GARDEN RAKING DEVICE

Abstract

A garden raking device, comprising a rigid elongated rod 101 having a rectangular frame 102 for enabling a user to acquire a grip onto the rod 101, ultrasonic sensor detects diameter of user’s finger, iris hole 104 enabling secure grip, elongated curved flap 105 having a motorized omnidirectional wheel 109 for translation of rod 101 on a ground surface, pneumatic pusher 107 applies pressure during the raking process on rod 101, motorized sliders 110 enable collection of leaves, artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 113 for recording images in vicinity of rod 101 to determine spread of leaves on ground, primary drawer mechanism 106 to extend/retract flap 105, hinge 108 to provide angular movement to flap 105, motorized sliders 110 to collect leaves, and a secondary drawer mechanism 112 to collect leaves and a microphone 114 for receiving an audio command from the user regarding raking of leaves.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a garden raking device capable of providing a means detecting presence of dried leaves present over ground surface and helps an individual in clearing and collecting the leaves from the surface thereby assisting the user in collecting leaves from ground surface during garden raking process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Raking the garden is a fundamental task in yard maintenance, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes. It involves using a rake to gather fallen leaves, twigs, and debris from the ground, ensuring a clean and tidy appearance. Beyond aesthetics, raking also promotes healthy lawn growth by allowing sunlight and air to reach the soil and grass roots. Additionally, removing debris prevents mold and mildew from developing, which can harm plants and compromise the overall health of the garden. Moreover, raking helps to distribute mulch evenly, which aids in moisture retention and weed suppression. Overall, regular garden raking is essential for maintaining a vibrant and thriving outdoor space.

[0003] Traditional tools for garden raking include handheld rakes with metal or plastic tines, as well as larger, wide-headed rakes for gathering leaves and debris over larger areas. While these tools have been used for generations and are effective to some extent, they do come with their share of limitations and problems. Handheld rakes can be cumbersome for extensive raking tasks, leading to fatigue and strain on the user's arms and back. Moreover, metal tines may become bent or damaged over time, reducing their effectiveness and requiring frequent replacement. Plastic tines, while lighter, may not be as durable and can break under heavy loads or when encountering tough debris. Additionally, traditional rakes may struggle with uneven terrain or hard-packed soil, making it difficult to achieve thorough cleaning. Furthermore, the repetitive motion of raking can lead to repetitive strain injuries for those engaging in prolonged raking sessions. Despite these challenges, traditional rakes remain a staple in garden maintenance, but advancements in technology have led to the development of more efficient and ergonomic alternatives.

[0004] US5522209A discloses An array of tines are connected to and extend out from a rake head support bar at right angles thereto and are connected thereto in two sets with shank portions of a first set of tines disposed in a first plane and shank portions of a second set of tines disposed in a second plane parallel to said first plane. Action ends of the first set of tines are disposed in a first row which is parallel to and spaced further from said rake head support bar than action ends of the second set of tines which are disposed in a second row. A coil spring is formed from the material of the shank portion of each of the tines so as to unwind if a force is applied to the tine as in effecting a raking action. An alternate embodiment includes a third set of tines similar to the first and second set but with its shank portions in a third plane parallel to the first and second planes and with its tine ends in a third row parallel to the first and second rows. Another alternate forms the tines as substantially "U" shaped members each with a pair of spaced legs each such leg having a shank portion, coil spring and action end and with threaded members connecting a connecting portion of each tine to the rake head. Another embodiment includes wheels carried by the rake head. Though, US'209 relates to Lawn rake and rake head, however the cited prior art lacks in detecting diameter of a user's finger and accordingly adjust to close around the user's finger to enable a secure grip thereby assisting the user in collecting leaves from ground surface during garden raking process.

[0005] US8297034B1 discloses a hand-operated, rolling leaf-rake that is rolled over leaves or other debris to collect the leaves or debris for disposal. It employs rolling drums with retractable spikes that puncture and collect leaves or debris as the tool is pushed along the ground. The drums are comprised of an inner assembly covered with spikes that rise and protrude through holes in the outer drum as it is rolled, and alternately retract through the holes and drop back down to rest again on the inner cylinder. As the spikes retract, the leaves/debris are left deposited on the ground and can be removed. The spikes are under control of a lock mechanism. Though US'304 relates to rolling leaf removal device, however the cited prior art lacks in determining spreading of leaves on ground surface and accordingly adjust to spread and collect the leaves from the ground surface.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed in order to garden raking, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to detecting diameter of a user's finger and accordingly adjust to close around the user's finger to enable a secure grip thereby assisting the user in collecting leaves from ground surface during garden raking process.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of determining spreading of leaves on ground surface and accordingly adjust to spread and collect the leaves from the ground surface.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting presence of dried leaves present over ground surface and helps an individual in clearing and collecting the leaves from the surface.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of automatically adjusting itself in accordance to the dimensions of the user's finger, in order to provide a secured access of the device during the cleaning.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable in nature.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a garden raking device that is capable of providing assistance to a user in carrying out raking process by utilizing comparatively less effort and within less time.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a garden raking device comprises of a rigid elongated rod having a rectangular frame at an upper end of the rod for enabling a user to acquire a grip onto the rod, four sliding units disposed on an upper inner periphery of the frame, each the sliding unit having an iris hole, a microphone, linked with the microcontroller, provided on the rod for receiving an audio command from the user regarding raking of leaves, an ultrasonic sensor detects a diameter of the user's finger to trigger a microcontroller to accordingly actuate the iris hole closes around a finger of the user for enabling a secure grip, an elongated curved flap configured with primary drawer mechanism attached to a pneumatic pusher at a bottom end of the rod by a hinge, the flap having a motorized omnidirectional wheel at an end for a translation of the rod on a ground surface and the pusher applies a pressure during a raking process.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, further comprises of plurality of motorized sliders disposed on an inner periphery of the flap, a thin elongated rectangular plate configured with a secondary drawer mechanism attached perpendicularly on each of the motorized sliders the plurality of plates enable collection of leaves, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the rod and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of the rod, to determine a spread of leaves on the ground surface to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the primary drawer mechanism, the hinge, the sliders and the secondary drawer mechanisms to extend and spread the flap and the plates to collect the leaves, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a garden raking device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a garden raking device capable of detecting spreading of leaves on ground surface and helping a user in precisely clearing out and collecting the leaves from the ground surface.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a garden raking device is illustrated, comprising a rigid elongated rod 101 having a rectangular frame 102 at an upper end of the rod 101, four sliding units 103 disposed on an upper inner periphery of the frame 102, a sliding unit 103 having an iris hole 104, a elongated curved flap 105 configured with primary drawer mechanism 106 attached to a pneumatic pusher 107 at a bottom end of the rod 101 by a hinge 108, a flap 105 having a motorized omnidirectional wheel 109 at an end, plurality of motorized sliders 110 disposed on an inner periphery of the flap 105, a thin elongated rectangular plate 111 configured with a secondary drawer mechanism 112 attached perpendicularly on each of the motorized sliders 110, a artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 113 installed on the rod 101 and a microphone 114 provided on the rod 101.

[0023] The proposed device includes a rigid elongated rod 101 having a rectangular frame 102 at an upper end of the rod 101 for enabling a user to acquire a grip onto the rod 101. Wherein, four sliding units 103 disposed on an upper inner periphery of the frame 102, each of the sliding unit 103 having an iris hole 104, wherein initially an ultrasonic sensor integrated on the rod 101 detects a diameter of the user's finger to trigger an inbuilt microcontroller to accordingly actuate the iris hole 104 closes around a finger of the user for enabling a secure grip.

[0024] The ultrasonic sensor consists of an emitter that on getting actuated by the microcontroller, emits ultrasonic sound waves towards the user's finger. Further, the waves strike to the user's finger and reflect back which are captured by the receiver. The signal is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the ultrasonic sensor and on the basis of time lapse in between the sent and received radiations, the microcontroller detects diameter of the user's finger. Accordingly, the microcontroller actuates the iris hole 104 closes around the finger of the user for enabling a secure grip.

[0025] The iris hole 104 includes a motor and multiple light weight blades. The motor is actuated by the microcontroller to generate electrical current. The current generated by the motor controls the optimal opening/closing of the multiple light weight blades that are present on aperture of the hole 104 to close around the finger of the user for enabling a secure grip. Moreover, an elongated curved flap 105 configured with primary drawer mechanism 106 attached to a pneumatic pusher 107 at a bottom end of the rod 101 by a hinge 108. Wherein the flap 105 having a motorized omnidirectional wheel 109 at an end for a translation of the rod 101 on a ground surface, wherein the pusher 107 applies a pressure during a raking process.

[0026] The omnidirectional wheel 109 comprises a wheel 109 coupled with a motor via a shaft wherein upon receiving the command from the microcontroller by the motor, the motor starts to rotate in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction for translation of the rod 101 on a ground surface, wherein the pusher 107 applies a pressure during a raking process. The pneumatic pusher 107 is powered by the pneumatic unit. The pneumatic unit includes air valves and piston attached with the telescopic rods. The piston is coupled to the telescopic rods penetrating the compressed air released from the compressor over the telescopic rods. The valves used herein, are air valves installed between the compressor and piston that upon actuation enables release of the compressed air through the piston to extend/retract for applying the pressure during the raking process.

[0027] Further, plurality of motorized sliders 110 disposed on an inner periphery of the flap 105, a thin elongated rectangular plate 111 configured with a secondary drawer mechanism 112 attached perpendicularly on each of the motorized sliders 110 wherein the plurality of plate 111 enable collection of leaves. The plurality of plate 111 and motorized siders used herein ranges from (2 to 4). Moreover, the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 113 installed on the rod 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of the rod 101, to determine a spread of leaves on the ground surface.

[0028] The imaging unit 113 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in vicinity of the rod 101 and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 113 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 113 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and the microcontroller based on the processed images determines the spread of leaves on the ground surface. Accordingly, the microcontroller actuates the primary drawer mechanism 106, the hinge 108, the sliders 110 and the secondary drawer mechanism 112 to extend and spread flap 105 and the plate 111 to collect the leaves.

[0029] The primary and secondary drawer mechanism 112 includes a motor and guided rail. The microcontroller powers the motor to generate electrical current that drives the rails to extend/retract the flap 105. Wherein the motorized hinge 108 comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the rod 101. The leaf are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the flap 105. The motorized sliders 110 consists of a motor, rails and a lead/belt screw. The motor actuated by the microcontroller generated electrical current that drives the shaft providing rotational movement to the lead/belt screw for providing linear movement to the plate 111 to collect the leaves.

[0030] Further, a microphone 114, linked with the microcontroller, provided on the rod 101 for receiving an audio command from the user regarding raking of leaves to trigger the microcontroller to imaging unit 113 to determine a spread of leaves on the ground surface to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the primary drawer mechanism 106, the hinge 108, the sliders 110 and the secondary drawer mechanism 112 to extend and spread the flap 105 and the plate 111 to collect the leaves.

[0031] The microphone 114 as actuated by the microcontroller includes a small diaphragm and a moving coil. The small diaphragm is connected to the moving coil. The sound waves hit the diaphragm which causes vibrations thereby, causing the coil to move back and forth in magnetic field of the coil. Hence, generating an electrical current which is further converted into coinciding audio signals to process voice commands from the user regarding raking of leaves to trigger the microcontroller to imaging unit 113 to determine a spread of leaves on the ground surface to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the primary drawer mechanism 106, the hinge 108, the sliders 110 and the secondary drawer mechanism 112 to extend and spread the flap 105 and the plate 111 to collect the leaves.

[0032] Furthermore, the battery (not shown in fig.) is installed with the device to power all electrical and electronic component necessary for their operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate function.

[0033] The proposed device works best in the following manner, the proposed device includes the rigid elongated rod 101 having the rectangular frame 102 for enabling the user to acquire a grip onto the rod 101, wherein the ultrasonic sensor detects diameter of user's finger and accordingly the iris hole 104 closes around the finger of the user for enabling secure grip. The elongated curved flap 105 having the motorized omnidirectional wheel 109 translates the rod 101 on the ground surface, wherein the pneumatic pusher 107 applies pressure during the raking process on the rod 101. The motorized sliders 110 enable collection of leaves and then the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 113 records and processes images in vicinity of the rod 101 to determine the spread of leaves on the ground. The primary drawer mechanism 106 extend/retract the flap 105 and the hinge 108 provides angular movement to the flap 105. The motorized sliders 110 provides the linear movement to the plate 111 to collect the leaves, wherein the secondary drawer mechanism 112 extend/retract the elongated rectangular plate 111 to collect the leaves and the microphone 114 receives the audio command from the user regarding raking of leaves.

[0034] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A garden raking device, comprising:

i) a rigid elongated rod 101 having a rectangular frame 102 at an upper end of said rod 101 for enabling a user to acquire a grip onto said rod 101;
ii) four sliding units 103 disposed on an upper inner periphery of said frame 102, each said sliding unit 103 having an iris hole 104, wherein an ultrasonic sensor integrated on said rod 101 detects a diameter of said user's finger to trigger a microcontroller to accordingly actuate said iris hole 104 closes around a finger of said user for enabling a secure grip;
iii) an elongated curved flap 105 configured with primary drawer mechanism 106 attached to a pneumatic pusher 107 at a bottom end of said rod 101 by a hinge 108, said flap 105 having a motorized omnidirectional wheel 109 at an end for a translation of said rod 101 on a ground surface, wherein said pusher 107 applies a pressure during a raking process;
iv) a plurality of motorized sliders 110 disposed on an inner periphery of said flap 105, a thin elongated rectangular plate 111 configured with a secondary drawer mechanism 112 attached perpendicularly on each of said motorized sliders 110 wherein said plurality of plate 111 enable collection of leaves; and
v) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 113 installed on said rod 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said rod 101, to determine a spread of leaves on said ground surface to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said primary drawer mechanism 106, said hinge 108, said sliders 110 and said secondary drawer mechanism 112 to extend and spread said flap 105 and said plate 111 to collect said leaves.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 114, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said rod 101 for receiving an audio command from said user regarding raking of leaves to trigger said microcontroller to imaging unit 113 to determine a spread of leaves on said ground surface to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said primary drawer mechanism 106, said hinge 108, said sliders 110 and said secondary drawer mechanism 112 to extend and spread said flap 105 and said plate 111 to collect said leaves.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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