Weeding device

Abstract

An apparatus for removing weeds from a lawn or garden surface, the apparatus comprising: a drive shaft having a first end configured to be operably coupled to a power unit for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, and a second free distal end; an auger and boring member coupled to the second end, the auger having one or more rotors; and a weed engagement member axially coupled to the drive shaft at a longitudinal position intermediate the auger and the first end. A base member of the weed engagement member has at least one grasping finger depending from the base member toward the auger and axially offset from the longitudinal axis. Rotation of the drive shaft in a first direction moves the auger into engagement with a weed and draws the weed engagement member toward and into engagement with the weed when the boring member is in contact with the surface, and vice versa.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 241,661, filed September 8, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This manual generally relates to weeders, and specifically to weeding devices and their accessories. Background Technology

[0004] Typically, manual or motorized weeding devices use a pulling motion to remove weeds from the surface of lawns or gardens. Due to the characteristics of weeds and their varying root systems, pulling alone is often insufficient to completely remove the roots, potentially leading to weed regrowth. Furthermore, many conventional manual or motorized weeding devices create large, unsightly holes in the lawn or garden surface. In some weeders that include a discharge device, difficulties in positioning or operating the discharge device can hinder proper weed removal. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an embodiment, an apparatus for removing weeds from a lawn or garden surface is provided. The apparatus includes a drive shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end being operatively coupled to a power unit for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, and the second end being a free end distal to the first end. An auger and a drilling member are coupled to the second end, the auger having one or more rotors about the longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a weed-jointing member axially coupled to the drive shaft at a longitudinal position intermediate between the auger and the first end, the weed-jointing member having a base member and at least one gripping finger hanging from the base member toward the auger, the at least one finger being axially offset from the longitudinal axis. When the drilling member contacts the lawn or garden surface and the drive shaft is driven about the longitudinal axis in a first direction of rotation, the auger is driven to engage at least a portion of the weeds, and the weed-jointing member is pulled toward the lawn or garden surface and engages with at least a portion of the weeds. According to some embodiments, the device is further capable of driving the auger, together with the weed joining member and the portion of the weed, away from the lawn or garden surface when the drive shaft is driven about the longitudinal axis in a second rotational direction.

[0006] According to some embodiments, the at least one gripping finger includes a pair of opposing gripping fingers hanging from it toward the auger. According to some embodiments, the at least one gripping finger is bidirectional. According to some embodiments, each of the pair of opposing gripping fingers is angularly offset from the other finger.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the device further includes a shaft housing near a first end of the drive shaft, the shaft housing being rotatably disengaged from the drive shaft.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the device further includes an ejector. The ejector includes: an arm having a first end and a second end distal to the first end, the second end having a platform member near a base member, the second end being configured to be rotatably coupled to a drive shaft when the drive shaft is driven along one or more of a first direction and a second direction; a cutting blade coupled to the platform member of the second end of the arm and oriented to cut at least a portion of the weeds held by the weed-jointing member; and an actuator operatively coupled to the arm and configured to move the cutting blade to a cutting position via axial translation of the arm and the platform member relative to the drive shaft, in which the cutting blade cuts and engages with at least a portion of the weeds held by the weed-jointing member to release at least a portion of the weeds from the weed-jointing member and discharge them from the device.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the cutting blade generally tapers away from the platform member. According to some embodiments, the tapered portion of the cutting blade is shaped to apply a radial cutting force to at least a portion of the weeds during the movement of the cutting blade to the cutting position.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the auger includes a guide slot through which at least a portion of the cutting blade travels to the cutting position.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the device further includes a biasing member operatively coupled to the arm and the weed-jointing member, the biasing member being configured to bias the arm and the platform member coupled to the cutting blade away from the auger. According to some embodiments, the biasing member includes a helical spring.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the actuator includes a shaft housing. According to some embodiments, the actuator includes a handle operably connected to an arm for axial translation with the arm and rotational disengagement from the drive shaft.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the device further includes: a housing member having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be operatively coupled to a power unit, and the second end being a free end adjacent to a weed-jointing member; and an actuator housing operatively coupled to an actuator. According to some embodiments, the housing member and the actuator housing are rotatably disengaged from the drive shaft.

[0014] According to some embodiments, a motorized system for removing weeds from a lawn or garden surface is provided, the motorized system comprising: a power unit; and means for removing weeds from a lawn or garden surface.

[0015] According to some embodiments, a weed-joining tool for a weeding device is provided, the weed-joining tool comprising: a base member configured to be axially coupled to a drive shaft having a free end configured to be driven to engage at least a portion of a weed; and at least one gripping finger that, when coupled to the drive shaft, hangs from the base member and toward the free end, the at least one gripping finger being axially offset from the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the at least one gripping finger includes a pair of opposing gripping fingers hanging from the center toward the auger. According to some embodiments, the at least one gripping finger is bidirectional. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To better understand the various embodiments described herein and to more clearly illustrate how these embodiments can be implemented, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 A weeding device according to a non-limiting embodiment is described;

[0019] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An enlarged view of a weed-jointing member according to a non-limiting embodiment is depicted;

[0020] Figure 2C , Figure 2D and Figure 2E A schematic diagram depicts a weed-jointing member, a discharge arm, and a cutting blade according to a non-limiting embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2F An enlarged view of a weed-jointing member having a pair of opposing gripping fingers, according to a non-limiting embodiment, is depicted.

[0022] Figure 2G An exemplary weed-jointing member in contact with at least a portion of a weed, according to a non-limiting embodiment, is depicted.

[0023] Figure 2H A description of a non-limiting embodiment is provided. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the weeding device, showing the positioning of the shaft housing on the discharger;

[0024] Figure 2I An enlarged view of the weed-jointing assembly and the discharge arm according to a non-limiting embodiment is depicted;

[0025] Figure 2J A description of a non-limiting embodiment is provided. Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the weeding device shows the positioning of the shaft housing on the discharger;

[0026] Figure 2K and Figure 2L An enlarged cross-sectional view of the shaft housing and bushing according to a non-limiting embodiment is depicted;

[0027] Figure 3 A view of an ejector according to a non-limiting embodiment is depicted;

[0028] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A schematic diagram of a weeding device having a housing member and an actuator housing according to a non-limiting embodiment is depicted;

[0029] Figure 4C and Figure 4D A description of a non-limiting embodiment is provided. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The cross-sectional view of the schematic diagram depicted in the figure shows the actuator housing connected to the housing component;

[0030] Figure 5A A front view of an exemplary power unit according to a non-limiting embodiment is depicted;

[0031] Figure 6A and Figure 6B An enlarged view of the ejector according to a non-limiting embodiment when it is in a first retracted position and a second cutting position is depicted.

[0032] Figure 7 Another exemplary weeding device according to a non-limiting embodiment is depicted;

[0033] Figure 8A and Figure 8B A description of a non-limiting embodiment is provided. Figure 7 The discharge device and handle of the weeding device depicted in the image;

[0034] Figure 8C Depicting Figure 8A and Figure 8B An enlarged view of the attachment assembly from the handle to the discharger depicted in the image;

[0035] Figure 9A , Figure 9B Depicting the first and second positions Figures 7 to 8C Weeding devices;

[0036] Figures 9C to 9F A description of a non-limiting embodiment is provided. Figure 8A and Figure 8B The enlarged view of the discharger in the first and second positions depicted; and

[0037] Figure 10A and Figure 10B An enlarged view of a weed-jointing tool with a gripping finger for a weeding device, according to a non-limiting embodiment, is depicted. Detailed Implementation

[0038] This document describes weeding devices and related apparatus or accessories, wherein, according to at least some embodiments, a drive shaft is operable to remove weeds from a lawn or garden surface. As further described below, the weeding device includes a drive shaft axially coupled to a weed-adhesive member configured to rotate into the lawn or garden surface to contact weeds and to be rotated away from the lawn or garden surface, wherein the weed-adhesive member remains in contact with at least a portion of the weeds. According to some embodiments, the weeding device includes a discharge device that allows weeds to be discharged from the weeding device without requiring manual removal of the weeds from the device.

[0039] It will be understood that, for simplicity and clarity, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings may be repeated where deemed appropriate to indicate corresponding or similar elements. Furthermore, numerous specific details have been set forth to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the exemplary aspects of this application described herein. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary aspects described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the exemplary aspects described herein. Additionally, this specification should not be construed as limiting the scope of the exemplary aspects described herein. Any singular form of system, method step, method block, component, part of a component, etc., described herein should be interpreted to also include the plural form of descriptions of such system, method step or task, component, part of a component, etc., and vice versa.

[0040] Notice Figure 1The figure depicts a schematic diagram of an apparatus for removing weeds from a lawn or garden surface according to a non-limiting embodiment, also referred to herein as a weeding apparatus 100. The weeding apparatus 100 includes a drive shaft 104 configured operably coupled at a proximal end 106 to a power unit 102 for rotation about a rotation axis A1 defined by the drive shaft 104. According to some embodiments, the weeding apparatus 100 is provided with the power unit 102 to provide a motorized system for removing weeds from a lawn or garden surface. Alternatively, the weeding apparatus 100 may be separately configured to operate together with the power unit (e.g., power unit 102). Any suitable power unit is contemplated. For example, according to some embodiments, the power unit 102 includes a cordless powered drill. According to some embodiments, during operation, the drive shaft rotates at a speed of about 100 revolutions per minute (RPM) or less. According to some embodiments, the power unit 102 is configured to rotate the drive shaft at a speed ranging from about 50 RPM to about 100 RPM. According to some embodiments, the range is from about 5 RPM to about 100 RPM.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the power unit is battery powered. According to some embodiments, one or more batteries are rechargeable. According to some embodiments, the battery voltage is approximately 18 volts (V). Any suitable power source for the power unit is conceivable.

[0042] According to some embodiments, drive shaft 104 includes one or more drive shaft members or components to form the drive shaft 104 shown and described. According to some embodiments, drive shaft 104 is an integral structure. The distal end 108 of drive shaft 104 includes an auger 110 and a drilling member 112. Weeding device 100 further includes a weed-jointing member 114 axially coupled to drive shaft 104 along axis A1 near the auger 110.

[0043] The weed-jointing member 114 further includes a base member 116 and at least one gripping finger, such as a pair of opposing gripping fingers 118 (referred to herein as fingers 120 and fingers 122, respectively) hanging from the base member toward the auger 110 (see See Figure 2A and Figure 2B Any suitable shape and / or orientation of the base member 116 is conceivable. For example, according to some embodiments, the base member 116 includes at least one flat surface from which the pair of opposing gripping fingers 118 hang (see...). Figures 2C to 2F According to some embodiments, the base member 116 of the weed-jointing member 114 includes more than one shape and / or component. Each of the pair of opposing gripping fingers 120, 122 is axially offset along axis A2 and axis A1 and is rotatable about axis A1 about drive shaft 104 (see [link]). Figure 2F Each of the pair of opposing gripping fingers 120, 122 can be bidirectional, thereby allowing contact with at least a portion of the weed or weed during rotation about axis A1 around drive shaft 104 in a first rotational direction (e.g., D1) and / or a second rotational direction (e.g., D2). Figure 2F For example, the gripping fingers 118 may include one or more forks (such as forks 119a and 119b) shaped and positioned on each gripping finger of the gripping fingers 118 such that, when the weed-jointing member 114 rotates in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction, forks 119a and 119b (collectively referred to as forks 119) assist in gripping at least a portion of the weeds to be held by the weed-jointing member. The first rotational direction about axis A1 may include a clockwise direction, and the second rotational direction about axis A1 may include a counterclockwise direction.

[0044] Although a pair of opposing grasping fingers 118 are shown, it should be understood that one or more grasping fingers may also be conceived. For example, as Figure 10A and Figure 10B As shown, the exemplary weed-jointing member 414 includes a single gripping finger 420, which may be configured similarly to gripping finger 118. Any suitable number, shape, and / or arrangement of the gripping fingers is conceivable.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the weed-jointing member 114 is fixedly rotatable about axis A1 to the drive shaft 104. For example, the weed-jointing member 114 can be connected by a weed-jointing mounting member 124 and at least one pin 126 extending through an opening in the drive shaft 104 (see...). Figures 2A to 2G It is rotatably connected to drive shaft 104.

[0046] According to some embodiments, each of the pair of opposing gripping fingers 120 and 122 is angularly offset from the other finger along axis A2 (see [reference]). Figure 2F Each of the pair of opposing gripping fingers may be angularly offset from the other finger at any angle suitable for facilitating contact with weeds or at least a portion of weeds, as further described below. In other embodiments, any arrangement of the pair of opposing gripping fingers 118 to facilitate contact with weeds or at least a portion of weeds is contemplated. For example, the pair of opposing gripping fingers 118 may face each other directly and not be angularly offset.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the weed-jointing member, including at least one grasping finger (such as grasping finger 420 or a pair of grasping fingers 118), comprises any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the weed-jointing member may comprise metal, plastic, or any suitable combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the metal is steel.

[0048] The auger 110 includes one or more rotors. According to some embodiments, the auger 110 includes two rotors. According to some embodiments, the auger 110 includes a single rotor. As the applicant has discovered, combining an auger with a single rotor (such as auger 110) generally allows the weeding device 100 to operate and remove weeds or at least a portion of weeds without creating undesirable, large holes in the lawn or garden surface. The applicant has also discovered that providing an auger 110 with a single rotor generally reduces soil damage while removing weeds or at least a portion of weeds, because the single rotor of the auger 110 generally allows soil to fall back into the hole from which the weeds have been removed as it is removed from the soil. According to some embodiments, the auger 110 includes a guide slot (such as guide slot 111) through which at least a portion of the cutting blade 134 travels to a cutting position (discussed further below). For example, the guide slot 111 may be defined by the end edges 113 of the auger rotor (auger rotor end edges 113a and auger rotor end edges 113b, respectively). According to some embodiments, the auger 110 includes a plurality of auger portions, such as auger portions 110a and 110b (see, for example, see...). Figure 10A and Figure 10B ), wherein the guide slot 111 is formed between the plurality of auger sections.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the weed-jointing member 114 is provided as a separate component for use in a weeding device (such as weeding device 100), as a replacement part of the weeding device 100, or as part of the weeding device.

[0050] Drive shaft 104 is configured to be operatively coupled to power unit 102 such that operation of power unit 102 drives drive shaft 104 to rotate. According to some embodiments, auger 110 and weeding member 114 are fixedly rotated with drive shaft 104 such that when power unit 102 drives drive shaft 104 to rotate, auger and weeding member rotate about axis A1.

[0051] When operated according to at least some embodiments, in order to remove weeds from a lawn or garden surface, the drilling member 112 of the weeding device 100 first contacts the lawn or garden surface. As used herein, the term "lawn" can refer to an area on which grass grows, thus forming a grassy surface. As used herein, the term "garden surface" can refer to any type of surface typically covered with grass, plants, and / or other types of vegetation, and can also include stones, wood chips, mulch, or other materials in areas not occupied by grass, plants, or other types of vegetation. The drilling member 112 can include any length or shape suitable for contact with the lawn or garden surface and facilitating the use of the weeding device 100. The drilling member 112 contacts the lawn or garden surface (e.g., surface 115). Figure 2G When the drive shaft 104 contacts and rotates clockwise, for example, about axis A1, the auger 110 pulls the weeding device 100 down into the ground, where it engages with weeds or at least a portion of them. As the weeding device 100 is further driven into the ground by the rotation of the drive shaft 104, the auger 110 removes at least a portion (e.g., roots) of the weeds, and the weed-engaging member 114 is pulled toward the lawn or garden surface to engage with the weeds or a portion (e.g., leaves, stems, or flowers). Because the drive shaft 104 rotates about axis A1 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), the weeds or a portion of them are gripped or otherwise wrapped around the drive shaft 104 by the pair of opposing gripping fingers 118 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2G ).

[0052] According to some embodiments, when the drive shaft 104 rotates about axis A1 in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the auger 110, together with a weed-jointing member 114 including weeds or portions of weeds gripped by the pair of opposing gripping fingers 118, is driven away from the ground and lawn or garden surface. The pair of opposing gripping fingers 118 may include any length or shape desired to contact and maintain contact with at least a portion of the weeds or weeds as the weeding device 100 is driven in and out of the ground to remove weeds from the lawn or garden surface. As described above, according to some embodiments, the pair of opposing gripping fingers 118 is bidirectional (see [link to previous embodiment]). Figure 2A and Figure 2E This allows the pair of opposing gripping fingers 118 to maintain contact with at least a portion of the weeds during rotation around the drive shaft 104 in either the first or second rotational direction, due to their bidirectional nature.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the weeding device 100 includes a shaft housing 128 near the proximal end 106 of a drive shaft 104, wherein the shaft housing 128 is non-rotatably coupled to the drive shaft 104. For example, the shaft housing 128 may be configured such that it does not rotate about axis A1 when the drive shaft 128, the auger 110, and the weed-jointing member 114 rotate about axis A1. For example, according to some embodiments, the shaft housing 128 is positioned on a bushing that surrounds the drive shaft 104 at the proximal end 106 and the first end 138 of the arm 132, as further described below (see...). Figure 2H , Figures 2J to 2L (The bushing 158 in the bushing). As will be understood, the placement of the shaft housing 128 on the bushing also allows the shaft housing 128 to be rotatably disengaged from the drive shaft 104. Any suitable means for rotatably disengaging the shaft housing 128 from the drive shaft 104 is contemplated. According to some embodiments, the shaft housing 128 may be positioned on a ball bearing or other suitable structure or component that allows the shaft housing 128 to be rotatably disengaged from the drive shaft 104. For example, according to some embodiments, the shaft housing 128 may be coupled to the drive shaft 104 via one or more of a ball bearing and a bushing.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the weeding device 100 includes a discharger 130, which includes an arm 132, a cutting blade 134, and an actuator 136 (see [link]). Figure 1 Arm 132 includes a first end portion 138 and a second end portion 140, the second end portion being distal to the first end portion 138. The second end portion 140 includes a platform member 142 near the base member 116 of the weed-jointing member 114 (see...). Figure 2A According to some embodiments, the second end portion 140 is configured to be rotatably coupled to the drive shaft 104 when the drive shaft 104 is driven to rotate about axis A1 in one or more of a first direction D1 and a second direction D2.

[0055] As described above, according to some embodiments, the weed-jointing member 114 is fixedly rotated about axis A1 to the drive shaft 104. For example, in at least some embodiments, when the weeding device 100 rotates about axis A1, both the discharger 130 and the weed-jointing member 114 are rotatably coupled to the drive shaft 104 by contact of drive surfaces during rotation about axis A1. In operation, the weed-jointing mount 124, or one of the pair of opposing fingers 118, abuts against the second end 140 of the arm 132, such that when the weed-jointing member 114 rotates about axis A1 in a first rotational direction D1 or a second rotational direction D2, the arm 132 is also rotatably coupled to the drive shaft 104. The weed-jointing mount 124 may include a notch or any suitable shape that allows the abutment against the second end 140 of the arm 132. For example, the weed-jointing mount 124 may include a drive surface X positioned to support the abutment surface Y (see...). Figure 2I ).

[0056] According to some embodiments, the weed-jointing mounting member 124 is connected to the weed-jointing member 114 via a locking plate 143 by one or more fasteners (such as bolts 144 and nuts 146), wherein the weed-jointing member 114 has a locking plate with two bolts on each side and the weed-jointing mounting member 124 is secured by a pair of nuts 146 (see [link to documentation]). Figures 2A to 2E Any suitable form or method of mechanically connecting the weed joint mount 124 and the weed joint member 114 is conceivable, such as single casting or welding. For example, according to some embodiments, the weed joint mount 124 and the weed joint member 114 are cast together as a single component.

[0057] like Figure 1 , Figures 2A to 2E as well as Figure 3 As shown, the cutting blade 134 is coupled to the platform member 142 at the second end of the arm 132, and the cutting blade 134 is oriented to cut at least a portion of the weeds held by the weed-jointing member 114, for example, when the drive shaft 104 rotates about axis A1. Any suitable manner in which the cutting blade 134 is coupled to the platform member 142 is conceivable. For example, according to some embodiments, the cutting blade 134 and the platform member 142 are integrally constructed.

[0058] Actuator 136 is operably coupled to arm 132 at a first end 138 and configured to move arm 132 and platform member 142 along the length of drive shaft 104 toward the distal end 108 of drive shaft 104 via axial translation of arm 132 and platform member 142 relative to drive shaft 104, such that cutting blade 134 contacts and cuts at least a portion of the weeds held by weed-jointing member 114. Any weeds or portions retained are typically released and discharged from weeding device 100 by axial translation of platform member 142 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figures 2B to 2E as well as Figure 3 Any weeds or a portion of weeds retained may be further released and discharged from the weeding device 100 by rotating the weeding device 100 about axis A1 (by centrifugal force during rotation about axis A1).

[0059] Platform member 142 may include any shape suitable for coupling to cutting blade 134 and facilitating movement of cutting blade 134 along drive shaft 104. Cutting blade 134 may include any thickness or length suitable for facilitating cutting and discharging weeds from weed-jointing member 114 of weeding device 100.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the weeding device 100 includes a biasing member 148 operatively coupled to an arm 132 and a weed-jointing member 114, wherein the biasing member is configured to bias the arm 132 and a platform member 142 coupled to a cutting blade 134 away from the auger 110 (see [link]). Figure 1 and Figure 3 ).

[0061] According to some embodiments, the biasing member 148 includes a helical spring. However, any component or combination of components suitable for biasing the arm 132 and platform member 142 away from the auger 110 is contemplated.

[0062] According to some embodiments, actuator 136 includes shaft housing 128. According to some embodiments, discharger 130 further includes a handle (e.g., a handle operatively coupled to actuator 136) Figure 5B The handle 133 shown.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the weeding device 100 further includes a housing member 150 and an actuator housing 152. The housing member 150 includes a first end 154 and a second end 156, the first end being configured to be operatively coupled to the power unit 102, and the second end being a free end adjacent to the weed-jointing member 114 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figures 4A to 4DActuator housing 152 is operatively coupled to actuator 136, which is operatively coupled to arm 132, and configured to move cutting blade 134 via axial translation of arm 132 and platform member 142 relative to drive shaft 104 to cut and engage at least a portion of the weed held by weed engaging member 114, thereby releasing at least a portion of the weed from the weed engaging member and discharging it from the device. For example, as Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, actuator 136 is configured to move cutting blade 134 from a first position by axial translation along drive shaft 104 (in the direction F toward end 108) via arm 132 and platform member 142. Figure 6A Move to the second position (also referred to as the cutting position in this article) Figure 6B In the second position, the cutting blade 134 engages at least a portion (e.g., weed portion 135) of the weed held by the weed-jointing member 114, thereby releasing at least a portion of the weed from the weed-jointing member and discharging it from the weeding device 100. As the cutting blade 134 moves from the first position to the cutting position, the blade edge (e.g., blade edge 137) of the cutting blade 134 is able to at least partially cut through the weed portion 135 that contacts the blade edge 137.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the housing member 150 and the actuator housing 152 are rotationally disengaged from the drive shaft 104. The actuator housing 152 can be positioned on the end of the shaft housing 128 near the proximal end 106 of the drive shaft 104, and the actuator housing 152 can be coupled to the actuator 136 by at least one pin or any other suitable fastener(s), thereby allowing the actuator housing 152 to be axially coupled to the actuator 136 but simultaneously rotationally disengaged from the drive shaft 104 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 4C and Figure 4D ).

[0065] According to some embodiments, the weeding device 100 includes a power unit, such as power unit 202 (see [link]). Figure 5A and Figure 5B Any suitable type of power unit 102, such as a corded drill or a cordless drill with a rechargeable battery, can be operatively coupled to drive shaft 104 and operate weeding device 100 to remove weeds from lawn or garden surfaces. According to some embodiments, power unit 102 may be detachable from weeding device 100.

[0066] The components of the weeding device 100 (including but not limited to the drive shaft 104, auger 110, weed-jointing member 114, shaft housing 128, discharger 130, biasing member 148, housing member 150 and actuator housing 152) may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials.

[0067] Notice Figures 7 to 9D These figures depict exemplary devices (also referred to herein as weeding device 300) for removing weeds from a lawn or garden surface according to non-limiting embodiments, and wherein, with Figures 1 to 6B Identical or similar elements are represented by the same or similar reference numerals. For simplicity and ease of understanding, the following are used: Figures 7 to 9D The discussion of the apparatus and features described herein will focus on... Figures 1 to 6B The similarities and differences between the devices and features described in the text.

[0068] Similar to weeding device 100, weeding device 300 includes a drive shaft 104 configured to be operatively coupled to a power unit 302 at a proximal end 106 for rotation about an axis A1 defined by the drive shaft 104. The distal end 108 of the drive shaft 104 also includes an auger 110 and a drilling member 112. Weeding device 300 further includes a weed-jointing member 114 axially coupled to the drive shaft 104 along axis A1 near the auger 110.

[0069] According to some embodiments, the weeding device 300 further includes a discharger 330, which includes an arm 132, a cutting blade 334, and an actuator 336 (see [link]). Figure 8A and Figure 8B Arm 132 includes a first end portion 138 and a second end portion 140 distal to the first end portion 138. The second end portion 140 includes or is coupled to platform member 142. Actuator 336 (e.g., via fastener 360 at the first end portion 138) is axially coupled to arm 132 such that axial translation of actuator 336 along axis A1 (e.g., toward auger 110) forces arm 132, and thus platform member 142, to translate axially along axis A1.

[0070] According to some embodiments, actuator 336 includes a handle 333 operably connected to arm 132 for axial translation therewith. For example, according to some embodiments, handle 333 includes a recess 362 formed into a portion 364 in which actuator 336 is held (see, for example, a reference to...). Figure 8CPart 364 may include a first actuator surface 366 configured to abut against a first handle surface 368 of the recess 362 when the handle 333 is translated along a first axial direction H1, thereby forcing the actuator 336 to move axially along the axial direction H1 (which may be an extension direction). Part 364 may include a second actuator surface 370 configured to abut against a second handle surface 372 of the recess 362 when the handle 333 is translated along a second axial direction H2, thereby forcing the actuator 336 to move axially along the axial direction H2 (which may be a retraction direction). However, it should be understood that any suitable manner in which the handle 333 is axially coupled to the actuator 336 is contemplated.

[0071] The applicant has found that including, in addition to the bias member 148, a handle (such as handle 333) configured to axially translate the guide arm 132 (and therefore the cutting blade 334) at least in the retraction direction (instead of relying solely on the bias member 148 to assist the axial translation of the arm 138) may be helpful for those with limited or less strength to operate the described weeding device.

[0072] According to some embodiments, the handle 333 is rotatably disengaged from the drive shaft 104. For example, the handle 333 may be connected via fasteners 374, such as ball bearings and / or bushings. Figure 8C The handle 333 is connected to the drive shaft 104. It should be understood that any suitable manner may be contemplated to connect the handle 333 to the drive shaft 104 such that rotation of the drive shaft 104 is at least partially disengaged from the handle 333 (e.g., disengaged in rotation in one direction of rotation, or disengaged in rotation in multiple directions of rotation).

[0073] The weeding device 300 includes a cutting blade 334. Similar to the cutting blade 134, the cutting blade 334 is coupled to a platform member 142 at the second end 140 of the arm 132 and is oriented, for example, when the drive shaft 104 rotates about axis A1 and / or when the cutting blade moves to the cutting position. Figure 9B At least a portion of the weeds held by the weed-jointing member 114 is cut off during the cutting process.

[0074] like Figures 9C to 9F As shown, the cutting blade 334 generally tapers towards the blade tip 378, away from the blade root 376 near the platform member 142. According to some embodiments, the tapered portion 380 of the cutting blade 334 is shaped to apply a radial cutting force (e.g., CF) to at least a portion of the weeds during the movement of the cutting blade 334 to the cutting position. For example, in operation, as the cutting blade 334 moves from a first position (retracted position) (see, for example, [reference needed]), the tapered portion tapers towards the blade tip 378. Figure 9A , Figure 9C and Figure 9EMove to the cutting position (see, for example, see...) Figure 9B , Figure 9D and Figure 9F The weeds 135 are held by the engaging member 114 and (particularly, while the drive shaft 104 continues to rotate about axis A1) continue to wrap around the cutting blade 334. When the cutting blade 334 is moved to the cutting position, the weeds 135 are further subjected to a radial cutting force CF under tension, thereby enabling the weeds 135 to be cut with less force compared to the case without the tapered section 380.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the weeding device further includes a shroud 382 to at least partially cover the actuator 336 and associated components. Figure 7 (The shield 382 is also referred to herein as actuator housing 382).

[0076] Those skilled in the art will understand that many alternative implementations and possible modifications exist, and the examples above are merely illustrative of one or more implementations. Therefore, the scope is limited only by the appended claims.

[0077] explain

[0078] It will also be understood that, for the purposes of this application, the phrase “at least one of X, Y and Z” or “one or more of X, Y and Z” can be interpreted as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y and Z (e.g., XYZ, XYY, YZ, ZZ).

[0079] In this application, a component may be described as being "configured" or "capable" of performing one or more functions. Generally, it should be understood that a component configured or capable of performing a function is configured or capable of performing that function, or adapted to perform that function, or operable to perform that function, or otherwise capable of performing that function.

[0080] Furthermore, components in this application may be described as "operably connected to" other components, "operably coupled to" other components, etc. It should be understood that such components are connected or coupled to each other in a manner that performs a certain function. It should also be understood that "connection," "coupling," etc., as used in this application include both direct and indirect connections between components.

[0081] References to "an embodiment," "embodiment," "implementation," "variation," etc., in this application indicate that the described embodiment, implementation, or variation may include a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments, implementations, or variations must include that aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment referenced in other parts of the specification. Further, when a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, whether explicitly described or not, the influence or connection of such a module, aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic by other embodiments is within the understanding of those skilled in the art. In other words, any module, element, or feature can be combined with any other element or feature in different embodiments unless there is an obvious or inherent incompatibility or it is explicitly excluded.

[0082] It should also be noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional elements. Thus, this statement is intended to serve as a preliminary basis for the use of exclusionary terms (such as “merely,” “only,” etc.) or “negative” restrictions in conjunction with the narrative of the claim elements. The terms “preferred,” “ideally,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used to indicate that the item, condition, or step referred to is an optional (non-essential) feature of the invention.

[0083] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators. The term “and / or” refers to any one, any combination of, or all of the items associated with the term. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the phrase “one or more,” especially when read in its context of use.

[0084] The term "about" can refer to a variation of ±5%, ±10%, ±20%, or ±25% of the specified value. For example, "about 50 percent" in some embodiments can include a variation between 45 percent and 55 percent. For integer ranges, the term "about" can include one or both integers greater than and / or less than the integer at both ends of the range. Unless otherwise stated herein, the term "about" is intended to include values ​​and ranges near the range that are functionally equivalent in relation to the composition or embodiment.

[0085] As those skilled in the art will understand, for any and all purposes, particularly in providing a written description, all ranges described herein also include any and all possible subranges and combinations thereof, as well as the individual values, particularly integer values, that constitute the range. The range includes every specific value, integer, decimal, or identity within that range. Any listed range can be readily identified as sufficiently descriptive and such that the same range can be decomposed into at least two, three, four, five, or ten equal parts. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily decomposed into a lower third, a middle third, and an upper third, etc.

[0086] As those skilled in the art will also understand, all terms such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “more than,” and “or more” include the numbers described herein, and such terms refer to ranges that can subsequently be broken down into subranges as described above. Similarly, all ratios described herein also include all sub-ratios falling within a broader range of ratios.

Claims

1. A device for removing weeds from a lawn or garden surface, the device comprising: A drive shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be operatively coupled to a power unit for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, and the second end being a free end remote from the first end; A auger and a drilling component, the auger and the drilling component being connected to a second end, the auger having one or more rotors about the longitudinal axis; as well as A weed-jointing component, axially connected to the drive shaft at a longitudinal position midway between the auger and the first end, the weed-jointing component having Base components; as well as At least one gripping finger, the at least one gripping finger hanging from the base member toward the auger, the at least one finger being axially offset from the longitudinal axis; and Discharge device, the discharge device comprising: An arm having a first end and a second end distal to the first end, the second end having a platform member near the base member, the second end being configured to be rotatably coupled to the drive shaft when the drive shaft is driven in one or more of a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction; A cutting blade, the cutting blade being coupled to a platform member at the second end of the arm and oriented to cut at least a portion of the weeds held by the weed-jointing member; and An actuator, operably coupled to the arm and configured to move the cutting blade to a cutting position via axial translation of the arm and the platform member relative to the drive shaft, wherein the cutting blade engages with at least a portion of the weeds held by the weed-jointing member to release at least a portion of the weeds from the weed-jointing member and discharge them from the device. in, When the drilling member contacts the lawn or garden surface and the drive shaft is driven about the longitudinal axis in the first rotational direction, the auger is driven to engage at least a portion of the weeds, and the weed engaging member is pulled toward the lawn or garden surface and engages with at least a portion of the weeds.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The auger has a single rotor.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the ability to drive the auger together with the weed-jointing member and the portion of the weed away from the lawn or garden surface when the drive shaft is driven about the longitudinal axis in the second rotational direction.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising the ability to drive the auger together with the weed-jointing member and the portion of the weed away from the lawn or garden surface when the drive shaft is driven about the longitudinal axis in the second rotational direction.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The at least one gripping finger includes a pair of opposing gripping fingers that hang from the center toward the auger.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The at least one gripping finger is bidirectional.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The weed-jointing component is fixed to the drive shaft for rotation.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, Each of the pair of opposing gripping fingers is angularly offset from the other finger.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: A shaft housing near the first end of the drive shaft, the shaft housing being rotatably disengaged from the drive shaft.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The cutting blade generally tapers away from the platform component.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The tapered portion of the cutting blade is shaped to apply a radial cutting force to at least a portion of the weed during the movement of the cutting blade to the cutting position.

12. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1, 10 to 11, wherein, The auger includes a guide slot through which at least a portion of the cutting blade travels to the cutting position.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1, 10 to 11, further comprising: A biasing member operatively coupled to the arm and the weed-jointing member, the biasing member being configured to bias the arm and the platform member coupled to the cutting blade away from the auger.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The biasing component includes a helical spring.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, The actuator includes the shaft housing.

16. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1, 10 to 11, wherein, The actuator includes a handle operably connected to the arm for axial translation with the arm and rotational disengagement from the drive shaft.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 1, 10 to 11, further comprising: A housing member having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be operatively coupled to a power unit, and the second end being a free end adjacent to the weed-jointing member; as well as An actuator housing operatively coupled to the actuator.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, The housing component and the actuator housing are rotatably disengaged from the drive shaft.

19. A motorized system for removing weeds from a lawn or garden surface, the system comprising: Power unit; as well as The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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