Gardening Tool

• US 20170347517A1
• Filed: 06/01/2016
• Published: 12/07/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Conor Mills Ahearn
• Original Assignee: Conor Mills Ahearn
• Inventors: Ahearn, Conor Mills
• Granted Patent: US 10,448,552 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 1/022 Collapsible; extensible; combinations with other tools
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 1/026 with auxiliary handles for facilitating lifting
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 1/08 with a single blade
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 1/227 Interchangeable blades
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 5/02 Hand tools for making holes for sowing, planting or manuring
• CPC Class Codes: B25F 1/02 with interchangeable or adjustable tool elements
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/01 Shock-absorbing means B25G1/02 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/04 telescopic; extensible; sectional
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/06 reversible or adjustable for position
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/10 characterised by material or shape B25G1/01, B25G1/02 take precedence ; for hand tools comprising coating rollers B05C17/0205
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/102 the shape being specially adapted to facilitate handling or improve grip
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 3/04 with detachable or separate socket pieces B25G3/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 3/12 Locking and securing devices
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 3/16 comprising bayonet joints
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 3/28 comprising wedges, keys, or like expanding means
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 3/36 Lap joints; Riveted, screwed, or like joints socket, tang, or like fixings B25G3/02

Abstract

A gardening tool includes an elongated body having a first end and a second end. An arm attachment portion is coupled substantially at the first end of the elongated body. The arm attachment portion is configured to at least partly wrap around a user'"'"'s forearm. The tool also includes a pivotally adjustable handle that is coupled to and extends substantially laterally from the elongated body. The handle is disposed between the first and the second end of the elongated body. The tool further includes a pad that is coupled to the elongated body. The pad is disposed between the handle and the arm attachment portion, and its position is adjustable along a longitudinal axis of the elongated portion. A adapter mechanism is disposed at the second end of the elongated body. The adapter mechanism is configured to allow for interchanging of gardening tool heads.

Claims

1. A gardening tool comprising:

an elongated body having a first end and a second end;

an arm attachment portion coupled to the elongated body, the arm attachment portion being disposed substantially at the first end of the elongated body and configured to at least partly wrap around a user'"'"'s forearm;

a pivotally adjustable handle coupled to and extending substantially laterally from the elongated body, the handle being disposed between the first end and the second end of the elongated body;

a pad coupled to the elongated body, the pad being disposed between the handle and the arm attachment portion, the position of the pad being adjustable along a longitudinal axis of the elongated body;

an adapter mechanism disposed at the second end of the elongated body, the adapter mechanism configured to allow for interchanging of gardening tool heads.

2. The gardening tool as defined by claim 1 wherein the adapter mechanism is spring loaded.

3. The gardening tool as defined by claim 1 wherein the adapter mechanism comprises a first portion on the tool head and a second portion on the elongated body.

4. The gardening tool as defined by claim 1 wherein the adapter mechanism is configured to release the tool head when the user applies:

a force on the tool head directed substantially towards the first end,

a rotational force on the tool head directed substantially around the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, and

a force on the tool head directed substantially away from the first end.

5. The gardening tool as defined by claim 4 wherein the adapter mechanism is configured to release the tool head when the user presses a release button.

6. The gardening tool as defined by claim 1 wherein the position of the handle, the pad and the arm attachment portion along the longitudinal axis of the gardening tool are all adjustable.

7. The gardening tool as defined by claim 1 wherein the handle is pivotally adjustable while translationally fixed on the elongated body.

8. The gardening tool as defined by claim 1 wherein the arm attachment portion comprises a strap.

9. The gardening tool as defined by claim 8 further comprising Velcro.

10. The gardening tool as defined by claim 1 wherein the length of the elongated body is adjustable.

11. The gardening tool as defined by claim 10 wherein adjusting the length of the elongated body moves at least one of the arm attachment portion, the handle, the pad, or the adapter mechanism relative to the others.

12. A method of gardening comprising:

providing a gardening tool comprising;

an elongated body having a first end and a second end,

an arm attachment portion coupled to the elongated body, the arm attachment portion being disposed substantially at the first end of the elongated body and configured to at least partly wrap around a user'"'"'s forearm,

a pivotally adjustable handle coupled to and extending substantially laterally from the elongated body, the handle being disposed between the first end and the second end of the elongated body,

a pad coupled to the elongated body, the pad being disposed between the handle and the arm attachment portion, the position of the pad being adjustable along a longitudinal axis of the elongated body, and

an adapter mechanism disposed at the second end of the elongated body, the adapter mechanism configured to allow for interchanging of gardening tool heads;

attaching a user'"'"'s arm to the arm attachment portion;

resting the user'"'"'s arm on the pad;

gripping the handle with the user'"'"'s hand; and

applying a force to the gardening tool.

13. The method as defined by claim 12 wherein the handle is configured to be gripped with a neutral hand grip.

14. The method as defined by claim 12 further comprising activating LED lights.

15. The method as defined by claim 12 further comprising adjusting the pivot of the handle.

16. The method as defined by claim 12 further comprising adjusting the length of the elongated body.

17. The method as defined by claim 12 further comprising releasing the tool head by applying:

a force on the tool head directed substantially towards the first end,

a rotational force on the tool head directed substantially around the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, and

a force on the tool head directed substantially away from the first end.

18. The method as defined by claim 12 further comprising releasing the tool head by pressing a release button.

19. A gardening tool comprising:

an elongated body having a first end and a second end;

a first handle coupled to and extending substantially laterally from the elongated body, the handle being adjustable and disposed between the first end and the second end of the elongated body;

a second handle disposed substantially at the first end; and

an adapter mechanism disposed at the second end of the elongated body, the adapter mechanism configured to allow for interchanging of gardening tool heads.

20. The gardening tool as defined by claim 19 wherein the second handle is adjustable.