A gardening device that blows and sucks up the material to reduce its volume

Abstract

A gardening device (100) for blowing and sucking plant material comprises an engine or motor (20) adapted to operate in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction, and a housing (10) having an impeller (30) mechanically connected to the engine or motor (20). The housing (10) comprises a first opening (41) and a second opening (51), and the impeller (30) generates a first air flow from the first opening (41) and a first air flow out of the second opening (51) when the engine or motor (20) is operating according to the first rotational direction, and generates a second air flow entering through the second opening (51) and exiting through the first opening (41) when the engine or motor (20) is operating according to the second rotational direction. In this way, for example, air can be removed from a container (80) fixed to said second opening (51) to reduce the volume of the container (80) with plant material inside.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gardening device for blowing and sucking plant material. More specifically, the device is also capable of sucking and collecting the plant material inside a suitable container, such as a biodegradable bag, even reducing the volume of the collected material inside the container. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, there are many types of machines on the market in the gardening field. Generally, machines are known for pruning or cutting, for example for pruning plants or for mowing, machines are also known for handling plant waste from pruning or mowing or for regular and seasonal cleaning of the garden, such as for example blowers and vacuum cleaners.

[0003] A blower typically comprises a motor, e.g. an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, and a fan housed in an enclosure to which a tubular element is connected for the outlet of the air. The fan is driven by the engine or motor and generates a high-velocity air flow that exits the tubular element. By deliberately directing the blower (and the resulting air flow exiting therefrom), it is possible to sweep an outdoor area, in particular of leaves, grass clippings or other debris.

[0004] However, conventional blowers typically only allow for blowing air which creates piles of plant material that must be manually collected and disposed of by the user.

[0005] In general, an aspirator resembles a blower with an airflow in the opposite direction. In other words, air is sucked in by the tubular element and expelled through the outlet of the housing. Obviously, the aspirated airflow can also provide drag on plant material, such as leaves or grass clippings, that is to be removed. In use, the aspirator also typically includes a collection bag attached to the outlet of the housing to collect the aspirated material, which must then be emptied.

[0006] However, blown or inhaled plant material (especially if leaves are included) remains very bulky and inconvenient to dispose of. Indeed, several trips using a car or small transport vehicle are required to properly dispose of the leaves at the collection centre.

[0007] An even more important factor may be the large volume generated within the collection centre itself, for example at a recycling station.

[0008] Or people may find themselves engaging in dangerous and environmentally harmful activities. For example, plant material is very often burned. Summary of the Invention

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT A general object of the present invention is to provide a gardening device for blowing and sucking plant material.

[0010] A first and more specific object of the present invention is to provide a gardening device that is capable of sucking up and chopping plant material while reducing its volume.

[0011] This general object and other more specific objects are attained as set forth in the claims, which form an integral part of this description.

[0012] The present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description set forth below when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an example of a gardening device for blowing and suctioning airflow associated with a first embodiment of an outdoor cleaning accessory. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the device of FIG. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the device of FIG. 1 to which a container for collecting plant material is secured. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in conjunction with a second example of an attachment for cleaning an outdoor area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] As can be readily understood, there are various ways of actually implementing the present invention, which is defined in its principal advantageous aspects in the appended claims and is not limited by either the following detailed description or the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Referring generally to the various figures, a preferred embodiment of a gardening device according to the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 100. Reference will hereinafter be made to the abbreviated notation "device 100."

[0016] The device 100 is suitable for use in outdoor spaces, in particular in gardens, patios, verandas or porches, in order to blow and suck up plant material, reducing the volume of the sucked up material, as will be better explained below. In other words, the device 100 is suitable for cleaning outdoor spaces, and in particular for collecting material from the outdoor space. The device 100 is useful for blowing and sucking up plant material present on the ground of the outdoor space, in particular leaves, needles, twigs, grass clippings, as well as pollen and seeds, advantageously accumulating in a suitable part of the outdoor space in a suitable container, reducing the volume and thus allowing for easier disposal, as will be better explained below.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of device 100, FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG.

[0018] 1 and 2, the device 100 comprises at least one impeller 30, typically made of metal, mechanically connected to a device adapted to rotate the impeller 30, for example an engine or motor 20, in particular an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. In particular, the impeller 30 is connected to the motor 20 via a rotating shaft, which may advantageously be connected to an accumulator battery.

[0019] With particular reference to FIG. 1 , the impeller 30 is disposed in a housing 10 having a first opening 41 and a second opening 51, and preferably the housing 10 defines a closed cavity that is fluidly connected to an external environment via the first opening 41 and the second opening 51.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the engine or motor 20 is disposed in an enclosure 11 mechanically connected to the housing 10 (note that in FIG. 1 two parts 11-1 and 11-2 of the enclosure 11 are shown, which when paired form the same enclosure 11). Advantageously, the housing 10 or enclosure 11 comprises a wall 12 that can fluidly separate the housing 10 and the enclosure 11. Further advantageously, the enclosure 11 can provide openings 13, such as holes or slots, to aid in cooling the engine or motor 20. According to an embodiment of the portable device 100, the enclosure 11 may further provide any suitable means for moving and transporting the device 100, for example a handle and / or a strap.

[0021] According to the invention, the engine or motor 20 is adapted to operate in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction. In particular, the device 100 may include a control unit configured to control the operation of the engine or motor 20. For example, the control unit may operate the engine or motor 20 according to the first rotation direction or the second rotation direction, or may keep the engine or motor 20 stationary or may vary the rotation speed of the engine or motor 20. In particular, the control unit may receive an input from a user, for example via a keypad, to select one of the operation modes of the engine or motor 20. Advantageously, the control unit may also vary the power of the engine or motor 20 when the engine or motor 20 rotates according to the first rotation direction or the second rotation direction. For example, the user may generate an input to the control unit by adjusting a knob or selecting a key to adjust the suction / blow power of the device 100.

[0022] When the engine or motor 20 operates according to a first rotation direction, the impeller 30 is adapted to generate a first air flow entering through the first opening 41 and exiting through the second opening 51, and when the engine or motor 20 operates according to a second rotation direction, the impeller 30 is adapted to generate a second air flow entering through the second opening 51 and exiting through the first opening 41. That is, when the engine or motor 20 operates according to a first rotation direction, the device 100 operates as a blower that draws in a first air flow into the first opening 41 and expels it through the second opening 51, across the impeller 30, and when the engine or motor 20 operates according to a second rotation direction, the device 100 operates as a blower that draws in a second air flow into the second opening 51 and expels it through the first opening 41, across the impeller 30. With non-limiting reference to FIG. 3, the second opening 51 is suitable for being connected to a container 80 for collecting the aspirated material, in particular an airtight container 80, advantageously made of a compostable and / or biodegradable material, for example a compostable and / or biodegradable bag. It should be noted that when the engine or motor 20 operates according to a second direction of rotation, i.e. when the device 100 operates as a blower, the air flow sucked in by the second opening 51 can reduce the volume of the container 80. In particular, the impeller 30 comprises blades designed such that the direction of the first / second incoming air flow and the direction of the first / second outgoing air flow define an angle comprised between 45° and 135°. Preferably, the direction of the first / second incoming air flow and the direction of the first / second outgoing air flow are essentially perpendicular to each other. Advantageously, the impeller blades are capable of varying their pitch (i.e., they are capable of rotating about their longitudinal axis to vary their pitch angle) depending on the direction of rotation of the engine or motor 20 (and thus the impeller 30). Advantageously, the control unit is further configured to adjust the pitch of the impeller blades according to the direction of rotation of the engine or motor.

[0023] It is noted that the first air flow can drag the plant material as it enters through the first opening 41. Advantageously, the impeller 30 is further adapted to chop the plant material entering through the first opening 41. For example, the blades of the impeller 30 can be suitably designed to chop the incoming plant material, or alternatively, the impeller 30 can have two parts, a first part designed to generate the first / second air flow and a second part designed to chop the incoming plant material. It cannot be excluded that the device 100 additionally comprises chopping means (not shown) upstream of the impeller 30, for example rotating blades keyed to the shaft of the impeller 30, in particular configured to pre-chop the incoming plant material.

[0024] Advantageously, the first opening 41 may be connected to an accessory, in particular an accessory tubular element 70, for example to facilitate the inflow of the first air flow (and plant material) or the outflow of the second air flow, or to other types of accessories for cleaning outdoor spaces. For example, the accessory tubular element 70 may comprise a first end 71 configured to be connected to the first opening 41 and a second end 72, the first end 71 having a first portion and a second end 72, the second portion being substantially the same size or smaller than the first portion. For example, the first portion may be a circular portion and the second portion may be a circular or elliptical portion smaller than the first circular portion. According to further embodiments, the accessory tubular element 70 may be configured to optimize the collection of plant material, in particular the second end 72 of the accessory tubular element 70 may include a portion configured like a rake (see, for example, FIG. 4) or a portion configured like a brush, in particular a rotating brush, or a hose to which a lance or other accessory for blowing, inflating and / or deflating can be attached. Advantageously, the device 100 further comprises a sensor associated with the first opening 41, capable of sending a signal to the control unit of the coupling of the accessory tubular element 70 with the housing 10, in particular with the first opening 41. Advantageously, the control unit is further configured to operate the engine or motor 20 only in case of a correct coupling between the accessory tubular element 70 and the first opening 41.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment shown in figures 1 to 3, the second opening 51 is associated with a portion 65 having a plurality of openings, for example a plurality of holes or slots, and with a movable closure means 60. In particular, the closure means 60 is adapted to selectively and alternately switch from a closed configuration of the opening of the portion 65 (see for example figures 2 and 3) to an open configuration of the opening of the portion 65. With non-limiting reference to figure 1, the portion 65 is for example a cylindrical portion at least partially defining the second opening 51. Advantageously, the closure means 60 comprises a tubular element 64 fluidly connected to the second opening 51, in particular to the portion 65, and defining a passage for the first and / or second air flow. According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the tubular element 64 is mechanically connected to the part 65, i.e. axially slidable on the part 65, in particular by a system of grooves and projections, in such a way that it assumes at least two configurations: a first configuration in which the tubular element 64 is superimposed on the part 65, closing the opening of the part 65 and preventing the exit / entrance of the first / second air flow, and a second configuration in which the tubular element 64 is not superimposed on the part allowing the exit / entrance of the first / second air flow from the opening of the part 65. Alternatively, the tubular element 65 may be a ring nut which rotates on the part 65 and closes or opens the opening of the part 65 depending on the angle of rotation. In particular, the closing means 60 is adapted to assume an open configuration of portion 65 when the engine or motor 20 is operating according to a first rotational direction, i.e. when generating a first air flow (and plant material) entering at the first opening 41, such that at least a portion of the first air flow can exit through the opening of portion 65 once it has passed through the impeller 30.

[0026] It is noted that the movement of the tubular element 65 in the open and closed configuration of the opening of the portion 65 can be performed manually by a user or can be automatic, for example adjusted by a control unit after receiving input from a user. Advantageously, the second opening 51 is further associated with a device configured to allow the passage of air and prevent the passage of shredded material, in particular the movable grille 66 (see, for example, Figures 1-3) is configured to selectively and alternately switch from an open position, allowing the passage of plant material through the second opening 51 and preventing the passage of plant material through the second opening 51, advantageously the grille 66 is configured to allow the passage of air flow, as further explained below. Advantageously, the grill 66 is adapted to block the passage of the plant material from the second opening 51 to the impeller 30 when the engine or motor 20 is operating according to the second direction of rotation, i.e. when a second incoming air flow from the second opening 51 is generated, in other words when the grill 66 is in the closed position, the plant material is blocked and remains inside the container 80, while air can pass through the grill 66 and leave the container 80. Moreover, advantageously, the grill 66 is adapted to assume at least one open position when the engine or motor 20 is operating according to the first direction of rotation, i.e. when a first air flow incoming from the first opening 41 is generated allowing the passage of the plant material from the first opening 41 to the impeller 30. It is noted that the grill 66 can be opened by the weight of the plant material pulled by the first air flow in the vicinity of the grill 66, or alternatively, the grill 66 can be opened by mechanical actuation by an element subject to mechanical or non-permanent elastic displacement, in particular a spring which, when subjected to a force (in particular by the weight of the plant material or generated by the user or controlled by the control unit, for example via a trigger or lever), opens the grill 66, in particular the first door 66-1 and the second door 66-2 of the grill 66. With non-limiting reference to Fig. 3, the second opening 51 is fluidly connected to a container 80, preferably a biodegradable container, for example a biodegradable bag.In particular, the container 80 is adapted to collect the plant material at its outlet from the second opening 51 when the engine or motor 20 is working in a first direction of rotation. Advantageously, the device 100 further comprises fastening means for directly or indirectly fastening the container 80 to the second opening 51. According to a first example of use of the device 100, when the engine or motor 20 is working according to a first direction of rotation, the tubular element 65 is in an open configuration of the opening of the part 65, and a first air flow is generated, which draws the plant material to the first opening 41 and out of the second opening 51. In particular, the first air flow can flow out of the opening of the part 65, while the plant material can generate an opening of the grill 66 and can be discharged into the container 80 connected to the second opening 51. Once the plant material has been collected in the container 80, preferably up to a predetermined maximum volume of the container 80, advantageously monitored by a suitable sensor, the tubular element 65 is moved to a closed configuration of the opening of the part 65 and the engine or motor 20 is subsequently operated according to a second direction of rotation (while the grill 66 is in the closed position, i.e. preventing the ingress of plant material through the second opening 51), so that the device 100 generates a second air flow entering through the second opening 51 and exiting through the first opening 41. In other words, the device 100 reduces the volume of the container 80 (it is said that the container 80 is under a vacuum), in particular because the impeller 30 sucks the second air flow from the container 80 and expels it through the first opening 41. Advantageously, the step of reducing the volume of the container 80, i.e. the step of the engine or motor 20 operating according to the second direction of rotation, can be of a predetermined duration. Further advantageously, the device 100 further comprises a closing means, in particular a tight closing means for sealing the container 80, for example by means of a heat sealing means which can be used to seal the container 80 when the volume of the container 80 is reduced, so that the container 80 remains in a vacuum even after the suction of air from the container has stopped, i.e. even when the device 100, in particular the engine or motor 20, is no longer operating.

[0027] According to a further use of the device 100, when the engine or motor 20 is operating according to a second direction of rotation, the container 80 is not connected to the second opening 51 and a second air flow is generated entering through the second opening 51 and exiting through the first opening 41, for example to blow away leaves lying on the ground in the outdoor space in which the device 100 is used. According to this last use, the user can normally decide whether to keep the opening of the portion 65 open or closed.

Claims

1. 1. A gardening device for blowing and sucking plant material, comprising: An engine or motor (20); at least one impeller (30) mechanically connected to said engine or motor (20); A housing (10) in which the impeller (30) is disposed, The housing (10) includes a first opening (41) and a second opening (51); the engine or motor (20) is configured to operate in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction; the impeller (30) is configured to generate a first air flow entering through the first opening (41) and exiting through the second opening (51) when the engine or motor (20) operates according to the first rotational direction, and to generate a second air flow entering through the second opening (51) and exiting through the first opening (41) when the engine or motor (20) operates according to the second rotational direction; The second opening (51) is configured to be connected to a container (80), and when the engine or motor (20) operates according to the second direction of rotation, the second air flow is further configured to reduce a volume of the container (80).

2. 2. Gardening implement (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second air flow is further configured to create a vacuum in the container (80) when the engine or motor (20) operates according to the second direction of rotation.

3. The present invention further includes a control unit configured to control the operation of the engine or motor (20), the control unit comprising: operating the engine or motor (20) according to the first direction of rotation; operating the engine or motor (20) according to the second direction of rotation; said engine or motor (20) being stationary; selectively configured to vary the speed of the engine or motor (20); 2. Gardening device (100) according to claim 1.

4. 2. The gardening apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the impeller (30) is further configured to chop plant material entering through the first opening (41), the plant material being pulled by the first air flow.

5. The second opening (51) A portion (65) having a plurality of openings; a movable closure means (60) configured to selectively and alternately switch from a closed configuration of the opening of said portion (65) to an open configuration of the opening of said portion (65), 2. Gardening device (100) according to claim 1.

6. 5. Gardening device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the closing means (60) is configured to assume the open configuration of the part (65) when the engine or motor (20) operates according to the first direction of rotation.

7. 5. The gardening device (100) of claim 4, wherein the closing means (60) comprises a tubular element (64) fluidly connected to the second opening (51), the tubular element (64) defining a passage for the first air flow and / or the second air flow.

8. 2. The gardening device (100) of claim 1, wherein the second opening (51) is associated with a movable grill (66), the grill (66) being configured to be selectively and alternately switched from an open position to a closed position, and wherein the grill (66) is configured to block the passage of the flow of plant material when the grill (66) is in the closed position.

9. 8. Gardening device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the grill (66) is configured to assume the closed position when the engine or motor (20) operates according to the second direction of rotation.

10. 2. The gardening device (100) of claim 1, further comprising fastening means configured to fasten the container (80), preferably a biodegradable container, directly or indirectly to the second opening (51).

11. 2. Gardening device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a closure means, said closure means configured to close said container (80).

12. 2. The gardening device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first opening (41) is configured to be connected to an accessory tubular element (70), in particular configured at an end like a rake or configured to be connected to another type of accessory for cleaning outdoor spaces.

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