Electronic Outdoor Maintenance Device

Abstract

An electronic outdoor maintenance device. The device includes an elongated member that has a first end and a second end. A housing is attached to the first end of the elongated member. The housing defines an interior cavity. A controller s installed within the interior cavity. The controller includes a wireless transceiver to receive signals from a specified device. At least one speaker is placed on an external surface of the housing. The speaker is connected to the controller. The housing includes a handle to assist the user in operating the device. The second end of the elongated member has an interface that is designed to receive a working head of the user's choice.

Claims

1) An electronic outdoor maintenance device, comprising: an elongated member having a first end disposed oppositely a second end; a housing disposed on the first end of the elongated member; the housing defining an interior cavity; a controller disposed in the interior cavity; the controller comprising a wireless transceiver; at least one speaker disposed on an external surface of the housing; a handle disposed on the external surface of the housing; the handle disposed opposite of the elongated member; the second end of the elongated member defining an interface; the interface configured to removably receive a working head thereon.

2) The electronic outdoor maintenance device of claim 1, further comprising a display disposed on an external surface of the housing, the display in operable connection with the controller.)

3) The electronic outdoor maintenance device of claim 1, further comprising a clip disposed between the first end of the elongated member and the second end of the elongated member, the clip configured to removably receive a flashlight therein.

4) The electronic outdoor maintenance device of claim 3, wherein the clip is removably disposed on the elongated member between the first end and the second end thereof.

5) The electronic outdoor maintenance device of claim 1, wherein the working head is a snow shovel.

6) The electronic outdoor maintenance device of claim 1, wherein the working head is a spade shovel.

7) The electronic outdoor maintenance device of claim 1, wherein the working head is a rake defining a plurality of tines extending parallel from a base.

8) The electronic outdoor maintenance device of claim 1, wherein the working head is a bow rake defining a plurality of tines extending perpendicularly from a base.

9) The electronic outdoor maintenance device of claim 1, wherein a grip is disposed between the first end of the elongated member and the second end of the elongated member.

10) The electronic outdoor maintenance device of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises at least one protrusion thereon.

11) The electronic outdoor maintenance device of claim 1, further comprising a speaker actuator disposed on an external surface of the housing, the speaker actuator in operable connection with a speaker power source.

12) The electronic outdoor maintenance device of claim 1, wherein the interface is a threaded interface comprising a male threading configured to correspond to a female threading disposed within a receiving port defined by the working head.

13) An electronic outdoor maintenance device, comprising: an elongated member having a first end disposed oppositely a second end; a housing disposed on the first end of the elongated member; the housing defining an interior cavity; a controller disposed in the interior cavity; the controller comprising a wireless transceiver; at least one speaker disposed on an external surface of the housing; a display disposed on an external surface of the housing; the display in operable connection with the controller; a handle disposed on an external surface of the housing; the handle disposed opposite of the elongated member; at least one light disposed on the elongated member between the first end and the second end thereof; the second end of the elongated member defining an interface; the interface configured to removably receive a working head thereon.

14) The electronic outdoor maintenance device of claim 13, wherein a grip is disposed between the first end of the elongated member and the second end of the elongated member.

15) An electronic outdoor maintenance device, comprising: an elongated member having a first end disposed oppositely a second end; a housing disposed on the first end of the elongated member; the housing defining an interior cavity; a controller disposed in the interior cavity; the controller comprising a wireless transceiver; a pair of front speakers disposed on a front surface of the housing; a pair of side speakers disposed on a pair of opposing side surfaces of the housing; a speaker actuator disposed between the pair of front speakers on the front surface of the housing, configured to control a function of the pair of front speakers and the pair of side speakers; a display disposed on an external surface of the housing; the display in operable connection with the controller; the display configured to provide a graphical user interface; the graphical user interface comprising a connection status display and a telephone status display; a handle integrally disposed on the external surface of the housing; the handle disposed opposite of the elongated member; at least one light disposed on the elongated member between the first end and the second end thereof; wherein the at least one light is positioned such that a beam of light of the at least one light is directed toward the second end of the elongated member; a grip disposed on the elongated member between the at least one light and the housing; the second end of the elongated member defining an interface; the interface configured to removably receive a working head thereon.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the electronic outdoor maintenance device.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of a handle of an embodiment of the electronic outdoor maintenance device.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of an elongated member of an embodiment of the electronic outdoor maintenance device.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of an interface of an embodiment of the electronic outdoor maintenance device.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the electronic outdoor maintenance device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the electronic outdoor maintenance device. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a front view of an embodiment of the electronic outdoor maintenance device. The electronic outdoor maintenance device 10 comprises an elongated member 11 having a first end 12 disposed oppositely a second end 16. The elongated member 11 is made of a durable material that is suitable for the contemplated use. Ideally, the material is both durable and lightweight, such that the elongated member 11 will not give in to wear and tear, while also being lightweight so that any person may operate the electronic outdoor maintenance device 10.

[0023] A housing 13 is disposed on the first end 12 of the elongated member 11. The housing 13 defines an interior cavity. The housing 13 is made of a durable material, such that the housing 13 will not degrade when exposed to outdoor elements. Furthermore, the housing is ideally made of a lightweight material, such that the housing 13 will not contribute an excessive amount of weight to the electronic outdoor maintenance device 10. A controller is disposed within the internal cavity. The controller is configured to operate the elements that are in operable connection therewith. A more thorough discussion of the controller is provided in the discussion of FIG. 4 below.

[0024] At least one speaker 14 is disposed on an external surface of the housing 13. The at least one speaker 14 is configured to relay auditory signals that are transferred from the controller. The speaker 14, being disposed on the external surface of the housing 13 will emit the auditory signal, such that the user of the electronic outdoor maintenance device 10 will be able to hear the auditory signal. As such, the user is able to listen to an auditory signal, such as music or a podcast, while they are engaging in outdoor maintenance activities.

[0025] A handle 15 is disposed on an external surface on the housing 13. The handle 15 is disposed on the housing 13 at an opposite end of the elongated member 11. The handle 15 provides convenience to a user in that the handle 15 allows for easier and more effective manipulation of the electronic outdoor maintenance device 10. Furthermore, the handle 15 can provide assistance in storing the electronic outdoor maintenance device 10 if the user wishes to store the electronic outdoor maintenance device 10 on a hook or similar storage device. In the illustrated embodiment, handle 15 is defined by a plurality of parallel members with a perpendicular member extending therebetween, such that an aperture is defined therebetween. As such, the user will grasp the perpendicular member and place his or her fingers through the aperture.

[0026] The second end 16 of the elongated member 11 defines an interface. The interface is configured to removably receive a working head 17 thereon. The interface is of any suitable configuration for receiving the working head 17. For example, the interface may comprise a threaded interface, a snap-button interface, a finger groove interface or a locking clip interface. The working head 17 must be secured firmly upon the elongated member 11 such that the working head 17 may be utilized to perform outdoor maintenance activities, as required by the user.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated member 11 further comprises a clip 18. As shown, the clip 18 in this embodiment is configured to removably receive a flashlight therein. The clip is disposed on the elongated member 11 proximal to the second end 16 thereof. In some embodiments, the clip 18 is permanently mounted upon the elongated member 11. In other embodiments, the clip 18 is removably disposed on the elongated member 11, such as via a snap clasp fastener.

[0028] Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the elongated member 11 further comprises a grip 19 disposed thereon. The grip 19 is disposed on the elongated member 11 approximately a mid-point between the first end 12 and the second end 16 of the elongated member 11. The grip 19 is configured to provide an increased friction coefficient, such that the user will be provided with enhanced control over the electronic outdoor maintenance device 10. In one embodiment, the grip 19 is made of a rubberized material. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the grip 19 comprises a cushioned material, such that comfort is provided to the hand of the user when the device is in use.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a close-up view of a handle of an embodiment of the electronic outdoor maintenance device. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 15 defines at least one protrusion 22 extending herefrom. The protrusions 22 are configured to rise between the fingers of a user's hand. As such, the user will have greater control over the electronic outdoor maintenance device when operating the device using the handle 15.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic outdoor maintenance device further comprises a display 21 disposed on an external surface of the housing 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the display 21 is configured to provide a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface provides information relevant to the operation of the electronic outdoor maintenance device. In the shown embodiment, the graphical user interface provides a connection status display 26. As such, the user can tell if the wireless transceiver s engaged with a signal feed, such as a short-range data signal, like a mobile device, or a stronger signal, such as a WiFi connection. Additionally, in one embodiment, the graphical user interface provides a telephone display status. As such, when the electronic outdoor maintenance device is paired with a mobile device, the user can tell what mobile device that it is connected to and if the mobile device is currently engaged in a phone call.

[0031] Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 13 comprises a speaker actuator 23 disposed on an external surface thereof. The speaker actuator 23 is in operable connection with a speaker power source, such that the at least one speaker can be actuated and deactivated thereby. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the at least one speaker is defined by a pair of front speakers 24 disposed on the front surface of the housing 13 and a pair of side speakers 25 disposed on a pair of opposing sides of the housing 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the speaker actuator 23 is disposed between the pair of front speakers 24.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a close-up view of an elongated member of an embodiment of the electronic outdoor maintenance device. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic outdoor maintenance device further comprises a light 31 disposed on the elongated member 11. The light 31 is positioned on the elongated member 11 proximal to the second end 16 thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the light 31 is positioned such that a beam of the light is directed toward the second end 16 of the elongated member 11.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a close-up view of an interface of an embodiment of the electronic outdoor maintenance device. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface is a threaded interface comprising a male threading 41 disposed on a second end 16 of the elongated member 11. The male threading 41 is configured to correspond with a female threading 410 disposed on the working head 17. In the illustrated embodiment, the female threading 410 is disposed within a cavity formed by a hollowed pole 411 extending from the working head.

[0034] The working head may be of any desired construction suitable for outdoor maintenance activities. In one embodiment, the working head is a snow shovel 41. In another embodiment, the working head is a spade 42. In a further embodiment, the working head is a lawn rake 43 defining a plurality of tines 44 extending forward and downward from a base portion 45 thereof. In yet another embodiment, the working head is a bow rake 46 defining a plurality of spikes 47 extending from a base rod 48.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a block diagram of an embodiment of the electronic outdoor maintenance device. The controller 51 is disposed within the interior cavity of the housing. The controller 51 is in operable connection with a wireless transceiver 52. The wireless transceiver 52 is configured to communicate with a computing device, such as a mobile device 54. As such, data can be transmitted from the mobile device 54 to the controller 51 via the wireless transceiver 52. This allows the user to be able to perform various functions of the mobile device 54 through the controller 51, such as making phone calls, listening to audio received from the mobile device 54, or other functions.

[0036] In one embodiment, the controller 51 is in operable connection with the display 21. As such, information gathered and stored in the controller 51 may be presented by the display 21. Furthermore, when a mobile device 54 is paired with the controller 51 via the wireless transceiver 52, data stored on the mobile device 54 may be displayed on the display 21.

[0037] In some embodiments, the speakers 14 and the light 31 may be activatable. As such, a speaker activator 23 may be engaged or disengaged, such that the speaker 14 will be, in turn, engaged or disengaged. Additionally, a light activator 53 may be engaged or disengaged, such that the light 31 will be, in turn, engaged or disengaged. The speaker activator 23 and the light activator 53 provide convenience to the user, as energy can be saved from constantly powering the device.

[0038] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0039] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.