Patent ID: 12213405

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, several embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure should be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments so illustrated. Further, to the extent that any numerical values or other specifics of materials, etc., are provided herein, they are to be construed as exemplifications of the inventions herein, and the inventions are not to be considered as limited thereto.

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one, or an embodiment in the present disclosure, can be, but not necessarily, references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment’ or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments, but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same term can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, or is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.

FIG.1depicts a commercially-available grass and weed trimmer being utilized to trim grass. The handle device disclosed herein may be formed onto a new grass and weed trimmer before the point of first sale to a consumer. Alternately, the handle device may be retrofitted onto a weed trimmer or edger after first sale to a consumer. Note that hand5of user2grips standard grip4that is provided at the time of purchase of the grass trimmer User2places his or her right hand (not shown inFIG.1, only the left hand is shown inFIGS.1,2and3) on the end of the device that is opposite of the trimmer head7. In order to place hand5upon standard grip4, user2must rotate about the waist in the B direction. The rotation of user2about the waist in the B direction causes stress and strain on the waist and back of user2. A device is needed that reduces the stress and strain upon the waist and back of user2by reducing or eliminating rotation in the B direction at the user's waist while operating a grass trimmer or edger.

The positioning of standard grip4along main shaft16of the grass trimmer creates fulcrum F1which is the fulcrum upon which trimmer head7is manipulated while operating a grass trimmer or edger. The back of user2is rotated from line Y to line Z forming angle A1during operation of a grass trimmer or edger. Angle A1is the angle formed between line Z, which is a line projected from the waist of user2, and line Y, which is perpendicular to the ground upon which user2is positioned. The rotation of user2about angle A1causes stress and strain upon the back and arm muscles of user2. A device is needed that reduces the stress and strain in user2that is caused by rotation about angle A1.

FIG.2illustrates user2with the Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer attached to main shaft16of the grass trimmer (grass trimmer and weed trimmer are used interchangeably). The Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer comprises ergonomic grip10, clamping mechanism12, and shaft14. The device may be formed of aluminum, steel, fiberglass, or any material that is strong enough to support a grass trimmer or grass edger. Ergonomic grip10can be formed for left or right-handed individuals. Clamping mechanism12may be any means that couples the device onto main shaft16of a grass trimmer or edger. Clamping mechanism12may allow the device to be reversibly positioned along main shaft16at a position and angle that allows user2to more comfortably operate the weed trimmer or edger. For example, ergonomic grip10may be rotated in the D direction by altering the placement of clamping mechanism12about main shaft16so that ergonomic grip10is positioned to the side of standard grip4. Ergonomic grip10may be positioned in the E direction per user2preference so that the ergonomic grip10may be parallel or perpendicular to standard grip4. Ergonomic grip10may be any means that allows a user to firmly and comfortably grip the device during use.

Hand5of user2is positioned upon ergonomic grip10, which is positioned above standard grip4. The Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer is clamped onto main shaft16so that fulcrum F2is positioned closer to trimmer head7than fulcrum F1, which is formed at standard grip4, allowing user2to have greater control over the movement of trimmer head7while operating the weed trimmer or edger.

The distance between hand5of user2and main shaft16is marked length L2. Note that length L2is significantly longer than length L1, which is the length between a user's hand5while gripping standard grip4and main shaft16(as shown inFIG.1). The positioning of the Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer device at length L2reduces the angle which user2must bend while trimming or edging, reducing stress and strain on the back of user2. And, the positioning of a user's hand5about the Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer device eliminates the need for user2to rotate about the waist as was seen inFIG.1wherein user2was gripping standard grip4(rotation about B,FIG.1).

The back of user2is rotated about angle A2. Angle A2is the angle formed between line Z, which is a line projected from the waist of user2, and line Y, which is perpendicular to the ground upon which user2is positioned. Note that angle A2is smaller (fewer radians) than angle A1, which is the angle seen when a user is gripping the trimmer or edger using standard grip4(shown inFIG.1). The change in the position of the back of user2from angle A1to A2reduces stress and strain on user2allowing user2to operate the grass trimmer or edger for a longer period of time than when using standard grip4.

Ergonomic grip10may be reversibly, or irreversibly, positioned along main shaft16via rotation of shaft14at clamping mechanism12about angle D. Angle D is the angle upon which the Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer device may be rotated relative to standard grip4and main shaft16. This allows user2to position ergonomic grip10parallel, perpendicular, or any position between parallel and perpendicular, to standard grip4. Shaft14may be reversibly positioned along line E per user2preference. Line E is the line upon which ergonomic grip10may be positioned relative to standard grip4and main shaft16. Positioning clamping mechanism12about main shaft16at fulcrum F2allows shaft14to be positioned and re-positioned along line E.

FIG.3depicts user2with an alternate embodiment of the Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer The Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer comprises ergonomic grip10, straight shaft34and clamping mechanism12. Hand5of user2is positioned upon ergonomic grip10, which is positioned above standard grip4providing user2with better control of trimmer head7while trimming and edging. The Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer is clamped onto main shaft16so that fulcrum F2is positioned closer to trimmer head7than fulcrum F1at standard grip4. The distance between hand5of user2and main shaft16is marked length L2. As noted forFIG.2, length L2is significantly longer than length L1, which is the length between a user's hand5while gripping standard grip4and main shaft16(as shown inFIG.1). Although the position of a user's hand5on standard grip4requires user2to rotate about the waist when operating the grass trimmer or edger (rotation about B,FIG.1), a user2gripping ergonomic grip10does not have to rotate about the waist, reducing stress and strain upon his or her waist and back. The back of user2is rotated about angle A2. Angle A2is the angle formed between line Z, which is a line projected from the waist of user2, and line Y, which is perpendicular to the ground upon which user2is positioned. As previously noted forFIG.2, angle A2is smaller (fewer radians) than angle A1, reducing stress and strain on the back of user2while trimming and edging. The position of clasping mechanism12creates fulcrum F2which allows a user to have greater control while weed trimming or edging relative to fulcrum F1formed at the point standard grip4is positioned upon main shaft16.

Ergonomic grip10may be reversibly, or irreversibly, positioned along main shaft16via rotation of straight shaft34at clamping mechanism12about angle D. Angle D is the angle upon which the Ergonomic Grip for Weed Trimmer device may be rotated relative to standard grip4and main shaft16. This allows user2to position ergonomic grip10parallel, perpendicular, or any position between parallel and perpendicular, to standard grip4. Straight shaft34may be reversibly positioned along line E per user2preference. Line E is the line upon which ergonomic grip10may be positioned relative to standard grip4and main shaft16. Positioning clamping mechanism12about main shaft16at fulcrum F2allows straight shaft34to be positioned and re-positioned along line E.

FIG.4depicts the device herein attached to main shaft16of a grass trimmer or grass edger wherein that portion wherein the device is coupled to main shaft16has been cut away from the device. Ergonomic grip10is formed to be easily and strongly gripped by a user without causing fatigue and/or strain. Ergonomic grip10is shown positioned above main shaft16and perpendicular to main shaft16. Clamping mechanism12may be any mechanism that allows the device to be coupled firmly to main shaft16. The point wherein clamping mechanism12clamps onto main shaft16is fulcrum F2upon which the user manipulates trimmer head7. Shaft14runs the length from clamping mechanism12to ergonomic grip10. Shaft14may be curved to allow a user to place a second hand upon the device to enable a user to manipulate the grass trimmer or grass edger in a sweeping manner. Shaft14is formed so that ergonomic grip10is positioned above or to the side of main shaft16.

FIG.6depicts a top view of the device ofFIG.4. Clamping mechanism12couples the device to main shaft16. Ergonomic grip10is shown perpendicular to main shaft16. But, a user may rotate shaft14so that ergonomic grip10is parallel to main shaft16, or some position between perpendicular and parallel, as noted above. Shaft14includes curved segments13and15that are connected to each other by second handle17, which allows a user to place a hand upon the shaft when needed to permit better control over the movement of the grass trimmer or edger.

A bottom view of the device is shown inFIG.7. Note that ergonomic grip10is perpendicular to second handle17. Curved segments13and15curve from ergonomic grip10and clamping mechanism12, respectively, to second handle17. A side view of the device ofFIG.5is shown inFIG.8. Ergonomic grip10is perpendicular to both main shaft16and second handle17. Clamping mechanism12clamps the device onto main shaft16. Curved segments13and15allow second handle17to run parallel to main shaft16.

An angled, side view of an alternate embodiment of the device with angled shaft24cut away from main shaft16of the grass trimmer is shown inFIG.9. Ergonomic grip10is perpendicular to main shaft16. Clamping mechanism12clamps the device onto main shaft16. Clamping mechanism12may be reversibly clamped onto main shaft16in any desired position including at an angle extending perpendicular to standard grip4(not shown). Alternatively, the device may be clamped onto main shaft16so that ergonomic grip10is parallel to standard grip4(shown inFIGS.2and3). Angled shaft24allows ergonomic grip10to be positioned above or to the side of standard grip4. Angled shaft24may be formed at an angle less than perpendicular so that ergonomic grip10may be gripped by a user so that the user's hand is perpendicular to main shaft16. Angled shaft24may be composed of aluminum, steel, or any other material of sufficient strength to support the operation of a weed trimmer or edger. And, angled shaft24may be coated with a material to make it easier for a user to grip along the length of angled shaft24.

An exploded view ofFIG.9is depicted inFIG.10. Angled shaft24is coupled to ergonomic shaft21and clamping shaft27. Ergonomic grip10is positioned onto ergonomic shaft21. Clamping shaft27fits within clamping mechanism12. Clamping mechanism12fits onto main shaft16of the trimmer/edger device. Angled shaft24positions ergonomic grip10so that a user may grip the weed trimmer or edger device with less stress and strain on a user's back and waist than with a standard weed trimmer or edger grip.

FIG.11shows a top view of the device ofFIG.3, whileFIG.12depicts a side view.FIG.11illustrates straight shaft34positioning ergonomic grip10perpendicular to main shaft16. Ergonomic grip10is formed onto or coupled with ergonomic shaft21. Straight shaft34connects ergonomic grip10to clamping shaft27. Straight shaft34extends ergonomic grip10above main shaft16. Clamping mechanism12may be reversibly positioned along main shaft16positioning ergonomic grip10in a position that is comfortable during operation of the trimmer or edger. Additionally, clamping mechanism12may be positioned about main shaft16so that ergonomic grip10is either parallel, perpendicular, or some position between parallel and perpendicular relative to standard grip4. The position that a user grips ergonomic grip10may be manipulated relative to main shaft16by rotating clamping shaft27within clamping mechanism12, which alters the angle that a user grips the device.

Clamping mechanism12permits the device to be reversibly coupled to main shaft16. Both ergonomic shaft21and clamping shaft27may run perpendicular to main shaft16.FIG.12depicts ergonomic grip10above and perpendicular to main shaft16. The angle of the device relative to main shaft16may be manipulated by rotating clamping shaft27within clamping mechanism12.

A side, angled view of the device ofFIG.9with a “T” shaped handle is shown inFIG.13. Angled shaft24includes two ergonomic grips10opposite each other forming a “T” shape. The “T” shape allows a user to have more flexibility in gripping the weed trimmer or edger during operation. Ergonomic grip10and clamping shaft27are parallel to each other and perpendicular to angled shaft24. Clamping mechanism12is secured onto clamping shaft27.

Referring toFIGS.14-18, a handle mounting apparatus100is shown. The handle mounting apparatus100may also be referred to herein as a handle mounting bracket100or accessory100. The handle mounting apparatus100is configured to be coupled to the main shaft16of a weed trimmer or the main shaft of another implement having a shaft similar to that of a weed trimmer, such as, for example a poled hedge trimmer. In certain embodiments, the handle mounting apparatus100may be coupled to the main shaft16closer to a distal end (e.g., where the trimmer head7is located) than to a proximal end (e.g., where the motor is located).

The handle mounting apparatus100may include a mounting portion120, a receiving portion140, and a coupling mechanism160. The mounting portion120may also be referred to herein as a first portion120. The receiving portion140may also be referred to herein as a handle receiving portion140or a second portion140. The mounting portion120may have a first mounting end122and a second mounting end124positioned opposite the first mounting end122. The first mounting end122may include a first mounting surface126and a first semicylindrical channel128defined in the first mounting surface126. The first mounting surface126may also be referred to herein as a mounting surface126. The first semicylindrical channel128may also be referred to herein as a channel128. The second mounting end124may include a first engagement surface130oriented perpendicular to the first mounting surface126.

The receiving portion140may have a first receiving end142and a second receiving end144positioned opposite the first receiving end142. The first receiving end142may include a second engagement surface146. The second engagement surface146may be configured to engage the first engagement surface130of the mounting portion120. The second receiving end144may include a shaft receptacle148open in a direction perpendicular to the second engagement surface146. The shaft receptacle148may be configured to receive an end106of the shaft104of the handle102(shown inFIG.18). The handle102may further include a grip portion108oriented perpendicular to the shaft104.

The shaft receptacle148may include clamping mechanism154configured to clamp the end106of the shaft104of the handle102within the shaft receptacle148. The clamping mechanism154may feature one or more fasteners configured to close a gap defined along a side of the shaft receptacle148(e.g., such that a circumference of the shaft receptacle148is adjusted to tighten around the shaft104of the handle102). In other optional embodiments, the clamping mechanism may feature different configurations or other elements as known in the art.

Each of the first and second engagement surfaces130,146of the mounting portion120and the receiving portion140, respectively, may include a plurality of radial ridges132,150extending from an outer portion134,152of the first and second engagement surfaces130,146, respectively. The outer portion134,152of each of the first and second engagement surfaces130,146may be defined circumferentially about each of the first and second engagement surfaces130,146. The pluralities of radial ridges132,150of the first and second engagement surfaces130,146are configured to mate as a Hirth joint and prevent rotational movement between the mounting portion120and the receiving portion140when mated.

The coupling mechanism160may be configured to extend through and couple each of the first and second engagement surfaces130,146together. The coupling mechanism may further be configured to selectively enable pivotal movement between the mounting portion120and the receiving portion140. The coupling mechanism160may include a threaded fastener162and a hand knob164configured to engage the threaded fastener162. The hand knob164may also be referred to herein as a captive knob164. The threaded fastener162may be configured to extend through a central hole170defined through each of the first and second engagement surfaces130,146. The hand knob164may be configured to selectively clamp the pluralities of radial ridges132,150of the first and second engagement surfaces130,146together, such that an angle172between the mounting portion120and the receiving portion140is fixed. The angle172may be adjusted when the hand knob164is loosened.

In certain optional embodiments, the coupling mechanism160may further include a spring166. The spring166may be configured to be positioned between the first and second engagement surfaces130,146surrounding the threaded fastener162interiorly of the outer portions134,152. The spring166may be configured to separate or bias the pluralities of radial ridges132,150of the first and second engagement surfaces130,146away from each other when the hand knob164is loosened. The spring166may enable the angle172to be more easily adjusted when the hand knob164is loosened.

In certain optional embodiments, as shown inFIG.14, the handle mounting apparatus100may further include a coupling member180. The coupling member180may include a second mounting surface182and a second semicylindrical channel184defined in the second mounting surface182. The second mounting surface182may be configured to mate with the first mounting surface126of the mounting portion120for clamping the main shaft16of the weed trimmer therebetween. For example, the first and second semicylindrical channels128,184when mated may define a cylindrical passageway configured to receive the main shaft16of the weed trimmer.

In certain optional embodiments, the coupling member180may be coupled to the mounting portion120, for example, using coupling fasteners190. The coupling fasteners may pass through a plurality of coupling holes186defined through the second mounting surface182of the coupling member and engage a plurality of mounting holes136defined in the first mounting surface126of the mounting portion120. The plurality of coupling holes186are configured to align with the plurality of mounting holes136. The plurality of mounting holes136may be tapped such they may engage the coupling fasteners190. The plurality of mounting holes136may also be referred to herein as a plurality of tapped mounting holes136.

In other optional embodiments, as shown inFIG.15, the handle mounting apparatus100may be coupled to the main shaft16of the weed trimmer using an attachment apparatus200. The attachment apparatus200may also be referred to herein as an accessory attachment apparatus200. The attachment apparatus200may be configured to be coupled to the main shaft16of the weed trimmer or the main shaft of another implement having a shaft similar to that of a weed trimmer, such as, for example a poled hedge trimmer. The attachment apparatus200may include a shaft collar clamp220, an accessory attachment member240, and a coupling rod260.

The shaft collar clamp220may include a passageway222and at least one attachment hole224. The passageway222may be configured to receive the main shaft16of the weed trimmer, such as, for example, closer to the distal end than to the proximal end as discussed above. The at least one attachment hole224may be defined through the shaft collar clamp220parallel to the passageway222.

The accessory attachment member240may include a base portion242and a semicylindrical portion244. The semicylindrical portion244may also be referred to herein as a semicylindrical protrusion244. The semicylindrical portion244may be shaped to fit within the semicylindrical channel128of the mounting portion120of the handle mounting apparatus100. The accessory attachment member240may further include an indentation252defined in the base portion242opposite the semicylindrical portion244. The indentation252may also be referred to herein as a channel252. The indentation252may be the same length as the length248of the semicylindrical portion244. The indentation252may accommodate a portion of the main shaft16of the weed trimmer and may further include an arcuate shape similar to that of a portion of the main shaft16.

The coupling rod260may be configured to extend from the accessory attachment member240. The coupling rod260may be configured to be received by the at least one attachment hole224of the shaft collar clamp220. In certain optional embodiments, the coupling rod260may be integrally formed with the accessory attachment member240.

In other optional embodiments, the accessory attachment member240may include a receptacle246defined at least partially in the semicylindrical portion244. The receptacle246may be configured to receive the coupling rod260. The receptacle246may extend parallel to a length248of the semicylindrical portion244.

Each of the at least one attachment hole224of the shaft collar clamp220, the receptacle246of the accessory attachment member240, and the coupling rod260may be hexagonal in order to prevent rotation movement of the accessory attachment member240relative to the shaft collar clamp220. In other optional embodiments, the shape of each of these elements may be different while maintaining the goal of preventing rotational movement between the accessory attachment member240and the shaft collar clamp220.

A free end portion262of the coupling rod260may be configured to extend through the at least one attachment hole224of the accessory attachment member240. The free end portion262of the coupling rod260may be configured to receive a locking member264, such as, for example, a cotter or hair pin. The locking member264may be configured to lock the coupling rod260within the at least one attachment hole224such that the coupling rod260cannot be removed from the at least one attachment hole224. The locking member264may be configured to be receive through a bore hole266defined through the free end portion262. In other optional embodiments, the locking member264may be received by a circumferential channel (not shown) defined around the free end portion262of the coupling rod260.

As illustrated, the shaft collar clamp220may be defined by a first semicircular portion226and a second semicircular portion228configured to be coupled to the first semicircular portion226. The passageway222may, for example, be defined by two semicylindrical channels, each of which is defined in different ones of the first and second semicircular portions226,228.

The at least one attachment hole224may include a first attachment hole224A defined through the first semicircular portion226and a second attachment hole224B defined through the second semicircular portion228. The first and second attachment holes224A,224B may be positioned on opposite sides of the passageway222. The first attachment hole224A may enable the accessory attachment member240to be attached above the main shaft16of the weed trimmer for normal trimming use thereof. Alternatively, the second attachment hole224B may enable the accessory attachment member240to be attached below the main shaft16of the weed trimmer for edging use thereof.

The accessory attachment member240may include a plurality of attachment holes250extending through the base portion242on opposite sides of the semicylindrical portion244. The plurality of attachment holes250are configured to align with the plurality of mounting holes136. The accessory attachment member240may be coupled to the mounting portion120of the handle mounting apparatus100, or any other accessory, for example, using the coupling fasteners190. The coupling fasteners190may pass through the plurality of attachment holes250and engage the plurality of mounting holes136defined in the first mounting surface126of the mounting portion120.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context dictates otherwise. The meanings identified below do not necessarily limit the terms, but merely provide illustrative examples for the terms. The meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” may include plural references, and the meaning of “in” may include “in” and “on.” The phrase “in one embodiment,” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

It will be understood that the particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention may be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein may be made and/or executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of the embodiments included herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The previous detailed description has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of a new and useful invention, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this disclosure except as set forth in the following claims.