Gardening tool

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a gardening tool comprising a handle, at least one implement member having a pair of flanges extending from the at least one implement member, each flange comprising a flange aperture sharing a common center and a pinion segment, the pair of flanges having opposing parallel surfaces, each parallel surface comprising a pinion segment, the opposing parallel flange surfaces spaced apart a first distance. Further comprising at least a first securing member coupled between the pair of flanges and the handle. The first securing member comprising a boss projecting along a longitudinal axis, the boss having parallel surfaces spaced apart the first distance, a boss aperture, and a curved rack segment projecting from the boss and configured to mesh with at least a portion of the pinion segment. Further comprising a securing shaft insertably received in the at least one flange aperture and the boss aperture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of gardening. More specifically, this disclosure relates to gardening implements for cultivating soil. Background Technology

[0002] Plants, trees, and all non-animal life forms (referred to here individually or collectively as vegetation) surround us. Some vegetation grows in the wild, while others are planted for purposes such as ornamental, boundary marking, food consumption, or any combination thereof. Those who cultivate vegetation for personal use and enjoyment are generally called gardeners. Gardeners may plant, grow, and care for vegetation, such as trees, flowers, shrubs, vegetables, fruits, and herbs, in plots of land adjacent to or near their residences, in public environments and / or indoor environments (such as greenhouses) and / or enclosed environments using artificial light. These plots can be small, for example, when the plot consists of a boundary with decorative shrubs and / or flowering plants surrounding a house or apartment building. These plots can be medium-sized, for example, when the plot includes a residential yard and consists of one or more areas of ground in which trees, vegetables, and / or ornamental plants are grown. These plots can be large, for example, when the plot is used to grow vegetables to supply one or more families. Typically, these plots are referred to as gardens. Conversely, other plots of land can be called farms, and those who care for them can be called farmers. Gardeners and farmers share many of the same responsibilities, but perform these responsibilities on different scales.

[0003] Additionally, other individuals who don't necessarily identify themselves as gardeners or farmers may also be responsible for planting and caring for vegetation. For example, trees, shrubs, and plants can be used to demarcate property boundaries and / or add ornamentation to the ground around a residence or business. Trees, shrubs, and plants can also be found in and around open spaces where people gather to enjoy the outdoors. These plots, not specific to gardens or farms, can be cared for by owners who don't necessarily consider themselves gardeners or farmers, or by commercial entities hired to plant and / or maintain the vegetation on such plots. These types of people can be referred to by various names, such as site managers.

[0004] Although gardeners, farmers, and site managers tend to plots of different natures and sizes, they all use many of the same or similar tools to care for their vegetation. These tools include, for example, shovels, spades, and hoes. These and many other tools are referred to as gardening tools in this article.

[0005] Typically, gardening tools are essentially monolithic; that is, each tool is independent of the others. One gardening tool (e.g., a shovel with a fixed short handle) differs from another (e.g., a hoe with a fixed long handle). Partly due to mass production, the orientation between a given working part of a gardening tool and its handle is well-defined. However, consumers may find it valuable to be able to customize gardening tools to suit their individual gardening style. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following provides an overview of one or more aspects of this disclosure to offer a basic understanding of these aspects. This content is not a broad overview of all intended features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to identify essential or critical elements of all aspects of this disclosure, nor to depict the scope of any or all aspects of this disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of this disclosure in the form of a prelude to a more detailed description presented later.

[0007] A gardening tool is disclosed. The gardening tool includes: a handle having spaced-apart handle ends; at least one tool member having a pair of flanges extending from the at least one tool member, each flange including a flange hole defined by an inner wall of the flange and a pinion segment having a common first center with the flange hole, the pair of flanges having opposing parallel flange surfaces, each of the opposing parallel flange surfaces including the pinion segment and having a pinion central axis intersecting the common first center and perpendicular to the opposing parallel flange surfaces, the opposing parallel flange surfaces being spaced apart by a predetermined first distance; and at least one first fixing member connecting the pair of flanges to corresponding handle ends. In the gardening tool, the first fixing member includes a first boss projecting relative to the first fixing member along a longitudinal axis. The first boss has parallel first boss surfaces spaced apart by a predetermined first distance, a first boss hole defined by an inner sidewall of the first boss, and a first boss hole central axis intersecting the center of the first boss hole and perpendicular to the parallel first boss surfaces. Each corresponding first boss surface has a curved rack segment projecting perpendicularly from the first boss surface and configured to mesh with at least a portion of the pinion segment. The gardening tool also includes a fixing shaft that is insertably received in at least one flange hole and the first boss hole after the central axis of the pinion and the central axis of the first boss hole are coaxially aligned.

[0008] An interchangeable tool head is disclosed, comprising a tool member and a pair of flanges connected to and extending from the tool member. Each flange includes a flange bore defined by an inner sidewall of the flange and a pinion segment having a common first center with the flange bore. The pair of flanges have opposing parallel flange surfaces, each opposing parallel flange surface including at least a corresponding pinion segment and a pinion axis intersecting the common first center and perpendicular to the opposing parallel flange surfaces, the opposing parallel flange surfaces being spaced apart by a predetermined first distance.

[0009] Multiple articles packaged as a gardening tool set are disclosed. The gardening tool set includes a handle having spaced-apart handle ends; at least two tool heads, each of the at least two tool heads having a pair of flanges extending therefrom and including opposing parallel flange surfaces spaced apart by a predetermined first distance; at least two fixing members, each of the at least two fixing members being fixed to a corresponding handle end and configured to connect the handle to a corresponding one of the at least two tool heads; and at least two fixing shafts, each of the at least two fixing shafts being configured to be insertably received in a first fixing shaft receiver of a corresponding tool head and a second fixing shaft receiver of a corresponding fixing member when the fixing shaft, a first fixing shaft receiver, and a second fixing shaft receiver are coaxially aligned.

[0010] These and other aspects of this disclosure will become more fully understood by reading the following detailed description. Other aspects, features, and embodiments of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following description of specific exemplary embodiments of this disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. While features of this disclosure may be discussed with respect to certain embodiments and the drawings below, all embodiments of this disclosure may include one or more advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more such features may also be used according to the various embodiments of this disclosure discussed herein. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Referring to the accompanying drawings, exemplary embodiments of gardening tools according to some aspects of this disclosure are shown. In the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote corresponding parts.

[0012] Figure 1A This is a top plan view of a dynamic (ergo-dynamic) dual-headed gardening tool, which includes two interchangeable tool heads that can be selected from a plurality of interchangeable tool heads, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1BThis is a top plan view of a gardening tool with the first and second fixed shaft covers removed, as shown in Figure 1A.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a top plan view of another dynamic double-headed gardening tool, which includes two interchangeable tool heads that can be selected from a plurality of interchangeable tool heads, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A 3D diagram of gardening tools.

[0016] Figure 4 Based on some aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A and Figure 1B Gardening tools along Figure 3 The cross section of line 4-4.

[0017] Figure 5 Based on some aspects of this disclosure, such as Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the gardening tools depicted.

[0018] Figure 6A This is a left-side front view of the fixed components and interchangeable tool heads of a directional gardening tool arranged at intervals, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Top view of the fixed components and interchangeable tool heads.

[0020] Figure 6C Based on some aspects of this disclosure Figure 6A and Figure 6B Top view of the fixed components and interchangeable tool heads.

[0021] Figure 7A This is a top plan view of a portion of the fixing components, tool head, and handle of a gardening tool according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A top view of the fixed components and tool head, wherein the tool head is in the "nominal" orientation.

[0023] Figure 7C yes Figure 7B A top plan view of the fixed components and tool head, wherein the tool head is from... Figure 7B The nominal orientation is rotated counterclockwise to the maximum angular displacement.

[0024] Figure 7D Based on some aspects of this disclosure Figure 7CA top plan view of the fixed component and the tool head, wherein the tool head is removed from the fixed component, rotated about the longitudinal axis, and reinstalled into the fixed component.

[0025] Figure 8A It is a first fixed-orientation gardening tool having a tool head relative to the handle of a gardening tool, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A Gardening tools, where the handles are from Figure 8A The directional rotation shown (e.g., reversal).

[0027] Figure 9A It is a first gardening tool having a first handle according to some aspects of the present disclosure, the first handle having a first central segment having a first central length.

[0028] Figure 9B It is a second gardening tool according to some aspects of this disclosure, having a second handle, the second handle having a second central segment having a second central length.

[0029] Figure 9C It is a third gardening tool with a third handle according to some aspects of this disclosure, wherein the third central segment has a third central length.

[0030] Figure 9D According to some aspects of this disclosure, there is a fourth gardening tool having a fourth handle, the fourth handle having a fourth central section, and the fourth central section having a fourth length.

[0031] Figure 10A This is an exemplary example of a first interchangeable tool head based on some aspects of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 10B This is an illustrative example of a second interchangeable tool head based on some aspects of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 10C This is an illustrative example of a third interchangeable tool head based on some aspects of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 11 It is a graphic representation of a multi-piece product packaged as a gardening tool set according to some aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In the following description, specific details are provided to offer a thorough understanding of the described implementations. However, those skilled in the art will understand that these implementations can be practiced without these specific details. For example, in some cases, details of well-known structures and components may be shown in a simplified form to avoid obscuring such structures and components. In other instances, well-known structures and components may be shown in detail so as not to obscure the implementation.

[0036] A gardening tool with an ergonomically shaped handle is disclosed. As used herein, the term "tool" can mean an object or device that can be used for a specific purpose. A fixing member can be attached to either or both ends of the handle. In a non-limiting example, the gardening tool includes a handle having a first end and a second end. The handle can be divided into two or more segments. For example, the handle can be divided into three segments comprising a first segment, a center segment, and a second segment located away from the first and center segments. The segments can have the same or different lengths. The angle of a segment relative to adjacent segments can be the same or different. In one example, the handle comprising the first, center, and second segments is formed continuously. In some examples, the segments can be connected to each other using an inter-segment angle fixing structure (e.g., a joint) that allows the user to variably fix the angle between adjacent segments.

[0037] The fixing member may include a boss extending from the fixing member in a longitudinal direction relative to the fixing member. In some aspects, the fixing member is fixedly coupled to the handle, so the longitudinal direction may also be relative to the handle. The boss may be configured to be coupled to one of a plurality of interchangeable tool heads. In some examples, the interchangeable tool heads may include tool members coupled to a pair of flanges. The tool may include, for example, a shovel, a pickaxe, and a spade. The foregoing list is non-limiting; other tools are also within the scope of this disclosure. In some examples, the tool member may be coupled to a flange. According to some aspects, the symmetry of the fixing member relative to the handle, the boss relative to the handle, or both the fixing member and the boss relative to the handle may have at least one of left-right symmetry, top-bottom symmetry, or axial symmetry; however, symmetry is not a limitation of the invention.

[0038] In an example where the interchangeable tool head may include a tool member coupled to a pair of spaced-apart flanges, the width of the boss projecting from the fixing member may be substantially equal to the spacing between the spaced-apart parallel surfaces of the flanges. In one example, the tool head includes a tool member and a pair of flanges. In another example, the tool head may include a pair of flanges configured as an object. Openings, apertures, or drill holes (referred to herein as “holes”) may be provided through the flanges and bosses. Flange holes may be defined by the inner sidewalls of the flanges, while boss holes may be defined by the inner sidewalls of the bosses. The holes in the flanges and bosses may be configured to be coaxially aligned with each other when the fixing shaft secures the interchangeable tool head to the fixing member. The fixing shaft may limit the movement of the interchangeable tool head by being received in at least one of the holes in the flanges and the holes in the bosses. An angle-fixing structure (e.g., an internal gear segment (e.g., a portion of an internal gear)) configured to mesh with at least a portion of a pinion segment may be integrally formed with or in a boss and flange to lock the interchangeable tool head at a predetermined angle relative to the fixing member (and therefore relative to the handle).

[0039] The boss can be configured to slide between the surfaces of opposing parallel flanges in the direction of the longitudinal axis until at least some of the first teeth on the flanges engage with at least some of the second teeth that can be formed in the boss. The angle of the interchangeable tool head relative to the fixing member (and therefore relative to the handle) can be selected based on which of the first teeth of the flanges engages with the second teeth of the boss. The fixing shaft can fix the angle of the interchangeable tool head relative to the fixing member (e.g., relative to the longitudinal axis) when it is received in at least one hole in the flange and in the hole of the boss. Changing the angle involves completely removing the fixing shaft from the hole of the boss, from the hole of the boss, and from the hole of the flange, and disengaging the first teeth of the flange from the second teeth of the boss.

[0040] Typically, the gardening tools described herein can be double-headed tools with different tool heads at their distal ends. The tool heads can be adjusted to various angles using a durable sprocket-like connecting structure. The tool heads can be interchangeable and can be selected from multiple tool heads, each realizing a different tool component (e.g., different working parts of a gardening tool). The handle can be divided into segments with specific angles between adjacent segments. These angles can be the same or different. These angles enhance the usability of the gardening tool. For example, an angled handle can provide the user with greater mechanical advantage compared to a straight handle. Additionally, due to these angles, the gardening tool can be flipped (e.g., rotated about the central axis of the handle) to provide a second function to the same tool head previously used for a first function (e.g., a soil scraper first function and a shovel second function). Furthermore, the angle of the tool head relative to the handle can be changed by the user. The multiple available angles between the tool head and the handle provide a variety of ways in which the tool components of the tool head can be used by the user of the gardening tool.

[0041] Figure 1A This is a top plan view of a dynamic dual-headed gardening tool 100, which includes two interchangeable tool heads (i.e., first tool head 102 and second tool head 104) that can be selected from a plurality of interchangeable tool heads, according to some aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1B The first fixed shaft cover 106 and the second fixed shaft cover 109 were removed. Figure 1A A top plan view of the gardening tool 100. A first fixed shaft cover 106 and a second fixed shaft cover 109 may be integrally formed with part of an overall structure referred to herein as a fixed shaft; however, the cover for the fixed shaft is optional. Alternatively, the cover may replace a gripping structure having a shape suitable for gripping and rotation. These structures / shapes may include tabs and wing nut structures / shapes, which may be integrally formed with the fixed shaft or may be part of an assembly configured to perform the function of the fixed shaft. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In this article, they can be collectively referred to as Figure 1.

[0042] In the example of Figure 1, the first implement head 102 is depicted as a hoe or hoe-shaped implement component, and the second implement head 104 is depicted as a fork weeder or fork tiller. The implement heads shown in Figure 1 are interchangeable and are provided as a non-limiting example.

[0043] The first angle 110 (denoted as A1) of the first tool head 102 relative to the handle 112 (or, as illustrated in the exemplary figures, relative to the first segment 126 of the handle 112) is selectable by the user. In the example of FIG1, the first tool member 103 of the first tool head 102 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 108 projecting from the first fixing member 114. This orientation may be referred to as the nominal orientation. The first tool head 102 may be redirected clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the nominal orientation. Redirection requires removal of the fixing shaft 131 from at least one flange and from an opening in the first fixing member 114. These openings are referred to herein as “holes” (e.g., drill holes). The opening in the flange is referred to as a “flange hole”, and the opening in the fixing member 114 is referred to as a “boss hole” because the opening is positioned through a portion of the fixing member 114 (which is referred to herein as a “boss”). Redirection requires removal of the fixing shaft 131 from the boss hole and at least one flange hole. Redirection also requires the first locking feature (also referred to herein as a pinion segment or pinion segment 116a) to disengage from the second locking feature (also referred herein as an internal gear segment, internal gear section, ring gear, ring gear section, or curved rack section 118a). Further details regarding the flange bore, boss bore, first locking feature, and second locking feature are provided throughout this disclosure.

[0044] The redirection establishes the first angle 110 described in FIG1. ​​The first angle 110 can be secured by inserting (e.g., engaging) the fixing shaft 131 into at least one flange hole and a boss hole. For example, to change the first angle 110 of the first tool head 102, the user can perform several steps. In the example of FIG1, the user can remove the first fixing shaft cover 106 (which in the example of FIG1 is connected to the first flange 117a of the first tool head 102) from the first fixing member 114 and the first flange 117a of the first tool head 102. Figure 5 The fixed male threaded member 534 is integrally formed. The user can also obtain it from the first fixed member 114 and the second flange (see, for example...). Figure 5 The second flange 519b) removes the second retaining shaft cover (far side of the first retaining shaft cover 106). The second retaining shaft cover is not shown in Figure 1. An example of the second retaining shaft cover could be... Figure 5 The second fixed shaft cover 528. Figure 5 In the example, Figure 5 The fixed shaft sleeve 530 with an internal female thread and / or the fixed shaft male thread member 534 can be collectively referred to as the fixed shaft. However, typically, in order to change the first angle 110, the user can remove the fixed shaft 131 from at least one flange hole and boss hole.

[0045] As used in this article, for fixed axes (such as...) Figure 1AThe references to fixed shaft 131 (and fixed shaft 631 of FIG. 6) are references to objects configured to be received within at least one flange hole and boss hole when the axial centers of at least one flange hole, boss hole, and fixed shaft are coaxially aligned. Under these conditions, the fixed shaft 131 is inserted to fix the flange of a tool head (e.g., first tool head 102) relative to a fixing member (e.g., first fixing member 114, or more specifically, the boss of the first fixing member 114). The relative position of the flange of the tool head relative to the fixing member prevents translation of the fixing member relative to at least one flange, or more specifically, prevents longitudinal translation of the fixing member relative to at least one flange in the direction of the longitudinal axis 108 of the first fixing member 114. According to some aspects, fixed shaft 131 may be cylindrical, but other shapes are also within the scope of this disclosure. Fixed shaft 131 may be smooth, and some or all of fixed shaft 131 may have external threads, internal threads, or any combination thereof. As used in this article, translation, relative to the xyz coordinate system, means a linear movement within the xy, yz, or xz planes. Translation is different from rotation about the x, y, or z axes.

[0046] To change the first angle 110, after withdrawing the fixed shaft 131, the user can withdraw the pinion segment 116a of the first tool head 102 from its engagement with the curved rack segment 118a of the first fixed member 114. The withdrawal can be along the longitudinal axis 108. After the pinion segment 116a is slidably withdrawn from the curved rack segment 118a, the user can rotatably redirect the first tool head 102 to any of a predetermined and fixed number of angular orientations. The user can then slidably insert (e.g., slidably engage) the pinion segment 116a into the conjugate corresponding feature of the curved rack segment 118a (e.g., until at least a portion of the pinion segment 116a meshes with at least a portion (or the entire portion) of the curved rack segment 118a, and the flange bore axis is coaxially aligned with the boss bore axis). As used herein, the term "meshing" can mean engagement of the entire depth of the space between the teeth of one gear (e.g., the pinion segment) and the teeth of another gear (e.g., the curved rack segment). The user can then insert the fixed shaft 131 into at least the first flange 538a and the boss to ensure the first tool head 1 02. No movement relative to the boss. In the example of Figure 1, pinion segment 116a is a segment of a pinion with a plurality of first teeth having a first angular pitch (e.g., the angular interval between the crests of adjacent teeth or between the valleys of adjacent teeth), and curved rack segment 118a is a segment of a curved rack gear with a plurality of second teeth having a first angular pitch. In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second teeth are sinusoidal in shape and configured for maximum surface area contact. Other tooth shapes, such as, for example, involute, cycloidal, and cocycloidal, as well as other locking feature structures, are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0047] return Figure 1A The user can select a second angle 128 (denoted as A2) of the second tool head 104 relative to the handle 112 (or, as illustrated in the exemplary drawings, relative to the second segment 130 of the handle 112). The process for rotatably redirecting and securing the second tool head 104 to the second fixing member 120 can be the same as or substantially similar to the process just described with reference to the first tool head 102 and the first fixing member 114. The third locking feature 122a of the second tool head 104 and the fourth locking feature 124a of the second fixing member 120 can be the same as or substantially similar to those just described with reference to the pinion segment 116a of the first tool head 102 and the curved rack segment 118a of the first fixing member 114. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, these processes and features will not be repeated. Generally, the processes and features will be described in more detail below.

[0048] For example, either or both of the first fixing member 114 and the second fixing member 120 may be formed of metal and by hot forging, formed of metal and by cold forging, formed of metal and by pouring molten metal into a casting, formed of plastic and by injection molding of plastic, and / or formed of glass fiber and by wrapping the glass fiber around a mold and impregnating the glass fiber with resin. The foregoing list is illustrative and non-limiting.

[0049] The first angle 110 may be the same as or different from the second angle 128. The angles depicted in Figure 1 are provided for illustration and not for limitation.

[0050] The handle 112 of the gardening tool 100 can be formed from one or more stock materials (e.g., the stock material can be a hollow tube). In the example of Figure 1, the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100 can be a tube of a hollow rectangular length. According to one example, the tube can be aerospace-grade aluminum. Note that the foregoing examples are non-limiting. For example, solid and hollow materials of any cross-sectional shape are within the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, it should be noted that other stock materials (including, for example, metals, fiberglass, and plastics) are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0051] The handle 112 can be straight or curved or take any shape. The handle 112 can be described as comprising multiple segments. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the handle 112 can be formed by three segments; namely, a first segment 126, a second segment 130, and a center segment 132. According to some aspects, as in the example of Figure 1, the multiple segments can be continuous with each other. According to other aspects, the multiple segments can be adjacent to each other and connected to each other by joints between adjacent segments (e.g., as shown in Figure 1). Figure 2 (As illustrated). In some examples, the handle may include one segment, two segments, three segments, or more segments.

[0052] exist Figure 1B In an exemplary embodiment, a fixed third angle 134 (denoted as A3) may exist between the first segment 126 and the center segment 132. By way of example only, the fixed third angle 134 may be any angle in the range of approximately 10 degrees to 30 degrees, or more specifically, any angle in the range of approximately 15 degrees to 25 degrees, or more specifically, an angle of approximately 20 degrees. Figure 1BIn an exemplary illustration, a fixed fourth angle 136 (designated as A4) may exist between the central section 132 and the second section 130. By way of example only, the fixed fourth angle 136 may be any angle within the range of about 10 degrees to 30 degrees, or more specifically any angle within the range of about 15 degrees to 25 degrees, or more specifically may be an angle of about 20 degrees. In the example of FIG. 1, the fixed third angle 134 and the fixed fourth angle 136 may be the same; however, having a fixed third angle 134 that is different from the fixed fourth angle 136 is also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] According to some aspects, the fixed third angle 134 and the fixed fourth angle 136 may be selected such that the ends of the sections respectively coupled to the first fixed member 114 and the second fixed member 120 are inclined toward each other on a side facing the central section 132 as shown in FIG. 1. According to other aspects, the fixed third angle 134 and the fixed fourth angle 136 may be selected such that the ends of the sections respectively coupled to the first fixed member 114 and the second fixed member 120 are inclined away from each other. According to still other aspects, the value of at least one of the fixed third angle 134 or the fixed fourth angle 136 may be zero; thus, in such aspects, although the handle may be described as having three sections, only a pair of sections will share a non-zero angle between them. The foregoing examples are illustrative and non-limiting.

[0054] In the exemplary illustration of FIG. 1, the first section 126 may have a first fixed length 138 (designated as L1), the central section 132 may have a fixed central length 140 (designated as LC), and the second section 130 may have a fixed second length 142 (designated as L2). The three lengths may be the same, or two lengths may be the same while the remaining length is different, or the three lengths may be different. In the exemplary illustration of FIG. 1, L1 < L2 < LC. These differences are illustrative and non-limiting. Other relative arrangements of the lengths of the first section 126, the second section 130, and the central section 132 are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] As described above, Figure 1B the gardening tool 100 is depicted with the first fixed shaft cap 106 and the second fixed shaft cap 109 removed. With the first fixed shaft cap 106 removed, the pinion segment 116a associated with the first tool head 102 and the curved rack segment 118a of the first fixed member 114 are visible. Similarly, with the second fixed shaft cap 109 removed, the third locking feature 122a associated with the second tool head 104 and the fourth locking feature 124a of the second fixed member 120 are visible. The various locking features and their interactions will be described in more detail below. Although Figure 1B ​​The locking features (e.g., pinion segment 116a and third locking feature 122a, and corresponding curved rack segments 118a and fourth locking feature 124a) are illustrated as identical, but the use of different locking features is also within the scope of this disclosure. For example, a pair of locking features may provide a greater number of predetermined fixed angular orientations than a second pair of locking features, or a pair of locking features may provide greater resistance to angular changes, or may be rated to withstand higher torques than a second pair of locking features.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a top plan view of another dynamic double-headed gardening tool 200, which includes two interchangeable tool heads (i.e., first tool head 202 and second tool head 204) that can be selected from a plurality of interchangeable tool heads, according to some aspects of this disclosure. In addition to the addition of a first inter-segment angle fixing feature 207 (e.g., a first joint) and a second inter-segment angle fixing feature 209 (e.g., a second joint), Figure 2 Similar in all respects to Figure 1. Similar to the example in Figure 1, the handle 212 of the gardening tool 200 may include a first segment 226, a second segment 230, and a center segment 232. Figure 2 In the example, adjacent segments can be connected to each other via an inter-segment angle fixing feature or a joint. The first inter-segment angle fixing feature 207 can be similar in construction and operation to... Figure 1B The first pair of pinion segments 116a and curved rack segments 118a (or Figure 1B (A pair of third locking features 122a and fourth locking features 124a). The second segment angle fixing feature 209 can be similar in construction and operation to... Figure 1B The first pair of pinion segments 116a and curved rack segments 118a (or Figure 1B (A pair of third locking features 122a and fourth locking features 124a). For the sake of brevity, the description of these features and related operations will not be repeated.

[0057] As depicted, the first segment angle fixing feature 207 can be configured to allow the user to repeatedly and selectively fix a fifth angle 234 (denoted as A5) between the first segment 226 and the center segment 232. The fifth angle 234 can be selected from a predetermined number of fixed angles. The fifth angle 234 can be relative to the axis of the center segment 232 of the handle 212 of the gardening tool 200 at, for example, approximately ±90 degrees, or more specifically, approximately ±60 degrees. Similarly, the second segment angle fixing feature 209 can be configured to allow the user to repeatedly and selectively fix a sixth angle 236 (denoted as A6) between the center segment 232 and the second segment 230. The sixth angle 236 can be selected from a predetermined number of fixed angles. The sixth angle 236 can be relative to the axis of the center segment 232 of the handle 212 of the gardening tool 200 at, for example, approximately ±90 degrees, or more specifically, approximately ±60 degrees. The predetermined number of fixed angles at the first inter-segment angle fixing feature 207 and the second inter-segment angle fixing feature 209 can be the same or different. The step size between the fixed angles can also be the same or different. The configuration of the first inter-segment angle fixing feature 207 and the second inter-segment angle fixing feature 209 can be the same or different.

[0058] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view of the gardening tool 100. For the sake of brevity, the descriptions of the components of FIG1 (e.g., handle 112, first fixing member 114, second fixing member 120, first tool head 102 and second tool head 104) described in conjunction with FIG1 will not be repeated.

[0059] exist Figure 3 The first tether hole 302 is identified (e.g., a through hole formed in the first fixing member 114 and defined by the inner wall of the first fixing member 114). Similarly, the second tether hole 304 is identified (e.g., a through hole formed in the second fixing member 120 and defined by the inner wall of the second fixing member 120). The first tether hole 302 and / or the second tether hole 304 can be used to secure one or more tethers (not shown) (e.g., ropes that may be looped and wrapped around the neck, shoulder, or wrist to hold the gardening tool 100) to the gardening tool. For example, one or more tethers can be used to increase the stability of the gardening tool 100 when the user uses it. One or more tethers can be used, for example, to secure the gardening tool 100 to prevent it from falling to the ground or to temporarily secure the gardening tool 100 to an object (e.g., a chair, stool, wall, or workbench).

[0060] The first rivet 306 and the second rivet 308 are also present. Figure 3As indicated in the diagram. According to some aspects, the first fixing member 114 can be insertably secured to the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100 using at least a first rivet 306. Similarly, the second fixing member 120 can be insertably secured to the handle 112 of the gardening tool using at least a second rivet 308. In some aspects, the first rivet 306 and / or the second rivet 308 can be installed and their heads are ground or polished to be flush with the surface of the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100. According to some examples, rivets, such as those used for attaching handles to kitchen or restaurant knives, can be used. Such rivets may be referred to as cutlery rivets. Of course, any fastening structure capable of securing the first fixing member 114 and the second fixing member 120 to the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100 is within the scope of the invention. For example, rivets, screws, bolts, and / or pins (alone or in combination with other components such as nuts and threaded holes) can be used to secure the first fixing member 114 and the second fixing member 120 to the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100.

[0061] According to some aspects, the first fixing member 114 and the second fixing member 120 can be permanently fixed to the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100. An adhesive (not shown) can be applied to the portions of the first fixing member 114 and the second fixing member 120 that insert into the hollow core of the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100. According to other aspects, the fit between some or all of the surfaces of the first fixing member 114 and the second fixing member 120 that insert into the hollow core of the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100 can be configured to have tight tolerances, such that a "force fit" (also referred to as, or similar to, a "friction fit" or "interference fit") is achieved when the first fixing member 114 and the second fixing member 120 enter the hollow core of the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100. Referring to FIG. 6, the first rib 660 and / or the second rib 662 of FIG. 6 can surround the second boss 664. The second boss 664 may project from the body segment 604 of the fixing member 614 in a direction different from that of the first boss 606, and may be configured to engage with a corresponding end of the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100. The first rib 660 and / or the second rib 662 may have external dimensions that facilitate force engagement between the inner surfaces of the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100 (which may be hollow). For example, the space above, below, and / or between either or both of the first rib 660 and / or the second rib 662 may be used to accommodate adhesive. According to some aspects, any one or any combination of one or more rivets, adhesives, and force engagements may be used to secure each fixing member (e.g., the first fixing member 114, the second fixing member 120) to the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100. Figure 4 China provides along Figure 3 The cross-section is taken from line 4-4. Figure 5 China provides Figure 3 An exploded view of part 500. Although the second boss 664 is depicted as being configured to engage with a corresponding end of the handle 112 by fitting within the hollow core of the handle 112, this disclosure is not limited to this form of engagement. In one example, the second boss 664 may be configured to fit onto the corresponding end of the handle like a sleeve. In another example, the second boss 664 may be configured to be threaded into or screwed onto the corresponding end of the handle. The foregoing examples are illustrative and non-limiting.

[0062] Figure 4 Based on some aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A and Figure 1B Gardening tools 100 along Figure 3 The cross-section of line 4-4 is depicted. What is shown is a rectangular hollow tube, such as the handle 112 of gardening tool 100. Of course, Figure 4 The configuration depicted is a non-limiting example. Other cross-sections are also within the scope of this disclosure. A portion of the first fixing member 114 is depicted as filling the hollow cross-section of the handle 112. According to some aspects, the portion of the first fixing member 114 entering the hollow space of the handle 112 and / or one or more ribs entering the hollow space of the handle 112 (e.g., Figure 6C The dimensional tolerances of the first rib 660 and the second rib 662 can be close to ensure force fit between them. Depending on other aspects, the material of the first fixing member 114 can be relatively more ductile than the material of the handle 112; the portion of the first fixing member 114 inserted into the handle 112 can be deformed and / or flowed, thereby securing that portion of the first fixing member to the handle 112. Figure 4 The diagram depicts a first rivet 306 and a rivet sleeve 307 (previously hidden from view). The heads of the first rivet 306 and the rivet sleeve 307 are depicted in a flush-to-surface configuration. For example, the illustrated configuration can be achieved by grinding and / or polishing any portion of the head (or other protrusion) of the first rivet 306 and / or the rivet sleeve 307 that protrudes from the outer surface of the handle 112.

[0063] Figure 5 Based on some aspects of this disclosure, such as Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of part 500 of the gardening tool 100 is depicted. The first fixing member 114 is depicted attached to the first handle end 502 of the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100 (wherein, for example, the first handle end 502 may be a corresponding handle end of a pair of distal handle ends). In Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 4The second flange 519b, which is concealed in the middle, is visible. Although the first rivet 306 and the rivet sleeve 307 are used in conjunction with the illustrated portion of the gardening tool 100, any fastening structure, such as rivets, screws, bolts, or pins (with or without adhesive), is within the scope of this disclosure.

[0064] The first fixing member 114, connected to the first handle end 502, may include a body segment 504 and a first boss 506 (e.g., may include a body segment 504 and a first boss 506, which may be formed by the body segment 504 and the first boss 506). For example, a second boss (e.g., 664 in FIG. 6) may be accommodated within a hollow space within the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100. The second boss is not in... Figure 5 The illustrations are shown to avoid confusing the figures. According to some aspects, the body segment 504 may have a finite, non-zero length and may be juxtaposed with the first handle end 502 of the handle 112, or the body segment 504 may have zero length and the first boss 506 may project from the second boss at the first handle end 502. The first boss 506, the body segment 504, and the second boss (not shown) may form a single integral part.

[0065] According to some aspects, the first boss 506 may project from the body section 504 and away from the first handle end 502 along a longitudinal axis 508 (wherein the longitudinal axis 508 is indicated by a double-headed arrow). The first boss 506 may include at least a portion having a first boss width (645 in FIG. 6) smaller than the width of the body section adjacent to the first boss 506 (647 in FIG. 6). Spaced-apart parallel boss surfaces 510a, 510b may space the first boss width (645 in FIG. 6). The first boss width (645 in FIG. 6) may correspond to a predetermined first distance (644 in FIG. 6) between the opposing parallel surfaces of the first flange 519a and the second flange 519b. Within manufacturing tolerances, appropriate dimensions may be selected to allow the first boss 506 to slide between the opposing parallel surfaces of the first flange 519a and the second flange 519b. The first boss 506 may also include a boss hole 513 defined by an inner sidewall 515 of the first boss 506. The boss hole 513 may have a boss hole center axis 512 (depicted as a long dashed line) that is perpendicular to the spaced-apart parallel boss surfaces 510a, 510b and also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 508.

[0066] The first fixing member 114 (or the first boss 506 of the first fixing member 114) may further include a pair of spaced-apart second locking features, the pair of spaced-apart second locking features including a curved rack segment 118a protruding from spaced-apart parallel boss surfaces 510a, 510b (wherein 510b is in Figure 5 (Not visible in the middle) and another second locking feature protruding from the opposite side of the first boss 506. In one example, a pair of spaced-apart curved rack segments (e.g., curved rack segment 118a and curved rack segment 118b) may be a pair of spaced-apart curved walls that may protrude vertically outward or away from the respective spaced-apart parallel boss surfaces 510a, 510b. Each spaced-apart curved wall may form a curved rack segment (e.g., curved rack segment 118a and curved rack segment 118b) that may span between spaced-apart edges of the first boss 506 (e.g., spaced-apart edges 656 in FIG. 6). Each of the pair of spaced-apart curved rack segments 118a, 118b may be configured as, for example, a segment of an internal gear (also called an internal ring gear or ring gear) having a plurality of second teeth having a given angular pitch.

[0067] According to some aspects, the curved rack segments 118a and 118b can each be curved rack gear segments. They are also referred to herein as curved rack segments (e.g., curved rack segments 618a and 618b of Figure 6). The angular pitch can be the angular distance between the tips of adjacent teeth or between the roots of adjacent teeth. As used herein, a segment can be a non-360-degree arc length of a circle, or a portion of a circle of a non-circular curve. According to some aspects, the angular pitch may not be uniformly divided into 360 degrees. For example, according to one aspect, the angular pitch can be 31.04 degrees. An angular pitch that is not uniformly divided into 360 degrees may contribute to maximizing the surface area including all or part of the space between the crowns of adjacent teeth, thereby increasing the total surface area on which the engaging teeth of the pinion segment can exert forces. As an example, a 31.04-degree angular pitch provides three full teeth and the space between them, plus two partial spaces on either side of the three full teeth. A 31.04-degree angular pitch provides five positions around which the tool head can be oriented. In this example, the total orientation range is 124.16 degrees. Some tool heads may have more or fewer adjustment positions (e.g., 6 positions or 4 positions). For a given torque applied to the tool head, the greater the number of teeth, the greater the likelihood of teeth peeling off from the pinion segment 116a, the curved rack segment 118a, or both. Additional factors related to durability include the materials used to manufacture the pinion segment 116a and the curved rack segment 118a, the entire depth of the space between adjacent teeth of the curved rack segment 118a, the height of adjacent teeth of the pinion segment 116a, and the thickness of the pinion segment 116a compared to the height of the curved rack segment 118a.

[0068] Figure 5A first tool head 102 is also depicted. According to some aspects, the first tool head 102 may include a pair of flanges (e.g., a first flange 519a and a second flange 519b) and a tool member 103. As used herein, the tool member 103 coupled to the first flange 519a and the second flange 519b may be collectively referred to herein as an interchangeable tool head (e.g., the interchangeable tool head 602 of FIG. 6). Interchangeable tool heads may embody corresponding tools. For example, Figure 10A Interchangeable implement head 1002 tiller, Figure 10B The interchangeable tool head 1004 push-pull rake Figure 10C The interchangeable tool head of the 1006 shovel.

[0069] exist Figure 5 In the example, the first flange 519a includes a segment of the first pinion, referred herein as the first pinion segment 516a (similar to pinion segment 116a of Figure 1). The term pinion is used herein to refer to a gear having outwardly radiating teeth, or a portion of a circular or non-circular toothed curve having outwardly radiating teeth, which meshes with an internal gear having inwardly radiating teeth, or with a portion of a circular or non-circular toothed curve having inwardly radiating teeth. The first pinion segment 516a may have a plurality of first teeth having a given angular pitch (i.e., a pitch that is the same as or complementary to the pitch of a plurality of second teeth of the first curved rack segment 518a (similar to curved rack segment 118a of Figure 1). Similarly, as used herein, a segment may be a non-360-degree arc length of a circle, or a portion of a circular or non-circular curve. The first pinion segment 516a may also include a first flange bore 521 defined by the inner sidewall 522 of the first flange 519a.

[0070] The first and second fixing structures can be, for example, a pinion segment and an internal gear segment configured to mesh with the pinion segment. The structures of the first and second fixing structures are interchangeable. Multiple teeth of these segments can be integrally formed with or formed in the flange and the first boss, and can be used to lock the interchangeable tool head at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis 508 of the first boss 506 of the first fixing member 114 (and therefore relative to the handle 112 of the gardening tool).

[0071] The internal gear segment, also referred to herein as the first curved rack segment 518a, may be concave semicircular and may have a center coinciding with the center of the central axis 512 of the boss hole 513. In one aspect, the internal gear segment (e.g., a ring gear or part of a ring gear) may have a small arc (less than 180 degrees) spanning the outer edges of the first boss 506. A plurality of second teeth of the internal gear segment may have tops radiating toward the central axis 512 of the boss hole 513. A plurality of second teeth may have roots located between the tops. Adjacent crowns and roots form adjacent spaces between teeth arranged in a semicircular pattern along the small arc between the ends of the first boss 506. In one example, the space between the teeth (measured between the crowns of the teeth) may have a maximum height (along the midpoint equidistant from the ends of the small arc) at the midpoint. Figure 5 (measured along the z-axis), and has a minimum height at both edges of the small arc. The minimum height can be achieved by gradually decreasing the height of the tops of one or more teeth at both ends of the small arc. In another example, the height of multiple second teeth (e.g., at...) Figure 5 The dimension (measured perpendicularly to the surface of the boss along the z-axis) can have a maximum value at the midpoint equidistant from the ends of the small arc, and a minimum height at both edges of the small arc. The minimum tooth height can be achieved by progressively decreasing the height of the top of one or more teeth at the two ends of the small arc.

[0072] Figure 5 A second flange 519b is also depicted, which includes a segment of the second pinion, referred to herein as the second pinion segment 516b. The second pinion segment 516b may include a first locking feature 116b formed such that the second pinion segment 516b has a given angular pitch (i.e., with...) Figure 5 The second locking feature (not shown) on the hidden side of the first boss 506 has multiple first teeth with multiple second teeth having the same or complementary pitches. The second pinion segment 516b may also include a second flange hole 523 defined by the inner sidewall 524 of the second flange 519b. The central axis of the second flange hole 523 and the previously described pinion central axis 532 may be collectively referred to as the pinion central axis 532.

[0073] exist Figure 5In the example, the inner wall 522 defines a straight cylinder; however, any shape is within the scope of this disclosure. The inner wall 524 defines a bracket bolt opening with a circular shape, wherein the two parallel segments of the circle are truncated; however, any shape is within the scope of this disclosure. The inner wall 524 can accommodate a bracket bolt feature 526 of a corresponding shape of the second fixed shaft cover 528. The bracket bolt feature 526 of the second fixed shaft cover 528, when accommodated in the second flange hole 523, serves to retain the fixed shaft sleeve 530 with internal female threads from rotating when the fixed shaft male thread member 534 rotates, to tighten or loosen the fixed shaft male thread member 534 in the fixed shaft sleeve 530 with internal female threads. The first fixed shaft cover 106 and the second fixed shaft cover 528 and their integral components are merely one example of a fixed shaft as described herein. Additional examples include bracket bolts and nuts or wing nuts, neither of which have a cover feature.

[0074] exist Figure 5 In the example, each of the first pinion segments 516a and 516b of the first flange 519a and the second flange 519b can be included in opposing parallel flange surfaces (e.g., opposing parallel flange surfaces 625a, 625b of FIG. 6). In some examples, the corresponding opposing parallel flange surfaces (e.g., 625a, 625b of FIG. 6) can slide in contact with corresponding corresponding spaced parallel boss surfaces 510a, 510b. Manufacturing tolerances can allow for space between the opposing surfaces.

[0075] The pinion central axis 532, which can be perpendicular to the opposing parallel flange surfaces (e.g., 625a, 625b of FIG. 6) and perpendicular to the spaced-apart parallel boss surfaces 510a, 510b, can be configured to slide along the opposing parallel flange surfaces (e.g., 625a, 625b of FIG. 6) parallel to the longitudinal axis 508 and along the longitudinal axis 508 and between the spaced-apart parallel boss surfaces 510a, 510b, such that at least a portion of a plurality of first teeth of the pinion segment meshes with at least a portion of a plurality of second teeth of the internal gear segment near the body segment 504 of the first fixing member 114, and is then coaxially aligned with the central axis 512 of the boss hole of the first fixing member 114.

[0076] Once the central axis 512 of the boss hole and the central axis 532 of the pinion are coaxially aligned, Figure 5 In the example, the fixed shaft, represented as a fixed shaft sleeve 530 with an internal thread (integrated with the second fixed shaft cover 528), can pass through the second flange hole 523 and enter (or enter and pass through) the boss hole 513 of the first boss 506 of the first fixed member 114, thereby fixing the first tool head 102 at a first angle 110 selected by the user.

[0077] Subsequently, according to Figure 5 For example, the male threaded member 534 of the first fixed shaft cover 106 can be threaded into the fixed shaft sleeve 530 having an internal female thread. The first fixed shaft cover 106 can be rotated to secure the male threaded member 534 into the fixed shaft sleeve 530 having an internal female thread. The bracket bolt feature 526 and thus the fixed shaft sleeve 530 having an internal female thread can be prevented from rotating because it is already received in the second flange hole 523. For example, a device such as a hex wrench (not shown) can be inserted into the device receiving feature 536 of the first fixed shaft cover 106 to rotate the male threaded member 534 of the first fixed shaft cover 106 to insert or withdraw the male threaded member 534 into or from the fixed shaft sleeve 530 having an internal female thread. According to some aspects, the fixed shaft sleeve 530 having an internal female thread and the bracket bolt feature 526 can be integrally formed with the second fixed shaft cover 528. According to some aspects, the male threaded member 534 of the fixed shaft can be integrally formed with the first fixed shaft cover 106. Other hardware and / or different orientations and / or configurations of hardware that can be used to secure the fixed shaft (e.g., similar to a fixed shaft sleeve 530 with an internal female thread) to coaxial alignment with the pinion central axis 532 and the boss hole central axis 512 are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0078] In general, gardening tools such as the gardening tool 100 of FIG1 may include: a handle 112 having spaced-apart handle ends (see, for example, a first handle end 502); at least one tool head 102 including a tool member 103 and a pair of flanges 519a, 519b coupled to and extending from the tool member 114, each flange 519a, 519b including flange holes 521, 52 defined by inner flange walls 522, 524. 3. A pair of flanges 519a and 516b having a common first center with the flange holes, the pair of flanges 519a and 516b having opposing parallel flange surfaces, each of the opposing parallel flange surfaces including a pinion segment and having a pinion central axis 532 intersecting the common first center and perpendicular to the opposing parallel flange surfaces, the opposing parallel flange surfaces being spaced apart by a predetermined first distance; at least a first fixing member 114, the at least first fixing member 114 being connected to the pair of flanges 519a and 516b. Between 9b and the corresponding handle end 502, the first fixing member 114 includes: a first boss 506 that protrudes relative to the first fixing member 114 along a longitudinal axis 508, the first boss 506 having parallel first boss surfaces 510a and 510b spaced apart by a predetermined first distance, a first boss hole 513 defined by the inner sidewall 515 of the first boss, and a first boss hole central axis that intersects the center of the first boss hole and is perpendicular to the parallel first boss surfaces 510a and 510b. 512, each of the respective first boss surfaces 510a, 510b has a curved rack segment 518a (see also curved rack segments 618a, 618b) that protrudes vertically from it and is configured to mesh with at least a portion of the pinion segments 516a, 516b, and a fixed shaft (see, for example, a fixed shaft sleeve 530) that is insertably received in at least one flange hole 521, 523 and a first boss hole 513 after the pinion central axis 532 and the first boss hole central axis 512 are coaxially aligned.

[0079] Figure 6A This is a left front view of the fixing member 614 and the interchangeable tool head 602 of a oriented gardening tool arranged at intervals according to some aspects of this disclosure. The gardening tool may be similar to the gardening tool 100 of FIG1 and / or Figure 2 Gardening tools 200. Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Top view of the fixing component 614 and the interchangeable tool head 602. Figure 6C Based on some aspects of this disclosure Figure 6A and Figure 6B A top plan view of the fixed component 614 and the interchangeable tool head. Figure 6CIn the process, the fixing member 614 is longitudinally translated along the longitudinal axis 606 to slidably engage the first boss 606 of the fixing member 614 between a pair of opposing parallel flange surfaces 625a, 625b of the interchangeable tool head 602. Figure 6C This can represent a possible angular orientation (e.g., a possible rotation angle) between the interchangeable tool head 602 and the fixed member 614 (or more specifically, between the interchangeable tool head 602 and a pair of flanges 619a, 619b). Figure 1A As shown, the angles (e.g., first angle 110, second angle 128) between the interchangeable tool head 602 (e.g., the connection assembly of the first tool head 102 and the flange, or the connection assembly of the second tool head 104 and the flange) and the fixing members (e.g., the first fixing member 114, the second fixing member 120) can be variably fixed by the user. These angles can be relative to a longitudinal axis extending from the fixing member (e.g., Figure 5 508 Figure 6B (608) Measuring angles (e.g., first angle 110, second angle 128). Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C This text may refer to it individually or collectively as Figure 6.

[0080] Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C Each of the preceding figures depicts a portion of the interchangeable tool head 602. The interchangeable tool head 602 includes a tool component 603, which is drawn in dashed lines to indicate that the tool component 603 can be any type of tool component. For example, the tool component 603 can be a working part (separate from its handle) of a hoe, bulldozer, shovel, or any other type of object or structure (including any type of gardening tool) for a particular purpose. The preceding list is exemplary and not limiting.

[0081] A pair of flanges (e.g., a first flange 619a and a second flange 619b) may extend from the appliance member 603. Typically, two of the pair of flanges 619a, 619b extend from one side of the appliance member 603, as illustrated by the example; however, according to the further spatial relationships described below, the two flanges are not limited to extending from one side of the appliance member 603. The pair of flanges 619a, 619b may be joined to the appliance member 603 by, for example, welding or brazing.

[0082] Each of the pair of flanges 619a, 619b may include a corresponding flange hole. In the example of FIG. 6, the first flange 619a includes a first flange hole 621, and the second flange 619b includes a second flange hole 623. The first flange hole 621 and the second flange hole 623 may be collectively referred to herein as a first pinion segment hole. The first flange hole 621 and the second flange hole 623 may each be defined by the inner sidewall of the first flange 619a and the second flange 619b (not shown in FIG. 6). Furthermore, each of the pair of flanges 619a, 619b may include pinion segments 616a, 616b. The pair of pinion segments 616a, 616b may be individually or collectively referred to herein as pinion segment 616.

[0083] In the example of Figure 6, the first pinion segment 616a may include a plurality of first teeth, and the second pinion segment 616b may include a corresponding plurality of first teeth. The first pinion segment 616a and the second pinion segment 616b may be formed in the first flange 619a and the second flange 619b, for example, by stamping, broaching, cold forging or hot forging and other techniques.

[0084] The first flange hole 621 and the pinion segment 616a may have a common first center 642. The second flange hole 623 and its corresponding pinion segment 616b may have a common second center (not shown). The common flange hole axis (referred to herein as the pinion center axis 632) may intersect with the first center 424 and the second center (not shown).

[0085] A pair of flanges 619a and 619b may each have opposing parallel flange surfaces 625a and 625b. The opposing parallel flange surfaces 625a and 625b may include at least each corresponding pinion segment 616a and 616b, and a first flange hole 621 and a second flange hole 623. As described above, the pinion central axis 632 may intersect with a first center 424 and a second center (not shown), and may also be perpendicular to the opposing parallel flange surfaces 625a and 625b. The opposing parallel flange surfaces 625a and 625b may be spaced apart by a predetermined first distance 644.

[0086] Gardening tools such as the gardening tool 100 of Figure 1 may include two fixing members, such as a first fixing member 114 and a second fixing member 120 of Figure 1. As illustrated herein, the first fixing member 114 may be engaged at the respective handle ends between a pair of flanges 619a, 619b (see example...). Figure 5 (First handle end 502). Figure 6 illustrates a fixing member without handle 112, namely fixing member 614, to avoid confusing the figures.

[0087] The fixing member 614 may include a first boss 606 protruding along a longitudinal axis 608 relative to the fixing member 614. The longitudinal axis 608 and the direction of translational movement along the longitudinal axis 608 are both determined by… Figure 6B The wide double-headed arrow in the middle represents this.

[0088] The first boss 606 may have a pair of parallel boss surfaces 610a, 610b spaced apart by a first boss width 645. For manufacturing purposes, a gap may be considered such that the predetermined first distance 644 and the first boss width 645 are substantially the same, but allow the first boss 606 to be slidably received between a pair of flanges 619a, 619b.

[0089] The first boss 606 may have a boss hole 615 defined by the inner sidewall of the first boss 606 (not shown in FIG. 6). The central axis 612 of the boss hole may intersect with the center 648 of the boss hole and may be perpendicular to a pair of parallel boss surfaces 610a, 610b. Each of the pair of parallel boss surfaces 610a, 610b may have a corresponding curved rack segment 618a, 618b extending perpendicularly from the corresponding boss surface of the pair of parallel boss surfaces 610a, 610b. For ease of reference, the curved rack segments 618a, 618b may be referred to herein individually or collectively as curved rack segment 618.

[0090] Figure 6A A fixed shaft assembly 630 is also depicted. After the first boss 606 has been longitudinally translated along the longitudinal axis 608 between opposing parallel flange surfaces 625a, 625b, and after the corresponding pinion segments 616a, 616b have engaged with the corresponding curved rack segments 618a, 618b, and after the pinion central axis 632 and the boss hole central axis 612 have been coaxially aligned, the fixed shaft 631 can be insertably received in at least one of the first flange hole 621 or the second flange hole 623 and the boss hole 615. A double-headed dashed arrow 650 indicates the slidability of the first of the opposing parallel flange surfaces 625a above the boss surface 610a. A similar double-headed arrow indicating the slidability of the second of the opposing parallel flange surfaces 625b above the boss surface 610b is omitted to avoid confusion in the drawings.

[0091] Figure 6AA pair of parallel dashed lines in the figure represent the thickness 652 of the second pinion segment 616b (e.g., the thickness of the portion of the second flange 619b that includes the second pinion segment 616b). The thickness 652 of the second pinion segment 616b may be equal to the thickness of the first pinion segment 616a; however, different thicknesses are within the scope of this disclosure. According to some aspects, the combined thickness of the first pinion segment 616a, the second pinion segment 616b, and the first boss 606 may be approximately equal to the body segment width 647 of the body segment 604 of the fixing member 614. According to some aspects, the thickness of the first pinion segment 616a, measured between parallel opposing first pinion segment surfaces, may be less than or equal to the maximum height (measured along the z-axis in FIG. 6) between the outer surface 654 of the boss surface (e.g., boss surface 610a) of the first boss 606 or between the corresponding handle end and the body segment 604.

[0092] exist Figure 6B and Figure 6C In the first pinion segment 616a, each of the plurality of first teeth is numbered 1 to 8. Similarly, the outer boss surface 654 of the first boss 606 and / or the main body segment 604 of the fixing member 614 are marked with the letters B, C, and D, which correspond to the plurality of second teeth of the curved rack segment 618a. Figure 6A and Figure 6B As illustrated, the outer surface 654 of the first boss 606 tapers to the boss surface 610a. This taper prevents interference between any of the plurality of first teeth of the pinion segment 616a and any of the plurality of second teeth of the curved rack segment 618a. It can be seen from the illustration, particularly at the locations marked with dashed lines 667 and 669, that if the curved rack segment 618 extends through a second arc length 674 available for use with the plurality of second teeth of the curved rack segment 618 (see...). Figure 6CThe full height of the outer surface 654 of the first boss 606, which is eliminated in FIG. 6 to reflect the outermost tooth of the aspect of this disclosure (e.g., in the position corresponding to A, it is counterclockwise from B to E, and clockwise from D) will interfere with teeth 3 and 6 of the first pinion segment 616a. This interference will prevent the first of the opposing parallel flange surfaces 625a of the first pinion segment 616a from translating along the boss surface 610a in the direction of the longitudinal axis 608 to the point where at least a portion of the first pinion segment 616a (e.g., a subset of the plurality of first teeth of the first pinion segment 616a, labeled 3, 4, 5, and 6) meshes with at least a portion of the curved rack segment 618a near the body segment 604 (e.g., at least a subset of the plurality of second teeth of the curved rack segment 618a, labeled B, C, and D). In this situation, due to interference, the coaxial alignment of the boss hole center axis 612 with the pinion center axis 632 will be prevented, and the fixed shaft 631 will not be accommodated within at least one flange hole 623 and boss hole 615. Therefore, the width of the path through which the pinion segment 616a engages with the curved rack segment 618a is limited to an unacceptable width 670 for those teeth removed from the curved rack segment 618a. Removal can be achieved as a step function (e.g., eliminating a sudden decrease in tooth height), or as a tapered function (e.g., as shown in Figure 6), or as any function to prevent interference (such as those shown and described herein).

[0093] According to certain aspects, and as stated above, each corresponding pinion segment 616a, 616b can be as follows: Figure 6C The segment depicted in the text is a first pinion or a first circular or non-circular curve with a first arc length of 672, and each corresponding curved rack segment 618 can be as follows: Figure 6C The depicted segment is an internal gear or ring gear with teeth pointing inward toward the center of the ring, having a second arc length of 674. The first arc length 672 may be greater than the second arc length 674. As used herein, arc length is the distance along an arc, where the arc is a portion of the circumference of a circle (e.g., ...). Figure 6C (as illustrated), or the distance of a portion of any circular or non-circular curve.

[0094] In some examples, a subset of the multiple second teeth can be removed (partially or completely) along the second arc length 674 (e.g., the number of multiple second teeth is less than the total number of multiple second teeth of the curved rack segment 618 along the second arc length 674, which would prevent any one of the multiple first teeth (denoted as teeth 1 to teeth 8) of the pinion segment 616 along the first arc length 672 from translating in the direction along the longitudinal axis 608 to be accommodated in the slot between the multiple second teeth (e.g., between teeth B and teeth C, between teeth C and teeth D)) to avoid such interference. For illustrative purposes, in Figure 6B and Figure 6CThree teeth (labeled B, C, and D) along the second arc length 674 of the curved rack segment 618 are marked. Teeth labeled A and E (not shown) are located within the region of the first boss 606, which is depicted as tapering from the maximum value (e.g., the widest point or substantially the widest point) of the outer surface 654 of the first boss 606 to spaced edges 656 (e.g., points) adjacent to and located on the boss surface 610a. This tapering... Figure 6A The outline shown in the figure (see the area with decreasing width between reference numerals 654 and 656) is illustrated as... Figure 6B A series of spaced horizontal lines above the reference numeral 656 in the attached figure.

[0095] In some examples, the first pinion segment 616a may have a plurality of first teeth (e.g., teeth 1 to 8) having a first angular pitch, and the first curved rack segment 618a may be a segment of an internal gear (not explicitly identified in FIG. 6, but indicated as including teeth B, C, and D) having a plurality of second teeth (e.g., teeth B, C, and D) having a first angular pitch (i.e., the same pitch as the plurality of first teeth of the first pinion segment 616a), wherein the plurality of first teeth may be larger than the plurality of second teeth, and engagement of the pinion segment 616a with the curved rack segment 618a includes inserting at least some of the plurality of first teeth into (e.g., engaging to full or maximum available depth) slots between at least some of the plurality of second teeth.

[0096] According to some aspects, a first angle (not shown, e.g., a reference line or baseline of the first angle) of the pinion segment 616a relative to a point on the surface of the tool member 603 is fixed, wherein, for example, the first angle may be referenced to a line (not shown) intersecting with a common first center 642 and any point on the surface of the tool member 603, and a second angle (e.g., the first angle 110 or the second angle 129 of FIG. 1) between the first angle and the longitudinal axis 608 may be changed after the fixing shaft 631 is removed from the first boss 606 and a pair of flanges 619a, 619b (or either of them if the fixing shaft 631 is only housed in one of them). In some respects, the second angle between the first angle and the longitudinal axis 608 (e.g., the first angle 110 or the second angle 129 of FIG. 1) can be changed after (or only after) the following operations: removing the fixing shaft 631 from the first boss 606 and a pair of flanges 619a, 619b (or either of them if the fixing shaft 631 is accommodated in only one of them), and making the pinion segment 616 relative to the longitudinal axis 608 by longitudinally translating the first boss 606 between the opposing parallel flange surfaces 625a, 625b. The bent rack segment 618 separates, causing the pinion segment 616 to rotate relative to the bent rack segment 618. This causes the first boss 606 to translate longitudinally along the longitudinal axis 608 between opposing parallel flange surfaces 625a, 625b, so that the pinion segment 616 re-engages with the bent rack segment 618. (In the first boss 606 and a pair of flanges 619a, 619b, or any one of them) the fixed shaft assembly 630 is re-accommodated to re-coaxially align the pinion center axis 632 and the boss hole center axis 612 (with the center axis of the fixed shaft assembly 630). Figure 6A The exploded view shows it coinciding with the central axis 632 of the pinion.

[0097] Return to Figure 1. Figure 5 Figures 6 and 7 are provided for reference. Gardening tool 100 may include a handle 112 having spaced-apart handle ends. The gardening tool may also include at least one tool head, which includes a tool member 103 and a pair of flanges coupled to and extending from the tool member 103 (e.g., Figure 5 The first flange 519a and the second flange 519b (Figure 6, Figure ... Figure 5The pair of flanges (516a and 516b of FIG. 6, 616a and 616b of FIG. 7, and 716 of FIG. 7) define flange holes 514. The pinion segments may have a common first center with the flange holes 514. The pair of flanges may have opposing parallel flange surfaces 625a, 625b of FIG. 6, each flange surface including a pinion segment (as described above) and having a pinion central axis 532 intersecting the common first center and perpendicular to the opposing parallel flange surfaces 625a, 625b. The opposing parallel flange surfaces 625a, 625b may be spaced apart by a predetermined first distance 644. The gardening tool may also include at least fixing members 114, 614, 714 that can be connected between the pair of flanges (as described above) and the respective handle ends.

[0098] According to some aspects, the fixing members 114, 614, 714 may include first bosses 506, 606 protruding relative to the fixing members 114, 614, 714 along longitudinal axes 508, 608, 708, the first bosses 506, 606 having spaced-apart parallel boss surfaces 510a, 510b, 610a, 610b spaced apart by a predetermined first distance 644. The first bosses 506, 606 may include a boss hole 513 defined by an inner sidewall 515, and a boss hole central axis 512, 612, the boss hole central axis 512, 612 intersecting the center of the first boss hole and perpendicular to the spaced-apart parallel boss surfaces 510a, 510b, 610a, 610b, each of the respective first boss surfaces having a curved rack segment (e.g., first curved rack segment 118a, first curved rack segment 518a, first curved rack segment 618a, second curved rack segment 618b, curved rack segment 718), which protrudes vertically from the center of the boss hole and is configured to mesh with at least a portion of a pinion segment (as described above).

[0099] After the central axes 532, 632 of the pinion gear and the central axes 512, 612 of the boss hole are coaxially aligned, the gardening tool may further include a fixed shaft 631, 731 (similar to) that can be inserted into at least one flange hole (e.g., first flange hole 521, second flange hole 523, first flange hole 621, second flange hole 623, boss hole 513 and boss hole 613). Figure 5 (530) a fixed bushing with internal female thread.

[0100] refer to Figure 6CAccording to some aspects, pinion segment 616a may have a first arc length 672, and curved rack segment 618a may have a second arc length 674, wherein the first arc length 672 is greater than the second arc length 674. According to some examples, the second arc length 674 may be absent from any portion of the plurality of second teeth of the curved rack segment 618a, which would prevent slidable engagement of any first tooth of the plurality of first teeth of the pinion segment 616a on the corresponding parallel boss surface 610a along the longitudinal axis 608, and prevent any portion of the plurality of first teeth from engaging with the full depth of the corresponding space between teeth (e.g., between any crowns B, C, D in FIG. 6 or adjacent to the outer portions of crowns B and D).

[0101] In some examples, a retaining shaft 631, which can be accommodated in at least one of the second flange hole 623 or the first flange hole 621 and the first boss hole 613, can prevent translation of the first boss 606 relative to the pair of flanges 619a, 619b along the longitudinal axis 608. In some examples, the retaining shaft 631, which can be accommodated in at least one of the second flange hole 623 or the first flange hole 621 and the first boss hole 613, securely maintains the meshing engagement of the bent rack segments 618a, 618b with at least a portion of the pinion segments 616a, 616b. In other examples, after the pinion central axis 632 and the boss hole central axis 612 are coaxially aligned and after the meshing engagement of at least a portion of the bent rack segments 618a, 618b and the pinion segments 616a, 616b, the retaining shaft 631 can be insertably accommodated in at least one flange hole 623, 621 and the first boss hole 613.

[0102] In some examples, the angle of the tool component 603 relative to the longitudinal axis 608 can be fixed until the fixed shaft 631 is removed from the first boss hole 613.

[0103] Returning to Figure 1, the handle 112 can be subdivided into at least three tandemly connected handle segments, including: a first segment 126 having a first fixed length 138, and connected to a first end and a first opposite end away from the first end of a first fixing member 114; a second segment 130 having a fixed second length 142, and connected to a second end and a second opposite end away from the second end of a second fixing member 120; and a center segment 132 having a fixed center length 140, connecting at a respective end of the center segment 132 between the first opposite end of the first segment 126 and the second opposite end of the second segment 130. In some aspects, a fixed third angle 134 between the center segment 132 and the first segment 126 is a first acute angle, and a fixed fourth angle 136 between the center segment 132 and the second segment 130 is a second acute angle. In some examples, the first and second acute angles cause the first segment 126 and the second segment 130 to form an angle toward the side of the center segment 132. According to one aspect, the first segment 126, the center segment 132, and the second segment 130 can form a continuous element. Additionally, the fixed third angle 134 can be equal to the fixed fourth angle 136.

[0104] refer to Figure 2 In some aspects, at least two or more of the first segment 226, the center segment 232, and the second segment 230 may be formed as separate pieces, and the connection between at least two or more of the first segment 226, the center segment 232, and the second segment 230 may also include a first segment angle fixing feature 207 and a second segment angle fixing feature 209, which are configured to be fixed at any one of a plurality of angles, the plurality of angles being set within the range of a fifth angle 234, and the sixth angle 236 being within the range of at least ±90 degrees relative to the center segment 232, including ±90 degrees.

[0105] Returning to Figure 1, in some examples, each of a pair of fixing members (e.g., first fixing member 114, second fixing member 120) may also include a second boss 664 of Figure 6 extending away from the first boss 606. For example, the second boss 664 may be configured to engage with a corresponding end of the handle 112 of Figure 1. According to some aspects, the second boss 664 may be configured to fit into a hollow space in the handle 112. The gardening tool 100 may also include at least one fixing member (such as a first rivet 306 and a rivet sleeve 307) configured to be received in a through hole 607 formed in the handle 112 and the second boss 664 and passing through the handle 112 and the second boss 664.

[0106] Figure 7AThis is a top plan view of a portion of a fixing member 714 (similar to fixing member 614 in FIG. 6), a tool head 702 (similar to interchangeable tool head 602 in FIG. 6), and a handle 712 (similar to handle 112 in FIG. 1) of a gardening tool (such as gardening tool 100 in FIG. 1). A second boss 764 is shown in perspective to scale and orientation. The second boss 764 protrudes from the body section of the fixing member toward and into the hollow space in the handle 712.

[0107] exist Figure 7A In the middle, tool head 702 from Figure 7B The nominal orientation shown is rotated clockwise by a first predetermined angular distance 701 relative to the longitudinal axis 708. The fixed shaft 731 is depicted as being received coaxially aligned with a hole defined by the inner wall of the boss of the fixing member 714 and a hole defined by the inner wall of at least one flange of the tool head 702. The fixed shaft 731, received in the boss hole and at least one flange hole, prevents translation relative to a pair of flanges along the longitudinal axis of the first boss. Lateral translation would involve sliding of the facing and opposing flange surfaces along adjacent boss surfaces. According to some aspects, the fixed shaft 731, received in at least one flange hole and boss hole, securely maintains the meshing engagement of at least a portion of the bent rack segment 718 and the pinion segment 716. According to some aspects, after the meshing engagement of at least a portion of the bent rack segment 718 and the pinion segment 716, and after the coaxial alignment of the pinion central axis and the boss hole central axis, the fixed shaft 731 can be insertably received in at least one flange hole and boss hole.

[0108] exist Figure 7A In the example, tooth 1 of pinion segment 716 is accommodated within a portion of the space positioned counterclockwise from tooth B of curved rack segment 718. Figure 7A In the example, the angular pitch between the crown and root of an adjacent tooth can be represented in degrees by the angle segment X 720. Figure 7A In the example, X is approximately 31 degrees. Other values ​​of X are also within the scope of this disclosure. Each repositioning of the pinion segment 716 causes a corresponding change in the orientation of the tool head 702. From Figure 7A The orientation depicted, a clockwise reorientation of X degrees, can cause a portion of the flange to interfere with the fixed member 714. A counter-clockwise inward reorientation in increments of X degrees (i.e., by one tooth) allows tooth 2 of pinion segment 716 to occupy a portion of the space counter-clockwise from tooth B of curved rack segment 718. An additional counter-clockwise reorientation in increments of X degrees allows tooth 3 of pinion segment 716 to occupy a portion of the space counter-clockwise from tooth B of curved rack segment 718. This orientation is illustrated in… Figure 7B middle.

[0109] Figure 7Byes Figure 7A A top plan view of the fixing member 714 and the tool head 702, wherein the tool head 702 is in a "nominal" orientation. In the nominal orientation, the tooth 3 of the pinion segment 716 occupies part of the space counterclockwise from the tooth B of the curved rack segment 718. In the nominal orientation, the plane of the tool member 703, parallel to the tool head 702, is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 708 and to the corresponding longitudinal axis (not shown) extending from the end of the handle (i.e., from the end of the handle 712 where the second boss 764 is located). Various ways of angular orientation of the tool head 702 relative to the handle 712 are described. It should be noted that not all tool heads can extend perpendicularly from their flanges as in the tool head 702 of Figure 7. Therefore, for consistency and without constituting any limitation, the angle of the tool head described herein may be based on the angular distance of the tool member 703 of the tool head 702 having a nominal orientation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 708 extending from the boss of the fixing member 714.

[0110] from Figure 7B The nominal orientation, a clockwise redirection in increments of X degrees (i.e., one tooth), allows tooth 4 of pinion segment 716 to occupy part of the space counterclockwise from tooth B of curved rack segment 718. An additional counterclockwise redirection in increments of X degrees allows tooth 5 of pinion segment 716 to occupy part of the space counterclockwise from tooth B of curved rack segment 718. This orientation is illustrated in… Figure 7C middle.

[0111] Figure 7C yes Figure 7B A top plan view of the fixing member 714 and the tool head 702, wherein the tool head 702 is from... Figure 7B The nominal orientation is rotated counterclockwise to the maximum angular displacement 705. Further reorientation of the tool head 702 in the counterclockwise direction will cause interference between the flange and the fixed member 714. If the tool head, for example, rotates counterclockwise from... Figure 7C The positions shown increase counterclockwise by another X-degree increment, or from... Figure 7A The positions shown are increased clockwise by another X degree increment, which can clear the different designs of the flange of the fixing member within the scope of this disclosure.

[0112] exist Figures 7A to 7CIn the example, an exemplary tool head 702 having an exemplary pinion segment 716 that meshes with an exemplary curved rack segment 718 can be redirected from a starting position angle clockwise relative to the longitudinal axis 708 to an ending position angle counterclockwise relative to the longitudinal axis 708. Thus, this example depicts a total of five available orientations, including a starting orientation with a total angular redirection capability of approximately 124 degrees. The values ​​of orientation and angle segment X 720 are illustrative and non-limiting. Other values ​​of angle segment X 720, greater than or less than the example of approximately 31 degrees provided herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Increasing angle segment X 720 can result in a smaller number of teeth in both the pinion segment 716 and the curved rack segment 718. Decreasing angle segment X 720 can result in a larger number of teeth in both the pinion segment 716 and the curved rack segment 718. A trade-off can be made between the value of the angle segment X 720 (and the corresponding number of teeth) and the resistance to the torque force that could potentially damage (e.g., peel off) the teeth around the pinion axis and the coaxial boss hole axis.

[0113] Figure 7D Based on some aspects of this disclosure Figure 7C A top plan view of the fixing member 714 and the tool head 702, wherein the tool head 702 is removed from the fixing member, rotated about the longitudinal axis 708, and reinstalled into the fixing member 714. Reorientation of the tool head is achieved by rotating the tool head from pointing to the right to pointing to the left. Note the orientation of the handle 712 in... Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C and Figure 7D Nothing has changed. Figure 7D The tool head 702 rotates only. The redirection capability of the tool head 702 in this respect provides an additional range of angular orientation capability relative to the handle 712.

[0114] Figure 8AThis is a gardening tool 800 (similar to gardening tool 100 of FIG. 1) with a first fixed orientation of the tool head 802 relative to the handle 812, according to some aspects of this disclosure. The angle of the tool head 802 relative to the handle 812 can be fixed in a clockwise direction from the nominal orientation and used for a first purpose. For example, the tool head 802 may be a hoe, and the first purpose may be to scrape or rake the surface of a plot of soil 807 to make the surface smooth. An example is shown of a human hand and forearm (e.g., the user's right hand and forearm). For example, by pulling the handle 812 in the direction of a first force 811 (denoted as F1), a mound of soil to the right of the tool head 802 can be scraped or rake into a depression to the right of the mound. An applied force 815 (denoted as E1) (e.g., a force) may be applied downward at the midpoint of the handle 812. The applied force 815 may be applied by the user's left hand (not shown). In this way, with the tool head 802 fixed in a first orientation relative to the handle 812, the gardening tool 800 can be used as a third type of lever. According to some aspects of this disclosure, the fulcrum 813 of the third type of lever is located at the right hand of the illustrated user, the applied force is applied downward as force 815 at the midpoint of the handle 812, and the load 817 (denoted as L) moves downward at the end of the handle 812 (e.g., at the tool head 802).

[0115] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A Gardening tools 800, of which handle 812 is from Figure 8A The directional rotation is shown (e.g., reverse rotation). That is, the user rotates the handle 812 about the axis (not shown) of the central segment of the handle 812 to move the handle 812 and the tool head 802 from... Figure 8A The orientation is flipped or reversed 180 degrees as shown. The angle of the tool head 802 relative to the handle 812 is maintained. Figure 8A The same first fixed orientation is depicted. The tool head 802 remains unchanged; it is still a hoe. However, the gardening tool 800 is now used for a second purpose; that is, Figure 8BThe gardening tool 800 can be used as a lever to pry stones 809 from a patch of soil 807. An applied force 815 can be applied in a direction substantially as shown on the end of the handle 812 away from the soil 807. One or both of the user's hands can pull or push the end of the handle 812 away from the soil 807 to apply the force 815. A fulcrum 813 is now located at the end of the handle 812 near the soil 807 (e.g., at the tool head 802). As shown, a load 817 can now be lifted from the soil 807 in the indicated direction by applying the applied force 815 to the handle 812. In this way, with the tool head 802 fixed and held in a first orientation relative to the handle 812, the gardening tool 800 can be used as a third type of lever. The ability of a tool head 802 with a fixed or variable angle relative to the handle 812 of the gardening tool 800 to function as two different types of machines (e.g., a first-class lever and a third-class lever) is an unexpected benefit of the angular orientation of the central segment of the handle 812 relative to the first and second segments of the handle 812.

[0116] Figure 9A A first gardening tool 900 according to some aspects of this disclosure has a first handle 912a, the first handle 912a having a first center segment 932a having a first center length La. In addition to the first center segment 932a, the first handle 912a also includes a first segment 926 and a second segment 930. According to one example, the first center length La may be approximately 52 inches.

[0117] Figure 9B A second gardening tool 901, according to some aspects of this disclosure, has a second handle 912b having a second center segment 932b having a second center length Lb. In addition to the second center segment 932b, the second handle 912b also includes a first segment 926 and a second segment 930. According to one example, the second center length Lb may be approximately 40 inches.

[0118] Figure 9C A third gardening tool 902, according to some aspects of this disclosure, has a third handle 912c, the third handle 912c having a third center segment 932c having a third center length Lc. In addition to the third center segment 932c, the third handle 912c also includes a first segment 926 and a second segment 930. According to one example, the third center length Lc may be approximately 23 inches.

[0119] Figure 9DAccording to some aspects of this disclosure, a fourth gardening tool 903 has a fourth handle 912d, the fourth handle 912d having a fourth center segment 932d, and the fourth center segment 932d having a fourth center length Ld. In addition to the fourth center segment 932d, the fourth handle 912d also includes a first segment 926 and a second segment 930. According to one example, the fourth center length Lc may be approximately 16 inches.

[0120] As visually depicted and described in the examples, the first center length La is greater than the second center length Lb. The second center length Lb is greater than the third center length Lc. The third center length Ld is greater than the fourth center length Ld. The lengths can vary. Various lengths are available for gardening tools 900, 901, 902, and 903, which can apply different forces to the load based on the center length of the handle. When, for example, a gardening tool is used as a lever, applying different forces based on the center length can become pertinent. Note that even a rake is a lever; specifically, a rake is a third type of lever. The first segment 926 and the second segment 930 can each be the same structure (and have the corresponding same length) in the first gardening tool 900, the second gardening tool 901, the third gardening tool 902, and the fourth gardening tool 903. According to one example, the first segment 926 can be approximately 3 inches to 5 inches, and the second segment can be approximately 8 inches to 10 inches. The foregoing examples are illustrative and non-limiting.

[0121] Examples of gardening tools include, for example: a border spade with a flat, rectangular blade for digging in narrow or confined spaces; a bow rake with an arched frame connecting the rake's teeth to the handle; a side fork with narrowly spaced serrations for example, weeding; a border spade that can be a specialized tool component, smaller than other types of spades, and may have a flat blade for example, for digging; a bulb planter for digging holes for bulbs, which can then be used to replace soil to cover the planted bulbs; a compost fork with spaced serrations and for example, turning over fertilizer or moving mulch; and a flat... Flat rakes, which have strong teeth attached to a flat back, can be used, for example, to remove stones and other unwanted materials from the soil, and for spreading and leveling soil and mulch; garden hoes, which may have small rectangular blades, are used, for example, for shaping soil, removing weeds, clearing soil, and harvesting root crops; garden excavators, which may have round, pointed, or flat digging edges, and can be used, for example, for digging, lifting, and / or transporting soil; hoes with thin rectangular or square blades, which can be used, for example, to break up clods for weeding; leaf rakes with flat, fan-shaped, flexible pointed teeth that radiate outwards from the handle; pickaxes. A mattock, a pickaxe with a pointed tip and spaced-apart, axe-like ends, can be used for digging, carving, and / or chopping soil, for example; a hay fork or garden fork with a few spaced-apart serrations, or in a garden, can be used for lifting and throwing loose materials such as straw or hay, for example; a planting dibble with a sharp tip, which can be used for digging holes in the soil, for example; a pointed shovel with a sharp tip. A shovel, which can be used as a digging shovel; a potato fork, which may have curled serrations and, as the name suggests, may be useful for harvesting potatoes; a round-pointed shovel, which may have a curved blade with a pointed tip reaching a point and can be used, for example, to dig things; a scoop shovel, which has a wide leading edge with a large flat surface on the rear and side walls that slopes upwards, which can be used, for example, to scoop up large quantities of material when digging or moving it; a scuffle hoe with a flat, wide blade used parallel to the soil surface, which has sharp leading and rear edges and can cut vegetation (e.g., typically grass or weeds) from the soil surface during the forward and backward movement of the flat, wide blade; a soil scoop, which can be a general-purpose digging tool with a bowl-shaped body and pointed and / or serrated edges; and a square-pointed shovel, which can be used to dig and lift loose material such as sand, loose topsoil, and pebbles.A step edger, which may be a sharpened semi-circular disc at the end of the handle, can be used, for example, to straighten the edges of a lawn by trimming the edges of a lawn that has grown out of a certain boundary (such as a sidewalk); a transplanting shovel, which may have a narrow, sometimes pointed digging edge and a long, narrow bed as wide as the digging edge, can be used, for example, to dig into the soil and lift large plants; a trenching shovel (also called a clearing shovel or excavator shovel), which has a long, narrow blade with a sharp, curved digging edge, and can be used, for example, to dig or clear trenches; a shovel, which in a horticultural context is usually a small, curved, bucket-shaped shovel tool used to dig small holes to accommodate plants and / or to transfer small amounts of material (e.g., soil, fertilizer) from bags to, for example, garden pots or flower beds; a rotary tiller, which is configured with long, twisting teeth, can be used to simultaneously till the soil and remove weeds by rotating the rotary tiller in the soil; a warren hoe, also called a ridging hoe or drill. A hoe is a triangular or heart-shaped tool designed to dig narrow or shallow furrows for planting seeds or bulbs; a common weed cutter is configured to remove weeds from the soil; and a wheeled edge trimmer can be a pointed disc on a horizontal axis that can rotate freely about the axis when the wheeled edge trimmer is pushed, for example, to cut the edge of a lawn between a lawn and a sidewalk to establish a boundary between them. The preceding list is exemplary and non-limiting. Any implement components that can be interchangeably attached to the gardening tools described herein are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0122] Figure 10A This is an exemplary example of a first interchangeable implement head 1002 according to some aspects of this disclosure. The first interchangeable implement head 1002 may be referred to as a tiller implement head and may be used in connection with tasks typically associated with tiller-type implements.

[0123] Figure 10B This is an illustrative example of a second interchangeable tool head 1004 according to some aspects of this disclosure. The second interchangeable tool head 1004 may be referred to as a push-pull rake tool head and may be used in connection with tasks typically associated with push-pull rake tools.

[0124] Figure 10C This is an illustrative example of a third interchangeable tool head 1006 according to some aspects of this disclosure. The third interchangeable tool head 1006 may be referred to as a shovel tool head and may be used in connection with tasks typically associated with shovel tools.

[0125] Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10CThe illustrative examples are exemplary and non-limiting. Any number of gardening tools (such as those described above) may be fitted with flanges configured to accommodate bosses of fixing members of gardening tools as described herein. The tool heads described herein are interchangeable tool heads.

[0126] Each of the first interchangeable tool head 1002, the second interchangeable tool head 1004, and the third interchangeable tool head 1006 exemplifies spaced flanges having corresponding flange holes defined by the inner walls of the respective flanges. In the example, one of the flange holes is circular, and the other flange hole has a flat or straight surface, thus truncating the originally circular hole. The flat or straight surface serves as a stop on which a portion of a fixed shaft (not shown) can rest. In configurations, such as a nut screwed onto a fixed shaft or a threaded male member screwed onto a female threaded portion of a fixed shaft, this configuration can prevent rotation of the fixed shaft. Other shapes that can serve as stops are also within the scope of this disclosure, on which this portion of the fixed shaft can rest.

[0127] According to some aspects, interchangeable tool heads 1002, 1004, 1006 may include tool components 1003, 1005, 1007. Interchangeable tool heads 1002, 1004, 1006 may also include a pair of flanges 1008, 1009, 1010 extending from tool components 1003, 1005, 1007. Each flange may include flange holes 1011, 1012, 1013 defined by flange inner sidewalls 1014, 1015, 1017 and pinion segments 1016a, 1016b, 1016c, the pinion segments 1016a, 1016b, 1016c having a common first center with the flange holes 1011, 1012, 1013, and the pair of flanges 1008, 1009, 1010 having opposing parallel flange surfaces, the opposing parallel flange surfaces including at least the respective pinion segments 1016a, 1016b, 1016c and having a pinion central axis intersecting the common first center and perpendicular to the opposing parallel flange surfaces (e.g., Figure 5 The pinion central axis 532 (Figure 6, pinion central axis 632) is spaced apart by a predetermined first distance between opposing parallel flange surfaces (e.g., 644 in Figure 6). According to some examples, the predetermined first distance may correspond to the width (e.g., first boss width 645) of a boss (e.g., first boss 606) that is attached to and extends from the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100.

[0128] In some examples, pinion segments 1016a, 1016b, 1016c may have a plurality of first teeth 1020a, 1020b, 1020c, which have a first angular pitch (e.g., Figure 7A The first tooth of the pinion segment can be configured to mesh with a curved rack segment (e.g., 718 of Figure 7) having a plurality of second teeth (e.g., 721 of Figure 7) having a first angular pitch, wherein the plurality of first teeth 1020a, 1020b, 1020c are larger than the plurality of second teeth 721 of Figure 7. Furthermore, the angle of the tool head 702 of Figure 7 relative to the handle 712 can be determined based on which of the plurality of first teeth 1020a, 1020b, 1020c can engage with the plurality of second teeth 721. This determination can be made when the central axes 532, 632 of the pinion are coaxially aligned with the central axes 512, 612 of the boss holes. In some examples, at least a portion of the first teeth 1020a, 1020b, 1020c of pinion segments 1016a, 1016b, 1016c may be configured to mesh with a second tooth 721 of a curved rack segment 718 coupled to the handle 112 of the gardening tool 100. In some examples, pinion segments 1016a, 1016b, 1016c may have a first arc length (e.g., Figure 6C The first arc length 672) and the curved rack segment 618 have a second arc length (e.g., the second arc length 674 in FIG. 6), wherein the first arc length 672 is greater than the second arc length 674.

[0129] Figure 11 This is a graphic representation of a multi-piece article packaged as a gardening tool set 1100 according to some aspects of this disclosure. The multi-piece article includes a handle 1102 having spaced-apart handle ends, at least two tool heads (e.g., a first tool head 1108 and a second tool head 1110), at least two fixing members (e.g., a first fixing member 1104 and a second fixing member 1106), and at least two fixing shafts (e.g., a first fixing shaft 1112 and a second fixing shaft 1114). Each of the at least two tool heads has a tool member and a pair of flanges coupled to and extending from the tool member, the pair of flanges including opposing parallel flange surfaces spaced apart by a predetermined first distance. Each of the at least two fixing members... A tool head 1102 is fixed to the end of a corresponding handle and configured to connect the handle 1102 to a corresponding tool head (e.g., first tool head 1108 and second tool head 1110). Each of the at least two fixed shafts is configured to be insertably received in the first fixed shaft receiver of the corresponding tool head (e.g., first tool head 1108 and second tool head 1110) and the second fixed shaft receiver of the corresponding fixing member (e.g., first fixing member 1104 and second fixing member 1106) when the fixed shaft, the first fixed shaft receiver and the second fixed shaft receiver are coaxially aligned.

[0130] According to some aspects, the first fixed shaft receiver of the corresponding tool head may include a flange hole defined by a corresponding flange inner wall of each corresponding flange, each corresponding flange may further include a pinion segment having a common center with the flange hole and a central axis of the pinion segment. Each of at least two fixing members (e.g., the first fixing member 1104 and the second fixing member 1106) may further include a corresponding boss having a curved rack segment configured to mesh with at least a portion of the pinion segment. Furthermore, the second fixed shaft receiver of the corresponding fixing member may include a boss hole defined by the corresponding boss inner wall and a central axis of the boss hole.

[0131] In some examples, at least two fixing members (e.g., first fixing member 1104 and second fixing member 1106) may each include a first boss projecting relative to the respective fixing member along a longitudinal axis. The first boss has parallel first boss surfaces spaced apart by a predetermined first distance, a first boss hole defined by an inner wall of the first boss, and a first boss hole central axis intersecting the center of the first boss hole and perpendicular to the parallel first boss surfaces. Each respective first boss surface has a curved rack segment projecting perpendicularly from the respective first boss surface and configured to mesh with at least a portion of a pinion segment of a pair of flanges. The pinion segment may have a first arc length, and the curved rack segment may have a second arc length, wherein the first arc length is greater than the second arc length. Furthermore, the second arc length may be without any portion of the plurality of second teeth of the curved rack segment, which would prevent slidable engagement of any first tooth of the plurality of first teeth of the pinion segment from translating along the longitudinal axis on the respective parallel boss surfaces and prevent spatial engagement between any portion of the plurality of first teeth and any crown of the plurality of second teeth.

[0132] Figure 1 to Figure 11 One or more of the components, features, and / or functions illustrated herein may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, feature, or function, or implemented in several components, features, or functions. Additional elements, components, and / or features may also be added without departing from this disclosure.

[0133] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other implementations or aspects described herein.

[0134] Similarly, the term "aspect" does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed.

[0135] The term "connection" is used in this article to refer to a direct or indirect connection between two objects. For example, if object A is in physical contact with object B, and object B is in physical contact with object C, then object A and object C can still be considered connected to each other, even if they are not in direct physical contact with each other.

[0136] The structure “at least one of A or B” is intended to cover A, B, and A and B. The structure “A and / or B” is also intended to cover A, B, and A and B.

[0137] While the foregoing disclosure has shown exemplary embodiments, it should be noted that various changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Functions, steps, and / or actions described herein or represented in any method claim according to embodiments described herein need not be performed in any particular order. Furthermore, although elements of embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural may be considered unless explicitly limited to the singular.

[0138] The prior description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use those aspects as described above and set forth in the following claims. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is given the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0139] Although this disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of this application is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments of the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, apparatuses, methods, and steps described in the specification. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art from the disclosure of this disclosure, processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, apparatuses, methods, or steps that are currently existing or to be developed in the future can perform substantially the same functions or achieve substantially the same results as the corresponding embodiments described herein. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to include such processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, apparatuses, methods, or steps within their scope.

Claims

1. A gardening tool, said gardening tool comprising: A handle having spaced-out handle ends; At least one tool head, said at least one tool head comprising: Tool components, and A pair of flanges, said pair of flanges being coupled to and extending from said appliance component and having opposing parallel flange surfaces spaced apart by a predetermined first distance, each flange comprising: The flange hole and the center of the flange hole are defined by the inner sidewall of the flange, and The pinion segment, wherein the pinion segment has: The first center common to the center of the flange hole The pinion's central axis intersects with the common first center and is perpendicular to the opposing parallel flange surfaces, and Multiple pinion teeth and corresponding spaced-apart pinion slots; At least a first fixing member, said at least a first fixing member being connected between the pair of flanges and the respective handle ends, the first fixing member comprising: A first boss protruding relative to the first fixing member along a longitudinal axis, the first boss having parallel first boss surfaces spaced apart by the predetermined first distance. A first boss hole defined by the inner sidewall of the first boss and a central axis of the first boss hole intersecting the center of the first boss hole and perpendicular to the parallel first boss surfaces, each of the parallel first boss surfaces having: A curved rack segment having a plurality of rack teeth projecting perpendicularly from the surface of the first boss, the plurality of rack teeth having crowns radiating toward the central axis of the first boss hole and roots located between the crowns, adjacent crowns and roots forming a semi-circular space between the plurality of rack teeth arranged in small arcs between the edges of the first boss, the plurality of rack teeth having a maximum height measured perpendicularly from the surface of the first boss at the midpoint of the small arc and a minimum height at the two edges of the small arc, and configured to mesh with at least a portion of the pinion segment of a corresponding flange of a pair of flanges; and A fixed shaft, after being coaxially aligned with the central axis of the pinion and the central axis of the first boss hole, can be inserted into at least one flange hole and the first boss hole. The plurality of pinion teeth and the corresponding spaced-apart pinion slots occupy an arc length greater than 180 degrees, and the curved rack segment is configured to maximize the surface area of ​​the pinion teeth and pinion slots in contact with the curved rack segment when engaging with at least a portion of the pinion segment.

2. The gardening tool according to claim 1, wherein, The pinion segment has a first arc length, and the curved rack segment has a second arc length, wherein the first arc length is greater than the second arc length.

3. The gardening tool according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of rack teeth along the second arc length include partial teeth located at the two edges of the small arc, wherein replacing the partial teeth with full teeth will prevent the slidable engagement of any of the plurality of pinion teeth of the pinion segment on the respective parallel boss surface and translation along the longitudinal axis, and prevent the spatial meshing engagement between the plurality of pinion teeth and the plurality of rack teeth.

4. The gardening tool according to claim 1, wherein, The fixed shaft, housed in the at least one flange hole and the first boss hole, prevents the first boss from translating relative to the pair of flanges along the longitudinal axis.

5. The gardening tool according to claim 1, wherein, The fixed shaft, housed in the at least one flange hole and the first boss hole, securely holds the plurality of pinion teeth in meshing engagement with the plurality of rack teeth in the space between them.

6. The gardening tool according to claim 1, wherein, After the central axis of the pinion is coaxially aligned with the central axis of the first boss hole and after the curved rack segment engages with at least a portion of the pinion segment, the fixed shaft can be insertedly accommodated in the at least one flange hole and the first boss hole.

7. The gardening tool according to claim 1, wherein, The handle is subdivided into at least three serially connected handle segments, the at least three serially connected handle segments comprising: The first segment has a first length and is connected to a first end of the first fixing member and a first opposite end away from the first end; The second segment, having a second length, and a second end connected to the second fixing member and a second opposite end away from the second end; and A center segment, having a center length, is connected at its respective ends between the first opposite end of the first segment and the second opposite end of the second segment. Wherein, the first angle between the center segment and the first segment is a first acute angle, and the second angle between the center segment and the second segment is a second acute angle, and the first acute angle and the second acute angle cause the first segment and the second segment to form an angle toward one side of the center segment.

8. The gardening tool according to claim 7, wherein: The first segment, the central segment, and the second segment form a continuous piece; and The first acute angle is equal to the second acute angle.

9. The gardening tool according to claim 7, wherein: At least two or more of the first segment, the central segment, and the second segment are formed as separate pieces, and The connection between at least two or more of the first segment, the central segment, and the second segment further includes: A connector configured to be fixed relative to the center segment at any one of a plurality of angles ranging from at least ±90 degrees.

10. The gardening tool according to claim 1, wherein, The at least first fixing member further includes: A second boss extends away from the first boss and is configured to attach to the corresponding handle end.

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