A light-weight shovel for use in varied conditions, which include, for example, sand, soil, snow, gravel, and loose solids of varying kinds. A shovel blade is connected to a first end of a hollow shaft and a hollow handle is connected to a second end of the hollow shaft. In one embodiment, the front side of the shaft is smooth and the rear side is a hollow rectangular shaped channel with rounded edges extending substantially into the blade on the first end and completely into the D-shaped handle in the second end. The hollow channel is reinforced by geometrical structural inlays or ribbing that extends through the entirety of the shovel's handle, shaft, blade's stem, and at least partially into the blade itself. The shovel may be manufactured as a unitary piece in one contiguous design or as a set of interchangeable fitted or interlocking parts that may be coupled with varying components to permit the end user to modify the shovel's configuration to be better adapted for a variety of specific settings and circumstances. The resulting design is a lightweight shovel that provides improved structural strength, integrity, versatility, and maneuverability.

A shovel handle connecting device includes a connecting assembly configured to connect a shovel handle and a shovel scoop. The connecting assembly includes a connecting seat embedded in the shovel scoop and a connecting member inserted and fixed in the connecting seat; a front end of the connecting member is provided with a connecting portion and a limiting portion, a limiting fastener is arranged on the connecting portion; the connecting seat is internally provided with a connecting groove allowing the connecting portion to be inserted therein, and an inner wall of the connecting groove is provided with a limiting groove allowing the limiting fastener to be snapped therein; an outer side wall of the limiting portion and an inner side wall of the connecting seat are formed into an accommodating cavity in an enclosure mode, and one end of the shovel handle is inserted and fixed in the accommodating cavity.

A shovel handle connecting device includes a connecting assembly configured to connect a shovel handle and a shovel scoop. The connecting assembly includes a connecting seat embedded in the shovel scoop and a connecting member inserted and fixed in the connecting seat; a front end of the connecting member is provided with a connecting portion and a limiting portion, a limiting fastener is arranged on the connecting portion; the connecting seat is internally provided with a connecting groove allowing the connecting portion to be inserted therein, and an inner wall of the connecting groove is provided with a limiting groove allowing the limiting fastener to be snapped therein; an outer side wall of the limiting portion and an inner side wall of the connecting seat are formed into an accommodating cavity in an enclosure mode, and one end of the shovel handle is inserted and fixed in the accommodating cavity.

A snow shovel that has a shaft, a handle, and a scoop to allow the user to remove unwanted snow and ice from a surface. This shovel includes a heated bottom edge with a vibrating motor to melt and dislodge ice or snow from a surface. The shovel also includes a vibration-reducing mechanism to dampen the vibrations that a user might feel during the use of this shovel, along with sensors that detect when the heated edge and motor should be turned on or off.

A snow shovel that has a shaft, a handle, and a scoop to allow the user to remove unwanted snow and ice from a surface. This shovel includes a heated bottom edge with a vibrating motor to melt and dislodge ice or snow from a surface. The shovel also includes a vibration-reducing mechanism to dampen the vibrations that a user might feel during the use of this shovel, along with sensors that detect when the heated edge and motor should be turned on or off.

A joint connects a first portion of a tool to a second portion of the tool. The joint comprises a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion, and a hub. The first elongated portion is configured to couple to the first portion of the tool and includes a first joint end. The second elongated portion is configured to couple to the second portion of the tool and includes a second joint end with a plurality of cavities formed therein. The hub is positioned between the first joint end and the second joint end and is shiftable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The hub includes a projection that is operable to extend into one of the cavities when in the locked position and shift out of the cavities when in the unlocked position.

A joint connects a first portion of a tool to a second portion of the tool. The joint comprises a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion, and a hub. The first elongated portion is configured to couple to the first portion of the tool and includes a first joint end. The second elongated portion is configured to couple to the second portion of the tool and includes a second joint end with a plurality of cavities formed therein. The hub is positioned between the first joint end and the second joint end and is shiftable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The hub includes a projection that is operable to extend into one of the cavities when in the locked position and shift out of the cavities when in the unlocked position.

An illuminated shovel assembly, configured to protect a user while shoveling during snowy and/or low light conditions, including: an elongated shaft, wherein the elongated shaft includes a length, a first proximal end, and a second distal end; a handle sub-assembly, wherein the handle sub-assembly is secured to or forms part of the first proximal end of the elongated shaft; a blade implement, wherein the blade implement is secured to or forms part of the second distal end of the elongated shaft; and a light sub-assembly, wherein the light sub-assembly comprises an energy source, a switch, and one or more light sources. Preferably, the light sources emit stroboscopic light substantially orthogonally to and away from the length of the elongated shaft to, in turn, alert third parties of the presence of the user and the shovel assembly. In addition, the illuminated shovel assembly preferably includes an accelerometer that provides auto-on and/or auto-off functionality to the light source.

An illuminated shovel assembly, configured to protect a user while shoveling during snowy and/or low light conditions, including: an elongated shaft, wherein the elongated shaft includes a length, a first proximal end, and a second distal end; a handle sub-assembly, wherein the handle sub-assembly is secured to or forms part of the first proximal end of the elongated shaft; a blade implement, wherein the blade implement is secured to or forms part of the second distal end of the elongated shaft; and a light sub-assembly, wherein the light sub-assembly comprises an energy source, a switch, and one or more light sources. Preferably, the light sources emit stroboscopic light substantially orthogonally to and away from the length of the elongated shaft to, in turn, alert third parties of the presence of the user and the shovel assembly. In addition, the illuminated shovel assembly preferably includes an accelerometer that provides auto-on and/or auto-off functionality to the light source.

The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to an improved extendable and rotatable shovel for use in various applications such as the shoveling of snow. Users can modify the shovel to accommodate their stature and personal preferences.