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US4236742A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Retractable rake

Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1979-06-04
•
Granted: 1980-12-02
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Expires: 1999-06-04
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Abstract

Abstract A retractable rake is shown as in one example for use as a courtesy rake by a golfer at a sand trap, or for light raking chores, in general. The rake has a plurality of projecting tines which diverge outwardly when they are in their extended position. When the rake is not in use, the tines are retractable into the shank of the rake so the rake is compact and may be stored and carried within the golf bag.

Inventors

  • 👤 Otis Florence

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-05 09:39
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01D; A01D7/00; A01D7/06

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim 163 words
A retractable rake comprising: a. an elongated handle having an upper handgrip portion and a lower hollow shank portion; b. the said shank portion having an enlarged hollow head fitted on the lower end thereof, the head having a partition with a series of diverging, elongated slots therein for receiving flexible tines therethrough; c. the shank portion supporting therein a movable plunger that carries a plurality of flexible tines that in a first extended position diverge outwardly from the enlarged head so the tips are widely spaced from each other and they are disposed generally within a common plane, the said elongated slots serving to reinforce the tines against flexing in their first extended position; d. and manual actuator means joined to the plunger and accesssible on the outside of the shank portion for retracting the plunger into the shank portion so as to retract the flexible tines and telescope them into a second retracted position substantially into the head and shank portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 163 words
A retractable rake comprising: a. an elongated handle having an upper handgrip portion and a lower hollow shank portion; b. the said shank portion having an enlarged hollow head fitted on the lower end thereof, the head having a partition with a series of diverging, elongated slots therein for receiving flexible tines therethrough; c. the shank portion supporting therein a movable plunger that carries a plurality of flexible tines that in a first extended position diverge outwardly from the enlarged head so the tips are widely spaced from each other and they are disposed generally within a common plane, the said elongated slots serving to reinforce the tines against flexing in their first extended position; d. and manual actuator means joined to the plunger and accesssible on the outside of the shank portion for retracting the plunger into the shank portion so as to retract the flexible tines and telescope them into a second retracted position substantially into the head and shank portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 29 words
The invention of claim 1 with the addition of locking means for locking the movable plunger into a position where the flexible tines are in their first extended position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 57 words
The invention of claim 2 wherein the said shank portion includes an elongated longitudinal slot, and the said manual actuator means includes a button that is confined in the said slot, the lower portion of the slot including a detent portion for receiving the said button therein and serving as the said locking means for the plunger.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 39 words
The invention of claim 3 wherein the said hollow shank portion includes tension spring means joined to the said plunger for retracting the plunger whenever the actuator button is released from the said detent portion of the longitudinal slot.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 32 words
The invention of claim 4 wherein the said retractable rake is about the length of a standard golf club, and the rake is adapted for storage and carrying in a golf bag.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 36 words
The invention of claim 3 wherein the said elongated longitudinal slot has a detent portion at each end of the slot for locking the plunger in both its first extended position and its second retracted position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 25 words
The invention of claim 3 wherein the said button is spring-supported from the said plunger for movement in and out of the said detent portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 61 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein the said enlarged head has a top overhanging wall in engagement with the top portion of the tines in their first extended position for increased reinforcement of the flexible tines as well as for creating a recess within which the tips of the tines may be stored when the tines are fully retracted.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 107 words
A courtesy rake for use by golfers comprising: a. an elongated handle of about the size and shape of a golf club handle and having a lower hollow shank portion; b. a small flared hollow head attached to the lower end of the shank portion, and having a partition with a plurality of diverging through-slots; c. a movable plunger slidably mounted within the shank portion; d. a plurality of flexible tines joined to the plunger and extending through the said partition; e. and manual actuating means for moving the tines of the plunger between a first extended fan shaped position to a second retracted generally parallel position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 107 words
A courtesy rake for use by golfers comprising: a. an elongated handle of about the size and shape of a golf club handle and having a lower hollow shank portion; b. a small flared hollow head attached to the lower end of the shank portion, and having a partition with a plurality of diverging through-slots; c. a movable plunger slidably mounted within the shank portion; d. a plurality of flexible tines joined to the plunger and extending through the said partition; e. and manual actuating means for moving the tines of the plunger between a first extended fan shaped position to a second retracted generally parallel position.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US802264A Cited
US3306650A Cited
US3390516A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1983-12-02 1984-06-02 1984-12-02 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1987-12-02 1988-06-02 1988-12-02 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1991-12-02 1992-06-02 1992-12-02 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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