Rocker Handle

Abstract

The Rocker Handle pertains to the field of hand-held tools and devices. A sleeve-like attachment (the receiver) becomes the new user gripping point, a replacement hand-hold. This arrangement allows the tool's encased handle to move inside the gripped receiver. The receiver attaches to and partially encases a tool's standard or custom handle. The combination of the loose fitting receiver and the encased handle movement within creates a subtle whip-like action of the tool head. The effect is a different feel and action of the modified tool. The user experiences better tool performance, expends less effort while using the tool, and has reduced risk of personal injury.

Claims

1. The inventor claims a handle modification for certain hand-held tools and other hand-held devices with handles and tool heads; consisting of an outer sleeve-like receiver attachable to a tool's or device's handle by a traversing pin, partially encasing the handle, and causing extra tool head travel speed when the tool is in use, thereby creating a more forceful whip-like action of the tool or device head.

2. The handle modification of claim 1 wherein the outer sleeve-like receiver is elongated to accommodate tool and device handles designed for two hand usage, including such tools and devices as rakes, hoes, axes, pick-axes, sledge hammers and golf clubs.

3. The handle modification of claim 1 as applied to the general category of hammers designed for one hand usage including claw hammers, ball-peen hammers, meat tenderizing hammers and hatchets.

4. The handle modification of claim 1 as applied to certain cutting tools such as machetes, weed cutters, harvesting knives, and chefs' knives.

5. The handle modification of claim 1 adapted to recreational devices designed for either one-hand or two-hand usage including mountain climbing ice tools and fishing rods.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

[0022] FIG. 1 Traversing pin

[0023] FIG. 2 Receiver. A sleeve-like attachment

[0024] FIG. 3 Handle. Tool handle (standard or custom)

[0025] FIG. 4 Rocker Handle assembled

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0026] The Rocker Handle consists of three basic components:

1. A specially designed sleeve-like receiver 2 shown in FIG. 2. The shape of the receiver is shown as a rectangle but in most applications will be round, oval or some other shape. The receiver 2 is made of steel or other durable materials formed into the desired shape.
2. A standard or customized tool handle 4 as shown in FIG. 3.
3. A traversing pin 1 shown in FIG. 1 as a roll pin, for connecting the receiver 2 to the handle 4. The pin 1 is made of hardened steel or other durable material. It is fastened to the receiver 2 at both ends by welding or other means.

[0027] The receiver 2 is designed for the standard or customized handle 4 of a specific tool or device. A traversing pin 1 attaches the receiver 2 to the tool handle 4. The pin 1 passes through the drilled hole 5 in the handle 4 and the drilled holes 3, one on each side of the receiver 2. Each end of the pin 1 is attached to the receiver 2.

[0028] The attachment point for the receiver and handle will vary for different tools. The attachment point is located toward the aft end of the receiver 2 for tools and devices intended for single hand use such as hammers.

[0029] For some tools requiring a two-hand grip the receiver is made longer, the attachment point is moved forward in the receiver and the tool handle length shortened. Garden rakes and sledge hammers are examples.

[0030] The attachment angle is perpendicular to the longitudinal dimensions of the handle 4 and receiver 2. It is also perpendicular to the plane of the tool head 6 arc. The positioning of the handle 4 allows clearance for the movement of both ends of the handle 4 inside the receiver 2. It also affects the travel distance of the tool head 6 relative to the travel distance of the receiver 2.

[0031] The dimensions and shape of the receiver 2 will vary for different types of tools. The shape of the receiver 2 can range from rectangular to cylindrical or oval. The length of the receiver changes the feel and effectiveness of the modified tool. For a standard claw hammer modification FIG. 4 the optimum ratio of the handle 4 length to the receiver length is 2.5 to 1, based on current prototype experience.

[0032] When an assembled tool modification FIG. 4 is in use, the travel distance of the tool head 6 is greater than the travel distance of the receiver 2. This can be visualized as a common hammer held horizontally and striking a nail. The amount of extra travel distance of the tool head 6, up and down, is both allowed and limited by the size of the opening 7 of the receiver 2. A larger opening allows greater tool head 6 travel distance. Similarly a smaller opening 7 reduces the travel distance of the tool head. The size of the opening 7 also affects the user's control of the tool head 6. Determining the optimal size of the openings includes prototype testing.