Reversible Rake

Abstract

An improved yard rake that can be pulled or pushed in a back and forth one-stroke motion to move yard debris, without altering the orientation of the rake. The rake permits usage that is less tiring and requires less effort to collect yard debris.

Claims

1. A yard rake comprising: (a) an elongated, substantially rigid handle extending from a proximal end to a distal end; (b) a rake body secured on the distal end of the handle; (c) a plurality of flexible tines attached to and extending outwardly from a distal end of the rake body, wherein each tine comprises a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment of each tine is proximal to and substantially parallel with the rake body and the elongated handle, wherein the second segment of each tine is at an angle of sixty degrees with respect to the rake body and the elongated handle; (d) wherein the handle is placed at an angle to a ground surface between nineteen and thirty-one degrees, such that the second segments of the plurality of tines are substantially perpendicular to the ground surface, and the handle is pulled in a proximal direction to pull yard debris; and (e) further wherein the handle is pushed in a distal direction to push yard debris with the second segments of the plurality of tines.

2. A yard rake comprising: (a) an elongated, substantially rigid handle extending from a proximal end to a distal end; (b) a rake body secured on the distal end of the handle; (c) a plurality of flexible tines attached to and extending outwardly from a distal end of the rake body, wherein each tine comprises a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment of each tine is proximal to and substantially parallel with the rake body and the elongated handle, wherein the second segment of each tine is at an angle of sixty degrees with respect to the rake body and the elongated handle; (d) wherein the handle is placed at an angle to a ground surface between nineteen and thirty-one degrees, such that the second segments of the plurality of tines are substantially perpendicular to the ground surface, and the handle is pulled in a proximal direction to pull yard debris; and (e) further wherein the handle is pushed in a distal direction to compress the second segments of the plurality of tines to spring forward and push yard debris away from the rake.

3. A yard rake comprising: (a) an elongated, substantially rigid handle extending from a proximal end to a distal end; (b) a rake body secured on the distal end of the handle; (c) a plurality of flexible tines attached to and extending outwardly from a distal end of the rake body, wherein each tine comprises a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment of each tine is proximal to and substantially parallel with the rake body and the elongated handle, wherein the second segment of each tine is at an angle of sixty degrees with respect to the rake body and the elongated handle; (d) wherein the handle is placed at an angle to a ground surface between nineteen and thirty-one degrees, such that the second segments of the plurality of tines are substantially perpendicular to the ground surface, and the handle is pushed and pulled in one motion to move yard debris without altering the orientation of the rake.

4. The yard rake of claim 1, wherein the first segment of each tine is five to eight inches in length.

5. The yard rake of claim 1, wherein the second segment of each tine is five to ten inches in length.

6. The yard rake of claim 1, wherein the handle is forty to seventy inches in length.

7. The yard rake of claim 1, wherein the rake body is sixteen to twenty-four inches in width.

8. The yard rake of claim 1, wherein each tine has a thickness of 0.04 to 0.07 inches.

9. The yard rake of claim 1, wherein each tine has a width of 0.15 to 0.30 inches.

10. The yard rake of claim 1, wherein each tine has a Rockwell harness of C48-51.

11. The yard rake of claim 3, wherein the first segment of each tine is five to eight inches in length.

12. The yard rake of claim 3, wherein the second segment of each tine is five to ten inches in length.

13. The yard rake of claim 3, wherein the handle is forty to seventy inches in length.

14. The yard rake of claim 3, wherein the rake body is sixteen to twenty-four inches in width.

15. The yard rake of claim 3, wherein each tine has a thickness of 0.04 to 0.07 inches.

16. The yard rake of claim 3, wherein each tine has a width of 0.15 to 0.30 inches.

17. The yard rake of claim 3, wherein each tine has a Rockwell harness of C48-51.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric top view of a reversible rake.

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the reversible rake.

[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom side view of the reversible rake.

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates a left side view of the reversible rake.

[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a right side view of the reversible rake.

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the reversible rake.

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of the reversible rake.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0048] While several variations of the present invention have been illustrated by way of example in particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.

[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the subject invention discloses a reversible yard or landscaping rake 1. The rake 1 has an elongated, relatively rigid handle 2 on the proximal end 3 for grasping with one or both hands. In embodiments of the subject invention, the handle 2 may be forty to seventy inches in length from the proximal end 3 to the distal end 5.

[0050] A rake body 4 is attached to the distal end 5 of the handle 2. In embodiments of the subject invention, the rake body 4 may be sixteen to twenty-four inches in width.

[0051] A plurality of flexible tines 6 extend outwardly in a distal direction from the rake body 4. Each tine 6 includes a first segment 7 that is proximal to and substantially parallel with the rake body 4 and the elongated handle 2. Each tine 6 further includes a second segment 8 that is distal to and at an angle with the rake body 4 and the handle 2. In embodiments of the subject invention, the angle of the second segment 8 of the tines 6 with the rake body 4 may be fifty to seventy degrees. In other embodiments of the subject invention, the tines 6 may be composed of metal or plastic this is compressible. In further embodiments of the subject invention, the first section 7 of the tines 6 may be five to eight inches in length. In additional embodiments of the subject invention, the second section 8 of the tines 6 may be five to ten inches in length.

[0052] In embodiments of the subject invention, the rake 1 may have twenty to thirty tines 6. In the preferred embodiment the tines 6 have a thickness of approximately 0.0620 inches, a width of 3/16 inches, a blue polished grade, and a Rockwell hardness of C48-51.

[0053] In pulling use, the rake 1 is held with the handle 2 at an angle of twenty to thirty degrees with respect to the ground surface. This rake 1 orientation places the second segment 8 of the tines 6 relatively perpendicular to the ground surface. The perpendicular position allows a user to exert a pulling force equivalent to a traditional rake.

[0054] In pushing use, the rake 1 handle 2 is pushed downward and distally away from the handle 2. This pushing motion causes the first segment 7 of the tines 6 to bend and create a spring action that pushes the second segment 8 of the tines 6 away from the distal end 5 of the handle 2, projecting yard debris in front of the tines 6 forward and away.

[0055] The subject invention permits a user to change between these pull and push motions in one stroke, without the need to change the orientation of the rake 1. The rake 1 may be pulled and pushed quickly back and forth, to stir up yard debris, uprooting leaves, sticks, and embedded debris as needed. The rake 1 of the subject invention permits usage that is less tiring and requires less effort to collect fallen leaves. The rake 1 of the subject invention permits pushing movement of large or heavy piles of leaves with minimal effort. The height of the rake tines 6 permits a greater build-up of yard debris underneath, creating a more efficient pulling.

[0056] The many aspects and benefits of the invention are apparent from the detailed description, and thus, it is intended for the following claims to cover such aspects and benefits of the invention, which fall within the scope, and spirit of the invention. In addition, because numerous modifications and variations will be obvious and readily occur to those skilled in the art, the claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described herein. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents should be understood to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed here.