GB2341779A

GB2341779A - Garden tool with unidirectional pivoting tool head

Info

Publication number: GB2341779A
Application number: GB9927160A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ibrahim Hafidh Cole
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-09-16
Filing date: 1999-11-18
Publication date: 2000-03-29
Also published as: GB9921897D0; GB9927160D0

Abstract

The tool comprises a handle 14 attached to a shaft 11 with a cog 10, the handle rotates in a uni-directional manner with respect to the frame 15, the frame being attached to a tool head (21, fig 3). The lever 16 allows rotation of the handle in one direction but prevents rotation in the reverse direction by locking the cog. The tool head may be a blade of a shovel or a rake head and these tool heads may be interchangeable. The tool may have wheels mounted to the frame such that when the tool head is locked at an angle to the handle the tool may be used as a trolley (Fig 4).

Description

1 2341779 GARDENING EWPLEMENT

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to A gardening implement having a to be forced into soil and a handle for applying a torque to the head to dig up or tum the soil, wherein the shaft is pivotably attached to the head and a releasable one-way drive mechanism, such as a ratchet or a one-way clutch, is provided to permit pivotal movement of shaft relative to the head in only one direction, example a fork, shovel, or a spade. Background to the invention Conventional forks and shovels are generally designed to be held and worked by a handle -sha:ft, which acts as a counter lever. After the head of the digging tool is driven into the ground, a force is then applied to the handle-shaft of the tool away from the centreline. By doing so the soil is then turned. During the application of such a force which causes the ploughing of the soil the shoulder, back muscles and the joints of the person operating the digging tool comes into play when exerting the force necessary for ploughing the soil. The posture of the body changes from a stance standing position to a bending posture. This can sometimes result in straining of the muscles or dislocation of thejoint orjoints such as slipped disc, should the user of such said tools stray from the correct required posture that should be observed while manipulating such said tools. This may result to long term damage to the shoulder or back muscles and joints, which could lead to permanent disability.

2 A flirther disadvantage, because of the effort needed to operate the said standard tools is that; it does not encourage a senior citizen to use them. They are also difficult to operate in confined spaces due to lack of leverage space. Lifting can also be a major hazard to the back when lifting heavy objects.

Summary of the Invention These dangers and problems are overcome by the present invention, which provides in its broadest aspect. A gardening implement having a head to be forced into soil and a handle for applying a torque to the head to dig up or turn the soil, wherein the shaft is pivotably attached to the head and a releasable one-way drive mechanism, such as a ratchet or a one-way clutch, is provided to permit pivotal movement of shaft relative to the head in only one direction. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a digging tool that makes turning of the soil less strenuous. Therefore it eliminates or greatly reduces possibility of strain to the shoulders or the back. This new innovation does away with unnecessary bending and exertion to the back. The preferred embodiment comprises of a ratchet mechanism, which is releasable secured to the handle-shaft and the tool head. Making it a multipurpose digging tool. I.e. can be used for a fork, shovel or spade alternatively or they can be permanently fixed into one embodiment. It can also be used as a wire tensioner for fencing. It can be transform into a barrow by the addition of a shaft bearing two wheels and a handle bar mounted to telescopic handle-shaft.

3 The ratchet mechanism is releasable secured to the head of the digging tool by neck socket male and female or other means. The ratchet mechanism is not restricted to one particular type of ratchet mechanism. After driving the head of the digging tool into the ground, the handle-shaft is then used as a lever to drive the ratchet mechanism by working to and fro, this causes the head of the digging tool to rise at right angle to the handle-shaft, which then turn the soil.

The now mechanised digging tool of the invention is easy to use even for those who have difficulty using conventional digging tools and permits the user to use one hand if so chooses at a time. The mechanised digging tools will be cost effective in its manufacture. Each section of the tool may comprise of individual units and marketed as such. The fork, shovel or spade will be unique in that they would have been manufacture to accommodate the ratchet mechanism or clutch i.e. with stub neck socket or other types of housing attachment to received the ratchet mechanism or clutch. They may be in the form of a gardener or contractors' forks shovels and spades. Senior members of the society may find that the manually operated mechanised digging tool of the invention encourages gardening. Operating the said tools is simple but effective. Brief Description of the Drawings. in the drawing, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a ratchet mechanism: Figure 1 is a perspective projection view of a first embodiment, which shows a ratchet mechanism with socket; attach to the drive shaft.

4 Figure 2 is a full frontal View of the invention showing a digging fork assemble, comprises a ratchet mechanism handle-shaft, tool head with wheels and handle bar for a barrow assemble. Figure 3 is a similar view as figure 2 but here shows a spade. Figure 4 a side view showing the tool as a barrow.

Description of the Illustrated Embodiment Referring first to Figure 1-2 a ratchet mechanism with cog 10 of conventional form, fitted unto a drive shaft 11, adapted to receive fencing Wire, through the hole 12, at the opposite end to the cog. Also at the same end is a square section 13, adapted to receive a socket spanner. Also fitted to drive shaft 11 is a socket or a tube section for telescopic handle 14. Adapted to receive a wooden, or any other types of material handle-shaft. Drive shaft 11 is fitted into a chassis frame 15 consists of three sides, two opposite sides, having a hole in each side to house drive shaft 11. Fitted to chassis frame 15 is a clutching leaver 16 with coil spring 17. Figure 2 shows neck socket 19 combine with neck socket 20. Neck socket 19 is fixed to the chassis frame 15. Neck socket20 is fixed to the tool head 2 1. A handle-shaft 22 of conventional form or telescopic is fitted into socket 14. Also showing handle bar 24, and shaft 23, with two wheels allowing the tool to be transformed into a trolley. Figure 3 shows side view of the tool as a barrow when the head of the tool is raised at an angle.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a gearbox may be provided to couple the shaft to the head. This would provide a mechanical advantage reducing the effort required to turn the soil.

It is possible to convert the gardening implement to a trolley by mounting wheels on an axle arranged near or preferable passing through the pivot axis of the shaft. In this way, the same gardening implement may be used to wheel heavy items, such as bags and paving stones around from one plaice to another.

It is possible to provide two releasable one-way clutches or ratchet acting in opposite directions. When both ratchets are in operation, the coupling between the shaft and the head is rigid in both directions and the implement can be handled in the same way as a conventional digging implement. Once the head has been driven into the ground, one of the clutches or ratchets is released allowing the head to be turned in the ground by to and fro movement of the shaft After the ground has been turned, the other clutch or ratchet may be released to allow the shaft to return to its original position.

The releasing of the clutches or ratchets may be conveniently be provided by a release mechanism mounted on the grip or handle of the shaft.

6

Claims

1. A gardening implement having a head to be forced into soil and a handle for applying a torque to the head to dig up or turn the soil, wherein the shaft is pivotably attached to the head and a releasable oneway drive mechanism, such as a ratchet or a one-way clutch, is provided to permit pivotal movement of shaft relative to the head in only one direction.

2. A gardening implement as claimed in claim I consist of a clutch or a ratchet mechanism of any description which is releasable secure between the handle-shaft and the tool head.

3. A gardening implement as claimed in claim I or 2, wherein the means are provided to allow the changing of the tool heads and for assembling and dismantling the units.

4. A gardening implement as claimed in 2 or claim 3, wherein the digging tool head is adapted to accommodate a clutch or ratchet mechanism.

5. A gardening implement as claimed in claim 4 wherein the means are provided to securely fasten the individual units together.

6. A gardening implement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein all units may be permanently fixed to the other.

7. A gardening implement as claimed in claim 6, wherein the means can be provided to allow the said tool to be used for wire tensioning, socket spanner retaining drive, the tool can be transformed into a barrow with the provision of a shaft and two wheels releasable secure to the unit and a handle bar releasable secure to conventional or telescopic handleshaft and by the adjustment of the tool head to the relevant angle by using the clutch or ratchet mechanism.

8. A gardening implement as laid out in all preceding description herein with reference to Figures 1-2 of accompanying drawings.