Abstract:
An implement is disclosed for use in smoothing disturbed ground. More specifically, a rake is shown for use at golf course sand traps having disturbed surfaces. The rake has a handle and a rake head is attached to the rake handle. The rake head presents a plurality of tines that extend from the rake head and are used to smooth disturbed ground. A spike is carried by the rake head and is used to position the rake near a sand trap in a generally vertical storage position so as to minimize interference with golf play.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)  
       [0001]    This application claims priority from a U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 60/428,141, entitled “Storable Rake,” filed Nov. 21 2002, the contents of which are incorporated herein. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to tools and implements, and more particularly to rakes and like tools for gathering material or for treating a surface. More particularly, the present invention relates to sand trap rakes for use on golf courses, and to a rake having features that make it compactly and efficiently storable on a golf course or in a bag.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Golf courses contain sand traps as a hazard for golfers to avoid. The surface of a sand trap is disturbed by golf balls landing in the sand and by golfers entering the trap to hit balls out. Usually, a garden-type rake is provided near or within the trap for a golfer to smooth over the disturbed surface so subsequent players may also have a smooth sand surface to play on.  
           [0004]    Unfortunately, a typical rake lying near or within a sand trap can interfere with normal play. For example, a rolling golf ball may come into contact with the rake thus altering the role trajectory or lie of the ball. Portable rakes have been designed to address this issue. However, these rakes only poorly minimize the profile of the tool, and consequently have little added benefit over the traditional rake. Further, other rakes that do adequately minimize their profile create additional problems because of their design including odor and aesthetic concerns.  
           [0005]    A further disadvantage of existing rakes lying near or within a sand trap is the difficulties related to their use, including their retrieval. Because the rake is lying on the ground, it is generally only retrievable by one on foot who must bend over to pick up the rake. Further, a maintenance person or groundskeeper mowing or otherwise conditioning a golf course must frequently move rakes. To do so, it is usually necessary to first stop the mower or other implement, climb off, pick up and move the rake, then climb back on the mower. Many times, a rake will be placed into a sand trap while the area around the trap is being worked on. After the work is completed, the maintenance person again has to leave the equipment to retrieve the rake from the trap. These sequences generate inefficiency for at least two reasons: they use an inordinate amount of time of paid maintenance people, and the equipment (mowers, etc.) is usually left running, contributing to increased fuel consumption and wear and tear.  
           [0006]    The golf ball retrieval rakes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,924 (Quinn) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,733 (Krenkel) show rakes having tines disposed along frame members attached to the rake handle. These frame members are folded along the handle. The rake in Quinn also includes a telescoping handle. These rakes attempt to minimize profile. However, additional improvements are possible that further decrease the profile of a rake and interfere even less with play.  
           [0007]    The retractable rake disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,742 (Florence) shows a rake having tines that are storable within the handle of the rake. The operator may actuate a rake control that pulls the tines into the handle. Storing the tines in this way does minimize the profile, nonetheless it is desirable to further minimize profile of the tool.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,854,592 (Milovic) discloses a golf club with an internal sand rake. The tines and frame member may be folded along the rake handle. The tines, frame member, and handle are then storable within the handle and shaft of the golf club. However, it is desirable to provide a rake that does not have to be carried by the golfer and is storable at a sand trap. While the disclosed golf club and internal sand rake may be well-suited for its intended purpose, to store the rake within the golf club may adversely effect a golf swing.  
           [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,584,739 (Erichson) discloses a concealed sand trap rake that is stored within a subsurface container on a golf course. The rake is stored within a small container having a lid covered with artificial turf. This design adequately minimizes the profile of the rake to avoid unnecessary interference with play although a golf ball could still strike the lid. Unfortunately, when a course is irrigated and when it rains water fills the container and turns stagnant. The odor is unpleasant and grime builds up on the rake. Golfers often refuse to use such a tool as the odor and grime gets on their hands. It would be advantageous to provide a rake that avoids the odor and grime of the Erichson rake, yet also minimizes interference with golf play.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an implement that can be stored unobtrusively.  
           [0011]    Another object of the present invention is to provide implements, including rakes, for use on golf courses, wherein the implements can be made available near sand traps, yet have features that minimize interference with the game.  
           [0012]    It is an additional object of this invention to provide a sand trap or bunker rake having a minimized profile to avoid interference with golf play.  
           [0013]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a sand rake that addresses odor and aesthetic concerns in a manner superior to that of previously known rakes.  
           [0014]    Additionally, it is an object of the present invention increase the efficiency and cost effectiveness of golf course maintenance by providing a rake that can be retrieved and/or moved by someone operating maintenance equipment, such as a mower, without first requiring the operator to dismount from the piece of equipment. That is, because the rake of the present invention is self-supporting in a generally upright vertical position, a maintenance worker can approach the rake, lean over without getting off the equipment, and grab the rake handle and simply move the rake out of the way, for example, to a location behind or to another side of the equipment. This saves time.  
           [0015]    The present invention provides a rake having a rake head attached to a rake handle. The rake head carries a plurality of tines. Additionally, the rake presents a spike extending from one end of the rake head. Further, the rake head is pivotally attached to the rake handle. When the rake head is pivoted into a storage position adjacent the rake handle the spike may be placed in the ground to store the rake in a generally vertical storage position.  
           [0016]    In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a sand trap or bunker rake for smoothing sand, the rake comprising an extendable, telescoping handle, a rake head pivotally attached to the extendable handle and configured to be movable between a position generally parallel to the handle and a position generally perpendicular to the handle, and a spike attached to an end of the rake head. The rake is adapted to releaseably and selectively secure or lock the rake head in the aforementioned parallel and perpendicular positions.  
           [0017]    In another embodiment, the present invention provides a rake having a rake head attached to a rake handle. A plurality of tines are attached to the rake head. Additionally, the rake presents a spike extending from one end of the rake handle. When it is desired to store the rake, the spike may be placed in the ground to store the rake in a generally vertical storage position.  
           [0018]    While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a rake with a telescoping handle (fully collapsed), pivotal rake head, and attached spike that is made according to the present invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1A is a partial perspective view of the rake with the pivot positioned between the working position and the storage position.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rake with the rake handle fully collapsed, the pivotal rake head retained adjacent the rake handle, and the spike (not shown) retaining the rake in a generally vertical storage position.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment wherein the rake has an extended telescoping handle and spike attached adjacent to one end of the handle.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 3 wherein the rake handle is fully collapsed.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 3 wherein the rake handle is fully collapsed and the spike (not shown) retains the rake in a generally vertical storage position.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rake in a storage position, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6A is a partial perspective view of a rake in a position between the working position and the storage position, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rake in a working position, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0028]    Turning to the drawings, in particular to FIG. 1, a rake  10  is presented having a handle  12 . The handle  12  is comprised of at least two telescoping sections (not shown). Each telescoping section has a frusto-conical geometry to complement another telescoping section. In other words, the telescoping sections are constructed so as to movably fit within each other. When the handle  12  is fully extended the telescoping sections snugly seat against one another so as to create a rigid elongated handle  12 . Alternatively, the handle  12  can have any known extendable and collapsible structure.  
         [0029]    Connected to the handle  12  is a rake head  14 . The rake head  14  presents a plurality of tines  16  that are parallel to each other and extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the rake handle  12  and rake head  14 . In other words, the tines  16  extend from the rake head  14  in a manner commonly understood in the art for rake implements. The rake head  14  is pivotally connected to the rake handle  12  at a pivot  18 . As shown in FIG. 1A, this pivot  18  is comprised of a hinge joint, which includes a housing  15  attached to the rake head  14 , and a complementary hinge pin  17  attached to the rake handle  12 . The hinge pin is retained within the housing to allow pivotal movement of the rake head  14  with respect to the rake handle  12 . The pivot  18  is locked into a position in which the handle  12  is perpendicular to the rake head  14  by sliding the sleeve  19  on the handle  12  toward the rake head  14 . It is understood that the pivot  18  disclosed herein is not limited to the hinge joint. Any number of pivotal connections could be used including ball joints, flexible materials, universal joints, and other pivotal connections known in the art.  
         [0030]    Returning to FIG. 1, a spike  20  is attached to one end of the rake head  14 . The spike  20  has a generally cylindrical shape that comes to a point at the spike  20  tip. Alternatively, the spike has any configuration allowing for its insertion into the ground, which may include a blunt, tapered, or conical-shaped tip. The spike  20  extends away from the rake head  14  parallel to the rake head  14  longitudinal axis. The spike  20  is constructed of steel but any hard material capable of retaining the spike shape when used to pierce the ground is suitable. The spike  20  is attached to the rake  14  in a secure fixed fashion by welding. It is understood that the means of attachment for the spike  20  to the rake head  14  are not limited to welding. Instead, it would be suitable to use bolts and nuts, screws, a one piece construction of a spike and rake head, or other functionally equivalent means of connection as are known in the art.  
         [0031]    A retaining clip  22  extends from the rake head  14  at a position along one half of the rake head  14  opposite the half of the rake head  14  to which the spike  20  is attached. When in the work position (described below), the retaining clip  22  extends from the rake head  14  in the same direction the rake handle  12  extends away from the rake head  14 . Further, the retaining clip  22  extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of rake handle  12 . The retaining clip  22  has a generally “U” shaped geometry. The inner surface of the retaining clip  22  has a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the rake handle  12 . The retaining clip  22  is constructed of a resilient material such as low grade steel, aluminum or other suitable material, and maintains its geometry despite being repeatedly forced about the handle  12 . Alternatively, the rake head  14  has any known retention or locking mechanism. For example, the mechanism may be a pin and receiving aperture or a detent mechanism. In a further alternative, the retention mechanism is connected to the rake handle  12 . It is understood that the materials disclosed in the retaining clip  22  construction are not limiting. It would be suitable to use any material having sufficient resilience for repeated use as a retaining clip with the invention herein described. The retaining clip  22  is attached to the rake head  14  with rivets (not shown). It is understood that the means of attaching the retaining clip  22  to the rake head  14  is not limited to the means disclosed above. Screws, bolts and nuts, welds, and other means of fixedly attaching the retaining clip  22  to the rake head  14  are also suitable.  
         [0032]    The rake  10  has both a storage position and working position. As seen in FIG. 1, the working position presents the rake head  14  in a perpendicular orientation to the rake handle  12 . The telescoping sections of the handle  12  are fully extended and seated against one another as seen in the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 3. In the working position, the operator may make use of the rake  10  as is commonly understood to smooth disturbed ground.  
         [0033]    When it is desired to store the rake  10  in the storage position the operator collapses the telescoping sections of the handle  12  to substantially shorten the length of the handle  12 . The operator then moves the rake head  14  about the pivot  18  so the retaining clip  22  abuts the handle  12 . The retaining clip  22  is then forced about the handle  12 . The retaining clip  22  momentarily deforms under the applied force from the operator and then snugly seats itself about the handle  12 . The rake head  14  is thus retained adjacent to the handle  12 . In this position the rake head  14  is now generally parallel to the handle  12 . The operator then inserts the spike  20  into the ground by applying force along the handle  12  in the direction of the spike  20 . As depicted in FIG. 2, the rake  10  is then in a generally vertical storage position that minimizes interference with golf play. That is to say, the rake  10  is retained in a storage position that substantially reduces the profile of the rake  10  and consequently greatly lessens the chance of obstructing the trajectory of a golf ball in play.  
         [0034]    The operator may convert the rake  10  from the storage position to the working position by applying the above steps in reverse. First, the operator removes the rake  10  from its generally vertical storage position by pulling on the handle  12  and removing the spike  20  from the ground. Second, the operator moves the rake head  14  about the pivot  18  so as to position the rake head  14  in a generally perpendicular orientation to the handle  12 . Finally, the operator extends the telescoping sections of the handle  12  so they seat against each other, providing a rigid elongated handle  12 .  
         [0035]    A second embodiment is herein disclosed as shown in FIG. 3. A rake  30  is presented having a handle  32 . The handle  32  is comprised of at least two telescoping sections. Each telescoping section has a frusto-conical geometry to complement another telescoping section. In other words, the telescoping sections are constructed so as to movably fit within each other. When the handle  32  is fully extended the telescoping sections snugly seat against one another so as to create a rigid elongated handle  32 . Alternatively, the handle  32  can have any known extendable and collapsible structure. Connected to the handle  32  is a rake head  34 . The rake head  34  presents a plurality of tines  36  that are parallel to each other and extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the rake handle  32  and rake head  34 . In other words, the tines  36  extend from the rake head  34  in a manner commonly understood in the art.  
         [0036]    A spike  38  is attached to the generally central portion of the rake handle  32 . The spike  38  has a generally cylindrical shape that comes to a point at the spike  38  tip. Alternatively, the spike  38  has any configuration allowing for its insertion into the ground. As shown in FIG. 3, when the rake is in a working configuration, i.e., with the rake head generally perpendicular to the handle, the spike  38  is generally axially aligned with and extends away from the rake handle  32 . The spike  38  is constructed of steel, but any hard material capable of retaining the spike shape when used to pierce ground is suitable. The spike  38  is attached to the rake  10  in a secure fixed fashion by welding. It is understood that the means of attachment for the spike  38  to the rake handle  32  are not limited to welding. Instead, it would be suitable to use bolts and nuts, screws, a one piece construction of a spike and rake, or other functionally equivalent means of connection as are known in the art. Alternatively, it is understood that a spike could be attached to a rake head and accomplish the same function as the embodiment disclosed above.  
         [0037]    The rake  30  has both a storage position and working position. As seen in FIG. 3, the telescoping sections of the handle  32  are fully extended and seated against one another. In the working position, the operator may make use of the rake  30  as is commonly understood to smooth disturbed ground.  
         [0038]    When it is desired to store the rake  30  in the storage position the operator collapses the telescoping sections of the handle  32  to substantially shorten the length of the handle  32 . This configuration of the handle  32  is shown in FIG. 4. The operator then inserts the spike  38  into the ground by applying force along the handle  32  in the direction of the spike  38 . As shown in FIG. 5, the rake  30  is then in a generally vertical storage position that minimizes interference with golf play. That is to say, the rake  30  is retained in a storage position that substantially reduces the profile of the rake  30  and consequently greatly lessens the chance of obstructing the trajectory of a golf ball in play.  
         [0039]    The operator may convert the rake  30  from the storage position to the working position by applying the above steps in reverse. The operator removes the rake  30  from its generally vertical storage position by pulling on the handle  32  and removing the spike  38  from the ground. The operator then extends the telescoping sections of the handle  32  so they seat against each other, providing a rigid elongated handle  32 .  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 6 depicts a rake  50  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The rake  50  has an extendable handle  58  connected to a rake head  56  by a pivot housing  62 . The rake head  56  carries or has an associated spike  60  and a first retaining clip  52 . The pivot housing  62  carries a second retaining clip  54  and a pivot pin  64  that extends through an end portion of the handle  58 .  
         [0041]    According to one embodiment, the extendable handle  58  is similar to the rake handles  12 ,  32  disclosed herein. According to a further aspect of the invention, the rake head  56  is similar to rake heads  14 ,  34  disclosed herein. The spike  60 , in accordance with one embodiment, is similar to spike  20  disclosed herein.  
         [0042]    The first retaining clip  52  extends from the rake head  56  at a position along one half of the rake head  56  opposite of the half of the rake head  56  to which the spike  60  is attached. According to one aspect of the present invention, the first retaining clip  52  is similar to the retaining clip  22  herein. The second retaining clip  54  extends from the pivot housing  62  attached to the rake head  56 . In one embodiment, the pivot housing  62  extends from a midpoint of the rake head  56 . As shown in FIG. 6A, the pivot pin  64  on the pivot housing  62  allows the handle  58  to move between a working position and a storage position. The second retaining clip  54  extends from the pivot housing  62  toward the first retaining clip  52  and, according to one aspect of the invention, is similar in configuration to the first retaining clip  52 . Alternatively, the rake head  56  and the pivot housing  62  have any known retention mechanisms. For example, the mechanisms may be a pin and receiving aperture or a detent. In further alternative embodiments, the retention mechanisms could be connected to the rake handle  12  to receive the rake head.  
         [0043]    In operation, the two retaining clips  52 ,  54  allow the handle  58  to be firmly positioned in either the storage position or the working position. The rake  50  as depicted in FIG. 6 is in the storage position and the handle  58  is in its collapsed configuration, with the telescoping sections of the handle  58  collapsed to result in a short handle  58 . The handle  58  according to one embodiment can be moved from a storage position to a working position in the following manner. In the storage position as shown in FIG. 6, the handle  58  is retained in a position parallel to the rake head  56  by the first retaining clip  52 , which is attached to the handle  58 . To move the handle  58  to the working position, the handle  58  is pulled from the first retaining clip  52  and moved about the pivot  64  toward a position perpendicular to the rake head  56 . As the handle  58  reaches the working position, the handle  58  is then forced into the second retaining clip  54 . Further, the handle  58  at some point is moved into its extended position, wherein the telescoping sections of the handle  58  are extended so that they seat against each other. The rake  50  as depicted in FIG. 7 is in the working position. When moving the handle  58  from the working position to the storage position, the above steps can be performed in reverse order.  
         [0044]    It is understood that the handles disclosed herein may be comprised of two or more telescoping sections. Additionally, it is understood that the handles described herein may have a one piece construction as is commonly understood in the art.  
         [0045]    Although certain embodiments of the present invention, including preferred embodiments, have been described herein, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.