Foldable multipurpose apparatus

A foldable multipurpose apparatus including a tool, a gripping mechanism, and a connecting element, extending along a first axis between the tool and the gripping mechanism, the tool being articulated at one end of the connecting element around a second axis transversal to the first axis, the gripping mechanism being articulated at an opposite end of the connecting element around a third axis separated from the second axis and transversal to the first axis. The second transversal axis and the third transversal axis are perpendicular to each other.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hand apparatus, in particular a tool for working with soil and other loose materials, such as sand or snow, that can be folded on itself.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Hand-operated apparatuses of various kinds for working the soil by hand have always been used by man in farm work. They generally consist of an elongate connecting element, made of wood or metal, to which is connected at one of the two ends the real working tool, generally metallic, having different shapes, depending on the function to perform. The other end of the connecting element serves as a handle to allow the use of the tool.

Although, to maintain economically acceptable quantitative standards, the agricultural field is now largely mechanized, manual tools are still used in the cultivation of small parcels of land, in gardening and small home maintenance operations.

Tools of this type are also supplied in equipment kits to army personnel.

Moreover, recently the market of these tools has also turned to fields other than agriculture, such as sports, in particular mountain climbing and hiking, and in camping equipment.

Consequently, foldable hand apparatuses that can be placed in compact spaces and thus carried where they are to be used, even in remote places, are preferable over traditional ones, whose length could be a hindrance in transportation.

Prior art foldable hand apparatuses, in their most rudimental form, have a simple single joint, generally arranged on the connecting element, and can be folded so that the tool fastened at one end folds back on the other end, the one forming the handle. Unfortunately, the size of the apparatus, even when folded, is not always sufficiently compact to allow it to be easily carried, for example inside a rucksack.

To resolve this problem, the document WO96/41513 issued to Fiskars Consumer OY AB discloses a foldable hand apparatus provided with two joints: a first pin rotatably connects the tool to the connecting element, while a second pin rotatably connects the connecting element to the handle. In this manner, the size of the folded apparatus is rather compact.

One drawback found in that known solution lies in the fact that both said two joints have axes of rotation that are transversal to the connecting element and parallel to each other: in this manner, when a force is applied on the apparatus during its normal use, there is the risk that one of the two pins, particularly the second one, that is under the greater strain, yields, thus causing the tool to accidentally fold back on itself at an inappropriate moment. This problem is already pointed out in the above-mentioned document which, in fact, to avoid this problem, proposes an apparatus provided with a further element, a slidable sleeve arranged to protect and reinforce the second joint, which must be lifted to perform the actions of opening/folding the apparatus, thus making them rather complicated and time-consuming.

In addition, since the apparatus must be such as to be used by both right-handed and left-handed users, the handle has been proposed in a triangular shape and rather narrow, to contain its size: for this reason, it may be found to be not very practical for a user that grips it wearing gloves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The main objective of the subject matter of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the known art by devising a multipurpose hand apparatus that is particularly practical to use and carry.

In the scope of the above objective, one purpose of the present invention is to realize a hand apparatus that can be placed in a very limited space when not in use and that has a particularly compact shape, without projecting portions, so as to make it easier and safer to carry the same even inside a rucksack.

At the same time, however, the apparatus of the present invention must be able to reassure the user against the possibility of undesirable and accidental closing of the same during its use.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use apparatus in which the operations of opening or folding it back upon itself are as simple and fast as possible.

Another purpose of the present invention is to achieve a multipurpose apparatus that can be completely and easily disassembled and reassembled for its maintenance.

A further purpose of the invention is to realize a foldable apparatus in which the hand tool can be easily replaced to modify its shape on the basis of necessity and that is also easily adaptable to be used by a left-handed person.

One not least important purpose is to devise a foldable apparatus that can be easily made with the usual well-known systems, machinery and equipment.

The above objective and purposes, and others that will be more evident later herein, are achieved through the construction of an apparatus as defined by claim1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the above-mentioned figures, in particularFIG. 1, a foldable multifunction apparatus1is shown comprising an elongate connecting element2, extending along a first axis X-X, to which are rotatably connected, at one of the two ends, a hand tool4, and at the opposite end, a gripping means6, or handgrip.

As will be explained later in greater detail, the tool4and the handgrip6can be opened in a first extended, working position, and a second retracted position, in which both are folded on the connecting element2; in addition to said two positions, the tool4can also be set in one or more stable intermediate positions to better adapt to the different working conditions.

The rotatable connection of the tool4to said connecting element2is achieved by the interposition of a first joining element3, such as a first sleeve, while the rotatable connection of the grip means6to said connecting element2is achieved thanks to the interposition of a second joining element5, such as a second sleeve.

In the enclosed figures, the tool4has the shape of a shovel for tilling the soil, but there is nothing preventing it from having other shapes, such as for example a snow shovel or a pick; in effect, one purpose of the present invention is to make it possible to interchangeably mount different tools on the same support structure.

Said connecting element2consists substantially of an elongate hollow body, preferably cylindrical, that extends along a first longitudinal axis X-X, and includes a first end portion2A, provided with a first pair of facing holes12, designed to be received inside a corresponding hollow end portion3A of said first sleeve3, which also has a longitudinal extension along the same axis X-X.

Said first sleeve3also includes a second hollow portion3B, that extends perpendicularly to said first portion3A, substantially along a second axis Y-Y, so that all in all the first sleeve3is in the shape of a T.

The first sleeve3can be made as an integral part or the two portions perpendicular to each other can be assembled at a separate moment, for example by welding.

Said second hollow portion3B is closed at both ends by the closing side walls13, each of them provided with a second pair of facing holes13A, preferably arranged in the central portion. One of the two closing walls13is also provided with a further through hole13B, arranged off-centre with respect to the central portion of the same wall.

Two shoulders14A,14B, arranged facing each other, rise substantially at right angles on the surface of said tool4, preferably at an edge portion, to which they are fastened by conventional fastening means.

Said two shoulders14A,14B are positioned at a reciprocal distance such as to allow the insertion between them of the second portion3B of said first sleeve3, so that the external surfaces of the closing walls13are respectively in contact with the facing surfaces of the shoulders14A and14B.

In addition, on said two shoulders14A and14B there is a third pair of holes24, that makes it possible to rotatably articulate said tool4on said first sleeve3, around a first transversal pin7that extends substantially along said second axis Y-Y. Said first pin7may consist, for example, of a male screw and a female screw that are joined to each other by interposing, if necessary, sealing washers, and a Belleville washer to restrain the rotation.

Said first pin7is suitable to also cross the second pair of holes13A, in addition to the third pair of holes24, so as to rotatably connect the tool4to the first sleeve3, and the first pair of holes12provided on the portion of the first end2A of the connecting element2to fasten the latter stably to the first sleeve3.

On one of the two shoulders (14A in the figures), in particular the one that comes into contact with the wall13of the first sleeve3provided with the offset hole13B, is provided a plurality of through holes, generally indicated in the figures by reference number40: each of said plurality of holes40, by interacting with a first control means8as will be explained later, determines a position of the tool4with respect to the connecting element2. In addition, on the top edge of the same shoulder14A is also provided a recessed portion42which, by interacting with said first control means8, defines the fully closed position of the tool4with respect to the connecting element2.

In fact, in said offset hole13B is to be inserted said first control means8, such as a push button, opposed by a first resilient means8A, such as a compression spring inserted in the offset hole13B substantially coaxially with said first push button8.

The functioning of this first rotatable connection between the tool4and the connecting element2is as follows: the head8B of said first push button8is adapted to interact with said plurality of holes40, by inserting itself selectively into one of them, thus locking the rotation of the tool4around said first pin7and consequently fixing a working position of the tool4with respect to the connecting element2.

To vary the position of the tool4, it is necessary to apply an axial force on the push button8such as to overcome the opposing force exerted by said spring8A: in this manner, the head8B of said second push button8becomes detached from the hole in which it was engaged, thus freeing the rotation of the tool4around the pin7.

Then, by releasing the push button8and rotating the tool4so that the head8B can exit again from a different hole of said plurality of holes40, the tool4is locked in a different working position.

Advantageously, and as shown in the enclosed figures, the plurality of holes40includes three holes40A,40B and40C, arranged substantially along an arc, which determine respectively a first position in which the tool4extends along the X-X axis, that is useful for example for a user in the snow, a second position in which the tool4is rotated 45° around the Y-Y axis in the direction of rotation shown by the arrow A inFIG. 2, that is advantageous for example when used in working with soil, and a third position in which the tool4is rotated 90° around the Y-Y axis, to be used for example as a hoe. Naturally, it will be sufficient to add additional holes on said shoulder14A to allow different inclinations of the tool4, also based on the use of a type of tool different from the one shown in the figures, such as for example a pick.

Finally, to obtain the position in which the tool4is completely folded back upon the connecting element2, as shown inFIG. 3, it is necessary for the head8B of the first push button8to be arranged so as to be engaged in the seat42, thus preventing the backward rotation of the tool4.

Advantageously, the end2A of said connecting element2can be cut according to an inclined plane to avoid interfering with the movement of the first push button8.

The second end portion2B of the connecting element2, opposite to said first end portion2A, is provided with a fourth pair of facing holes22, arranged at a 90° angle with respect to said first pair of holes12. The second end portion2B is adapted to be received inside a second joining element5that rotatably connects said connecting element2to said gripping means6, or the handgrip of the tool.

Said second joining element5, or second sleeve, consists substantially of a first hollow, elongate portion5A joined preferably without discontinuity to a second portion5B having at least one wider section and including at least two flattened faces having, at the central portion, a fifth pair of facing holes15.

Only one of the two flattened faces, in the figures the one facing upwards, is crossed by a further hole56, arranged off-centre and offset axially in the direction of the handgrip6, in which are inserted coaxially a second control means10, such as a second push button, and an opposing resilient means10A, such as for example a compression spring.

The head wall55of the second sleeve5is rounded and provided with an elastically deformable portion50, suitable to interfere as a cam with a corresponding wall60provided in the body of the handgrip6, as will be explained in greater detail later.

The handgrip6includes a rigid body having a substantially “L” shape, in which a first side6A extends substantially along said first axis X-X, and a second portion6B, arranged preferably perpendicularly to said first portion6A, is adapted to be gripped by the user both when using the apparatus1and also when carrying the same apparatus in its completely folded configuration.

Said first portion6A ends with two facing portions26A,26B jutting toward the connecting element2, that is, two shoulders on which is provided a sixth pair of holes16; in addition, one of said two shoulders, indicated in the figures with reference number26A, is provided with a further off-centre hole36.

The distance between said two shoulders26A,26B is such as to allow the insertion between them of the second portion5A of the second sleeve5, so that the fifth pair of holes15overlaps the sixth pair of holes16and the hole56in which the second push button10is inserted overlaps the off-centre hole36.

A second pin9, for example in the form of a male screw inserted into a female screw, extending along a third axis Z-Z perpendicular to both said first axis X-X and said second axis Y-Y, makes it possible to rotatably join the handgrip6to the second sleeve5, as well as to stably join the connecting element2to the second sleeve5: said second pin9is in fact suitable to cross, respectively, the sixth pair of holes16, the fifth pair of holes15, and the fourth pair of holes22.

The operation of the rotating connection between said connecting element2and said grip means6is as follows: when the apparatus1is in a fully open configuration, the head10B of said second push button10engages in the opening of the offset hole36of the gripping means6, locking in this manner the relative rotation of the two elements around the axis Z-Z, defined by the pin9.

This position is maintained stable, thanks also to the action of the elastically deformable portion50, which, having a cam-like profile with respect to the position of the second pin9, comes to interfere with a corresponding projecting wall60provided inside the handle body6, as shown inFIGS. 5,6and7. In this manner, the friction between the elastically deformable portion50and the wall60is increased by effect of the springback of the elastically deformable portion50on the wall60caused by the mutual interference.

The complete folding back of the handle6is possible through its rotation around the Z-Z axis, as indicated by the arrow B ofFIG. 2: the user must apply an axial force on the second push button10to oppose the resilient action of the spring10A, so that the head10B of the same push button becomes disengaged from the off-centre hole36, thus freeing the rotation of the handgrip6around the pin9.

The user can then move the handle6by rotating it around the third axis Z-Z until it is folded back against the connecting element2, which movement is opposed only initially by the interference between the elastically deformable portion50and the wall60.

The configuration of the handle6completely bent backward, shown inFIG. 4, is maintained thanks simply to the frictional action exerted by the second push button10, the head of which10B is made to adhere against the internal surface of the shoulders26A,26B by the action of the spring10A, as well as by the friction exerted by the second pin9against the wall of the fifth pair of through holes15.

When wishing to open the apparatus1from the folded-back configuration it is necessary to rotate the handle6in the opposite direction until the head10B of the second push button10becomes engaged again inside the off-centre hole36.

Advantageously, the head of said first and second push button8B,10B can be shaped in the form of a variable radius cusp, so as to favour, after the action of the user on the push button, the fast disengagement of the same push button from a hole of said plurality40provided on the shoulder of the tool4and from the off-centre hole36, allowing the rotation of the handle6around the second pin9.

As can be immediately sensed by an expert in the field, the apparatus1according to the present invention may be easily modified in order to telescopically extend the connecting element2, with widely known means and procedures, so as to make it adjustable in length.

From the above, it is thus evident how a foldable multipurpose apparatus according to the present invention achieves the initially foreseen purposes and advantages. In fact, an apparatus according to the present invention is absolutely practical to use and can be stored in a very small space when not in use.

When folded, the apparatus has a compact shape, without projecting portions, so as to make it easier and safer to carry the apparatus inside a rucksack.

The particular nature of an apparatus1according to the present invention lies in the fact that the tool element4is articulated at one end2A of the connecting element2around a second axis Y-Y transversal to the first axis X-X along which said connecting element2extends, while the handle6is articulated at the opposite end2B of the connecting element2around a third axis Z-Z transversal to said first axis X-X, so that said second axis Y-Y and said third axis Z-Z are perpendicular to each other. In this manner, there is a considerably reduced possibility of the tool accidentally closing when being used.

In addition, the actions required to switch from a position in which the apparatus is completely open, thus when both the tool4and the handgrip6are extended, to a position in which the apparatus is completely retracted, or the situation in which both the tool4and the handle6are folded over the connecting element2, and vice versa, are easy and intuitive, and can be carried out in a few instants.

Moreover, advantageously, the structure of an apparatus according to the present invention gives it the maximum versatility, as it is possible to replace the tool4to make it more suitable for a changed situation, or in case of breakage, simply by operating on a single element, that is, on the first pin7.

The same can be said when wishing to adapt the apparatus for use by a left-handed user: this can be easily done by simply acting on the second pin9, rotating by 180° the whole unit formed by the second sleeve5and the handle6, and then closing the second pin9again.

Further, the particular shape of the handle6has been suitably devised for easy handling even by a user wearing gloves.

Moreover, as the tool of the present invention can be completely disassembled, it can also be disposed of once it is no longer usable, according to the material of each component, thus avoiding the undifferentiated disposal and favouring the salvaging/recycling of materials.

Advantageously, a multipurpose apparatus according to the present invention can be easily made with the usual well-known systems, machinery and equipment.

Naturally, the present invention can lead to numerous applications, modifications or variants, without thereby departing from the scope of protection, as defined by the appended claims.

Moreover, the materials and equipment used to achieve the present invention, as well as the shapes and dimensions of the individual components, can be the most suitable for the specific requirements.