Resilient Elastomeric Single Piece Biasing Connector for Joining Two Lawn Rakes
OwnerStephen V. Farlandinventor
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Abstract
A single piece connector made from a robust, thick, tough, resilient, and relatively high durometer elastomer, such as polyurethane is described. The dimensions combined with the stiffness of the constituent material provides both a firm connection between two rakes and a significant biasing force that helps hold a load of scooped leaves between the associated rake heads as the head are maneuvered to a desired container for deposit. The one-piece construction of the connector facilitates economical manufacture as well as eliminating the failure points of multi-part connector systems.
Claims20
A connector for joining the elongated shafts of two lawn and garden tools, the connector consisting essentially of a single piece of elastomeric material having a durometer of about 70A-80A, wherein the connector comprises two adjacent bores separated a common wall configured to resiliently deform in use to permit associated the two lawn and garden tools to pivot relative to each other.
A connector for joining the elongated shafts of two lawn and garden tools, the connector consisting of a single piece of polyurethane material having a durometer of about 75A, wherein (i) the connector comprises adjacent first and second bores with respective diameters of substantially 1.08″ separated a common wall with each bore further encircled by uncommon walls, (ii) the common wall and uncommon walls have a minimum thickness of substantially 0.35″, (iii) the height of the connector is substantially 0.65″, (iv) each of the first and second bores includes three or more axially-extending ridges that protrude inwardly from an inside diameter surface of the respective bore 0.05″ to 0.10″.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.