GB2573838A

GB2573838A - A device for supporting a tool

Info

Publication number: GB2573838A
Application number: GB1816672.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Henry Loveday Barrie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-05-14
Filing date: 2018-10-12
Publication date: 2019-11-20
Also published as: GB201807829D0; GB201816672D0; GB201809556D0

Abstract

A device for supporting a tool such as a strimmer 2. The device comprises an elongate first portion 10 and a second portion 20 for attaching the tool. A third portion 30 connects the first and second portions such that with the first portion stood upright and the tool 2 attached, the tool is suspended from the first portion by a distance that is adjustable. The tool head 2b maintains a constant height above the ground when the first portion 10 is inclined. The third portion can be configured to enable the distance to be adjusted by a hand of a user that is also being used to support the device. The third portion 30 can have a pulley system comprising a lever (501, fig 7), pulley wheel (502, fig 7) and flexible line (503, fig 7). The first portion can have a foot (506, fig 7). The second portion 20 can have a flexible part (48, fig 12) for securing around the tool 2. All portions can be adjustable to set the height of the tool’s head above the ground. The device can lack the first portion 10, and be connectable to a part corresponding to the first portion.

Description

A device for supporting a tool

Field

The application relates to a device for supporting a tool, particularly a garden tool such as a strimmer.

Background

A strimmer (also called a string trimmer, line trimmer, etc.) typically has a cutting head at one end of a shaft and one or more handles towards the other end of the shaft. The cutting head typically includes a flexible line, although it may instead include one or more blades (in which case the tool may be called a brush cutter).

Some other types of garden tool are similar to a strimmer but have a different type of head, for example for cultivating, edging, etc. Some garden tools have interchangeable such heads.

This application is relevant to tools such as the abovedescribed garden tools but will generally simply refer to a strimmer.

A user can stand and hold the strimmer by the handle (s) at about waist height with the shaft extending outwards from the user and downwards towards the ground where the cutting head is used to cut grass, plants etc. The cutting head is normally held just above the ground so that it can be moved over the ground and so that the cutting height can be controlled.

Supporting the weight of the strimmer can place a significant physical strain on the user, particularly as the centre of gravity of the strimmer is typically some horizontal distance from the handle(s). Some strimmers may be used with a body harness and/or may have the handle(s) positioned near the centre of gravity of the strimmer (e.g. with the motor at the opposite end of the shaft to the cutting head). However, these features may only partially alleviate the physical strain on the user and, in any case, they are not features of many strimmers.

Several ways of supporting a strimmer or another type of garden tool have been described.

-2US 5,477,665 describes a strut having a clamp at its upper end which is connected to an intermediate portion of a strimmer handle shaft.

US 2004/255471 Al describes a ground-supported guide for use with portable tools such as hedge trimmers. It includes a first set of telescoping tubes with a tool-to-handle adapter, and a second set of telescoping tubes with a ground support pivoting foot. These are coupled using a hinge assembly at an angle which is adjustable between about 90° and about 130°.

US 2014/338202 Al describes glider assemblies for handheld strimmers in which a glider plate is coupled via a shaft to the rotating head of the strimmer and/or attached to a support leg attached in turn to the strimmer shaft.

KR 101387889 B describes an auxiliary mechanism with an upper member to which one end portion of a chain is fastened, a brush cutter being coupled to the other end portion of the chain, and a lower member with wheels.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for supporting a tool. The device comprises: an elongate first portion; a second portion for attaching the tool; and a third portion connecting the first and second portions such that, with the first portion stood upright on the ground and the tool attached to the second portion, the tool is suspended from the first portion by a distance that is adjustable to enable the first portion to be inclined while maintaining a constant height of a head of the tool above the ground.

Thus, the device can provide an alternative way of supporting a tool, particularly a garden tool such as a strimmer. The device can enable the tool to be used over a larger area of ground before the device may need to be moved from one position to another on the ground.

The tool being suspended from the first portion means, for example, the centre of gravity of the tool being below the part of the first portion to which the tool is connected via the second and third portions. The tool being suspended from the first portion by an

-3adjustable distance means, for example, that there is an adjustable difference in height between a particular point of the first portion and a particular point of the tool.

The third portion may be configured to enable the distance to be adjusted by a hand of a user that is also being used to support the device and/or the tool.

The third portion may comprise a pulley system.

The third portion may comprise a lever, a pulley wheel and a flexible line. The lever and the pulley wheel may be mounted on the first portion. The flexible line may connect the lever to the second portion via the pulley wheel.

The first portion may extend lengthwise in a first direction. The device may comprise a fourth portion connected to the first portion and extending in a second direction that is at least partly perpendicular to the first direction. The pulley wheel may be mounted on the fourth portion.

The third portion may comprise a resilient part (e.g. a spring). The distance may be adjustable by compressing, extending and/or bending the part.

With the first portion upright and the tool attached to the second portion, the part (e.g. the spring) may extend along a curved path between the first and second portions.

The third portion may be connected to the first portion via one or more first joints such that, with the tool attached to the second portion, the third portion rotates relative to the first portion and maintains a constant orientation relative to the ground when the inclination of the first portion is changed in a particular range.

The rotation of the third portion relative to the first portion may be limited to prevent the first and second portions from touching. The device may be intended to be leant only forwards or backwards or towards the tool.

The third portion may comprise first and second parts and may connect the first portion to the second portion via the first part and then the second part. The first part may be rotatable and/or movable relative to the second part to adjust the distance.

-4The first and second parts may be elongate. The first and second parts may be connected to each other via one or more second joints. For example, the first and second parts may be connected via a second joint that enables the second part to be rotated relative to the first part. The first and second parts may be connected via two or more second joints that enable the second part to be moved relative to the first part without changing the relative orientation of the first and second parts.

The third portion may comprise a third part that is fixedly connected to the first part and enables the second part to be rotated and/or moved relative to the first part by a hand of a user squeezing the second and third parts together.

The third portion may comprise a pulley system to rotate and/or move the second part relative to the first part.

The third portion may connect the first portion to the second portion via a series of meshed gears, one of which is connected to a handle, and one of which is connected to the second section.

The third portion may comprise a part that extends in a vertical direction and a part that extends in a horizontal direction when the first portion is upright and the tool is attached to the second portion. In other words, the third portion may be L-shaped.

The third portion may be changeable between right- or left-handed configurations in which, when the tool is connected to the second portion and the first portion is upright, the tool points away when on the right- or left-hand side of the first portion.

The third portion may be removable from the first portion.

The third portion may be changeable between a first configuration for suspending the tool from the first portion and a second configuration in which the third portion is folded. When in the second configuration, the third portion may extend less far from the first portion than in the first configuration.

The device may comprise means for securing the device in the second configuration.

-5The first portion may comprise a head at one end thereof, wherein the head corresponds to the head of a tool, particularly a garden tool such as a rake.

The head may be removable, rotatable and/or foldable.

The first portion may have a foot for standing on the ground. The foot may be removable. The foot may raise a lower end of the first portion when the inclination of the first portion is increased, thereby reducing an amount by which the distance needs to be adjusted.

The device may be configured to limit the distance by which the tools is suspended from the first portion.

The second portion may comprise first and second parts and may be for connecting the third portion to the tool via the first part and then the second part. The first and second parts may be movable relative to each other to set the position of the centre of gravity of the tool relative to the device.

The second portion may comprise a flexible part (e.g. a strap) for securing around a part (e.g. a handle) of the tool. The flexible part may comprise material that is compressed when secured around the part of the tool.

The first, second and/or third portions may be adjustable to set the height of the head of the tool above the ground when the first portion is stood upright on the ground and the tool is attached to the second portion. For example, the first portion may have an adjustable length.

The first portion may not be included in the device. The device may be connectable to a part (e.g. a shaft) corresponding to the first portion. A foot may also be connectable to the part corresponding to the first portion.

The device may be connectable to one end of the part corresponding to the first portion. In this case, the third portion may be adjustable to set the height of the head of the tool above the ground when the part corresponding to the first portion is stood upright on the ground and the tool is attached to the second portion. The device may be connectable to the part

-6corresponding to the first portion at different positions to set the height of the head of the tool above the ground when the first portion is stood upright on the ground and the tool is attached to the second portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a first example of a device for supporting a tool;

Figure 2 illustrates the device of Figure 1 from another angle;

Figure 3 illustrates the device of Figure 1 from another angle;

Figure 4 illustrates a second example of a device for supporting a tool;

Figure 5 illustrates a third example of a device for supporting a tool;

Figure 6 illustrates a fourth example of a device for supporting a tool;

Figure 7 illustrates a fifth example of a device for supporting a tool;

Figure 8 illustrates a further example of a tool;

Figure 9 illustrates part of a further example of a coupler;

Figure 10 illustrates another part of the further example of the coupler;

Figure 11 illustrates the part of Figure 10 from another angle;

Figure 12 illustrates another example of the part of Figure 10;

Figure 13 illustrates a sixth example of a device for supporting a tool;

Figure 14 the device of Figure 13 when folded;

Figure 15 illustrates a shaft which may form part of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 16 illustrates the shaft of Figure 15 with an example of a tool head;

Figure 17 illustrates the tool head of Figure 16 when folded;

Figure 18 illustrates the shaft of Figure 15 with a further example of a tool head;

Figure 19 illustrates a seventh example of a device for supporting a tool;

Figure 20 illustrates a foot which may form part of the device of Figure 19;

Figure 21 illustrates the cross-section of the foot of Figure 20;

Figure 22 illustrates a wheel which may form part of the device of Figure 19;

Figure 23 illustrates an eighth example of a device for supporting a tool; and

Figure 24 illustrates the device of Figure 23 in a different state.

-7Detailed Description of the Certain Embodiments

First example of a device

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a first example of a device 1 for supporting a strimmer 2 will now be described.

The device 1 includes a shaft 10, a coupler 20 for attaching the strimmer 2, and a mechanism 30 which connects the shaft 10 and the coupler 20. The device 1 may be made mostly of metal.

The shaft 10 is elongate and extends along a straight line (hereinafter referred to as the shaft axis) for a major part of its length.

The shaft 10 can be stood on the ground 3 such that it is upright (i.e. vertical) or inclined (i.e. at an acute angle to the vertical) (see Figures 1 and 2, respectively). Herein, when describing directions, etc., it is generally assumed that the shaft 10 is substantially upright.

The mechanism 30 includes an elongate first part 31 (hereinafter referred to as the vertical bar) and an elongate second part 32 (hereinafter referred to as the horizontal bar). Generally, the vertical bar 31 is orientated substantially vertically and the horizontal bar 32 is orientated substantially horizontally.

The vertical and horizontal bars 31, 32 are connected by a hinge 33. The hinge 33 is positioned towards the lower end of the vertical bar 31 and towards one end of the horizontal bar 32. The angle between the vertical and horizontal bars 31, 32 is about 90°, which is achieved with a spring loading mechanism and a stop. The hinge 33 allows the horizontal bar 32 to be rotated towards the vertical bar 31, i.e. enable the mechanism 30 to be folded when not in use.

The vertical bar 31 is connected to the shaft 10 via two pivots 15,16 (hereinafter referred to as first and second pivots).

The first pivot 15 is positioned towards the upper ends of both the shaft 10 and the vertical bar 31. The first pivot 15 enables the mechanism 30 to freely rotate about a 'first' axis that is perpendicular to the shaft axis.

-8The second pivot 16 is positioned below the first pivot 15 and enables the mechanism 30 to freely rotate about a 'second' axis that is perpendicular to both the shaft axis and the first axis. This rotation is limited, e.g. with a stop, to prevent the vertical bar 31 from touching the shaft 10. This limit may be reached when the vertical bar 31 is parallel with the shaft 10 (see Figure 1).

Hence, the first and second pivots 15,16 enable the mechanism 30 to freely rotate relative to the shaft 10 and hence maintain a constant orientation relative to the ground 3 when the inclination of the shaft 10 is changed (provided that the shaft 10 is not inclined away from the strimmer 2).

The horizontal bar 32 is divided into three elongate parts 32a, 32b, 32c (hereinafter referred to as the inner part, the middle part and the outer part). The inner part 32a (which is closest to the shaft 10) and the middle part 32b are connected by one hinge 31d (hereinafter referred to as the inner hinge), and the middle part 32b and the outer part 32c are connected by another hinge 31e (hereinafter referred to as the outer hinge). The inner and outer hinges 32d, 32e allow rotation about axes that are parallel with the second axis. The inner and outer hinges 32d, 32e together allow the outer part 32c to move relative to the inner part 32a without a change in the relative orientation of the inner and outer parts 32a, 32c. The mechanism 30 may also include suitable means to make the inner and outer parts 32a, 32c move in this way.

The mechanism 30 includes a lever 34. The lever 34 is positioned alongside the vertical bar 31. The lower end of the lever 34 is connected to the inner part 32a of the horizontal bar 32 by a rotatable connection that enables rotation about an axis that is also parallel with the second axis. The upper end of the lever 34 is connected to the outer part 32b of the horizontal bar 32 by a flexible line 35. As will be explained in more detail below, the coupler 20 is also connected to the outer part 32b of the horizontal bar 32.

Accordingly, the lever 34 can be rotated by squeezing the lever 34 and the vertical bar 31 together. This causes the outer part 32c of the horizontal bar 32 and hence the coupler 20 to lift upwards.

-9The rotation about the inner and outer hinges 31d, 32e is limited in such a way that the parts 32a, 32b, 32c of the horizontal bar 32 have a particular configuration (e.g. they extend in a straight line) when no force is being applied to the lever 34.

The strimmer 2 includes, among other things, a handle 2a (hereinafter referred to as the strimmer handle) and a cutting head 2b (hereinafter referred to as the strimmer head).

The coupler 20 includes a first part 21 (hereinafter referred to as the clamp) and a second part 22 (hereinafter referred to as the link).

The clamp 21 is configured to attach to the strimmer handle 2a. This may be done in any suitable way. For example, the clamp 21 may have a hollow cylindrical shape that is split lengthwise into two parts which can be fastened together.

The link 22 is elongate and connects the clamp 21 to the outer portion 32c of the horizontal bar 32. These connections may allow the clamp 21 to rotate relative to the outer portion 32c of the horizontal bar about one more axes, e.g. an axis parallel with the link 22 and an axis parallel with the outer portion 32c of the horizontal bar 32. This rotation may be fixable, e.g. to allow setting of the orientation and/or position of the clamp 21 (and hence the strimmer 2) relative to the outer portion 32c of the horizontal bar 32.

The strimmer 2 is preferably attached to the device 1 in such a way that the strimmer 2 generally hangs with the strimmer head 2b parallel to the ground 3. Furthermore, the strimmer 2 is preferably attached to the device 1 so as to point in a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the horizontal bar 32 (see also the description below of right- and left-handed configurations).

Hence the mechanism 30 suspends the strimmer 2 from the shaft 10 by an adjustable distance. This enables the shaft 10 to be inclined while maintaining a constant height of the strimmer head 2b above the ground 3.

The shaft 10 has a telescopic part 11. The telescopic part 11 enables the length of the shaft 10 to be changed in order to set the height of the strimmer head 2b above the ground 3 when the shaft 10 is upright and when no force is being applied to the lever 34 (this height

-10is hereinafter referred to as the target height). Typically, the length of the shaft 10 is changed before beginning to use the strimmer 2.

A person can use the device 1 and the strimmer 2 with one hand gripping (and supporting) the shaft 10 and the other hand gripping both the vertical bar 31 and the lever 34. Accordingly, the shaft 10 may have a hand grip 12 towards its upper end. The vertical bar 31 and the lever 34 may also include similar features.

The device 1 may be changeable between two configurations (hereinafter referred to as right- and left-handed configurations). In the right-handed configuration (e.g. as illustrated in Figure 1), the strimmer 2 is pointing away when it is on the right-hand side of the shaft 10. In this configuration, the shaft 10 is gripped with the left hand, and the vertical bar 31 and the lever 34 is gripped with the right hand. In the left-handed configuration, the opposite applies. The device 1 may be changeable between the righthanded and left-handed configurations in any suitable way.

The mechanism 30 may be removable from the pivot 15 and hence from the shaft 10.

The shaft 10 has a curved section 10a which deviates from the shaft axis. The curved section 10a is below the first pivot 15. The curved section 10a allows the vertical bar 31 and the lever 34 to be comfortably gripped even when the shaft 10 is orientated such that the vertical bar 31 hangs close to the shaft axis.

After having attached the strimmer 2 to the device 1 and set the target height as described above, a person can stand the device 1 upright on the ground 3 and can begin cutting while rotating the tool 2 and/or device 1 around a vertical axis. Hence the person can cut e.g. a narrow semi-circular area. This area can be expanded (without moving the device 1 to another position on the ground 3) by inclining the shaft 10, e.g. forwards or backwards (in relation to the direction in which the strimmer 2 is pointing) or towards the strimmer 2. While doing so the lever 34 can be used as described above to adjust the distance by which the strimmer 2 is suspended from the shaft 10 and so maintain a constant height of the strimmer head 2b above the ground 3. When cutting at one position has been completed, the person can move the device to another position on the ground 3, for example by lifting and/or pushing the device 1 (e.g. using a knee). The process can then be repeated. Thus, the device 1 largely avoids the person having to support the weight of the strimmer 2,

-11while also enabling the strimmer 2 to be used over a larger area of the ground 3 before the device 2 needs to be moved to another position on the ground 3. Moreover, the mechanism 30 allows the height of the strimmer head 2b above the ground 3 to be adjusted with relatively little effort.

Some other examples of a device

The device can include any suitable means for adjusting the distance by which the strimmer is suspended from the shaft. Some other examples of devices will now be described. Each of these examples uses a different such means.

Second example

Referring to Figure 4, a second example of a device 1' will now be described.

The device 1' is generally the same as in the first example except for the following:

- The horizontal bar 32' is a single part rather than being divided into the three parts 32a, 32b, 32c.

- The hinge 33' connecting the vertical and horizontal bars 31', 32' allows the horizontal bar 32' to (freely) rotate relative to the vertical bar 31' over a range of angles (e.g. less than ~90°).

- The coupler 20' is connected to the horizontal bar 32' at any suitable point along the length of the horizontal bar 32'.

- Instead of the lever 34 and the line 35, the mechanism 30' includes an elongate part 201 (hereinafter referred to as the upper bar). The upper bar 201 is fixedly connected to the vertical bar 31' near to the hinge 33', is positioned above the horizontal bar 32', and is preferably orientated at an angle (e.g. ~75°) relative to the vertical bar 31' that provides a suitable limit for the rotation of the horizontal bar 32' about the hinge 33'.

- Hence the horizontal bar 32' can be rotated towards the upper bar 201 by squeezing the horizontal bar 32' and the upper bar 201 together, thus lifting the coupler 20'.

-12Third example

Referring to Figure 5, a third example of a device 1 will now be described.

The device 1 is generally the same as in the first example except for the following:

- Again, the horizontal bar 32 is a single part rather than being divided into three parts.

- A series of three gears 301, 302, 303 (hereinafter referred to as first, second and third gears) are rotatable mounted on the horizontal bar 32a. The first gear 301 is positioned nearest to the shaft 10. A handle 34 extends from the first gear 301 in a direction towards the shaft. The handle 34 is positioned above the horizontal bar 32. The third gear 303 is positioned furthest from the shaft 10. An elongate element 304 (hereinafter referred to as the arm) extends from the third gear 303 in a direction away from the shaft 10. The coupler 20 is connected to the arm 304 towards the outer end of the arm 304. The second gear 302 is positioned between (and meshes with) the first and third gears 301, 303. The gears 301, 302, 303 may have sizes that produce any suitable gear ratio. In other examples, there may be different numbers of gears.

- Hence the gears 301, 302, 303 can be rotated by squeezing the handle 34 and the horizontal bar 32 together, thus causing the arm 304 to rotate such that the coupler 20 lifts upwards.

- The rotation of the gears 301, 302, 303 is limited in such a way that the arm 304 has a particular orientation (e.g. parallel with the horizontal bar 32) when not in use.

Fourth example

Referring to Figure 6, a fourth example of a device 1' will now be described.

Like in the first example, the device 1' includes a shaft 10', a coupler 20' for attaching a strimmer, and a mechanism 30' which connects the shaft 10' and the coupler 20'.

The shaft 10' and the coupler 20' are generally the same as in the first example except that the shaft 10' is straight.

-13However, the mechanism 30' is different from in the first example and consists of a spring 400 that connects the shaft 10' and the coupler 20'.

In particular, the spring 400 extends along a curved path between the upper end of the shaft 10' and the upper end of coupler 20'.

Hence the distance by which the coupler 20' and strimmer is suspended from the shaft 10 can be adjusted by applying a suitable force [e.g. an upwards force) to the coupler 20' or strimmer. Due to the spring 400, the forces involved are relatively small.

In another example, the mechanism may be made up of a rigid elongate element and a spring. The rigid element may extend along part of a path between the upper end of the shaft and the upper end of coupler, and the spring may extend along the rest of the path (e.g. the part of the path immediately above the coupler).

Fifth example

Referring to Figure 7, a fifth example of a device 1 for supporting a strimmer 2 will now be described.

Like in the first example, the device Ϊ includes a shaft 10, a coupler 20 for attaching a strimmer, and a mechanism 30 which connects the shaft 10 and the coupler 20

The shaft 10 and the coupler 20 are generally the same as in the first example except that the shaft 10 is straight.

However, the mechanism 30 is different from in the first example and includes a pulley system.

In particular, the mechanism 30 includes a lever 501, a pulley wheel 502 and a flexible line 503. The flexible line 503 connects the lever 501 to the coupler 20 via the pulley wheel 502.

The mechanism 30 also includes an elongate part 504 (hereinafter referred to as the arm) which is connected to the upper end of the shaft 10 and extends in a direction that is at least partly perpendicular to the shaft axis. The lever 501 and the pulley wheel 502 are

-14rotatably mounted on the arm 504. The lever 501 is positioned alongside a part of the shaft 10.

Hence the coupler 20 can be lifted upwards by pulling the lever 501 towards the shaft 10

The pulley system may provide any suitable mechanical advantage.

The mechanism 30 also includes a part 505 (hereinafter referred to as the stop) to limit movement of the lever 501 away from the shaft 10 and hence define a maximum distance by which the coupler 20 can be suspended from the shaft 10

The target height (i.e. the height of the strimmer head 2b above the ground 3 when the shaft 10 is upright and when no force is being applied to the lever 501) may be set by varying the length of the line 503 rather than with a telescopic part of the shaft as described above.

In other examples, other types of pulley systems may be used.

The device 1 includes a foot 506 at the lower end of the shaft 10The foot 506 may have any suitable shape (e.g. a wheel, spike, dome, etc). In this example, the foot 506 has a discshaped lower surface. Such a foot 506 raises the base of the shaft 10 when the inclination of the shaft 10 is increased. This partly counteracts the lowering of the shaft 10 that generally occurs (i.e. apart from at the lower end of the shaft 10 ) when the inclination of the shaft 10 is increased. Hence the foot 506 can reduce the need to adjust the distance by which the coupler 20 is suspended from the shaft 10. The specific behaviour depends on the diameter of the lower surface of the foot 506 and the height of the pulley wheel 502.

The foot 506 may be included in any of the devices described herein.

Further example of a coupler

The coupler 20 illustrated in Figure 3 is particularly suitable for attaching a strimmer 2 with a bar-type strimmer handle 2a. Some strimmers 2' have a stub-like strimmer handle 2a', an example of which is illustrated in Figure 8. Such handles 2a' may be more

-15problematic because they may have a variety of different shapes and because they may not be attachable in an adjustable way.

Referring to Figures 9 to 12, a further example of a coupler 40 will now be described.

The coupler 40 may form part of any of the devices described herein.

As will become apparent, the coupler 40 allows a strimmer handle 2a' of practically any shape (including stub-shaped) to be attached. The coupler 40 also allows the position of the centre of gravity of the strimmer 2' relative to the device to be adjusted.

The coupler 40 includes a first (female) part 41 and a second (male) part 42.

The first part 41 (see Figure 9) has a hollow, cylindrical shape. The first part 41 includes two aligned holes 42i, 422 for receiving a transverse locking pin 43. The first part 41 is connected to a link 44 which is similar to the one in the first example.

The second part 42 (see Figures 10 and 11) has a solid, generally cylindrical shape and fits partly inside the first part 41. The second part 42 includes three transverse passages 46i, 462, 463. The coupler 40 is configured such that the locking pin 43 can be passed through the holes 42i, 422 in the first part 41 and one of the passages 46i, 462, 46s in the the second part 41 such that the first and second parts 41, 42 are in one of three relative positions. Hence the position of the strimmer 2' relative to the device can be adjusted.

The second part 42 also includes e.g. two slots 47i, 472 for accommodating a strap (not shown). The strap can be passed through a suitable one of the slots 47i, 472 and secured around the strimmer handle 2a'. The strap may have a hook and loop closure.

Another example of the second part 42 has an attached strap 48 (see Figure 12). The strap 48 may be attached by e.g. two rivets 49i, 492. The strap 48 includes a non-stretchable outer layer 48a and a compressible inner layer 48b that is compressed when the strap 48 is secured around the strimmer handle 2a', thereby increasing the grip on the strimmer handle 2a'. For securing the strap 48 around the strimmer handle 2a', the strap 48 has a pair of engageable elements 48c, 48d which are held in engagement by the resilience of the strap 48. The strap 48 has a hinge region 48e defined by a break in the inner layer 48b.

-16Sixth example of a device

As described above, in the first example, the hinge 33 allows the mechanism 30 to be folded.

Referring to Figures 13 and 14, a sixth example of a device 1* will now be described.

The device 1* is generally the same as in the first example except for the following:

- The device 1* includes a set of elements 601-603 for securing the mechanism 30* when folded. In particular, the device 1* includes an element 601 on the vertical bar 31* and an element 602 on the horizontal bar 32*. The elements 601, 602 can be secured to each other when the horizontal bar 32* has been rotated towards the vertical bar 31*. The device 1* also includes a sleeve 603 that can be slid up the shaft 10* to retain the lower end of the folded mechanism 30* (see Figure 14).

- The device 1* includes a bar 604 positioned between the vertical bar 32* and the shaft 10*. The bar 604 is connected to the device 1‘ between the first and second pivots 15*, 16*. The bar 604 limits rotation of the vertical bar 31* towards the shaft 10* and so prevents the vertical bar 31* from touching the shaft 10* as also described above in relation to the first example.

- The vertical bar 31* and/or the horizontal bar 32* have elongate (e.g. rectangular) cross sections enabling them to be folded more closely together. The vertical bar 31* twists through e.g. 45° or 90° below the second pivot 16*.

Example of a shaft with a tool head.

As described above, in some examples, the mechanism may be removable from the shaft. The mechanism may also be foldable and/or securable against the shaft.

Referring to Figures 15 to 18, an example of a shaft 100 will now be described.

The shaft 100 has a tool head 101, particularly a rake, which can be used, for example, when the mechanism has been removed from the shaft 100.

-17The tool head 101 is preferably detachable. Accordingly, the shaft 100 includes means 102 for removably attaching the tool head 101. The attachment means 102 are positioned at the upper end of the shaft 100 (above the hand grip 112). The attachment means 102 may be, for example, a bayonet fitting.

The tool head 101 is preferably foldable or retractable. This may be for safety reasons.

In one example (see Figures 16 and 17), the tool head 101 can fold upon itself. In particular, the tool head 101 is divided into two main parts 101a, 101b. Each of the main parts 101a, 101b is connected to a central part 101c via a pivot 101c, lOld. The central part 101c is connected to the shaft 100. Hence the tool head 101 can be folded by rotating the main parts 101a, 101b towards positions in which they are back-to-back with each other. The tool head 101 includes stops lOle, lOlf and spring-loading means to facilitate the folding and/or unfolding.

In another example (see Figure 18), the tool head 101' is connected to the shaft 100 by a pivot 103 such that the (whole) tool head 101' can be rotated towards one side of the shaft 100.

Seventh example

In the abovedescribed examples of the device, the mechanism is connected to a specialpurpose shaft (e.g. the shaft 10).

Referring to Figures 19 to 22, a seventh example of a device It will now be described.

The device It does not include a shaft but is connectable to any suitable existing shaft 10t.

The device It includes a fitting 8. The fitting 8 is connectable to the shaft 10t. In particular, the fitting 8 includes a collar 8a which can be slid onto the shaft 10t and then secured to the shaft 10t (e.g. with a fastener) at any suitable position. The fitting 8 also includes an arm 8b that extends in a direction perpendicular to the shaft 10k The arm 8b includes a pivot 15t at one end thereof. In this example, the pivot 15t corresponds to the first pivot 15 in the first example and the device It includes a mechanism (not shown) which is the same as in the first example.

-18In other examples, the fitting 8 may enable any of the mechanisms described herein (e.g. the mechanism 30) to be connected to the shaft 10t.

The device It also includes a separate foot 6 which can be removably attached to the shaft 10t.

The foot 6 (see Figures 20 and 21) has a disc-shaped lower part 6a which is connected to a cylindrical upper part 6b. The lower part 6a has a larger diameter than the upper part 6b. The foot 6 has four fins 6c connecting the lower and upper parts 6a, 6b.

The upper part 6b has a cylindrical outer wall 6d. The upper part 6b has two annular parts 6e, 6f, one of which is at the upper end of the upper part 6b, and the other of which is positioned towards (but not at) the lower end of the upper part 6b. The holes in the annular parts 6e, 6f are for receiving the shaft 10t with some clearance. The upper part 6b has a hollow cylindrical inner part 6g made of a compressible and relatively-high friction material (e.g. rubber) for gripping the shaft 10t The inner part 6g may be divided into two parts by the annular part 6f. The inner surface of the inner part 6g may be ridged.

The lower surface 6h of the foot 6 may be studded so as to be anti-slip.

The foot 6 may form part of any of the devices described herein.

The device It may include any suitable shape of foot. The foot may even be a wheel 6' as illustrated in Figure 22.

Eighth example

Referring to Figures 23 and 24, an eighth example of a device It will now be described.

Like the seventh example, the device It does not (necessarily) include a shaft 10*. In this example, the shaft 10t is designed to be connectable to several different interchangeable tools including the device*.

The device 1* is broadly the same as in the first example except for the following key differences:

- The device 1* includes a sleeve 701 or other suitable means for attaching the device It to the upper end of the (separate) shaft 10*.

- The vertical bar 31* has an adjustable length so as to enable the target height (i.e. the height of the strimmer head above the ground when the shaft 10* is upright and when no force is being applied to the lever 34*) to be set. For example, the vertical bar 31* may include a telescopic mechanism which can be moved between several different positions (see the holes 702).

- The horizontal bar 32* has no equivalent to the inner portion 32a in the first example. The 'intermediate' portion 32b* of the horizontal bar 32* is connected via the inner hinge 32d* to the vertical bar 31*.

- The lever 34* and an elongate part 702a (towards which the lever 34* can be squeezed) are positioned at the top of the mechanism 30* and are above the top of the sleeve 701 / shaft 10*.

- The line 35* connecting the lever 34* to the outer portion 32c* of the horizontal bar 32* passes via a pulley wheel 703. The pulley wheel 703 is mounted on an end of an elongate part 702b.

- A further line 704 supports the horizontal bar 32* when no force is being applied to the lever 34*.

- The lever 34* and the vertical bar 31* form a single piece which is connected to the second pivot 16* via a third pivot 705 and then via a connecting element 702c.

- An additional stop in the form of elongate part 702d prevents the vertical bar 31* rotating too far towards the shaft 10*. The parts 702a-702d form a single piece.

Further variations

It will be appreciated that there may be many further variations of the abovedescribed examples. For example, a feature described in relation to one of the examples may be used in another of the examples. Features may be replaced with other features having equivalent functionality, etc.

Claims

1. A device for supporting a tool, the device comprising:

an elongate first portion;

a second portion for attaching the tool; and a third portion connecting the first and second portions such that, with the first portion stood upright on the ground and the tool attached to the second portion, the tool is suspended from the first portion by a distance that is adjustable to enable the first portion to be inclined while maintaining a constant height of a head of the tool above the ground.

2. A device according to claim 2 wherein the third portion is configured to enable the distance to be adjusted by a hand of a user that is also being used to support the device and/or the tool.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the third portion comprises a pulley system.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the third portion comprises a lever, a pulley wheel and a flexible line, wherein the lever and the pulley wheel are mounted on the first portion and wherein the flexible line connects the lever to the second portion via the pulley wheel.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the first portion extends lengthwise in a first direction, the device comprises a fourth portion connected to the first portion and extending in a second direction that is at least partly perpendicular to the first direction, and the pulley wheel is mounted on the fourth portion.

6. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the third portion comprises a resilient part, and the distance is adjustable by compressing, extending and/or bending the part.

7. A device according to claim 6 wherein, with the first portion upright and the tool attached to the second portion, the part extends along a curved path between the first and second portions.

8. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the third portion is connected to the first portion via one or more first joints such that, with the tool attached to the second portion, the third portion rotates relative to the first portion and maintains a constant orientation relative to the ground when the inclination of the first portion is changed in a particular range.

9. A device according to claim 8 wherein the rotation of the third portion relative to the first portion is limited to prevent the first and second portions from touching.

10. A device according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the third portion comprises first and second parts and connects the first portion to the second portion via the first part and then the second part, and wherein the first part is rotatable and/or movable relative to the second part to adjust the distance.

11. A device according to any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the third portion comprises a part that extends in a vertical direction and a part that extends in a horizontal direction when the first portion is upright and the tool is attached to the second portion.

12. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the third portion is changeable between right- and left-handed configurations in which, when the tool is connected to the second portion and the first portion is upright, the tool points away when on the right- or the left-hand side of the first portion.

13. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the third portion is changeable between a configuration for suspending the tool from the first portion and a configuration in which the third portion is folded.

14. A device according to claim 13 comprising means for securing the device in the second configuration.

15. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the first portion comprises a head at one end thereof, wherein the head corresponds to the head of a tool.

16. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the first portion comprises a foot for standing on the ground, wherein the foot raises a lower end of the first portion

-22when the inclination of the first portion is increased, thereby reducing an amount by which the distance needs to be adjusted.

17. A device according to any preceding claim configured to limit the distance by which the tools is suspended from the first portion.

18. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the second portion comprises first and second parts and is for connecting the third portion to the tool via the first part and then the second part, wherein the first and second parts are movable relative to each other to set the position of the centre of gravity of the tool relative to the device.

19. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the second portion comprises a flexible part for securing around a part of the tool.

20. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the first, second and/or third portions are adjustable to set the height of the head of the tool above the ground when the first portion is stood upright on the ground and the tool is attached to the second portion.

21. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the first portion is not included in the device and the device is connectable to a part corresponding to the first portion.