U.S. patent application number 09/073643 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-17 for rake having enhanced leverage.
Invention is credited to MCKITTRICK, JANIE.
Application Number | 20020005289 09/073643 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24460088 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020005289 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MCKITTRICK, JANIE |
January 17, 2002 |
RAKE HAVING ENHANCED LEVERAGE
Abstract
A hand held garden rake configured to enhance downward force for
digging and raking. The rake has a rod frame which extends from
tines located at the front end of the rake to a brace located at
the rear of the rake. The frame is bent to extend back towards the
front end of the rake, at which point the frame terminates in an
upwardly extending handle. The brace rests on the forearm, so that
additional force is developed when the tines of the rake are urged
downwardly into the ground. The vertical orientation of the handle
is more natural and comfortable than would be a horizontal
orientation. The handle is provided with a molded grip for
cooperating with a user's hand. The brace has a resilient cushion
for comfort when pressing downwardly on the tines.
Inventors: |
MCKITTRICK, JANIE; (GOLDEN
VALLEY, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORSEY & WHITNEY LLP
50 SOUTH SIXTH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-1498
US
|
Family ID: |
24460088 |
Appl. No.: |
09/073643 |
Filed: |
May 6, 1998 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09073643 |
May 6, 1998 |
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08614158 |
Mar 8, 1996 |
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5813206 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
172/378 ;
172/371; 294/58; 56/400.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01B 1/00 20130101; A01B
1/14 20130101; A01B 1/06 20130101; A01B 1/022 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
172/378 ;
56/400.01; 294/58; 172/371 |
International
Class: |
A01B 001/14; A01B
001/22 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A hand held gardening implement, comprising a frame member
having a longitudinal dimension, a proximal end, and a distal end;
a working element attached to said frame member at said proximal
end of said frame member, said working element projecting
downwardly and vertically from said frame member; a brace attached
to said frame member at said distal end of said frame member; and a
handle attached to said frame member intermediate said working
element and said brace, said handle projecting upwardly and
vertically from said frame member.
2. The gardening implement according to claim 1, said working
element including a plurality of tines, whereby said gardening
implement is a rake.
3. The gardening implement according to claim 1, said brace further
comprising an elastic cushion for deforming to distribute force
developed by the hand and arm of the user over an increased area of
the forearm of the user.
4. The gardening implement according to claim 1, said handle
further comprising a molded grip for conforming to the
configuration of the human hand.
5. The gardening implement according to claim 1, said frame member
comprising rod stock bent to form said working element, said brace,
and said handle in sequential fashion from a unitary component.
6. A hand held gardening implement, comprising a frame member
having a longitudinal dimension, a proximal end, and a distal end;
a plurality of tines attached to said frame member at said proximal
end of said frame member, said plurality of tines projecting
downwardly and vertically from said frame member; a brace attached
to said frame member at said distal end of said frame member, said
brace further comprising an elastic cushion for deforming to
distribute force developed by the hand and arm of the user over an
increased area of the forearm of the user; and a handle attached to
said frame member intermediate said working element and said brace,
said handle projecting upwardly and vertically from said frame
member, said handle further comprising a molded grip for conforming
to the configuration of the human hand, said frame member
comprising rod stock bent to form said working element, said brace,
and said handle from a unitary, homogeneous component.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a garden tool having tines
and a handle. More specifically, the novel tool further comprises a
handle disposed normally to the longitudinal dimension of the tool
and oriented upwardly, and an arm brace for engaging the forearm.
The arm brace enhances leverage or force which may be applied to
force the tines downwardly into the soil. Upward orientation of the
handle provides more comfortable grasp, which further enhances the
force which may be developed by the hand and arm combined.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Garden rakes, particularly small rakes held in one hand, are
employed by gardeners for both raking and digging purposes. This
type of tool is quite useful in clearing dead plant growth from the
surface of the soil, for separating roots from soil, and for
digging shallow holes and trenches for planting.
[0005] From time to time, resistance encountered while performing
these tasks varies considerably, possibly requiring force beyond
that which may be developed while grasping the handle of the tool.
The prior art has suggested numerous arm braces which may be
exploited for enhancing force applied to the blade, tines, or other
working element of the tool.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 2,710,571, issued to Frederick W. Pfister on
Jun. 14, 1955 illustrates a tined garden rake having a handle and
an arm brace. Unlike the tool of Pfister, the handle of the present
invention is vertically oriented when the tines face the ground.
This orientation of the handle affords grip which is slightly more
natural, comfortable, and therefore fatigue resistant than the
horizontal orientation of Pfister's handle. Greater force can be
developed and applied by a user in the present invention than
occurs with Pfister's arrangement.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 712,843, issued to Ralph H. Paul on Nov. 4,
1902 describes an arm brace in combination with a vertical handle.
However, the working element of the tool is aligned with the
longitudinal dimension of the tool. This orientation is suitable
for forward movement of the tool. However, unlike the present
invention, this arrangement does not enable downward force to be
applied to the working element when the longitudinal dimension of
the tool is horizontal, or parallel to the ground. Also, the brace
requires fastening of a strap for effectiveness. By contrast, in
the instant invention, the working element is perpendicular to the
longitudinal dimension and oriented opposite the handle with
respect to the longitudinal dimension. The brace lacks a strap,
having instead a cushioned bar. Paul's device has a scraping blade,
which is unlike the tines of the present invention in structure and
purpose.
[0008] A similar device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,846, issued
to Thomas Natale on Dec. 26, 1989. Natale has a working element
disposed in alignment with the longitudinal dimension of his tool.
Unlike the present invention, this arrangement does not enable
downward force to be applied to the working element when the
longitudinal dimension of the tool is horizontal, or parallel to
the ground. Natale's device has a scraping blade, which is unlike
the tines of the present invention in structure and purpose.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,087, issued to Tony J. DeCarlo on Apr.
18, 1989, features a tool having a vertical handle and an arm
brace. However, the arm brace is disposed to be ineffective if
DeCarlo's tool were forced into the ground at its working element.
This arrangement is opposite that of the present invention. Also,
DeCarlo's working element is flaccid, unlike that of the present
invention. Therefore, the purpose of the present invention cannot
be realized by DeCarlo's invention. DeCarlo's working element has
no relation to piercing the ground or to raking action, unlike the
present invention.
[0010] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention
as claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides an inexpensively fabricated
tool well suited for development and application of downward force
for a rake, scoop, or hand shovel. In an advancement of the prior
art, the handle is advantageously oriented for development and
application of downward force by one hand and arm, when compared to
the horizontal orientation of the Pfister device. The handle is
turned vertically upwardly with respect to the longitudinal
dimension of the tool. This results in a more natural and
comfortable position of the hand, wrist, and arm. More force is
developed, and can be maintained for longer periods of time.
[0012] Apart from the working element, which is preferably a
plurality of tines, but which may also be a flat blade or otherwise
configured, the principal component of the tool is formed from rod
stock. This rod stock is appropriately bent, and provided with a
cushioned brace for engaging the forearm of the user and a handle
for grasping by hand.
[0013] When fabricating the tool, no one bend need be greater than
ninety degrees. Therefore, less complicated jigs may be employed
than would be the case if Pfister's tool were similarly formed.
[0014] Pfister's tool has the characteristic that the handle is
disposed between the working element and the brace. This
arrangement is suitable for a horizontal handle. However,
complications in fabrication occur if the handle is to be vertical.
For example, either the handle must be welded or otherwise
connected to a longitudinal member of the tool, or, if fabricated
from a single piece of rod stock, must be bent double in order to
form a vertical handle.
[0015] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide a hand held gardening tool having a handle and a working
element for piercing the ground, which tool enhances downward force
developed and applied by the user.
[0016] It is another object of the invention to orient the handle
vertically, for more natural and comfortable grasp of the handle
when the user's arm is near and parallel to the ground.
[0017] It is a further object of the invention to provide a brace
for engaging the arm and enhancing force applied to the tool by
only one arm.
[0018] Still another object of the invention is to enable the tool
to be fabricated by bending rod stock material.
[0019] It is an object of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes
described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in
accomplishing its intended purposes.
[0020] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the
same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters
designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views,
and wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is an environmental, perspective view of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Turning now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the novel garden
implement 10 is a hand held rake having tines 12, a handle 14, and
a brace 16. The principal component of garden implement 10 is a
frame member 18 which defines a longitudinal dimension or axis
indicated at 20. Tines 12 are attached to frame member 18 at the
proximal end of frame member 18, and brace 16 is attached to frame
member 18 at the distal end thereof.
[0025] It should be noted that in other embodiments (not shown),
garden implement 10 may comprise a small spade or still another
tool. These embodiments would result were a working element other
than the plurality of tines 12 provided. For example, the working
element could be a shovel or spade blade (neither shown).
Regardless of the specific embodiment of the working element, the
working element projects downwardly towards the soil and vertically
from frame member 18.
[0026] Handle 14 attaches to frame member 18 intermediate the
working element, in the embodiment the working element depicted
being tines 12, and brace 16. Handle 14 projects upwardly and
vertically from frame member 18. A molded grip 22 configured to
conform to the human hand is provided on handle 14 for enhanced
grasp. Grip 22 increases the diameter of frame member 18, and
further includes depressions 23 for receiving the user's fingers
(not shown). Optionally, grip 22 may be resilient.
[0027] Brace 16 is similarly improved by incorporating a cushion
24. Cushion 24 is elastic or resilient, and deforms when pressing
against the arm (not shown) of the user responsive to the user
exerting increasing force on the working element of garden
implement 10. This deformation distributes force developed by the
hand and arm of the user over an increased area of the forearm of
the user.
[0028] It is contemplated that an advantageous method of
fabrication is achieved by bending rod stock to form frame member
18. Rod stock is a homogeneous, unitary member which may be
subjected to bending to achieve a required shape. Other fabrication
techniques, such as welding, brazing, friction fitting, for adding
components other than the working element are not required.
[0029] In the preferred embodiment, wherein the working element
comprises three tines 12, frame member 18 may itself form one tine
12 at its proximal end 26. If the working element is otherwise
arranged, a separate working element (not shown) may be suitably
joined to frame member 18, as by welding or forging. Regardless of
the embodiment and method of fabrication, frame member is arranged
in sequential fashion along frame member 18. This signifies that
after bending, frame member 18 connects tines 12 to handle 14, then
sequentially to brace 16. There is no branching of frame member 18
required to provide and connect the working element, handle 14, and
brace 16.
[0030] Right and left side tines 12 may be formed from a shorter
section of rod stock, appropriately bent and shaped, and welded at
a point generally designated 28. Alternatively, tines 12 may be
provided as a separate assembly (not shown) which is subsequently
joined to frame member 18.
[0031] The improved garden implement 10 is employed by grasping in
the manner illustrated in FIG. 2. With the forearm A of the user
passing beneath brace 16, the user's hand H grasps handle 14 with
the fingers F encircling grip 22. The user then exerts downward
force at handle 14 while either maintaining forearm A at a constant
position above the ground or applying upward force at brace 16.
Leverage developed by this manner of operation assists in urging
tines 12 into the ground.
[0032] It will be obvious to those of skill in the art that still
other fabrication techniques and arrangements may be employed
without departing from the inventive concept.
[0033] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *