily affixed to most garden tools, no special knowledge being required to initially install the tool stand or to subsequently use it. When the tool stand and securing means are made of plastics materials this will prevent rusting or other corrosion.

In order that the invention may be illustrated and readily carried into effect, embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings and in which:- Figure 1 is a front elevation of a stand member, Figure 2 is a side elevation corresponding to Figure 1, Figure 3 is a plan view corresponding to Figure 1, Figure 4 illustrates tool stand secured to a tool in closed position, Figure 5 shows a tool stand attached to a tool handle in open position, Figure 6 is an enlarged detail view of Figure 5, Figure 7 is a front elevation of another form of stand member, Figure 8 is a side elevation corresponding to Figure 7, and Figure 9 is a plan view corresponding to Figure 7.

Referring initially to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings there is shown a stand member 1 conveniently fabricated from extruded plastics material e.g. rigid PVC. The member 1 has a curved profile 2 extended over a substantial part of its length. One end 3 of the member 1 is formed into a shape approximating a flat blade. The other end 5 of the stand member has a shaped cutaway portion 9 and a pair of oppositely disposed apertures 10. As will become apparent from the following description with reference to Figures 4 to 6, the apertures and cutaway portion are used for locating the securing means and acting as a hinge including an abutment for maximum deflection.

Figure 4 shows an arrangement of rake in combination with the present tool stand, being in closed position.

The curved profile of the stand member rests immediately adjacent the tool handle over a substantial part of the length of said stand member. It remains in this position by virtue of a frictional engagement at the said other end of the stand member. The securing means 8 comprises a nylon tie 6 having notches 11 in its surface which is passed through the apertures 10 in the stand member 1 and pulled tight. Excess length of the nylon tie is then severed providing a frictional fit as between the other end 5 of the stand member, the tool handle 7 and the securing means 8.

Figures 5 and 6 show the arrangement of combined tool stand and tool in which the stand member 1 has been deflected into an open position, with the end 3 engaging ground surface 4. The frictional engagement between parts 5, 8 and 7 provides -for the stand member to stay in the position in which it has been moved. It is only necessary to apply a force to overcome the frictional engagement whereby the stand member can be deflected back into the closed position shown in Figure 4. The tool stand is intended primarily to be fitted over the top of the tool handle such that the force of gravity also assists in keeping the stand in place, but alternatively, if desired, the tool stand may be mounted underneath the tool handle.

The embodiment illustrated by Figures 7 to 9 is similar to the embodiment described above. However, in the second embodiment the end 23 of the member 21 is not formed into a shape approximating a flat blade but has a -shape corresponding to the shape of the body portion, viz. a curved profile 22.

It will be found generally convenient to have the nylon tie partially pulled tight after insertion through the apertures thereby making the tool stand ready to slip over the handle of the relevant tool. The nylon tie can simply be slipped over the handle, placing the stand member upon the tool so that the curved portion lies adjacent the tool handle, the nylon tie being pulled tight and the excess portion there being suitably trimmed. After insertion the tool can be used ordinarily, i.e. the stand member is kept out of the way during use. When the stand is required to be deployed, it is simply pulled away from the handle and the tool laid backwards until the angle between the tool handle and stand member is sufficient to prop the tool up e.g. into the position shown by Figure 5. When the tool is required for use the stand is simply deflected back into the position shown in Figure 4.

Claims

1. A tool stand comprising an elongate stand member having a curved profile over a substantial part of its length, one end of the member capable of resting upon or engaging a ground surface, the other end being shaped to permit a hinged connection of said member to a tool handle, and securing means for attaching the stand member at its said other end to the handle so as to permit hinging of the stand member towards and away from the handle, the securing means and said shaped other end capable of frictionally retaining the stand member in a closed position adjacent the tool handle and in an open position wherein the said one end of the stand member is spaced away from the toolhandle.

2. A tool stand according to Claim 1, which is a onepiece plastics member.

3. A tool stand according to Claim 2, which is an extruded plastics member.

4. A tool stand according to any preceding claim, wherein the securing means comprises a fastenable tie.

5. A tool stand according to Claim 4, wherein the tie is a strap comprising a member having a notched surface and a -clamp mechanism, the notched member being insertable through the clamp mechanism and excess length being cut off as required.

6. A tool stand according to any preceding claim, wherein the stand member is provided with apertures located at or near the said other end of the stand member through which apertures the securing means are arranged to pass.

7. A tool stand according to any preceding claim, wherein the said other end of the stand member is shaped by means of a cutaway section, part of which can abut the tool handle when the stand is in its maximum open position.

8. A tool stand according to any preceding claim, wherein the said one end has a shape approximating a flat blade.

9. A tool stand substantially as herein described and illustrated by Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.

10. A tool stand substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 7 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.

11. A combination of the tool stand as defined in any preceding claim and a tool handle.

12. A combination according to Claim 11, wherein the tool handle is a garden tool handle.