Claims:1. A weight supported pole apparatus (100, 300, 400) for providing weight support to a pole (108) while accessing an object or a surface at an elevation, said pole apparatus (100, 300, 400) comprising:
a pole member (102) comprising the pole (108) attached to a tool (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e) to access the object or the surface; and
a pulley (104, 304, 404) with a cable (110) operatively connected to said pole (108), wherein said pulley (104, 304, 404) is balanced by a counterweight (116),
wherein said pulley (104, 304, 404) is configured to mechanically wind or unwind the cable (110) upon movement of said pole member (102), to provide weight support to said pole (108) while accessing the object or the surface at the elevation.
2. The apparatus (100, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pole (108) is telescopic.
3. The apparatus (100, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tool (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e) is any one or a combination of an agricultural tool, a harvesting tool, a pruning tool, a collecting tool, or a cleaning tool.
4. The apparatus (100, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pulley (304, 404) is supported on a second pole (340, 440), wherein said second pole (340, 440) is telescopic.
5. The apparatus (100, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second pole (340, 440) is coupled with a stationary base.
6. The apparatus (100, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second pole (340, 440) is coupled with a moving base (342, 442) having one or more wheels (346, 446).
7. The apparatus (100, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pulley (404) is operatively coupled to a second pulley (404b) through a support member (142).
8. The apparatus (100, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cable (110) is a rope, a string, a wire, a chain or a cord.
9. The apparatus (100, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein pole member (102) is operatively attached to an external attachment (310, 410) to support said pole member (102).
10. The apparatus (100, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pulley (102, 304, 404) is connected to a motor for enabling movement in a direction.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of pole apparatus. More particularly, it pertains to a weight supported pole apparatus for accessing an object or a surface at an elevation.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Accessing objects or surfaces at a height such as pruning or harvesting trees, or cleaning windows of high buildings has always been a difficult practice. The traditional methods in case of trees, include manual climbing, using ladders, or pole sticks. In case of plantations like pepper, wherein the trees grow up to 60 feet from the ground, manual labour is usually employed that use ladder till some height, and then by means of manual ascension. Such methods involving climbing not only require skill but also are unsafe. Further, the use of ordinary poles is practicable for accessing objects at relatively smaller heights. However, with the increase in the height needed to be accessed, the pole also needs to be lengthened accordingly, which leads to the overall increase in the weight of the poles that is to be borne by the user of the pole.
[0004] The methods in the art tend to address this issue to a certain extent by use of lighter materials for pole construction such as carbon fiber. However, such poles are not only expensive but not effective for longer usage and thus, cannot prevent the user of the pole from getting fatigued. Apart from this, there are devices in the art such as harness that needs to be worn by a user from which a tool such as harvesting or cutting tool, is connected to reduce the fatigue of hands due to usage. However, such devices tend to transfer load on to the user as it is worn around the body of the user and also restricts the movement of the user to other parts of the tree.
[0005] Hence, there is a need in the art, for a pole apparatus that can support weight of a pole while accessing object or surface at an elevation, along with the ability of a user to move freely while using the apparatus.
[0006] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities or dimensions of items, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0007] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0008] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0009] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
OBJECTS
[0010] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0011] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a pole apparatus that is supported in weight, for convenient usage.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a pole apparatus that enables to access object or surface at an elevation.
[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a pole apparatus that enables free movement of a user while using the pole apparatus.

SUMMARY
[0014] The present disclosure pertains to a weight supported pole apparatus for accessing an object or a surface at an elevation.
[0015] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a weight supported pole apparatus for providing weight support to a pole while accessing an object or a surface at an elevation, the pole apparatus including: a pole member including the pole attached to a tool to access the object or the surface; a pulley with a cable operatively connected to the pole, wherein the pulley may be balanced by a counterweight. The pulley may be configured to mechanically wind or unwind the cable upon movement of the pole member, to provide weight support to the pole while accessing the object or the surface at the elevation.
[0016] In another aspect, the pulley may be operatively coupled to a second pulley through a support member.
[0017] The weight supported pole apparatus can aid support of weight of the pole for convenient usage, while enabling access to an object or a surface at an elevation. The weight supported pole apparatus also overcomes the limitation of restricted movement while accessing object or surface at an elevation.
[0018] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of a weight supported pole apparatus (100) for providing weight support to a pole while accessing an object or a surface at an elevation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 2A illustrates a pulley (104) of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 2B illustrates a pulley (304), in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 2C illustrates a pulley (404a, 404b), in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates an overview of a weight supported pole apparatus (300) for providing weight support to a pole while accessing an object such as pepper climber at an elevation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 4A illustrates an overview of a weight supported pole apparatus (400) for providing weight support to a pole while accessing object such as an apple in a tree, at elevation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 5A illustrates a tool (106a), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 5B illustrates a tool (106b), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 5C illustrates a tool (106c), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 5D illustrates a tool (106d), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 5E illustrates a tool (106e), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0032] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0033] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0034] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0035] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[0036] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named element.
[0037] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.
[0038] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
[0039] Systems depicted in some of the figures may be provided in various configurations. In some embodiments, the systems may be configured as a distributed system where one or more components of the system are distributed across one or more networks in a cloud computing system.
[0040] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0041] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0042] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0043] The present disclosure pertains to a weight supported pole apparatus for accessing an object or a surface at an elevation.
[0044] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a weight supported pole apparatus for providing weight support to a pole while accessing an object or a surface at an elevation, the pole apparatus including: a pole member including the pole attached to a tool to access the object or the surface; a pulley with a cable operatively connected to the pole, wherein the pulley may be balanced by a counterweight. The pulley may be configured to mechanically wind or unwind the cable upon movement of the pole member, to provide weight support to the pole while accessing the object or the surface at the elevation.
[0045] In another aspect, the pulley may be operatively coupled to a second pulley through a support member.
[0046] The pole may be telescopic. The tool can be any one or a combination of an agricultural tool, a harvesting tool, a pruning tool, a collecting tool, or a cleaning tool.
[0047] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.
[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of a weight supported pole apparatus (100) for providing weight support to a pole while accessing an object or a surface at an elevation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The weight supported pole apparatus (100) can include a pole member (102) and a pulley (104). The pole member (102) can include the pole (108) attached to a tool (106) to access the object or the surface. The pulley (104) includes a cable (110) operatively connected to said pole (108). The pulley (104) can be balanced by a counterweight (116). The pulley may be configured to mechanically wind or unwind the cable (110) upon movement of said pole member (102), to provide weight support to the pole (108) while accessing the object or the surface at the elevation.
[0049] In an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the pole (108) can be telescopic, and so can be adjusted in length as per the requirements of a user. The pole member (108) can have a length adjustment lock (114) which can be used for adjusting and fixing the length of the pole (108). For example, if the pole (102) needs to be shortened or elongated, the user can unlock the length adjustment lock (114), and adjust the length. The length adjustment lock (114) can be put on lock mode again, once a desired length of the pole (108) is obtained. In an embodiment, the length adjustment lock (114) can be locked and unlocked, by lifting a flap, which can allow a user to adjust the length of the pole (108). The pole (108) can include a lever (124), which can be pressed by user to trigger action of tool (106), connected to the pole (108).
[0050] In an aspect, one end of the cable (110) from the pulley (104) can be operatively connected to the pole (108). The cable (110) can be connected to upper end of the pole (108), to which the tool (106) is attached. The pulley (104) can be balanced by the counterweight (116), such that upon movement of pole member (102), the pulley (104) can mechanically wind or unwind the cable (110), to support the weight of the pole (108) while accessing object or surface at elevation.
[0051] FIG. 2A illustrates pulley (104) of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B illustrates a pulley (304), in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2C illustrates a pulley (404), in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0052] As shown in the FIG.1 and FIG. 2A, pulley (104) can be attached or hung to any support at required elevation, by means of the component (202). In another aspect, pulley (304) can be supported on a second pole (340), as shown in FIG. 2B. The second pole (340) can be telescopic.
[0053] In an embodiment and as illustrated in FIG. 2C, pulley (404a) can be operatively coupled to second pulley (404b) through a support member (142). The pulley (404a) can be operatively connected to pole (108), and the pulley (404b) can be balanced by counterweight. The support member (142) can enable movement of the pulley (404a) and the second pulley (404a) in one direction along horizontal axis. The pulley (404a) and the second pulley (404a) include cable (110), wherein one end of the cable (110) from the pulley (404) can be operatively connected to pole bearing tool. The cable (110) from the pulley (404a) can be wound around the second pulley (404a), such that the pulley (404a) can mechanically wind or unwind the cable (110) along with the simultaneous winding or unwinding of the cable (110) around the pulley (404b) to support the weight of the pole (108) while accessing object or surface at elevation. The cable (110) on the other end of the pulley (404b) can be connected to a counterweight support the weight to the pole (108) while accessing object or surface at elevation. The other end of second pulley (404b) can be balanced by the counterweight, for effective weight support.
[0054] In an aspect, cable (110) can be a rope, a string, a wire, a chain or a cord. The cable (110) can be made from a durable material that can withstand stress induced by continuous or long term winding or unwinding of pulley (104, 304, 404a, 404b). The cable (110) can be connected to pole (108) through a hook or any other attachment.
[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates an overview of an exemplary weight supported pole apparatus (300) for providing weight support to pole (108) while accessing object such as pepper climber which can be at elevation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the weight supported pole apparatus (300) can include pole member and pulley (304). The pole member can include pole (108) attached to a harvesting tool connected at upper end of the pole (108) to access the pepper climber. The pulley (304) can include cable (110) operatively connected to the pole (108). The pulley (304) can be balanced by counterweight (116). The pulley may be configured to mechanically wind or unwind the cable (110) upon movement of the pole member, to provide weight support to the pole (108) while accessing the object or the surface at the elevation. In an exemplary embodiment, pole member can be operatively attached to an external attachment (310) such as harvesting bag to support the pole (108). The external attachment (310) can include a tubular structure (312), longitudinally attached to the pole (108) extending till the tool at position (314). Upon reaching pepper stem that needs to be harvesting, user can press lever attached to base of the pole (108) to trigger a cutting action of the tool (314) to cut off the pepper stem, which can pass through the tubular structure (312) and can get collected within the collecting bag (310), secured to body of the user through a belt (316). The pulley (304) can be supported on second pole (340) that can be coupled with a moving base (342) having one or more wheels (346), to enable better movement of the pulley as (304), as desired by the user. Thus, the user can harvest pepper vine effectively without bearing weight of the pole and thus causes reduced fatigue, especially for regular users such as farmers.
[0056] FIG. 4A illustrates an overview of an exemplary weight supported pole apparatus (400) for providing weight support to pole (108) while accessing object such as apple which can be present on a tree at elevation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4A, the weight supported pole apparatus (400) can include pole member and pulley (404a). The pole member can include pole (108) attached to a tool (106) to access the apple at the elevation. The pulley (404a) can be operatively coupled to second pulley (404b) through support member (142). The pulley (404a) can be operatively connected to the pole (108), and the pulley (404b) can be balanced by counterweight (116). The support member (142) can enable movement of the pulley (404a) and the second pulley (404a) in one direction along horizontal axis. The cable (110) from the pulley (404a) can be wound around the second pulley (404a), such that the pulley (404a) can mechanically wind or unwind the cable (110) along with the simultaneous winding or unwinding of the cable (110) around the pulley (404b) to support the weight of the pole (108) while accessing the apple at the elevation. The second pulley (404b) can be supported on second pole (440) that can be coupled with a moving base (442) having one or more wheels (446), to enable better movement of the pulley (404b), as desired by the user. The second pole (440) can be telescopic. In an exemplary embodiment, pole member can be operatively attached to an external attachment (410) such as harvesting bag to support the pole (108). The external attachment (410) can include a tubular structure (412), longitudinally attached to the pole (108). Upon reaching position of the apple that needs to be harvesting, user can press lever attached to base of the pole (108) to trigger a harvesting action of the tool (106) to cut off the apple, which can pass through the tubular structure (412) and can get collected within collecting secured to body of the user through a belt (416). Thus, the user can harvest fruits such as apples effectively without bearing weight of the pole and thus causes reduced fatigue, especially for regular users such as farmers.
[0057] In an aspect, second pole (340, 440) can be coupled with a stationary base. In an aspect, pulley (102, 304, 404) can be connected to a motor for enabling movement in a direction.
[0058] FIG. 5A-5E illustrate tool (106) used in the weight supported pole apparatus (100, 200, 300), in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The tool (106) can be any one or a combination of an agricultural tool, a harvesting tool, a pruning tool, a collecting tool, or a cleaning tool. As shown in FIG. 5A, tool (106) is a harvesting tool (106a) which can be used for harvesting purposes in agriculture. As shown in FIG. 5B, tool (106) is a pruning tool (106b) which can be used for pruning purposes in agriculture. As shown in FIG. 5C, tool (106) is a sawing or cutting tool (106c) which can be used for cutting tree branch at elevation or other sawing purposes in agriculture. As shown in FIG. 5D, tool (106) is a cutting tool (106c) which can be used for cutting fruits or vegetables at elevation in agriculture. The weight supported pole apparatus can also be used for non-agricultural purposes such as cleaning windows or other surface at elevation, by using the tool (106e) as shown in the FIG. 5E. The tool (106) is not limited, and various other tool attachment with different functions can also be used.
[0059] The present disclosure provides weight supported pole apparatus that can be used for agricultural or non-agricultural purposes to support weight of pole while accessing object or surface at elevation that results in less physical burden on the user and thereby lesser fatigue while using the apparatus, unlike the conventional apparatus.
[0060] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive patient matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “includes” and “including” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practised with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0061] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES
[0062] The present disclosure provides a pole apparatus that is supported in weight, for convenient usage, while accessing object or surface at an elevation.
[0063] The present disclosure provides a pole apparatus that enables free movement of a user while using the pole apparatus, thus reducing fatigue of the user.
[0064] The present disclosure provides a pole apparatus that can be used for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes.