Described is a multi-handled tool that is ergonomically designed to maximize the efficiency of the tool by the use of a handle, optionally rotating, affixed to the shaft of the tool. The rotating handle may be rotated and locked into any desired position so the user can adjust the tool to create maximum efficiency. In addition, a footstep is optionally provided above the tool that allows for a greater digging force. A combination of the first, top handle with the ergonomically spaced handle placement that is completely adjustable combined with the footstep above the head of the tool provides for a tool that is much more efficient than the standard tools used today.

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Patent
   RE47056
Priority
Jan 30 2012
Filed
May 25 2017
Issued
Sep 25 2018
Expiry
Jan 30 2033
Inventors
Johnson, R…
Assg.orig
Assg.curr
Entity
Small
Referenced by
0
References
60
Maint.:
EXPIRED<2yrs
CROSS REFERENCE TO R…
BACKGROUND
SUMMARY
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF…
13. A hand-held tool, comprising:
an elongated shaft having a first axis, the elongated shaft having a first shaft part and a second shaft part, each of the first shaft part and the second shaft part being aligned on the first axis;
a proximal end of the elongated shaft first part comprising a first handle;
a casing coupled between the first shaft part and the second shaft part; and
a second handle functionally coupled to the casing, the second handle being configured to rotate with respect to the elongated shaft within the casing; and
a tool implement coupled to the second shaft part, wherein the tool implement is selected from a group consisting of: a shovel, a rake, a broom, a mop, a grass edger, a floor scraper, and a pitchfork; and
a locking lever configured to lock the second handle in one or more positions along a path extending from a parallel position where the second handle is parallel to the elongated shaft to a transverse position where the second handle is transverse to the elongated shaft, wherein the locking lever is movable between a first position and a second position, the locking lever configured to lock and prevent pivoting of the second handle when in the first position and unlock the second handle when in the second position.
18. A hand-held tool, comprising:
an elongated shaft defining a length between a first end and a second end, the length of the elongated shaft defining a first axis;
a proximal end of the elongated shaft comprising a first handle;
a second handle functionally coupled to the elongated shaft, the second handle defining a length between opposing distal ends, the length of the second handle defining a second axis, the second handle being configured to pivot with respect to the first axis between a parallel position wherein the first and second axes are parallel with one another and a transverse position wherein the first and second axes are transverse to one another; and
a locking lever, the locking lever being operable to transition the handle between a free position and an engaged position, wherein in the free position the handle pivots with respect to the first axis and wherein in the engaged position the handle is locked with respect to the first axis configured to lock the second handle in one or more positions along a path extending from the parallel position to the transverse position, wherein the locking lever is movable between a first position and a second position, the locking lever configured to lock and prevent pivoting of the second handle when in the first position and unlock the second handle when in the second position; and
a tool implement coupled to the elongated shaft second end, wherein the tool implement is selected from a group consisting of: a shovel, a rake, a broom, a mop, a grass edger, a floor scraper, and a pitchfork.
24. A hand-held tool, comprising:
an elongated shaft having a length defined between a first end and a second end, the length of the elongated shaft defining a first axis;
the elongated shaft first end comprising a first handle;
a casing coupled to the elongated shaft between the first end and the second end; and
a second handle functionally coupled to the casing, the second handle being configured to rotate with respect to the elongated shaft within the casing;
wherein the elongated shaft is comprised of a first shaft part and a second shaft part, the casing being coupled between the first shaft part and the second shaft part;
a tool implement coupled to the elongated shaft second end, wherein the tool implement is selected from a group consisting of: a shovel, a rake, a broom, a mop, a grass edger, a floor scraper, and a pitchfork; and
a locking lever configured to lock the second handle in one or more positions along a path extending from a parallel position where the second handle is parallel to the elongated shaft to a transverse position where the second handle is transverse to the elongated shaft, wherein the locking lever is movable between a first position and a second position, the locking lever configured to lock and prevent pivoting of the second handle when in the first position and unlock the second handle when in the second position.
1. A hand-held tool, comprising:
an elongated shaft defining a length between a first end and a second end, the length of the elongated shaft defining a first axis; and
the elongated shaft first end comprising a first handle;
a second handle functionally coupled to the elongated shaft, the second handle defining a length between opposing distal ends, the length of the second handle defining a second axis, the second handle being configured to pivot with respect to the first axis between a parallel position wherein the first and second axes are parallel with one another and a transverse position wherein the first and second axes are transverse to one another;
wherein the first axis intersects the second handle at an intersection between opposing distal ends of the second handle;
a tool implement coupled to the elongated shaft second end, wherein the tool implement is selected from a group consisting of: a shovel, a rake, a broom, a mop, a grass edger, a floor scraper, and a pitchfork; and
a locking lever configured to lock the second handle in one or more positions along a path extending from the parallel position to the transverse position, wherein the locking lever is movable between a first position and a second position, the locking lever configured to lock and prevent pivoting of the second handle when in the first position and unlock the second handle when in the second position.
7. A hand-held tool, comprising:
an elongated shaft having a length defined between a first end and a second end, the length of the elongated shaft defining a first axis;
the elongated shaft first end comprising a first handle;
a casing coupled to the elongated shaft between the first end and the second end; and
a second handle functionally coupled to the casing, the second handle being configured to rotate with respect to the elongated shaft within the casing;
wherein the casing defines a circular interior and the second handle has a length defined between opposing distal ends, the opposing distal ends being functionally coupled to the circular interior, wherein the second handle rotates between a parallel position wherein the second handle and the elongated shaft are parallel with one another and a transverse position wherein the second handle and the elongated shaft are transverse to one another; and
wherein the first axis and the circular interior lie in a plane and the second handle rotates in the plane;
a tool implement coupled to the elongated shaft second end, wherein the tool implement is selected from a group consisting of: a shovel, a rake, a broom, a mop, a grass edger, a floor scraper, and a pitchfork; and
a locking lever configured to lock the second handle in one or more positions along a path extending from the parallel position to the transverse position, wherein the locking lever is movable between a first position and a second position, the locking lever configured to lock and prevent pivoting of the second handle when in the first position and unlock the second handle when in the second position.
2. The hand-held tool of claim 1, wherein the handle is functionally coupled to the elongated shaft between the first and second ends of the shaft locking lever is configured to lock the second handle in multiple positions along the path extending from the parallel position to the transverse position.
3. The hand-held tool of claim 1, wherein the first axis and the second axis intersect with one another.
4. The hand-held tool of claim 1, wherein the first axis and the second axis lie in a plane and the second handle pivots in the plane.
5. The hand-held tool of claim 1, wherein the second handle pivots with respect to the first axis about the intersection.
0. 6. The hand-held tool of claim 1, further comprising a locking lever, the locking lever being operable to transition the handle between a free position and an engaged position, wherein in the free position the handle pivots with respect to the first axis and wherein in the engaged position the handle is locked with respect to the first axis.
8. The hand-held tool of claim 7, wherein the second handle defines a length between opposing distal ends, the length of the second handle defining a second axis, the second handle being configured to rotate between a parallel position wherein the first and second axes are parallel with one another and a transverse position wherein the first and second axes are transverse to one another.
0. 9. The hand-held tool of claim 7, wherein the handle rotates between a parallel position wherein the handle and the elongated shaft are parallel with one another and a transverse position wherein the handle and the elongated shaft are transverse to one another.
0. 10. The hand-held tool of claim 7, further comprising a locking lever, the locking lever being operable to transition the handle between a free position and an engaged position, wherein in the free position the handle rotates with respect to the elongated shaft and wherein in the engaged position the handle is locked with respect to the elongated shaft.
11. The hand-held tool of claim 7, wherein the elongated shaft is comprised of a first shaft part and a second shaft part, the casing being coupled between the first shaft part and the second shaft part.
12. The hand-held tool of claim 7, further comprising a footstep and a tool implement, the tool implement being functionally coupled to the second end of the elongated shaft and the footstep being configured between the elongated shaft and the tool implement wherein the tool implement comprises a footstep.
14. The hand-held tool of claim 13, wherein the casing defines a circular interior, and wherein the first axis and the circular interior lie in a plane and the second handle rotates in the plane.
15. The hand-held tool of claim 13, wherein the second handle defines a length between opposing distal ends, the length of the second handle defining a second axis, the second handle being configured to rotate to adjust an angle between the first axis and the second axis.
0. 16. The hand-held tool of claim 13, further comprising a locking lever, the locking lever being operable to transition the handle between a free position and an engaged position, wherein in the free position the handle rotates within the casing and wherein in the engaged position the handle is locked within the casing.
17. The hand-held tool of claim 13, further comprising a footstep and a tool implement, the tool implement being functionally coupled to the second shaft part and the footstep being configured between the second shaft part and the tool implement wherein the tool implement comprises a footstep.
19. The hand-held tool of claim 18, wherein the second handle is functionally coupled to the elongated shaft between the first and second ends of the shaft.
20. The hand-held tool of claim 18, wherein the first axis and the second axis intersect with one another.
21. The hand-held tool of claim 18, wherein the first axis and the second axis lie in a plane and the second handle pivots in the plane.
22. The hand-held tool of claim 18, wherein the first axis intersects the second handle at an intersection between opposing distal ends of the second handle.
23. The hand-held tool of claim 22, wherein the second handle pivots with respect to the first axis about the intersection.
25. The hand-held tool of claim 24, wherein the casing defines a circular interior and the second handle has a length defined between opposing distal ends, the opposing distal ends being functionally coupled to the circular interior.
26. The hand-held tool of claim 25, wherein the first axis and the circular interior lie in a plane and the second handle rotates in the plane.
27. The hand-held tool of claim 26, wherein the second handle rotates between a parallel position wherein the second handle and the elongated shaft are parallel with one another and a transverse position wherein the second handle and the elongated shaft are transverse to one another.
28. The hand-held tool of claim 24, wherein the second handle defines a length between opposing distal ends, the length of the second handle defining a second axis, the second handle being configured to rotate between a parallel position wherein the first and second axes are parallel with one another and a transverse position wherein the first and second axes are transverse to one another.
0. 29. The hand-held tool of claim 24, further comprising a locking lever, the locking lever being operable to transition the handle between a free position and an engaged position, wherein in the free position the handle rotates with respect to the elongated shaft and wherein in the engaged position the handle is locked with respect to the elongated shaft.
30. The hand-held tool of claim 24, further comprising a footstep and a tool implement, the tool implement being functionally coupled to the second end of the elongated shaft and the footstep being configured between the elongated shaft and the tool implement wherein the tool implement comprises a footstep.
0. 31. The hand-held tool of claim 13, wherein the tool implement comprises a shovel.
0. 32. The hand-held tool of claim 31, wherein the tool implement comprises a snow shovel.
0. 33. The hand-held tool of claim 13, wherein the tool implement comprises a rake.
0. 34. The hand-held tool of claim 13, wherein the tool implement comprises a broom.
0. 35. The hand-held tool of claim 13, wherein the tool implement comprises a floor scraper.
0. 36. The hand-held tool of claim 13, wherein the tool implement comprises a mop.
0. 37. The hand-held tool of claim 13, wherein the tool implement comprises a grass edger.
0. 38. The hand-held tool of claim 13, wherein the tool implement comprises a pitchfork.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/754,016, filed on Jan. 30, 2013 and entitled “ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED MULTI-HANDLED TOOL”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/632,761, filed on Jan. 30, 2012 and entitled, “HANDLE-IT. THE TWO HANDLED SHOVEL.”, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/687,214, filed on Apr. 19, 2012 and entitled, “HANDLE-IT. THE ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED DOUBLE-HANDLED TOOL”, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a multi-handled tool for use with an implement attached on one end thereof and, more particularly, to a tool, such as a shovel, with a mid-positioned handle with the optional inclusion of a foot step above the tool end.

2. State of the Art

The home, garden, and construction markets need ergonomically designed tools that maximize the strength of the user. Current tools do not have a handle on the shaft that allows maximization of the strength of the user. In addition, any prior attempts to make two-handled tools have not successfully created an efficient design.

A traditional tool, such as but not limited to a shovel, uses a straight shaft with one handle at the end. The user is forced to use the shaft as a second handle, which results in loss of leverage. This is especially true when the user is digging a hole or moving a material to one side. Since the shaft is straight, there is a loss of leverage when moving the material to one side or the other.

Moreover, current tools, not limited to shovels, have a footstep that is used to exert greater digging force. However, the footstep is located off-center and the users lose force by having to place their foot on the side of the shovelhead while digging. As such, not only can this result in an undesirably shaped hole but there is also potentially wasted energy.

Thus, a continuing need exists for an improved design for home, garden, and construction tools with a shaft handle to maximize leverage and strength application of the user while using the shovel.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a multi-handled tool that is made up of an elongated shaft with a user end and a tool end. A tool implement is attached with the tool end. A first handle is attached with the user end. Further, a second handle is attached with the elongated shaft between the user end and the tool end.

In another aspect, the elongated shaft has a long axis and the first handle is attached with the elongated shaft such that it intersects the long axis of the elongated shaft.

In yet another aspect, a footstep is positioned between the tool implement and the tool end of the elongated shaft, the footstep intersecting the long axis of the elongated shaft.

In another aspect, the elongated shaft has a long axis and the second handle is attached to the elongated shaft in a stationary position between the user end and the tool end.

In another aspect, the elongated shaft and the first and second handles are formed of one piece of material.

In yet another aspect, the elongated shaft and first and second handles are separate and distinct components that are attached with one another.

In yet another aspect, a rotating mechanism is included. In this aspect, the second handle is affixed with the rotating mechanism such that the rotating mechanism is adapted to allow for rotation of the second handle.

The rotating mechanism includes a circular frame with the second handle attached thereto; a first member; and a second member. The circular frame is positioned between the first and second members to allow for rotation of the circular frame with respect to each of the first and second members. The circular frame includes sliding portions and each of the first and second members include a recess that is formed to accommodate the sliding portions, thereby allowing the circular frame to rotate within the first and second members.

In another aspect, a locking lever is attached with the circular frame. The locking lever is adapted to engage with at least one of the first and second members to lock the circular frame with respect to the first and second members.

Finally, the present invention also comprises a method for making and using the tool described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a multi-handled tool according to the principles of the present invention, depicting the tool as having both an end first handle and a mid-positioned, second handle;

FIG. 1B is an illustration of a multi-handled tool according to the principles of the present invention, depicting the shaft as being formed as a single piece with the second handle attached thereto;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a multi-handled tool according to the principles of the present invention, depicting the second handle as having been rotated;

FIG. 3 is an exploded-view illustration of the second handle, illustrating an aspect in which the second handle is rotatable;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a multi-handled tool according to the principles of the present invention, depicting alternative aspects of a tool implement, in which the tool implement is a rake;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a multi-handled tool according to the principles of the present invention, depicting alternative aspects of a tool implement, in which the tool implement is a pointed spade shovel;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a multi-handled tool according to the principles of the present invention, depicting alternative aspects of a tool implement, in which the tool implement is a blade;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a multi-handled tool according to the principles of the present invention, depicting alternative aspects of a tool implement, in which the tool implement is a snow shovel; and

FIG. 8 is another illustration of a multi-handled tool according to the principles of the present invention, depicting the second handle being formed as a single piece attached to the shaft at both ends of the second handle.

(FIG. 9), mops (FIG. 10), grass edgers (FIG. 11), floor scrapers, pitchforks (FIG. 12) and any other construction or home and garden tool with a long axis shaft as additional, non-sketched non-limiting examples). As a non-limiting example and as illustrated in FIG. 1A, the tool implement 102 can be a shovel, such as a flat-head shovel. Alternatively and as illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 7, the tool implement 102 can be a rake 400, a pointed spade shovel 500, a blade 600, and a snow shovel 700, respectively. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to any particular tool implement as it can be used with any head/tool combination.

In summary, the present invention is a tool 100 that provides for a combination of a first handle, an ergonomically spaced second handle 112 that is completely adjustable and customizable, rotatable or stationary, optionally combined with the foot step 124 above the head of the tool end 104 to provide a home, garden, and construction tool that is much more efficient than the current comparable tools on the market today.

INVENTORS:

Johnson, Ronald, Walden, Stephen, Escobar, Steven

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