Grooving machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a grooving machine (1) comprising a handle (2) fixed to a main body (3), the handle (2) comprising a first gripping portion (21) extending along a grooving direction of the body (R), a second gripping portion (22) substantially perpendicular to the first gripping portion (21) and a third gripping portion (23) substantially parallel to and spaced from the second gripping portion, so that the handle is substantially U-shaped.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to grooving machines, and in particular to grooving machines for making slots, grooves or recesses in walls or at floor level. Technical background

[0002] Such a grooving machine can be used to make slots, grooves or recesses in masonry, for example in plaster, brick or concrete walls, in sand-lime walls or in any surface.

[0003] In domestic electrical installations, it is often necessary to make slots, grooves, or similar recesses in the masonry when electrical cables or conduits are to be laid under the plaster. Similarly, such recesses are often necessary when installing plumbing pipes.

[0004] Known groovers generally comprise a pair of handles each attached at their end to a main body. These may be parallel or perpendicular to each other. Those skilled in the art will understand that each type of handle offers advantages for manipulating the groover in horizontal and / or vertical orientations. Summary of the invention

[0005] A non-exclusive object of the present invention is to provide a groover that can be more easily used in multiple different orientations.

[0006] The invention relates to a groover comprising a brushless motor, for example for driving a cutting disc.

[0007] The groover may include a brushless motor for driving a pair of cutting discs, for example at least two cutting discs.

[0008] The groover may include a cutting disc, e.g., for cutting a groove in a substrate. The groover may include an engagement surface, e.g., for engaging a substrate to be grooved. The cutting disc may protrude from the engagement surface.

[0009] The groover may include a pair of cutting discs or at least two cutting discs, for example for cutting a groove in a substrate. The cutting discs may be spaced apart.

[0010] The or each cutting disc may be operatively connected to the motor to be driven by it.

[0011] The groover may include a power converter. The groover may include a power cord. The power cord may be configured to connect the brushless motor to an external AC power supply, such as through the power converter.

[0012] Also provided is a groover comprising a pair of spaced cutting discs for cutting a groove in a substrate, a brushless motor for driving the cutting discs, a power converter, and a power cord configured to connect the brushless motor to an external AC power supply via the power converter.

[0013] The grooving machine may include a main body. The grooving machine may include a handle, which may be attached to the main body. The cutting discs may protrude from the engagement surface.

[0014] The handle may include a gripping portion. The gripping portion may be substantially parallel to a grooving direction of the body. The brushless motor may be located between the gripping portion and the engagement surface.

[0015] More specifically, the groover may include a main body, a handle attached to the main body, and an engagement surface for engaging a substrate to be grooved, wherein the cutting discs protrude from the engagement surface, the handle includes a gripping portion that is substantially parallel to a grooving direction of the body, and the brushless motor is located between the gripping portion and the engagement surface.

[0016] The motor may have a central axis spaced from the engagement surface by a first distance. The handle, e.g., the gripping portion, may have a central portion spaced from the central axis by a second distance. The second distance may be at least 50% greater than the first distance.

[0017] More specifically, the motor may have a central axis spaced from the engagement surface by a first distance and the gripping portion that is substantially parallel to the grooving direction of the body has a central portion spaced from the central axis by a second distance that is at least 50% greater than the first distance.

[0018] Also provided is a grooving machine comprising a main body, a handle with a gripping portion extending along a grooving direction of the body, a motor for driving a cutting disc and an engagement surface for engaging a substrate to be grooved, wherein the motor has a central axis spaced from the engagement surface by a first distance and the gripping portion has a central portion spaced from the central axis by a second distance which is at least 50% greater than the first distance.

[0019] The second distance can be at least 75% greater than the first distance.

[0020] More specifically, the motor may have a central axis spaced from the engagement surface by a first distance, the gripping portion having a central portion spaced from the central axis by a second distance that is at least 75% greater than the first distance.

[0021] The second distance can be about double, or at least double, the first distance.

[0022] The second distance can be approximately at least double the first distance.

[0023] The gripping portion which is substantially parallel to the grooving direction of the body may converge toward the engagement surface.

[0024] The part of the gripping portion closest to the central axis may be moved away from it by a third distance. The third distance may be at least 25% greater than the first distance.

[0025] More specifically, the part of the gripping portion closest to the central axis is moved away from it by a third distance that is at least 25% greater than the first distance.

[0026] The third distance can be at least 40% greater than the first distance.

[0027] The third distance can be at least about 50% larger than the first distance.

[0028] The handle may allow a user's hand to slide between the handle portion parallel to the grooving direction and a handle portion perpendicular to the grooving direction.

[0029] A grooving machine includes a handle attached to a main body, the handle allowing a user's hand to slide between a handle portion parallel to a grooving direction and a handle portion perpendicular to the grooving direction.

[0030] The inventors were surprised to find how easy this arrangement was to manipulate during the grooving process.

[0031] The invention also relates to a handle, which may be intended for use in the groover described above.

[0032] The handle portion parallel to the grooving direction may be a first gripping portion. The first gripping portion may extend along the grooving direction of the body.

[0033] The handle portion perpendicular to the grooving direction may be a second gripping portion. The second gripping portion may be substantially perpendicular to the first gripping portion.

[0034] The first gripping portion and the second gripping portion of the handle may be connected by a connecting portion, for example a first connecting portion. The first connecting portion may be substantially continuous, for example such that a user may slide, in use, a hand from the first gripping portion to the second gripping portion without releasing the handle.

[0035] Also provided is a groover comprising a handle attached to a main body, the handle comprising a first gripping portion extending along a grooving direction of the body and a second gripping portion substantially perpendicular to the first gripping portion, wherein the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion of the handle are connected by a first substantially continuous connecting portion such that a user can slide, in use, a hand from the first gripping portion to the second gripping portion without releasing the handle.

[0036] Also provided is a handle for use in the grooving machine described above, wherein the handle comprises a first gripping portion for extending along a grooving direction of the main body and a second gripping portion substantially perpendicular to the first gripping portion, wherein the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion of the handle are connected by a substantially continuous first connecting portion such that a user can slide, in use, a hand from the first gripping portion to the second gripping portion without releasing the handle.

[0037] The handle may include a third gripping portion. The third gripping portion may be substantially perpendicular to the first gripping portion. The third gripping portion may be connected to the first gripping portion by a second connecting portion. The handle may be substantially U-shaped.

[0038] More specifically, the handle may comprise a third gripping portion substantially perpendicular to the first gripping portion and connected thereto by a second connecting portion, such that the handle is substantially U-shaped.

[0039] More specifically, the gripping portion that is substantially parallel to the grooving direction of the body may comprise a first gripping portion, the handle comprising a second gripping portion substantially perpendicular to the first gripping portion, connected thereto by a first connecting portion, and a third gripping portion substantially perpendicular to the first gripping portion and connected thereto by a second connecting portion, such that the handle is substantially U-shaped.

[0040] Also provided is a grooving machine comprising a handle attached to a main body, the handle comprising a first gripping portion extending along a grooving direction of the body, a second gripping portion substantially perpendicular to the first gripping portion, and a third gripping portion substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the second gripping portion, such that the handle is substantially U-shaped.

[0041] Also provided is a handle for use in the grooving machine described above, wherein the handle comprises a first gripping portion for extending along a grooving direction of the main body, a second gripping portion substantially perpendicular to the first gripping portion, and a third gripping portion substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the second gripping portion, such that the handle is substantially U-shaped.

[0042] The third gripping portion may be connected to the second gripping portion, for example by a fourth gripping portion. The fourth gripping portion may close the U-shape into an O-shape.

[0043] More specifically, the third gripping portion may be connected to the second gripping portion by a fourth gripping portion to close the U-shape into an O-shape.

[0044] The invention also relates to a handle for use in the grooving machine described above, wherein the handle comprises a first gripping portion for extending along a grooving direction of the main body, a second gripping portion substantially perpendicular to the first gripping portion, a third gripping portion substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the second gripping portion, such that the handle is substantially U-shaped.

[0045] The fourth gripping portion may be substantially parallel to the first gripping portion. The fourth gripping portion may be intended to extend along a grooving direction of the main body.

[0046] Alternatively, the handle may be connected to one side of the main body, for example to a free end of at least one, for example each, of the second gripping portion and the third gripping portion. The first gripping portion may be aligned with the main body.

[0047] More specifically, the handle may be connected to one side of the main body at a free end of each of the second gripping portion and the third gripping portion, such that the first gripping portion is aligned with the main body.

[0048] The second connecting portion of the handle may be connected to the main body. At least one or each end of the third gripping portion of the handle may be connected to the main body.

[0049] More specifically, the second connecting portion of the handle may be connected to the main body such that each end of the third gripping portion of the handle is connected to the main body.

[0050] The third gripping portion of the handle may extend beyond the side of the main body to which it is connected, for example, further than the second gripping portion. This may allow for offset gripping of the handle.

[0051] More specifically, the third gripping portion of the handle may extend beyond the side of the main body to which it is connected, further than the second gripping portion, to allow for offset gripping of the handle.

[0052] The second connecting portion may extend at an acute angle relative to the first gripping portion and the third gripping portion.

[0053] The first connecting portion may extend at an acute angle relative to the first gripping portion. The first connecting portion may extend at an acute angle relative to the second gripping portion.

[0054] More specifically, the first connecting portion may extend at an acute angle relative to the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion.

[0055] In some examples, the second connecting portion extends at an acute angle relative to the first gripping portion and the third gripping portion and the first connecting portion extends at an acute angle relative to the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion.

[0056] At least a portion of at least one of the gripping portions and / or connecting portions of the handle may extend at an acute angle relative to the engaging surface, for example to facilitate gripping by a user.

[0057] More specifically, the groover may include an engagement surface for engaging a substrate to be grooved, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the gripping portions and / or connecting portions of the handle extends at an acute angle relative to the engagement surface to facilitate gripping by a user.

[0058] The first gripping portion may converge toward the engagement surface as it extends from the first connecting portion.

[0059] The second gripping portion may converge toward the engagement surface as it extends from the first connecting portion.

[0060] The third gripping portion may converge toward the engagement surface as it extends from the second connecting portion.

[0061] The third gripping portion may be further from the engagement surface than the second gripping portion.

[0062] The handle may be tubular. The handle may comprise a substantially continuous wall. The substantially continuous wall may be formed as a unitary structure, for example by extrusion blow molding.

[0063] More specifically, the handle may be tubular and include a substantially continuous wall formed as a unitary structure, for example formed by extrusion blow molding.

[0064] The invention also relates to a groover comprising a tubular handle attached to a main body, wherein the tubular handle comprises a substantially continuous wall formed as a unitary structure, for example formed by extrusion blow molding.

[0065] The invention also relates to a handle for use in the groover described above, wherein the handle is tubular and comprises a substantially continuous wall formed as a unitary structure, for example formed by extrusion blow molding.

[0066] The groover may include a brushless motor, for example for driving a cutting disc. The brushless motor may be located between the handle and the or an engagement surface for engaging a substrate to be grooved.

[0067] More specifically, the groover may include a brushless motor for driving a cutting disc, the brushless motor being located between the handle and the one or more engaging surfaces for engaging a substrate to be grooved.

[0068] The groover may include a wall groover.

[0069] For the avoidance of doubt, all features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention.

[0070] Within the scope of the present application, it is expressly provided that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. In other words, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any way, unless such features are incompatible.

[0071] For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may," "and / or," "for example," and any other similar terms used herein are to be construed as non-limiting, such that any feature so described need not necessarily be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not expressly claimed. Applicant reserves the right to amend any originally filed claim or to file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend upon and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim not originally claimed in that manner. Brief description of the figures

[0072] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a groover according to an example, seen from the rear; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the groover of the figure 1 ; [ Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 illustrates a top view of the groover figures 1 And 2 ; [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 illustrates a front view of the grooving machine figures 1 to 3 ; [ Fig. 5 ] there Figure 5 illustrates a rear view of the groover presented to the figures 1 to 4 ; [ Fig. 6 ] there figure 6 illustrates a side view of the groover presented to the figures 1 to 5 , seen from a first side; [ Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 illustrates a side view of the grooving machine figures 1 to 6, seen from a second side; [ Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the grooving machine figures 1 to 7 ; [ Fig. 9 ] There figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a grooving machine according to another example. Detailed description of the invention

[0073] Referring now to the figures 1 to 8 , a groover 1 can be seen comprising a handle 2 attached to a main body 3. The handle 2 comprises a first gripping portion 21 extending along a grooving direction of the body R and a second gripping portion 22 substantially perpendicular to the first gripping portion 21. The first gripping portion 21 and the second gripping portion 22 of the handle 2 are connected by a substantially continuous first connecting portion 24. A user can slide, during use, a hand from the first gripping portion 21 to the second gripping portion 21 without releasing the handle 2.

[0074] The handle 2 also comprises a third gripping portion 23, which is substantially perpendicular to the first gripping portion 21. The third gripping portion 23 is connected to the first gripping portion 21 by a second connecting portion 25, so that the handle 2 is substantially U-shaped.

[0075] The handle 2 is also connected to a side 30 of the main body 3 at a free end 22a, 23a of each of the second gripping portion 22 and the third gripping portion 23. Thus, the first gripping portion 21 is aligned with the main body 3.

[0076] The second connecting portion 25 of the handle 2 is connected to the main body 3 such that each end 23a, 23b of the third gripping portion 23 of the handle 2 is connected to the main body 3. The third gripping portion 23 of the handle 2 extends beyond the side 30 of the main body 3 to which it is connected, further than the second gripping portion 22, in order to allow offset gripping of the handle 2.

[0077] The second connecting portion 25 extends at an acute angle β relative to the first gripping portion 21 and the third gripping portion 23. The first connecting portion 24 may extend at an acute angle α relative to the first gripping portion 21 and the second gripping portion 22.

[0078] The groover 1 comprises an engagement surface 4 for engaging a substrate to be grooved.

[0079] At least a portion of at least one of the gripping portions 21, 22, 23 and / or the connecting portions 24, 25 of the handle 2 may extend at an acute angle relative to the engagement surface 4 to facilitate gripping by a user.

[0080] In this example, the first gripping portion 21 converges toward the engagement surface 4 as it extends from the first connecting portion 24. The second gripping portion 22 also converges toward the engagement surface 4 as it extends from the first connecting portion 24. The third gripping portion 23 also converges toward the engagement surface 4 as it extends from the second connecting portion 25. The third gripping portion 23 is further from the engagement surface 4 than the second gripping portion 22.

[0081] The first gripping portion 21 and the second gripping portion 22 of the handle 2 are connected by a substantially continuous first connecting portion 24. A user can slide, during use, a hand from the first gripping portion 21 to the second gripping portion 21 without releasing the handle 2.

[0082] The invention therefore provides a handle which facilitates the handling of the grooving machine during the grooving process.

[0083] In this example, the handle 2 is tubular and comprises a substantially continuous wall formed as a unitary structure, for example formed by extrusion blow molding.

[0084] The groover includes a brushless motor 5 for driving a pair of spaced cutting discs 10. The groover also includes a power converter 6 and a power cord 7 for connecting the brushless motor 5 to an external AC power supply via the power converter 6.

[0085] The handle 2 comprises a first gripping portion 21 intended to extend along a grooving direction of the main body R and a second gripping portion 22 substantially perpendicular to the first gripping portion 21.

[0086] The motor 5 has a central axis 50 distant from the engagement surface 4 by a first distance D1. The gripping portion 21 has a central portion 21a distant from the central axis 50 by a second distance D2 which is approximately twice the first distance D1. The part of the gripping portion 21 closest to the central axis 50 is distant from it by a third distance D3. The third distance D3 is approximately 50% greater than the first distance D1.

[0087] However, it is envisaged that the second distance D2 is less than twice the first distance D1, but that it is at least 50% greater than the first distance D1. Similarly, it is envisaged that the second distance D2 is less than 50% greater than the first distance D1, but that it is at least 25% greater than the first distance D1.

[0088] This results in a device whose center of gravity is significantly closer to the substrate to be grooved than that of known groovers. This allows the groover to be more compact and makes it easier for a user to handle.

[0089] There figure 9 shows a groover 101 according to another example similar to the groover 1 of the figures 1 to 8 , where similar references represent similar characteristics, incremented by 100. The groover 101 according to this example differs from that of the figures 1 to 8 in that the second and third gripping portions 121, 122 of the handle 102 are connected by a fourth gripping portion 126 to close the U-shape into an O-shape.

[0090] Throughout the specification, the words "include" and "contain" and their variations mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to refer to (and do not exclude) other parts, additives, or whole or partial components. Throughout the specification, the singular includes the plural, unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context otherwise requires.

[0091] Any features, integers, characteristics, compounds or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention should be understood as being applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein, unless inconsistent therewith. List of reference signs

[0092] 1grooving machine 2handle 21first gripping portion 22second gripping portion 22afree end of the second gripping portion 23third gripping portion 23afree end of the third gripping portion 24first connecting portion 25second connecting portion 3main body 30side of the main body 4engaging surface for engaging a substrate to be grooved 5brushless motor 50central axis of the motor 6power converter 7power cord D1first distance D2second distance D3third distance Rgrooving direction of the body βangle relative to the first and third gripping portions αangle relative to the first and second gripping portions 101grooving machine 102handle 121first gripping portion 122second gripping portion 123third gripping portion gripping 126fourth gripping portion 103main body 4engaging surface for engaging a substrate to be grooved

Claims

1. A grooving machine (1) comprising a handle (2) attached to a main body (3), the handle (2) comprising a first gripping portion (21) extending along a grooving direction of the body (R), a second gripping portion (22) substantially perpendicular to the first gripping portion (21) and a third gripping portion (23) substantially parallel to and spaced from the second gripping portion, such that the handle is substantially U-shaped.

2. A grooving machine according to claim 1, wherein the handle (2) is connected to one side (30) of the main body (3) at a free end (22a, 23a) of each of the second gripping portion (22) and the third gripping portion (23), such that the first gripping portion (21) is aligned with the main body (3).

3. Grooving machine according to claim 2, wherein the second connecting portion (25) of the handle (2) is connected to the main body (3) such that each end (23a, 23b) of the third gripping portion (23) of the handle (2) is connected to the main body (3).

4. A grooving machine according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the third gripping portion (23) of the handle (2) projects beyond the side (30) of the main body (3) to which it is connected, further than the second gripping portion (22), in order to allow offset gripping of the handle (2).

5. A grooving machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the first gripping portion (21) and the second gripping portion (22) of the handle (2) are connected by a substantially continuous first connecting portion (24) such that a user can slide, in use, a hand from the first gripping portion (21) to the second gripping portion (21) without releasing the handle (2).

6. Grooving machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connecting portion (25) extends at an acute angle (β) relative to the first gripping portion (21) and the third gripping portion (23) and / or the first connecting portion (24) extends at an acute angle (α) relative to the first gripping portion (21) and the second gripping portion (22).

7. A grooving machine according to any preceding claim comprising an engagement surface (4) for engaging a substrate to be grooved, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the gripping portions (21, 22, 23) and / or the connecting portions (24, 25) of the handle (2) extends at an acute angle to the engagement surface (4) to facilitate gripping thereof by a user.

8. A grooving machine according to claim 7, wherein the first gripping portion (21) converges towards the engagement surface (4) as it extends from the first connecting portion (24).

9. A grooving machine according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the second gripping portion (22) converges towards the engagement surface (4) as it extends from the first connecting portion (24).

10. A grooving machine according to any one of claims 7 to 9 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the third gripping portion (23) converges towards the engagement surface (4) as it extends from the second connecting portion (25).

11. A grooving machine according to any one of claims 7 to 10 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the third gripping portion (23) is further from the engagement surface (4) than the second gripping portion (22).

12. Grooving machine according to any one of claims 7 to 11 comprising a brushless motor (5) for driving a cutting disc (10), the brushless motor (5) being located between the handle (2) and the or one engagement surface (4) for engaging a substrate to be grooved.

13. A grooving machine according to claim 12, wherein the motor (5) has a central axis (50) spaced from the engagement surface (4) by a first distance (D1) and the first gripping portion (21) has a central portion (21a) spaced from the central axis (50) by a second distance (D2) which is at least 75% greater than the first distance (D1).

14. A grooving machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle (2) is tubular and comprises a substantially continuous wall formed as a unitary structure, for example formed by extrusion blow molding.

15. A grooving machine according to claim 1, wherein the third gripping portion (123) is connected to the second gripping portion (122) by a fourth gripping portion (126) to close the U-shape into an O-shape.

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