Patent Publication Number: US-7707684-B2

Title: Implement having adjustable handle

Description:
The instant application should be granted the priority date of Sep. 28, 2005 the filing date of the corresponding German patent application 10 2005 046 227.8-15. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to an implement on which is secured a first handle, whereby the control elements, in particular the throttle trigger for operating a drive motor of the implement, are disposed on the first handle. 
   US 2005/0132531 A1 discloses an implement, namely a blower, having a handle for guiding the blower tube. The handle is disposed above the blower tube, and can be grasped ergonomically and conveniently only with one hand of the operator, so that the blower is suitable only for one-handed operation. Guiding the blower tube with only one hand can lead to operator fatigue. 
   It is therefore an object of the present application to provide an implement of the aforementioned general type that permits a fatigue-free operation and a versatile use. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     This object, and other objects and advantages of the present invention, will appear more clearly from the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  shows a back view of a blower, 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in  FIG. 1 , 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective illustration of the handle frame of the blower in the position for two-handed operation, 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the handle frame taken in the direction of the arrow IV in  FIG. 3 , 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the handle frame taken in the direction of the arrow V in  FIG. 4 , 
       FIG. 6  is a plan view onto the handle frame taken in the direction of the arrow VI in  FIG. 5 , 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective illustration of the handle frame in the position for one-handed operation, 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the handle frame taken in the direction of the arrow VIII in  FIG. 7 , 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of the handle frame taken in the direction of the arrow IX in  FIG. 8 , 
       FIG. 10  is a plan view onto the handle frame taken in the direction of the arrow X in  FIG. 9 , 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective illustration of the handle frame with the first handle partially disassembled, 
       FIG. 12  is an enlarged illustration of the portion XII in  FIG. 11 , 
       FIG. 13  is an enlarged perspective illustration of a tubular section of the tubular handle, 
       FIG. 14  shows the blower tube of the blower of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with one handle for one-handed operation, 
       FIG. 15  is a side view of an embodiment of a blower tube with a handle frame, 
       FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVI-XVI in  FIG. 15 , and 
       FIG. 17  shows the blower tube of  FIG. 15  with one handle for one-handed operation. 
   

   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The implement of the present application also comprises a second handle, wherein the first handle is adjustable between a first operating position for a two-handed operation in which the implement is adapted to be guided by both the first handle and the second handle, and a second operating position for one-handed operation in which the implement is adapted to be guided by the first handle. Alternatively, the implement of the present application also comprises a tubular section and a clamp that is detachably mounted on the tubular section, wherein the first handle is detachably mounted on the clamp. 
   Due to the fact that the implement of the present application has a second handle, the implement can also be guided with two hands, in other words in a two-handed operation. This reduces operator fatigue. In this way, ergonomic grip operations that permit a low-fatigue operation are possible not only for the one-handed operation but also for the two-handed operation. Since the second handle can be displaced or adjusted into a non-operative position, it is possible, where this is advantageous, to have the previously known one-handed operation. The second handle, in addition to the previous one-handed operation, thus also enables a two-handed operation, so that the implement can be used in various ways and permits a low-fatigue operation. 
   The two handles can be held on a handle frame and can be pivotable about a common axis of rotation between the two positions. Preferably, the handle frame is pivoted about the axis of rotation between the two positions by about 90°. An axis of rotation of about 90° makes it possible for the second handle to be pivoted into a non-operative position that is entirely out of the operating range and does not obstruct the operator. A straightforward configuration results if the handle frame is formed of a bent tubular portion. 
   In the operating position for two-handed operation, the ends of the two handles that face away from the handle frame are advantageously inclined relative to one another. This results in an ergonomic position of the hands during the two-handed operation and during the one-handed operation. The first handle can be mounted on the handle frame so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal direction. As a result, in both operating positions the first handle can have approximately the same orientation relative to the implement, so that for example the arrangement of control elements or the like on the first handle is the same in both operating positions. The first handle is preferably pivoted by about 90° relative to the handle frame between the first and the second operating positions. The pivot angle of the first handle in this connection expediently corresponds to the pivot angle of the handle frame between the two positions, whereby the first handle is rotated in the opposite direction to the handle frame, so that the absolute orientation of the first handle remains approximately the same. A straightforward configuration results if the first handle is secured to the handle frame via a fixing means, in particular a setscrew, that is secured in different positions on the handle frame in the first and the second operating positions. The setscrew can be easily and rapidly loosened by the operator and changed over. As a result, a rapid, simple change between the two operating positions can be achieved. To fix the handle in the various positions, no additional components, other than the setscrew that is required anyway for securement, are necessary. The control elements, especially the throttle trigger for operating a drive motor of the implement, can be arranged on the first handle. 
   The two handles can be secured to a tubular section of the implement. The handles thus serve to guide the tubular section of the implement relative to the ground. An ergonomic arrangement of the two handles is achieved if in the operating position for the two-handed operation, the two handles are disposed in the plane that lies transverse, in particular approximately perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction of the tubular direction. In the operating position for a one-handed operation, the two handles are preferably disposed in a plane that lies approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tubular section. As a result, both handles can be disposed in the region of the tubular section. A good introduction of force into the tubular section from the first handle thus results, so that the implement is easy to handle. The second handle is preferably also disposed in the region of the tubular section, thus avoiding an obstruction to the operator by the second handle. 
   In both operating positions, the first handle is preferably disposed at approximately the same height or level relative to the longitudinal direction of the tubular section. An ergonomic hand position of the operator thus results in both operating positions. At the same time, the length of a gas cable that is to be controlled via a control lever on the first handle, does not significantly change during the adjustment between the two operating positions, resulting in a structurally straightforward configuration. The second handle, in a non-operative position, is expediently disposed in the longitudinal direction of the tubular section on that side of the first handle that is remote from the operator. The first handle and the second handle, in the operating position for one-handed operation, are preferably inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular section of the implement. This results in an ergonomic hand position on the first handle during the one-handed operation and in an ergonomic position of both hands during the two-handed operation. 
   A straightforward configuration of the handle frame is achieved if a section of the handle frame extends on that longitudinal side of the tubular section that is opposite the two handles. The handle frame is preferably secured to the tubular section of the implement by means of a detachable clamp. Due to the fact that the clamp is detachably disposed on the tubular section, instead of the clamp for the handle frame having two handles, a clamp for the arrangement of a single handle can be secured to the tubular section. As a result, the implement can also be operated as previously with a single handle. The clamp expediently has a mounting support in which the handle frame is disposed in such a way as to be rotatable about the axis of rotation. As a result, a rotatability of the handle frame can be realized in a structurally straightforward manner. 
   The implement is in particular an implement that can be carried on an operator&#39;s back, preferably a blower, a suction device or a sprayer. The tubular section is in particular a section of the blower tube of the implement. 
   A versatile use of an implement to which is secured a first handle can be provided if the first handle is secured to a tubular section of the implement via a clamp, whereby a handle is detachably mounted on the clamp and the clamp is mounted on the tubular section. As a result, it is possible to exchange the first handle by a handle frame to which is secured a second handle, so that the implement can be guided not only with a single handle but also with two handles. This enables a flexible utilization of the implement. By means of the detachable mounting of the first handle on the clamp, the handle can be mounted on a handle frame, so that the control elements disposed on the first handle are available to the operator. It can be advantageous to have only one clamp for fixation of either the handle frame or a single handle to the tubular section. It can be advantageous that the clamp is detachably mounted on the tubular section. In this way it is possible to have different clamps for fixation of the handle or the handle frame to the tubular section. 
   Further specific embodiments of the present application will be described in detail subsequently. 
   DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to the drawings in detail, the blower  1  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  has a housing  2  in which is disposed a drive motor  4  which is preferably an internal combustion engine, such as a two-cycle engine or a four-cycle engine. The drive motor  4  drives an impeller  5  that conveys air into a blower spiral or volute  3 , on which is disposed a blower or discharge tube  7 . The housing  2  is secured to a backpack  6 , so that the operator  48  can carry the blower  1  on his or her back. The blower tube  7  is guided around the body of an operator, is held by the operator, and is guided over the ground, so that dirt, leaves or the like can be removed from the ground. By means of the blower or discharge tube  7 , the implement can also be used as a sprayer or as a suction device. 
   For guiding the blower tube  7 , the blower  1  has the grip or handle frame  10  shown in  FIG. 3 ; secured to the handle frame  10  are a first handle  20  and a second handle  21 . The handle frame  10  is formed of a bent tube onto the ends of which the handles  20  and  21  are placed and fixed. By means of a clamp  9 , the handle frame  10  is secured in place on a section  8  of the blower tube  7  through which the air conveyed by the impeller  5  flows in the direction of flow  30 . 
   Secured to the clamp  9  is a mounting support  11  in which the handle frame  10  is held. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the mounting support  11  has a first half sleeve  13 , which is secured to the clamp  9 . Mounted on the first half sleeve  13  is a second half sleeve  14 , which is pivotably disposed on the first half sleeve  13  on the hinge  37 , which is shown in  FIG. 5 . Secured to the second half sleeve  14  is a wing screw  12 , which can be screwed into the first half sleeve  13 . The handle frame  10  is disposed in the mounting support  11  so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation  29 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the wing screw  12  is disposed on that side of the axis of rotation  29  that is opposite the hinge  37 , so that the tubular handle frame  10  can be securely clamped in the mounting support  11 . 
   The first handle  20  is secured to a section  16  of the handle frame  10 . The first handle  20  has a throttle trigger  19 , a throttle lock  25  which is shown in  FIG. 5 , as well as the control lever  26 , which is shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  and can serve, for example, for setting a choke or for fixing the throttle in one or in different positions. The second handle  21  is fixed to a section  17  of the handle frame  10 . The sections  16  and  17  of the handle frame  10  are connected via a section  18  thereof that is disposed on the longitudinal side  39  of the section  8  of the blower tube  7  opposite the two handles  20  and  21 . 
   In the view of the handle frame  10  in the longitudinal direction  15  of the section  8  of the blower tube  7  shown in  FIG. 4 , the sections  16 ,  17 , and  18  of the handle frame  10  extend parallel to one another and perpendicular to the axis of rotation  29 . The section  27 , which connects the section  16  with the section  18 , and the section  28  of the handle frame  10  that is disposed on the opposite side of the blower tube section  8 , extend parallel to the axis of rotation  29 . The sections  27 ,  18  and  28  form a U-shaped receiver in which the section  8  of the blower tube  7  is disposed. This section  8  has a cylindrical configuration. The longitudinal direction  15  coincides with the longitudinal central axis of the section  8 . 
   The longitudinal direction  22  of the first handle  20  is inclined relative to the section  16  of the handle frame  10  by an angle a, which is less than 90°. The longitudinal direction  23  of the second handle  21  is inclined relative to the section  17  of the handle frame  10  by an angle β, which is less than 90°. In this connection, the ends  40  and  41  of the handles  20  and  21  that face away from the handle frame  10  are inclined relative to one another. The angles α and β are preferably the same, and can, for example, be about 70°. 
   In the side view of the handle frame  10  shown in  FIG. 5 , the two handles  20  and  21  are disposed so as to be approximately aligned with one another. The two handles  20 ,  21  are disposed in a plane  38  that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction  15  of the section  8  of the blower tube  7 . 
   In  FIG. 6 , the handle frame  10  is shown in a plan view. The section  17  of the handle frame  10  is connected with the section  28  ( FIG. 4 ) via a section  24  that is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction  15  by an angle ∈. The section  16  is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction  15  by an angle δ that preferably corresponds approximately to the angle ∈. The section  18  extends approximately perpendicular to the section  16  and  24  and is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction  15  by an angle γ. The angles γ, δ, ∈ are preferably approximately 45°. The section  17  extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction  15 . The operator  48 , who is schematically indicated in  FIG. 6 , generally stands on the side of the section  8  of the blower tube  7 , on which side the second handle  21  is also disposed. Thus, relative to the direction of flow  30 , the operator  48  stands upstream of the handle frame  10 . 
   In  FIGS. 3 to 6 , the handle frame  10  is shown in the position for the two-handed operation. Not only the handle  20 , but also the handle  21 , are disposed in the operating position. Both handles  20  and  21  can be comfortably grasped by the operator  48 . In order to be able to guide the section  8  of the blower tube  7  with only one hand, the handle frame  10  can be pivoted into the position shown in  FIGS. 7 to 10 . In this connection, the handle frame  10  is pivoted by preferably approximately 90° about the axis of rotation  29 . In addition, the first handle  20  is pivoted relative to the handle frame  10  in the opposite direction by 90°. In so doing, the second handle  21  comes to rest in a non-operative position in which it is beyond the reach of the operator. 
   To be able to pivot the handle frame  10 , the wing screw  12  of the mounting support  11  is loosened and the handle frame  10  is pivoted. In the position shown in  FIGS. 3 to 6 , the section  28  of the handle frame  10  is disposed upstream of the clamp  9  nearly against the section  8  of the blower tube  7 . During the displacement or adjustment, the handle frame  10  is pivoted to such an extent that the section  28  comes to rest nearly against the blower tube  7  downstream of the clamp  9 . This position of the handle frame is shown in  FIGS. 7 to 10 . 
   The adjustment of the first handle  20  is shown in  FIGS. 11 to 13 . The first handle  20  is mounted on a tubular section  31  of the handle frame  10  that adjoins the section  16  of the handle frame. In  FIG. 11 , the first handle  20  is partially pulled off of the section  31 . As shown in the enlarged illustration of  FIG. 12 , the tubular section  31  has transverse bores  32  and  33 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the transverse bores  32  and  33  are embodied as through bores, so that in each case two oppositely disposed openings are disposed in the hollow tubular section  31 . A fixing screw or setscrew  34  is disposed on the first handle  20 . The transverse bores  32  and  33  are offset relative to one another by 90° about the longitudinal axis of the tubular section  31 . In order to adjust the first handle  20  on the handle frame  10 , the setscrew  34  is loosened, the first handle  20  is rotated by 90°, and the setscrew  34  is subsequently again screwed in. In this connection, for the two-handed operation the setscrew  34  is screwed into the transverse bore  32 , and for the single-handed operation is screwed into the transverse bore  33 . 
   Of course, instead of the setscrew  34  other fastening means, such as a split pin or the like, could also be provided. Instead of the transverse bore, a recessed portion can also be provided in the tubular section  31 . The securing means can also be in the form of a spring-loaded securing means, such as a spring-loaded ball that cooperates with the bore or the recessed portion. 
   In the position of the handle frame  10  shown in  FIGS. 7 to 10  for the one-handed operation, the first handle  20  is disposed upstream of the clamp  9  and the second handle  21  is disposed downstream of the clamp  9 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the two handles  20 ,  21  are disposed in a common plane  35  that also contains the longitudinal direction  15  of the section  8  of the blower tube  7 . The section  28  is disposed nearly against the circumference of the section  8  of the blower tube  7 . In the side view of the handle frame  10  shown in  FIG. 8  taken in the longitudinal direction, the handle frame  10  extends around the section  8  of the blower tube  7 . 
   As shown in the side view  FIG. 9 , the longitudinal direction  22  of the first handle  20  is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction  15  by the angle a. The longitudinal direction  23  of the second handle  21  is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction  15  by the angle β. The section  17  of the handle frame  10  extends parallel to the longitudinal direction  15  on the longitudinal side  42  of the section  8  that is opposite the longitudinal side  39  thereof. The section  18  of the handle frame  10  is disposed on the longitudinal side  39 . During operation, the longitudinal side  42  faces upwardly and the longitudinal side  39  faces downwardly. In this connection, the longitudinal direction  15  of the section  8  of the blower tube  7  can be inclined relative to the ground. 
   The position of the operator  48  is schematically indicated in  FIG. 10 . The operator stands upstream of the first handle  20  to the side of the blower tube  7 . The second handle  21  is on that side of the first handle  20  that faces away from the operator. The second handle  21  can not be grasped by the operator  48  in this position. Due to the fact that the second handle  21  is disposed in the region of the section  8  of the blower tube  7  and downstream of the first handle  20 , the operator is not obstructed by the second handle  21 . In this non-operative position of the second handle  21 , the blower tube  7  is guided only by the first handle  20 . In the position for the two-handed operation, the two handles  20  and  21  are disposed on both sides of the section  8  of the blower tube  7 . In the position for the single-handed operation, both handles  20 ,  21  are disposed above the section  28  of the blower tube  7 . Consequently, a favorable introduction of force to the handle frame  10  and the blower tube  7  results for both operating positions. 
   The clamp  9  is detachably secured to the section  8  of the blower tube  7 . As a result, the clamp  9 , along with the handle frame  10 , can be detached from the section  8  of the blower tube  7 . Instead of the clamp  9  and the tubular handle frame  10 , the clamp  49  having the short tube  50  shown in  FIG. 14  can be secured to the section  8 . The first handle  20  can be fixed on the short tube  50  via the set screw  34 . As a result, the blower tube  7  can also be used with a previously conventional handle for single-handed operation if a two-handed operation is not desired. In this connection, the handle  20  is detachably fixed to the clamp  49 , and the clamp  49  is detachably fixed to the blower tube  7 . 
     FIG. 15  shows another embodiment of a section  8  of a blower tube  7  with a clamp  59 . The clamp  59  has a mounting support  61  in which a handle frame  10  is held. The handle frame  10  of  FIG. 15  corresponds to the handle frame  10  of  FIG. 3  to  FIG. 13  and has the same construction. As shown in  FIG. 16  the mounting support  61  is detachably fixed on a short tube  60  of the clamp  59 . The short tube  60  is firmly connected to the clamp  59  and extends in a lateral direction of the section  8  of the blower tube  7 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 17 , the handle  20  can be connected directly to the clamp  59  for single-handed operation if a two-handed operation is not desired. To use the clamp  59  with the handle  20 , the mounting support shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16  is detached from the short tube  60  and the handle  20  is detached from the handle frame  10 . Then the clamp  59  is turned around the longitudinal direction  15  until the short tube  60  is in an upright position and the handle  20  is directly secured to the short tube  60  of the mounting support  61 . The clamp  59  is advantageously turned about an angle of approximately 90°. Because either the mounting support  61  or the handle  20  can be secured to the short tube  60 , only one clamp  59  is needed for fixation of the handle frame  10  or of the handle  20  to the blower tube  7 . 
   The handle frame  10  can also be used on a tubular section of a suction or spray device. Use on other implements, especially on implements having a tubular section on which the handle frame can be secured, can also be advantageous. 
   The specification incorporates by reference the disclosure of German priority document 10 2005 046 227.8-15 filed Sep. 28, 2005. 
   The present invention is, of course, in no way restricted to the specific disclosure of the specification and drawings, but also encompasses any modifications within the scope of the appended claims.