Gardening Tools

Abstract

A tool (100) includes a handle (102). The tool (100) also includes at least two blades (116) operatively coupled to the handle (102). The at least two blades (116) are adapted to perform one or more gardening operations based on the operation of the handle (102). The tool (100) also includes a foot pedal (120) operatively coupled to the handle (102). The tool (100) is characterized by having a pin (150) at least partially removably coupled to the foot pedal (120) and the handle (102). When the pin (150) is at least partially removed, the foot pedal (120) can be pivotally rotated between a working position and a storage position. The foot pedal (120) in the storage position is substantially parallel to the handle (102). In the storage position of the foot pedal, the at least two blades (116) are closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gardening tool and more particularly to a weed eater. Background Art

[0002] Tools such as weeders, transplanting shovels, forked hand-held digging devices, etc. may often include a foot-operated removal mechanism. Such tools are used to remove grass from ground surfaces (such as lawns and gardens). Such tools may include an L-shaped structure and often include a foot pedal connected generally perpendicular to the handle of the tool. However, such a vertical arrangement of the foot pedal requires more storage space, which is undesirable. In addition, the vertical arrangement of the foot pedal with respect to the handle may affect the aesthetics of the tool in the storage position. In addition, the vertical arrangement of the foot pedal may present a safety hazard when storing or transporting the tool.

[0003] An example of a weed or grass removal device (or tool) is provided in Chinese Utility Model No. 203,661,519 (hereinafter referred to as the '519 reference). The '519 reference discloses such a grass removal device, which includes a base, a handle pivotally connected to the base, and a clamping claw arranged at the bottom of the base. A clamping portion corresponding to the clamping claw is provided in an extended manner at the lower end of the handle. A pedal support portion is removably and pivotally connected to the side of the base by a pin passing through the pivot point. The pedal support portion can rotate about a pivot. The '519 reference discloses a pivotable pedal support portion that pivots from a substantially perpendicular position to a substantially parallel position relative to the handle. The pedal support portion being in a substantially parallel position relative to the handle appears to increase the length of the device, and therefore the device requires more storage space, which is undesirable.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved design of a tool having an adjustable foot pedal to reduce storage space and improve safety during storage and transportation. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to solve or at least reduce the disadvantages discussed above. This object is achieved at least in part by a newly designed tool. The tool includes a handle. The tool also includes at least two blades operatively connected to the handle. The at least two blades perform one or more gardening operations based on the operation of the handle. The tool also includes a foot pedal operatively connected to the handle. The tool is characterized by having a pin that is at least partially removably connected to the foot pedal and the handle. When the pin is at least partially removed, the foot pedal can be pivotally rotated between a working position and a storage position. In addition, the foot pedal in the storage position is substantially parallel to the handle, and the at least two blades are closed.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a tool with an improved design having a pin that allows a removable connection of a foot pedal and a handle. The simple and cost-effective design of the tool allows the user to pivotally rotate the foot pedal between a working position and a storage position. With the improved construction, in the working position, the foot pedal is substantially perpendicular to the handle, and in the storage position of the foot pedal, the foot pedal can be rotated so that the foot pedal is substantially parallel to the handle. In addition, the substantially parallel arrangement of the foot pedal reduces the storage space requirements of the storage position. Therefore, the tool can be safely and conveniently stored in a compact space. In addition, in the storage position of the foot pedal, one or more blades are closed, thereby increasing safety when storing or transporting the tool. In addition, the parallel arrangement of the foot pedal in the storage position improves the aesthetics of the tool in the storage position. In addition, the parallel arrangement of the foot pedal in the storage position can reduce safety hazards and part damage hazards during storage or transportation of the tool.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the foot pedal in the working position is substantially perpendicular to the handle. The foot pedal can be used to press the blade of the tool into the ground surface during weeding operations. This arrangement provides a tool with a simple, ergonomic and user-friendly design that facilitates weeding operations.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the handle has a rotational behavior for closing one or more blades. This arrangement provides a mechanical advantage for the tool during weeding operations because the pulling force applied by the user at the first portion of the handle bar allows the one or more blades located at the second portion of the handle bar to be closed.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tool further comprises a slider for removing grass engaged with one or more blades. The slider is simple in design and allows grass to be quickly removed from the tool, which can save the user time and effort. Thus, the slider improves the efficiency of the weeding operation.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the foot pedal is in the storage position, a pin is coupled to the foot pedal and the handle. This locking arrangement locks the foot pedal in the storage position. In addition, the locking arrangement eliminates unintentional rotational movement of the foot pedal during storage or transportation of the tool, thereby increasing safety.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the storage position, one or more blades of the tool are closed. Therefore, since the blades do not extend from the tool individually but are in a closed configuration and may even enter a protected position, the risk of injury is greatly reduced.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the storage position of the foot pedal, the pin is inserted back into one or more of the foot pedal and the handle. The connection of the pin with the foot pedal and the handle in the storage position locks the foot pedal in place, thereby limiting the rotational movement of the foot pedal around the pivot point.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pin is completely removable. This arrangement allows complete removal of the pin for applications such as maintenance and disassembly of the tool. In addition, this can provide the option of repairing or replacing the pin itself.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the footrest includes a recess at the bottom of the footrest. The recess allows the footrest to rest in a storage position without touching the handle.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the recess of the foot pedal has a shape corresponding to the shape of the handle. The similarly shaped recess and handle improve the aesthetics of the tool. In addition, in the storage position of the foot pedal, the similarly shaped recess receives a portion of the handle rod, thereby reducing the occupied area associated with the tool.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the recess allows a form-fit connection between the foot pedal and the handle in the storage position. The form-fit connection locks the foot pedal in the storage position, thereby eliminating any unintentional rotational movement of the foot pedal during storage or transportation of the tool.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tool is a weeder. A weeder is used to remove grass from lawns, gardens and other ground surfaces.

[0018] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tool in a working position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a tool during a rotational action according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3 A perspective view showing the surrounding of a foot pedal of a tool in a working position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 4 A perspective view showing the periphery of a foot pedal of a tool in an intermediate position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0024] Figure 5 A perspective view around a foot pedal of a tool in a storage position is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in combination with one or more aspects of the present disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in a variety of different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; on the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be used in other embodiments, and even other types of structures and / or methods. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0026] Certain terms are used herein for convenience only and should not be considered as limiting the present disclosure. For example, "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "side," "longitudinal," "lateral," "transverse," "upward," "downward," "forward," "backward," "lateral," "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "up," "inside," "outside," "inward," "outward," "top," "bottom," "higher," "above," "below," "center," "middle," "centered," "between," "end," "adjacent," "near," "close," "proximal," "remote," "radial," "circumferential," and the like describe only the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings. In fact, components may be oriented in any direction, and therefore, unless otherwise specified, these terms should be understood to encompass such variations.

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of a tool 100 in a working position is shown. The tool 100 can be used for a variety of gardening operations, such as removing grass from ground surfaces such as lawns, gardens, etc. In the present invention, the tool 100 is shown as a weeder. However, the tool 100 may include any type of tool without limiting the scope of the present invention. The tool 100 includes a handle 102. The handle 102 includes a first portion 104 and a second portion 106. The first portion 104 of the handle 102 may include a knurled portion or different gripping features for better gripping during gardening operations. The handle 102 allows a user to grasp the tool 100 by hand and manipulate the tool 100. The handle 102 is ergonomically designed to allow efficient operation of the tool 100. Depending on the application requirements, the handle 102 may have any shape or size. The handle 102 may be made of any suitable material (such as plastic, metal, etc.).

[0028] The handle 102 also includes a handle bar 108. The handle bar 108 includes: a first portion 110, coupled to the second portion 106 of the handle 102; and a second portion 112, opposite to the first portion 110. The handle bar 108 defines a first pin hole (not shown) near the second portion 112 of the handle bar 108. The handle bar 108 can be made of any material (such as plastic, metal, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the handle bar 108 includes a circular cross-section. It should be noted that the handle bar 108 can include any other cross-section without limiting the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, one or more of the second portion 106 and the first portion 104 can include a button, a switch, etc. to allow the size of the first portion 110 (or even the second portion 112) of the handle bar 108 to be changed. This can allow the first portion 110 and the second portion 112 coupled to the handle 102 to have different lengths, i.e., linear dimensions. For example, the handle bar 108 can include a telescopic design.

[0029] refer to Figure 2 , the tool 100 also includes one or more blades 116 operably coupled to the handle 102. The one or more blades 116 perform one or more gardening operations based on the operation of the handle 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool 100 includes four blades 116. In some other embodiments, the tool 100 may include any number, type, size, arrangement of blades 116 without limiting the scope of the present invention. The blades 116 may be made of carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, etc. The handle 102 is actuated by a rotation behavior "T1" for closing the one or more blades 116. Specifically, the one or more blades 116 perform one or more gardening operations based on the rotation behavior "T1" of the handle 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation behavior "T1" of the handle 102 performs an action of cutting / removing grass from the ground surface. In addition, the rotation behavior "T1" of the handle 102 allows the blades 116 to firmly clamp the grass to allow the grass to be removed / cut from the ground surface. Due to the rotation behavior "T1" of the handle 102, the blades 116 move toward each other to clamp the grass. In some embodiments, the tool 100 may include any other mechanism for performing the cutting / removal of grass from a ground surface without limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0030] The tool 100 includes a foot pedal 120 operably coupled to the handle 102. The foot pedal 120 in the working position is substantially perpendicular to the handle 102. The foot pedal 120 includes a first end 122. The foot pedal 120 also includes a second end 124. The foot pedal 120 is disposed proximate to the second portion 112 of the handle bar 108. The foot pedal 120 defines a generally rectangular shaped structure having a forked design. Specifically, the foot pedal 120 includes a pair of forks 126 (at Figure 3 , Figure 51 ). The forks 126 are spaced apart from one another to define a hollow portion 128 therebetween. The hollow portion 128 is sized so that the foot pedal 120 can be moved between the working position and the storage position without contacting the blade 116.

[0031] The foot pedal 120 also includes a top portion 130 and a bottom portion 132. The top portion 130 of the foot pedal 120 may define a plurality of ridges or knurled portions to prevent the user's foot from slipping during gardening operations. In addition, the foot pedal 120 is used to press the tool 100 against a ground surface by the user's foot during gardening operations. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 132 of the foot pedal 120 may have a shape or design that allows the foot pedal 120 to engage with a ground surface during gardening operations.

[0032] The foot pedal 120 includes a recess 134 at the bottom 132 of the foot pedal 120. In addition, the recess 134 of the foot pedal 120 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the handle 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 134 defines a semicircular cross-section. It should be noted that the recess 134 allows the foot pedal 120 in the storage position to be connected to the handle 102 in a form-fitting manner. This feature of the recess 134 allows the handle bar 108 to be received in the recess 134 of the foot pedal 120, thereby further reducing the storage space required for the tool 100. The form-fitting connection of the foot pedal 120 in the storage position can also eliminate unintentional rotational movement of the foot pedal 120 during storage or transportation of the tool 100, thereby increasing safety. In some examples, the handle bar 108 can be received in the recess 134 by locking the snap-fit ​​connection of the handle bar 108 and the foot pedal 120.

[0033] The footrest 120 is pivotally coupled to the handle bar 108 at a pivot point 136. Specifically, each of the pair of forks 126 of the footrest 120 is coupled to the handle bar 108. A pivot pin 140 and a plurality of mechanical fasteners 138 may be used for the pivotable coupling of the footrest 120. The mechanical fasteners 138 may include bolts, screws, pins, rivets, etc. The footrest 120 also includes a plurality of second pin holes 142 (e.g., Figure 4 and Figure 5 ), these second pin holes are close to the second end 124 of the foot pedal 120. In some embodiments, since the foot pedal 120 often contacts the ground surface, the foot pedal can be made of a wear-resistant and durable material.

[0034] Figure 3The tool 100 is shown with the foot pedal 120 in a working position. As shown, the tool 100 includes a slider 144 for removing grass engaged with one or more blades 116. The slider 144 defines a gripping portion that allows a user to grip the slider 144. In some embodiments, the gripping portion may include a knurled surface to facilitate gripping. In the working position of the foot pedal 120 of the tool 100, the slider 144 remains in an initial position. The slider 144 can slide along the length of the handle bar 108. The slider 144 can slide in the direction "D1" to remove grass. In order to discharge the grass from the tool 100, the slider 144 slides to a final position close to the second portion 112 of the handle bar 108. The slider 144 may be provided with a spring member (not shown) to achieve a pumping action motion. When the user pushes the slider 144 toward the second portion 112 of the handle bar 108, the spring member biases (e.g., retracts) the slider 144 to its initial position. Additionally, the pumping action movement of the slider 144 allows grass to be expelled from the blade 116 .

[0035] The tool 100 includes a push member 146 (eg, Figure 5 108), the pushing member is arranged around the blade 116 near the second portion 112 of the handle bar 108. In some embodiments, the slider 144 can be coupled with the pushing member 146. When the slider 144 moves, the pushing member 146 pushes the grass to discharge the grass from the blade 116. In addition, the pushing member 146 can move forward when the slider 144 is pushed by the user, and the pushing member returns to its initial position based on the retraction action of the spring member.

[0036] The tool 100 also includes a pin 150 (at least partially removably coupled to the foot pedal 120 and the handle 102) Figure 5 108). When the foot pedal 120 is in the storage position, the pin 150 is coupled to the foot pedal 120 and the handle 102. In addition, when the foot pedal 120 is to be moved between the storage position and the working position, the pin 150 can be easily removed by hand (i.e., without the need for any external tools, accessories, etc.). The pin 150 defines a plurality of elongated portions 152 and defines a head 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin 150 defines three elongated portions 152 having a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the pin 150 may include any number of elongated portions 152 having any other shape, size, and cross-section without limiting the scope of the present invention. The elongated portion 152 is partially received by the foot pedal 120 and the handle bar 108. In addition, the elongated portion 152 of the pin 150 is partially received by the first pin hole of the handle bar 108 and the second pin hole 142 of the foot pedal 120.

[0037] The head 154 of the pin 150 limits the pin 150 from being fully advanced into the foot board 120 and the handle bar 108. In addition, the head 154 of the pin 150 allows a user to removably couple the pin 150 to the foot board 120 and the handle 102. The head 154 of the pin 150 defines a slot 156 that allows a user to grasp the pin 150 to removably couple the pin 150 to the foot board 120 and the handle 102. The pin 150 includes a keyed member 158 that engages in one of the second pin holes 142 of the foot board 120. Since the pin 150 is susceptible to wear, the pin 150 may be manufactured using a wear-resistant material.

[0038] Figure 4 The tool 100, and in particular the foot pedal 120, is shown in an intermediate position. When the pin 150 is at least partially removed, the foot pedal 120 can be pivotally rotated between the working position and the storage position. In addition, the foot pedal 120 can rotate about the pivot point 136. In the intermediate position, the foot pedal 120 can be rotated approximately 90 degrees from the working position or approximately 180 degrees from the storage position. In addition, in the intermediate position, the foot pedal 120 is substantially in line or aligned with the handle bar 108.

[0039] Figure 5 The tool 100, in particular the foot pedal 120, is shown in a storage position. To move the foot pedal 120 to the storage position, the foot pedal 120 can be rotated approximately 270 degrees from the working position. The foot pedal 120 in the storage position is approximately parallel to the handle 102. In the storage position of the foot pedal 120, the pin 150 is inserted back into one or more of the foot pedal and the handle. In addition, the pin 150 is then coupled to the foot pedal 120 and the handle 102. In the storage position, the coupling of the pin 150 to the foot pedal 120 and the handle 102 locks the foot pedal 120 in place, thereby limiting the rotational movement of the foot pedal 120 around the pivot point 136. When the foot pedal 120 is moved to the storage position, a portion of the handle bar 108 is received in the recess 134 of the foot pedal 120, thereby providing a form-fitting connection between them. In addition, the pin 150 can be removed to change the position of the foot pedal 120 from the storage position to the working position. In some embodiments, the pin 150 can be completely removed. This arrangement is desirable for repair, maintenance, or disassembly of the tool 100. The fully removable nature of the pin 150 may also allow the pin to be easily maintained or replaced.

[0040] The present invention provides a tool 100 of improved design having a pin 150 that can be removably coupled to the foot pedal 120 and the handle 102. By means of the pin 150, in the working position of the foot pedal 120, the foot pedal 120 is substantially perpendicular to the handle 102, and in the storage position of the foot pedal 120, the foot pedal 120 can be arranged substantially parallel to the handle 102. In addition, the pin 150 can be easily engaged with and removed from the foot pedal 120 and the handle bar 108 without requiring any additional tools, accessories, etc.

[0041] The simple and cost-effective design of the tool 100 allows the user to pivotally rotate the foot pedal 120 between a working position and a storage position. In addition, the generally parallel arrangement of the foot pedal 120 reduces the storage space requirements of the storage position. Thus, the tool 100 can have a smaller footprint and can be accommodated in a compact space. In addition, in the storage position of the foot pedal 120, one or more blades 116 are closed (e.g., Figure 5 ), thereby increasing safety when storing or transporting the tool 100. In the storage position of the foot pedal 120, such closure of one or more blades 116 can also reduce the space footprint of the tool 100 and other benefits. In addition, the parallel arrangement of the foot pedal 120 in the storage position provides improved aesthetics for the tool 100 in the storage position. In addition, the parallel arrangement of the foot pedal 120 in the storage position improves safety during storage or transportation of the tool 100.

[0042] In the drawings and specification, preferred embodiments and examples of the present disclosure have been disclosed, and although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the present disclosure set forth in the appended claims.

[0043] Reference numerals list

[0044] 100 Tools

[0045] 102 Handle

[0046] 104 First Part

[0047] 106 Second Part

[0048] 108 Handle bar

[0049] 110 Part 1

[0050] 112 Part 2

[0051] 116 Blade

[0052] 120 Pedals

[0053] 122 First end

[0054] 124 Second end

[0055] 126 Fork

[0056] 128 Hollow part

[0057] 130 Top

[0058] 132 bottom

[0059] 134 recess

[0060] 136 Pivot Point

[0061] 138 Mechanical fasteners

[0062] 140 Pivot pin

[0063] 142 Second pin hole

[0064] 144 Slide

[0065] 146 Pushing member

[0066] 150 Pins

[0067] 152 Slender part

[0068] 154 Head

[0069] 156 slots

[0070] 158 Bonded components

[0071] T1 rotation behavior

[0072] D1 Sliding direction of the slide

Claims

1. A tool (100), comprising: handle(102); at least two blades (116) operatively coupled to the handle (102), wherein the at least two blades (116) are adapted to perform one or more gardening operations based on operation of the handle (102); and A foot pedal (120) operatively connected to the handle (102); Characterized in that the tool also includes: A pin (150) is adapted to be at least partially removably coupled to the foot pedal (120) and the handle (102), wherein when the pin (150) is at least partially removed, the foot pedal (120) is pivotally rotatable between a working position and a storage position, wherein the foot pedal (120) in the storage position is substantially parallel to the handle (102), and wherein, in the storage position, at least two of the blades (116) are closed.

2. The tool (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The footrest (120) in the working position is substantially perpendicular to the handle (102).

3. The tool (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The handle (102) includes a rotational behavior ("T1") for closing one or more of the blades (116).

4. The tool (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The tool (100) also includes a slider (144) adapted to remove grass engaged with the one or more blades (116).

5. The tool (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the foot pedal (120) is in the storage position, the pin (150) is coupled to the foot pedal (120) and the handle (102).

6. The tool (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The foot pedal (120) includes a recess (134) located at a bottom (132) of the foot pedal (120).

7. The tool (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The pin (150) is completely removable.

8. The tool (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In the storage position of the foot pedal (120), the pin (150) is inserted back into one or more of the foot pedal (120) and the handle (102).

9. The tool (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The recess (134) of the footrest (120) has a shape corresponding to the shape of the handle (102).

10. The tool (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The recess (134) allows a form-fitting connection of the footrest (120) with the handle (102) in the storage position.

11. The tool (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The tool (100) is a weed eater.

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