Patent Publication Number: US-2023138223-A1

Title: Swivel coupling device for rakes and other yard tools

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a swivel coupling device for rakes or other yard tools having handles that allows two of the implements to be quickly and easily connected for use of the combination to scoop, rake or the like various materials, and disconnected just as easily thereafter. The device includes a pair of clamp assemblies including tubular sleeves rotatably connected by a swivelable knuckle or in other words a swivel joint. Advantageously, the handle of each implement can be rotated around its longitudinal axis within a respective clamp assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Rakes and other yard tools are commonly utilized to pick up leaves, grass clippings, waste, debris, garbage and the like. Such tools can be used to place the items to be picked up and removed into a pile, which is then often manually picked up. Many tools, when utilized singularly often require bending, which is undesirable to some individuals. 
     To minimize bending or lessen the amount of time spent at such tasks, systems have been invented for connecting multiple yard tools. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,988 relates to a quick connect rake system preferably comprising two rakes or similar yard tools pivoted together by a quick-connect tube system. The tube attaches to the handle of one rake and pivotally couples the handle of a second rake. The tube has a follower slot extending along one of its sides and a hole on the opposite side. The follower slot has an admission orifice at one end to receive the head of a conventional screw to attach the tube to the rake. The remainder of the slot captivates the head of a screw attached to a second rake. The captivation of the screw head pivotally couples the two rakes. The hole in the tube facilitates the permanent attachment of the tube to the rake. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,688,484 relates to a first rake head fixed to an elongated handle and combined with a second rake head and handle by a pivot pin connecting the handles at a central point such that the rake tines may be brought together in opposite hand orientation to lift gathered material to a receptacle. Preferably, the pivot pin connects the rake handles at a flattened area on each handle to provide free motion of the rake heads to and from each other. The flattened portion of each handle may be separated from the shank of the rake handle extending from the tines. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,350,866 relates to a tool for the removal of leaves and other debris from lawns, and is designed to automatically collect and trap such debris (until released) merely by using the tool in the same manner as an ordinary lawn rake, and without first raking such debris into piles, its trapping action being dependent on the interaction between two groups of specially bent tines located respectively on two opposing rake-heads between which the debris is trapped. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,945,713 relates to clamp mechanisms and particularly to an adjustable clamp of simple construction including a swivel axis and adapted to receive and firmly hold an elongated object at any desired angle to such swivel axis. Although exemplary embodiments of such clamp mechanisms are described as particularly adapted to use in the erection of surgical traction apparatus, exercise bars, etc., in hospitals, convalescent homes, etc., the clamping devices are reportedly also adapted to many other and different uses; for example, in the erection of scaffolding, acrobatic playground devices and various other temporary or semipermanent structures. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,588,927 relates to a device which may be broadly referred to as a garden implement. 
     U.S. Des. Patent No. 336,731 relates to the ornamental design for a swivel coupling for a leaf rake tool. 
     While the disclosed devices facilitate picking up or moving material such as leaves, grass clippings, waste, debris, garbage and the like, the art still needs a device which permits temporary coupling of a pair of yard tools, in particular rakes in one embodiment, that allows the tools to be utilized individually and also be coupled quickly in order to use the combination as a grabbing device, scoop, large rake, or the like. Further, the art needs a device that in addition to a feature of being able to grab and let go of debris, or similar, at the will of an operator, provides other features in a combination of features without burdensome complexity. Another combined feature provides temporary coupling and uncoupling of two rakes or other yard tools. Also, the art needs yet another feature, in combination with other features, that allows a user to move the two rakes or other tools into a variety of positions relative to each other; that is to say, that the two tools may be oriented by the user to face each other in an opposing hands arrangement, or otherwise oriented to be side by side in a palms open arrangement, or indeed any incremental angle that lies between mentioned opposing or open hands arrangements. Useful mentioned features in combination are further needed to allow an increase in the productivity of users by providing them with a variety of yard tools while only carrying one combination set of tools back and forth. 
     Objects and Advantages of the Invention 
     An object of the invention is a device having a useful first feature that enables two rakes or other yard tools having handles to be rapidly and easily connected and disconnected according to the needs of the user. An advantage to the user is that existing art rakes may be used to carry out the other useful features of the invention, obviating the cost of a special purpose set of rakes. Furthermore, this feature allows the user to carry out some other useful features of the invention, yet may use one or both rakes individually in their usual way, while saving them the effort of carrying addition rakes back and forth on site. 
     Another object of the invention is a device having a useful second feature that enables two tools such as rakes (that may have long handles and have paddle shaped ends) to be coupled together to allow a user to bring the two tools together so as to grab leaves and other debris, collect, lift, and move the grabbed leaves, and later then to open the two tools apart so as to discharge the leaves into a selected location. 
     Yet another object of the invention is a device having a useful third feature that enables two tools such as rakes (that may have long handles and have paddle shaped ends) to be coupled together to allow a user to orient each tool around its own longitudinal axis so as to form the two tools into a flat but now larger scoop or rake, or to allow the two rakes to form a ‘v’ shape or upside down ‘v’ shaped tool, or even to allow the two rakes to be positioned perpendicularly to each other. Thus a user may be able to get debris out of awkward positions such as furrows or corners that would otherwise be difficult with prior art yard tools. Also, a larger ‘doubled’ rake formed from two rakes side by side in open palm fashion is useful in particular situations as a rake and as a scoop. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a combination of some or all mentioned useful features into an embodiment of the invention. The combination of features now greatly increase the advantages for a user, since much effort may be reduced when fewer tools need to be carried back and forth over distance. Besides, the rakes in a coupled mode already allow enhanced productivity to a user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Solutions to the above noted problems and others are provided by the swivel coupling device of the present invention which enables rakes or other yard tools having handles to be rapidly and easily connected and disconnected according to the needs of the user. Advantages of the device include the ability to pick up loose material, for example leaves, grass clippings, waste, debris, garbage and the like with a scooping motion, in particular without having to bend as much as one would have if only utilizing a single rake or tool. A further advantage enables the user to lift the material with ease and more efficiency than with one tool alone. 
     In one embodiment a swivel coupling device is provided with a first clamp assembly fora first implement having a handle, such as a rake or other tool, and a second clamp assembly for a second implement having a handle, such as a rake or other tool, and a swivelable knuckle joint rotatably connecting the first clamp assembly to the second clamp assembly, wherein the knuckle joint has a first segment connected to the first clamp assembly and second segment connected to the second clamp assembly. 
     In a further embodiment, the clamp assemblies each comprise a tubular sleeve adapted to have a handle on the first rake extend therethrough along a longitudinal axis and a clamp that operatively fixes the tubular sleeve such that the handle can be rotated on the longitudinal axis during use, if desired. 
     In one aspect, a swivel coupling device for tools such as rakes is disclosed, comprising: a first clamp assembly for a first rake, the first clamp assembly having i) a first tubular sleeve adapted to have a handle of the first rake extend therethrough along a longitudinal axis, and ii) a clamp including at least two fasteners, wherein when in a tightened state the clamp operatively connects the first tubular sleeve to the handle such that the handle can be rotated on the longitudinal axis; a second clamp assembly for a second rake, the second clamp assembly having i) a second tubular sleeve adapted to have a handle of the second rake extend therethrough along a longitudinal axis, and ii) a second clamp including a fastener, wherein when in a tightened state the clamp operatively connects the second tubular sleeve to the handle such that the second rake handle can be rotated on the longitudinal axis; and a swivelable knuckle joint rotatably connecting the first clamp assembly to the second clamp assembly, wherein the knuckle joint has a first segment connected to the first tubular sleeve and a second segment connected to the second tubular sleeve. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent by reading the detailed description of the invention, taken together with the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a slightly downward-looking exploded, perspective view showing one embodiment of a swivel coupling device; 
         FIG.  2    is a slightly downward-looking assembly perspective view of the device shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a slightly downward-looking exploded, perspective view showing a further embodiment of a swivel coupling device; 
         FIG.  4    is a slightly downward-looking assembly perspective view of the device shown in  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of a swivel coupling device while in operation together with two rakes.  FIG.  5    illustrates the embodiment-type that is shown in  FIG.  2   ; and 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of a swivel coupling device while in operation together with two rakes.  FIG.  6    illustrates the embodiment-type that is shown in  FIG.  4   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     This description of preferred embodiments is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, corresponding reference numbers are used throughout to identify the same or functionally similar elements. Relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “upper”, “down,” “lower”, “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and are not intended to require a particular orientation unless specifically stated as such. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. 
     Turning now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like or similar components throughout the specification, swivel coupling devices  100 ,  200  are shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   . 
     Starting with device  100 , a first clamp assembly  110  is shown operatively connected to a second clamp assembly  130  by a swivel joint  150 . The first clamp assembly  110  includes first tubular sleeve  112  adapted to have a handle of a first tool extend therethrough along a longitudinal axis  102 . Tubular sleeve  112  has an upper end  113  and lower end  114 . First clamp assembly  110  further includes a clamp  116  including at least two fasteners  118  which can be, for example, but not limited to, a bolt  119  and nut  120  combination. 
     Tubular sleeve  112  has a first half or section  115  and a second half or section  117  which together enclose a portion of the handle of the tool when connected. Tubular sleeve  112  has one or more flanges  122  which extend outwardly from the cylindrical main body of the tubular sleeve  112 . In a preferred embodiment, first section  115  and second section  117  each have two flanges which extend outwardly from a semi-cylindrical section of tubular sleeve  112 . Each flange  122  includes at least one aperture  124 . 
     First clamp assembly  110  illustrated in  FIG.  1    includes first section  115  having a pair of flanges and second section  117  having a pair of flanges  122  with each flange including two apertures  124 . 
     Fasteners  118  extend through apertures  124  of first section  115  and corresponding apertures  124  of second section  117  in order to connect the first section to the second section  117 . The fastener is extendable through an aperture to fixedly connect the two sections  115 ,  117  to each other and operatively connect the first rake handle to the first clamp assembly  110 . In a mode of operation, the first clamp assembly  110  thus loosely encloses a portion of first rake handle so as to allow rotation of the handle about longitudinal axis  102 . The potential for rotation of the handle within the clamp assembly  110  is indicated by the arrows shown above the front rake in  FIG.  5   . 
     The second clamp assembly  130  has a second tubular sleeve  132  adapted to have a handle of a second rake or other tool extend therethrough along a longitudinal axis  102  of the second clamp assembly  130 . Tubular sleeve  132  has an upper end  133  and a lower end  134 . Tubular sleeve  132  has a first half or section  135  and second half or section  137  which together enclose a portion of the handle of the second tool. 
     The second clamp assembly  130  also includes flanges  142  which extend outwardly from the cylindrical main body of the tubular sleeve  132 . In one embodiment, first section  135  includes a pair of flanges  142  and second section  137  includes a pair of flanges  142 , with each flange extending outwardly from the semi-cylindrical section of each of first section  135  and second section  137 . In a preferred embodiment, at least one flange of each first section  135  and second section  137  of tubular sleeve  132  includes an aperture  144 . 
     A hinge  146  is operatively connected between flanges  142  of first section  135  and second section  137 . The hinge  146  allows first section  135  of a second clamp assembly  130  to be rotated towards and away from second section  137  thus negating the need to slide the handle of the second tool or rake into and out of tubular sleeve  132  along the longitudinal axis  102 . Thus, second clamp assembly  130  provides a quick-connect mechanism for connecting a second tool or rake to device  100 . 
     A quick-connect fastener  138  is preferably utilized to secure the flanges  142  of the first section  135  and second section  137  located opposite hinge  146 . Fastener  138  illustrated is a bolt and pin combination wherein the bolt is extended through apertures  144  in flanges  142  of the first section  135  and second section  137 . Thereafter, a pin  138  is placed through an aperture in the bolt or otherwise connected to the bolt to operatively connect the flanges and thus the second tool or rake to the second clamp assembly  130 . In a mode of operation, the second clamp assembly  130  thus loosely encloses a portion of second rake handle so as to allow rotation of handle about longitudinal axis  137 . The potential for rotation of the handle within clamp assembly  130  is indicated by the arrows shown above the back rake in  FIG.  5   . 
     Swivel joint  150  rotatably connects the first clamp assembly  110  to second clamp assembly  130 , wherein the swivel joint  150  has a first segment  152  connected to the first tubular sleeve  112  and a second segment  154  connected to the second tubular sleeve  132 . Swivel joint  150  includes a first swivel housing  153  formed in or connected to first tubular sleeve  112 . The first swivel housing  153  extends outwardly from the outer surface of the first tubular sleeve  112 , for example as illustrated in the drawings. A second swivel housing  155  is formed in or connected to the second tubular sleeve  132 . Second swivel housing  155  extends outwardly from the outer surface of the second tubular sleeve  132 . The first swivel housing  153  and the second swivel housing  155  each have apertures  156  at a distal end of the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis  102 . A shaft of a swivel element  158  extends through each of the first swivel housing aperture  156  and second swivel housing aperture  156 . 
     Swivel element  158  has i) a first end located in the first swivel housing, the first end having a first head larger in size than the first swivel housing aperture that prevents withdrawal of the first head from its housing through the aperture and ii) a second end having a second head larger in size than the second swivel housing aperture that prevents withdrawal of the second head through the second swivel housing aperture, and wherein the first head and the second head prevent withdrawal of the swivel element from the first swivel housing and the second swivel housing. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the swivel element  158  comprises a bolt having a tapered head which mateingly engages an inner tapered segment of one of the swivel housings  153 ,  155 . The swivel coupling also preferably includes a tapered nut which mateingly engages a further tapered segment of the opposite swivel housing. The mated configuration allows pivoting or swiveling between the first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly. 
     First clamp assembly  110  includes a first collar  160  and a second collar  162 . A collar fastener  161 , preferably comprising a nut and bolt combination connects the first collar  160  to the handle of the tool at a location above upper end  113  of first tubular sleeve  112 . Similarly, second collar  162  is connected to the handle of the first tool at a location below lower end  114  of first tubular sleeve  112  utilizing clamp fastener  161 . First collar  160  and second collar  162  are free of fixed connection to the first tubular sleeve  112 . 
     In an analogous manner, third collar  164  and fourth collar  166  are connected to the handle of the second tool at a location above and below second tubular sleeve  132  utilizing fasteners  161 . Third collar  164  and fourth collar  166  are free of a fixed connection to the second tubular sleeve  132 . These four collars  160 ,  162 ,  164  and  166  stay attached to respective tools. The two collars attached to the second tool cannot be permanently fixed together with the second clamp assembly  130  in order to allow for withdrawal of second tool from the assembly after user opens the hinge mechanism. Yet the collars attached to the second rake in  FIG.  5    allow for quick and correct relocation of the second rake into the swivel coupling device. 
       FIGS.  3  and  4    illustrate a further embodiment of a swivel coupling device  200  which includes a first clamp assembly  210  operatively connected to a second clamp assembly  230  by a swivelable knuckle joint  250 . First clamp assembly  210  includes a first tubular sleeve  212  adapted to have a handle of a first tool extend therethrough along longitudinal axis  202 . Tubular sleeve  212  includes an upper end  213  and lower end  214 . 
     First clamp assembly  210  includes a first collar  216  and a second collar  220 . At least one clamp fastener operatively connects the first collar  216  to the handle of the tool at a location above upper end  213  of the first tubular sleeve  210 . Similarly, second collar  220  is connected to the handle of the first tool at a location below lower end  214  of first tubular sleeve  210  utilizing a clamp fastener  224 . Clamp fastener  224  preferably comprises a bolt  225  and a nut  226 . In one embodiment, first collar  216  and second collar  220  are free of the fixed connection to first tubular sleeve  210 . 
     First collar  216  in one embodiment includes a first section  217  and second section  218 , each having semi-cylindrical portions designed to fit a contour of the handle of the tool to which the first clamp assembly  210  is to be connected to. Similarly, second collar  220  includes a first section  221  and a second section  222 , each having semi-cylindrical portions designed to fit a contour of the handle of the tool to which the first clamp assembly  210  is to be connected to. 
     Second clamp assembly has a second tubular sleeve  232  adapted to have a handle of a second tool such as a rake extend therethrough along longitudinal axis  202  of second clamp assembly  230 . Tubular sleeve  232  has an upper end  233  and lower end  234 . Second clamp assembly  230  includes a third collar  240  adapted to be operatively connected to a handle of the second tool, preferably below lower end  234  of second tubular sleeve  232 . Third collar  240  preferably includes a first section  242  and a second section  244  which are operatively connected by fastener  224 . First section  242  and second section  244  each have semi-cylindrical portions designed to fit a contour of the handle of the tool to which clamp assembly  230  is to be connected to. 
     Swivelable knuckle joint  250  rotatably connects the first clamp assembly  210  to second clamp assembly  230 , wherein the knuckle joint  250  has a first segment  252  connected to the first tubular sleeve  212  and a second segment  254  connected to the second tubular sleeve  232 . Knuckle joint  250  includes a first swivel housing  253  formed in or connected to first tubular sleeve  212 . The first swivel housing  253  extends outwardly from the outer surface of the first tubular sleeve  212 , for example as illustrated in the drawings. A second swivel housing  255  is formed in or connected to the second tubular sleeve  232 . Second swivel housing  255  extends outwardly from the outer surface of the second tubular sleeve  232 . The first swivel housing  253  and the second swivel housing  255  each have apertures  256  at a distal end of the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis  202 . A shaft of the swivel element  258  extends through each of the first swivel housing aperture  256  and second swivel housing aperture  256 . 
     Swivel element  258  has i) a first end located in the first swivel housing, the first end having a first head larger in size than the first swivel housing aperture that prevents withdrawal of the first head from its housing through the aperture and ii) a second end having a second head larger in size than the second swivel housing aperture that prevents withdrawal of the second head through the second swivel housing aperture, and wherein the first head and the second head prevent withdrawal of the swivel element from the first swivel housing and the second swivel housing. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the swivel element  258  comprises a bolt having a tapered head which mateingly engages an inner tapered segment of one of the swivel housings  253 ,  255 . The swivel coupling also preferably includes a tapered nut which mateingly engages a further tapered segment of the opposite swivel housing. The mated configuration allows pivoting or swiveling between the first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly. 
     The collar  240  that belongs with second clamp assembly  230  stays attached to the second rake handle in order to set a position for the second tubular sleeve to fit onto. Yet, the second rake handle may be withdrawn downwards as viewed in  FIG.  6    from the second tubular sleeve  230  at the will of an operator. Thus the second rake collar is attached to its second rake and is free of a fixed connection to second tubular sleeve  232 . 
     The swivel coupling devices of the invention can be quickly connected to two tools such as rakes which then can be utilized in combination to perform a desired yard task such as picking up or raking leaves or other debris. Thereafter, if desired, the second tool can be disconnected from the swivel coupling device just as quickly as it was connected thereto. 
     For the avoidance of doubt, the devices and methods of the present invention encompass all possible combinations of the components, including various ranges of said components, disclosed herein. It is further noted that the term ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other elements. However, it is also to be understood that a description of a product comprising certain components also discloses a product consisting of these components. Similarly, it is also to be understood that a description on a process comprising certain steps also discloses a process consisting of these steps. 
     In accordance with the patent statutes, the best mode and preferred embodiment have been set forth; the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, but rather by the scope of the attached claims.