WO2002102137A1

WO2002102137A1 - Gardening tool

Info

Publication number: WO2002102137A1
Application number: PCT/DK2002/000406
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik Thorø LAURIDSEN
Original assignee: Fiskars Danmark A/S
Priority date: 2001-06-15
Filing date: 2002-06-17
Publication date: 2002-12-27
Also published as: DK200100937A; DK174504B1

Abstract

A gardening tool for raking and transporting a collection of material includes a handle member (2) having a first end and a second end, a tool head member coupled adjacent to the second end of the handle member (2) at a connection point (7). The tool head member has a first blade member (4) configured for movement about a first axis (10) and a second blade member 84) configured for movement about a second axis (10), where the first axis (10) and the second axis (10) are ablique with respect to the handle member (2); and a motion transfer mechanism (20) operably engages the first blade member (4) and the second blade member (4).

Description

GARDENING TOOL

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Denmark Patent Application No. PA 2002 00937, titled "A Gardening Tool" filed 06/15/2001 , incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a gardening tool. The present invention relates more particularly to a pickup raking tool. The present invention relates more particularly to a pickup raking tool having the capability to rake objects and to pick up objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Tools such as rakes having the capability to pick up objects or materials such as leaves are generally known. For example, patent documents EP-A-0760592, U.S. Patent No. 5,414,982 and U.S. Patent No. 2,790,296 generally show a raking tool, in which the two blades portions of the rake head are mutually hinged in such a manner that when the blade portions are folded to grip and pickup objects, such as a collection of leaves. During operation of such known rakes for picking up objects, a corner of the blade portions tends to project downwardly towards the ground or other base surface unless the rake is raised vertically, or repositioned in a horizontal orientation. Such known rakes tend to detract from the effectiveness of the pickup function, or tend to involve ergonomically poor operating and usage practices.

[0004] Other known raking tools, such as the rake shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,848,074 generally have rake teeth positioned in a circle that can be retracted radially inward for picking up objects. A further example of a known ^" raking tool is shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,855,766 which generally shows a rake head portion having a mid section and two outer sections that may be folded inward upon the mid section. US-A-2 902 815 describes a pick-up rake, in which two blades are hinged with parallel hinge axes to a narrow middle part. The middle part may turn about a horizontal axis relative to the shaft, whereby the blades are forced together, their upper edges being pulled in between two branches, which together form a V. It is, however, to be doubted if this rake avoids the problems mentioned in connection with the other known rakes.

[0005] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a gardening tool that may be used for raking in a first position and may be actuated for picking up objects in a second position, in an efficient manner that does not interfere with the ground or other surface to be raked. It would also be advantageous to provide a gardening tool for raking and picking up objects that may be operated in an ergonomically enhanced manner. It would be further advantageous to provide a gardening tool having blade portions that move in a circular manner so that a substantial part of the blade portion remains in a generally planar orientation with respect to the surface to be raked. [0006] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a gardening tool having any one or more of these or other advantageous features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to a gardening tool for raking and transporting a collection of material and includes a handle member having a first end and a second end, a tool head member coupled adjacent to the second end of the handle member at a connection point, where the tool head member has a first blade member configured for movement about a first axis and a second blade member configured for movement about a second axis, with the first axis and the second axis being oblique with respect to the handle member, and a motion transfer mechanism operably engaging the first blade member and the second blade member.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a method of making a gardening tool, the method including the steps of providing a handle member, coupling a tool head member having a first collector and a second collector to a connection point on the handle member, coupling an actuator to the handle member, and providing a drive member operably engaging the actuator and the tool head member for moving the first collector and the second collector about an oblique axis relative to the handle member.

[0009] The present invention further relates to a gardening tool and includes means for connecting a tool head member having a first collector and a second collector to a handle member at a connection point, means for selectively moving the first collector and the second collector between a first position and a second position, and means for positioning a forward end of the first collector and the second collector in a relationship with a ground surface in the first position when the handle member is in a working position and maintaining the relationship when the first collector and the second collector are moved to the second position with the handle member in the working position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a gardening tool according to a preferred embodiment.

[0011] FIGURE 2 is a detailed view of a detailed view of a head portion of a gardening tool in a raking position according to a preferred embodiment.

[0012] FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the head portion of a gardening tool of FIGURE 2 in an intermediate position according to a preferred embodiment.

[0013] FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the head portion of a gardening tool of FIGURE 2 in a pickup position according to a preferred embodiment.

[0014] FIGURE 5 is a side view of the head portion of a gardening tool of

FIGURE 4 in a pickup position according to a preferred embodiment.

[0015] FIGURE 6 is a front view of the head portion of a gardening tool of

FIGURE 4 in a pickup position according to a preferred embodiment.

[0016] FIGURE 7 is a bottom view of a gardening tool according to another preferred embodiment.

[0017] FIGURE 8 is a cross sectional view along line VIII-VIII of FIGURE 7 according to another preferred embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, a gardening tool 1 is shown according to a preferred embodiment. Gardening tool 1 may be used in a first position for raking objects or materials, and may be used in a second position for picking up and/or transporting a collection of the objects or materials (e.g. a raked pile of materials, etc.). Gardening tool 1 includes an elongated member (shown schematically as a straight handle member 2) and a tool head member (shown schematically as a rake head 3). Rake head 3 has collectors (shown schematically as blade members 4) having a forward end 5 and a rearward end 6. Forward end 5 includes raking members (e.g. fingers, tines, teeth, prongs, etc.), which are configured to remain close to a base surface (e.g. the ground or other surface to be raked) in both a raking position and a pickup position (to be further described). Blade members 4 and the raking members may be made from thin steel, wire, plastic, wood or other suitable materials for raking objects or materials such as leaves, grass, landscaping materials, soil, or other gardening materials, etc. In an alternative embodiment, the handle member may be provided in a bent, offset, or other configuration suited for the intended application. In a further alternative embodiment, the tool head member may be provided without raking members, such as shell members having a closed or continuous profile, and may be provided in any suitable material for use in a pickup raking application.

[0019] Referring further to FIGURE 1 , the handle member 2 is shown according to a preferred embodiment. Handle member 2 includes a first member (shown schematically as outer handle member 2a, e.g. tube, etc.) and a second member (shown schematically as inner handle member 2b, e.g. tube, etc.) that are axially aligned for telescoping operation. Outer handle member 2a has a first handle grip member 15a coupled at its upper end. Inner handle member 2b is movably positioned within the outer handle member 2a for selectively extendable and retractable movement and has a second handle grip member 15b. In a particularly preferred embodiment, handle grip member 15b may be moved to a retracted position relative to handle grip member 15a to actuate the rake head 3 to a raking position, and handle grip member 15b may be moved to an extended position relative to handle grip member 15a to actuate the rake head 3 to a pickup position (shown in FIGURE 4). In an alternative embodiment, other handle configurations may be used to actuate the rake head, such as telescoping handles where the operating configuration of the first and second handle grip members may be reversed, or the handle member may comprise a single member having a displaceable handle.

[0020] Referring to FIGURES 2 and 3, the rake head 3 having blade members 4 rotationally connected to the handle member 2 for operating the gardening tool in a raking position and a pickup position is shown according to a preferred embodiment. The rearward end 6 of blade members 4 are operably connected adjacent to a lower end of the handle member 2 at a connection point or location 7. The connection location 7 includes a fixed support member (shown schematically as a cross member 8) that is secured to a lower end of the handle member 2. In one embodiment, each end of the fixed support member 8 includes a rotational interface (shown schematically as a bushing 9) with an oblique longitudinal axis, and each of the blade members 4 has an integral extension member (shown schematically as a pin 10) extending through and rotationally interfacing with the bushing 9 such that the blade member 4 may pivot about the oblique longitudinal axis of the rotational device 9, as indicated by arrows 11. The pins 10 are axially secured in a conventional manner within the bushing 9 to restrict axial movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis 18 (shown in FIGURE 5). The oblique longitudinal axes of the bushings 9 and the pins 10 constitute pivot axes 18 for the blades. In a particularly preferred embodiment, these pivot axes 18 form, in their common plane, an angle α of approximately 60 degrees (as shown in FIGURE 6). A first motion transfer device (e.g. gear, sprocket, etc. - shown as first and second toothed wheels 12), are attached to an outward end of each pin 10 and is secured against turning relative to the pin 10. In an alternative embodiment, angle α may be in a range of 50-70 degrees. In another alternative embodiment, angle α may be within a range of 30-90 degrees.

[0021] Referring to FIGURE 6, a configuration for rotationally connecting the blade members 4 to the handle member 2 is shown according to another embodiment. The support member 8 has opposite ends provided with oblique extension members (shown schematically as pins 10a) extending into and rotationally interfacing with a rotational device 9a that is rigidly fixed, or formed integrally with, the blade members 4. In this embodiment, the toothed wheels 12 are rigidly connected with the bushings 9a such that blade members 4 may turn about the oblique longitudinal axes 18 of the pins 10a in a similar manner and with a similar movement as in the embodiment shown in FIGURE 3. The longitudinal axes of the bushings 9, 9a and the pins 10, 10a thus constitute pivot axes 18 for the blades. The intersection of pivot axes 18 occurs at an intersection point 19 that is positioned forward of the connection location 7 (of the blade member 4 and the handle member 2), and the common plane of the pivot axes 18 forms an angle β of approximately 18 degrees with the handle member 2 (as shown in FIGURE 5). In an alternative embodiment, the pivot angles may form other angles suitable for operating the blade members between the raking position and the pickup position.

[0022] Referring further to FIGURES 3 and 6, a motion transfer mechanism 20 (e.g. drive member, positioning device, transmission, etc.) for the pickup rake is shown according to a preferred embodiment. The motion transfer mechanism 20 includes the first motion transfer device (e.g. gear, sprocket, etc. - shown as first and second toothed wheels 12) and a second motion transfer device (shown schematically as a worm gear or screw member 13). Screw member 13 is mounted with an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel with the cross piece 8 by any suitable method. The screw member 13 includes a first portion (shown schematically as first screw member 22) having a right-pitched screw or threads and a second portion (shown schematically as second screw member 24) having a left-pitched screw or threads. A short drive area 26 (shown schematically as a pulley or cylindrical portion, etc.) is provided between the first screw member 22 and the second screw member 24, about which an actuating member (e.g. cable, cord, strap, etc. and shown schematically as a belt 14) can be been wound. The belt 14 has a first end secured to the drive area 26 and a second end that extends upwards through the outer handle member 2a and is secured to the inner handle member 2b. Alternatively, the handle may comprise a single tube carrying a displaceable handle grip member, to which the actuating member is secured.

[0023] The first and second toothed wheels 12 are operably engaged with the first screw member 22 and the second screw member 24 respectively. A user of gardening tool 10 may actuate the motion transfer mechanism 20 by gripping handle grip members 15a and 15b and selectively extending and retracting inner handle member 2b and outer handle member 2a. Extension of inner handle member 2b tensions or pulls the belt 14 to unwind about drive area 26 to rotate the first and second screw members 22, 24 in a first rotational direction. Rotation of the screw members 22, 24 in operable engagement with toothed wheels 12 moves the blade members 4 toward the pickup position.

[0024] Referring to FIGURE 3, the operation of gardening tool 10 for use in a raking position and a pickup position is shown according to a preferred embodiment. The blade members 4 of gardening tool 10 are movable to a generally contiguous orientation to define a raking position as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, where gardening tool 10 may be used as a rake for raking leaves, grass clippings, branches and other material. When a collection 16 of such raked material has been gathered, it can be gripped and picked up by actuating gardening tool 10 to a pickup position. Actuation of gardening tool 10 by extending handle grip member 15b induces rotation of the screw members 22, 24 and produces a corresponding rotation of toothed wheels 12, such that blade members 4 turn about their respective pivot axes 18. The gardening tool 10 may be moved from the pickup position to the raking position by a suitable spring mechanism (not shown) for returning the blade members 4 to the raking position shown in FIGURES 1 and 2.

[0025] The mutual angle position of pivot axes 18 result in blade members 4 operating in a circling motion, throughout which the forward edges 5 remain substantially parallel to the ground. Operation of the blade members 4 in a circling motion allows the handle member 2 to be maintained in a typically oblique or slanted working position (as shown in the FIGURE 5), wherein the collection of raked material may be gripped effectively. The forward edges 5 and the rearward ends 6 define general planes 17 of the blade members 4 (as shown in raking position of FIGURE 6) that form angles y with the pivot axes 18, such that the forward edges 5 of blade members 4 are substantially in contact with one another when gardening tool 10 is actuated to the pickup position.

[0026] Referring to FIGURES 7 and 8, a gardening tool is shown according to another preferred embodiment. The gardening tool (shown schematically as a rake 100) includes a cross piece 108 with rearwardly projecting pins 110. Pins 110 extend at angles to the shaft and one another to create oblique longitudinal axes as described in the embodiment of FIGURES 1-6. Rotational interfaces (shown as bushing members 109) are secured to an underside of the blade members 104 (i.e. the side facing the ground under normal use), and are adapted to receive pins 110 extending therethrough, such that blade members 104 are mounted on the pins 110. Handle member 102 includes a first member (shown schematically as outer handle member 102a, e.g. tube, etc.) and a second member (shown schematically as inner handle member 102b, e.g. tube, etc.) that are axially aligned for telescoping operation. Outer handle member 102a has a first handle grip member 115a coupled at its upper end. Inner handle member 102b has a second handle grip member 115b such that inner handle member 102b is movably positioned within the outer handle member 102a for selectively extendable and retractable movement. In a particularly preferred embodiment, handle grip member 115b may be moved to a retracted position relative to handle grip member 115a to actuate the rake head 103 to a raking position (as shown in FIGURE 7), and handle grip member 115b may be moved to an extended position relative to handle grip member 115a to actuate the rake head 103 to a pickup position (shown in FIGURE 8). The inner handle member 102b is displaceable in the outer handle member 102a and includes a connection member 114 (e.g. bracket, slide block, etc.) for a rod mechanism adapted to move the blade members 104 between the raking position and the pickup position. Outer handle member 102a includes an opening (shown as a slot 113) adapted to accommodate connection member 114. Coupling members 117 (e.g. ball and socket joints, etc,) are provided on the underside of blade members 104 for pivotally and rotationally securing an outward end of a first and second linkage of the rod mechanism (shown schematically as rod members 118). Rods 118 have an inward end connected with the connection member 114.

[0027] Referring further to FIGURES 7 and 8, gardening tool 100 may be actuated between the raking position and the pickup position according to a preferred embodiment. In the raking position, the inner handle member 102b is retracted inwardly within outer handle member 102a, such that connection member 114 is positioned a lower end of slot 113 with rods 118 extending generally in a mutually and opposite perpendicular direction relative to handle member 102, to position blade members 104 in an unfolded (i.e. raking) position (as shown in FIGURE 7). In the raking position, the blade members 104 are secured in place by the tension from the generally perpendicularly oriented rods 118.

[0028] Gardening tool 100 may be actuated to the pickup position by extending the inner handle member 102b from the outer handle member 102a until rods 118 are no longer oriented perpendicularly to handle member 102. Thereafter, further extension of the inner handle member 102b will cause the rods 118 to pull and fold the blade members 104 together for gripping a collection of raked material (as shown in the broken line portion of FIGURE 8). An extension stop device (shown for example as stop 119, corresponding to the end of slot 113) is provided for limiting the outward extension of inner handle member 102b, and is positioned to allow the connection member 114 to move to a position that allows blade members 104 to fold inwardly to pickup position. The gardening tool 100 may be moved from the raking position by retracting the inner handle member 102b within the outer handle member 102a to reposition rods 118 to a generally perpendicular configuration with handle member 102. In an alternative embodiment, the configuration of the handle members may be reversed, or a biasing device such as a spring may be provided to assist movement of the blade members from the pickup position to the raking position. In another alternative embodiment, other linkages, coupling members, and connection members may be used that are suitable for transferring an actuating movement from the handle member to the blade members.

[0029] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the gardening tool provided herein are illustrative only. Although only a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these embodiments (such as variations in features such as components, coupling and connection device, handle configurations, pivot locations, variations in sizes, structures, shapes, dimensions and proportions of the components of the gardening tool, use of materials, combinations of shapes, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the inventions. [0030] The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the inventions as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

ι 1. A gardening tool for raking and transporting a collection of

2 material, comprising:

3 a handle member having a first end and a second end; a tool head member coupled adjacent to the second end of the

5 handle member at a connection point; β the tool head member having a first blade member configured

7 for movement about a first axis and a second blade member configured for

8 movement about a second axis;

9 the first axis and the second axis being oblique with respect to o the handle member; and 1 a motion transfer mechanism operably engaging the first blade 2 member and the second blade member.

ι 2. The gardening tool of Claim 1 , further comprising an actuator

2 communicating between the handle member and the motion transfer

3 mechanism.

ι 3. The gardening tool of Claim 2, wherein the actuator includes an

2 actuating member adapted for rotatable engagement with the motion transfer

3 mechanism.

ι 4. The gardening tool of Claim 2, wherein the actuator includes an

2 actuating member adapted for sliding engagement with the motion transfer

3 mechanism.

1 5. The gardening tool of Claim 1 , wherein the handle member

2 further includes a first handle member and a second handle member

3 configured for telescoping engagement.

ι 6. The gardening tool of Claim 1 , wherein the tool head member is

2 a rake head. i 7. The gardening tool of Claim 1 , wherein the first blade member

2 and the second blade member are operable for movement between a first

3 position and a second position.

ι 8. The gardening tool of Claim 7, wherein the first blade member

2 and the second blade member have a forward end, the forward end being

3 positioned substantially parallel to a base surface in the first position when the

4 handle member is oriented in a usage position and the forward end being

5 positioned substantially parallel to the base surface in the second position β when the handle member is in the usage position.

ι 9. The gardening tool of Claim 7, wherein the forward end of the

2 first blade member and the forward end of the second blade member are in

3 substantially facing engagement in the second position.

ι 10. The gardening tool of Claim 7, wherein the forward end of the

2 first blade member and the forward end of the second blade member define

3 an acute angle in the second position.

ι 11. The gardening tool of Claim 1 , wherein the first axis and the

2 second axis define an angle of approximately sixty degrees.

ι 12. The gardening tool of Claim 1 , wherein the first axis and the

2 second axis have an intersection point positioned ahead of the connection

3 point.

ι 13. The gardening tool of Claim 1 , wherein motion transfer

2 mechanism includes a first gear member and a second gear member.

ι 14. The gardening tool of Claim 1 , wherein the motion transfer

2 mechanism includes a first linkage and a second linkage.

ι 15. The gardening tool of Claim 2, wherein the actuator includes a

2 handle grip member coupled to the first end of handle member. ι 16. A method of making a gardening tool, the method comprising:

2 providing a handle member;

3 coupling a tool head member having a first collector and a

4 second collector to a connection point on the handle member;

5 coupling an actuator to the handle member;

6 providing a drive member operably engaging the actuator and

7 the tool head member for moving the first collector and the second collector

8 about an oblique axis relative to the handle member.

ι 17. The method of Claim 16, wherein the tool head member is a

2 rake.

ι 18. The method of Claim 16, wherein the drive member includes a

2 first gear member and a second gear member.

ι 19. The method of Claim 16, wherein the first gear member includes

2 a right hand screw and a left hand screw and a drive area.

ι 20. The method of Claim 18, wherein the second gear member

2 includes at least one toothed wheel.

ι 21. The method of Claim 16, wherein the drive member includes a

2 bracket and a linkage.

ι 22. The method of Claim 16, wherein the oblique axis of the first

2 collector and the oblique axis of the second collector define an intersection

3 positioned forward of the connection point.

ι 23. A gardening tool, comprising:

2 means for connecting a tool head member having a first

3 collector and a second collector to a handle member at a connection point;

4 means for selectively moving the first collector and the second

5 collector between a first position and a second position; and 6 means for positioning a forward end of the first collector and the

7 second collector in a relationship with a ground surface in the first position

8 when the handle member is in a working position and maintaining the

9 relationship when the first collector and the second collector are moved to the o second position with the handle member in the working position.

ι 24. The gardening tool of Claim 23, further comprising means for

2 actuating the tool head member.

ι 25. The gardening tool of Claim 23, further comprising means for

2 coupling a motion transfer device to the first collector and the second collector

3 to define an oblique pivot axis.

ι 26. The gardening tool of Claim 23, further comprising means for

2 positioning the forward end of the first collector and the forward end of the

3 second collector in substantially facing engagement when the tool head member is in the second position.

27. The gardening tool of claim 1, wherein the first and the second axis are mutually oblique.

28. The gardening tool of claim 27, wherein the first and the second axis define an angle of 30-90 degrees .

29. The gardening tool of claim 27, wherein the first and the second axis define an angle of 50-70 degrees .

30. The gardening tool of claim 27, wherein the first and the second axis have a mutual intersection point lying in relation to the handle member on the opposite side of a plane comprising the connection point and being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second end of the handle member.