At a glance
| Patent number | CN107175629B (application CN201710316699) |
| Type | China invention patent (发明专利) - protects product structure and method |
| Original title | All-in-one multifunctional garden tool (一体整合的多功能园林工具) |
| Patent owner | Zhejiang Zhonglei Garden Engineering Co ltd |
| Inventors | Shi Huansong, Ren Lei, Fu Linping, Chen Wenrong, Chen Jianru, Cheng Weibing, Fang Jie, Liu Fangya, Hong Shengjun, Zhang Liming, Shi Shangding, Shi Huanchu, Chen Wendou, Yuan Kaisen, Deng Yuxin, Shi Yong, Jiang Guangquan, Yang Shuying |
| Filing date | 2017-05-08 |
| Grant date | 2023-09-15 |
| Status (China) | In force - valid until at most 2037-05-08, subject to payment of annual fees |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 0 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN107175629B) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 defines an integrated garden tool comprising a slide plate (1) and a detachable motor (8). The slide plate has a driven universal wheel (2) at one end and two fixing blocks (5) holding a drive shaft (7) with two drive rollers (4) at the other. A driven gear (6) on the shaft meshes with a driving gear (11) connected to the motor’s shaft via a rectangular slot and plug. A containing cylinder (3) with internal threads sits above the universal wheel. Inside, a shovel head (14) connects to a first connecting column (15). This column screws into a second connecting column (19), which has a threaded baffle (16) and a socket for the motor plug. The second column connects to a third connecting column (26), which holds a transverse threaded column (27). A hoe (24) and a hammer (23) are sleeved onto this transverse column. The claim emphasizes that these components combine to serve as handles and power sources for the slide plate.
Claim 2 adds a protective baffle plate surrounding the driving gear. Claim 3 specifies a connecting screw securing the motor plug to the second connecting column via threaded holes. Claim 4 indicates the sleeves (22) have a rubber sleeve layer. Claim 5 places a handle on the opposite end of the motor from the driving gear connection.
This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.
What this means for US production
This patent was filed only in China and is currently in force. Making or selling this specific configuration in China requires the owner’s permission. It has no US or other foreign counterpart, so it does not restrict manufacturing or sales in the United States under this specific patent number.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. The field of motorized garden aids and multi-tools is competitive. While no foreign patents cite this specific Chinese document, similar mechanisms (gear-driven platforms, modular tool heads) may be covered by other US utility patents. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review focusing on the gear transmission and modular head interface is recommended before tooling.
- Safety and Liability. Combining a moving platform with sharp tools creates inherent risks. Product liability insurance and rigorous safety testing are critical for US market entry.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Battery voltage (12V, 24V, 36V), brushless vs. brushed motor, removable battery pack size |
| Wheel Material | Rubber-tired rollers for grip, polyurethane for durability, metal rims for heavy duty |
| Plate Surface | Anti-slip coating, textured plastic, or metal grating for mud shedding |
| Tool Heads | Material grade (carbon steel vs. stainless), head shapes (spade, pick, flat hoe), quick-release pin systems |
| Frame Construction | Aluminum alloy for weight reduction, steel for lower cost/high strength |
| Controls | Handle-mounted throttle, foot pedal activation, emergency stop button location |
Things to plan for (US market)
- UL 2274 - Standard for battery-powered lawn mowers and similar equipment. While this is a multi-tool, electrical safety standards for outdoor battery devices apply.
- ANSI B71.1 - Safety requirements for powered walk-behind lawn care equipment. Relevant for the moving platform aspect.
- CPSC Regulations - General consumer product safety rules regarding pinch points, sharp edges, and stability.
- EPA/California Air Resources Board - If gas engines were substituted (though the patent specifies electric), emissions compliance would be needed. For electric, battery recycling laws (e.g., California SB 1215) apply.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - Define target market, power specs, and required tool set.
- Design - CAD modeling of the gear ratio, structural integrity of the slide plate, and ergonomic handle placement.
- Prototype - Build functional units for testing propulsion, steering, and tool changeover ease.
- Pilot Run - Small batch production for field testing and safety certification pre-checks.
- Production - Injection molding for plates/housings, metal stamping/casting for heads, final assembly.
Quantities & timeline
The gear housing and slide plate require precision molds. Metal tool heads need forging or casting dies. Electrical components (motors, batteries) are typically sourced from existing suppliers. Certification testing for electrical safety and mechanical stability takes several weeks. Send us your target specifications, quantity, and timeline and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
