Abstract
An apparatus for an improved hand tool device wherein a rotatable apparatus may rotate the rotating handle apparatus in 15 degree increments to adjust to the user to help reduce the risk of injury and increase power application while gardening by adjusting and creating a favorable angle between the ground and the point of entry of the hand tool device into the ground.
Claims
1. A garden tool apparatus comprising: a rod having a first end and a second end; a gardening apparatus connected to said first end of said rod; a rotating handle apparatus connected to said second end of said rod; wherein said rotating hand apparatus is comprised of: a. a hand gripping apparatus comprising a shaft extending between two arms of a yoke and a lower cylindrical body having a hollow portion and a outer perimeter wherein said lower cylindrical body further comprises threads along said outer perimeter; b. a rotatable apparatus having a cylindrical outer body with a lower rib along the perimeter of said cylindrical outer body and an inner hollow body wherein said hallow body is attached to said second end of said rod; c. said rotatable apparatus is further connected to said hollow portion of said hand gripping apparatus, whereby said connector housing is freely rotational against said hollow portion wherein said hand gripping apparatus rotates along the linear axis of said rod; d. said rotatable apparatus is further comprised an impediment device wherein said impediment device impedes rotation of said hollow portion is freely rotational against said rotatable apparatus, and wherein said impediment device is disabled by applying acute rotation force onto said hand gripping apparatus e. wherein said impeding device is comprised of a plurality of circular sink holes radially positioned along the circumference of a surface within said hollow portion of said hand gripping apparatus; f. a plurality of recesses positioned on a surface of said rotatable apparatus wherein each of said plurality of recess houses a metal spring and a stopper wherein said stopper is further inserted into one of said plurality of sink holes when said housing connector is connected to said hollow portion of said hand gripping apparatus thereby impeding the rotation of said hand gripping apparatus against said rotatable apparatus unless acute rotational force is applied onto said hand gripping apparatus; g. a cylindrical sleeve encircling said rod and said rotatable apparatus, and wherein said sleeve comprise internal threads and wherein said sleeve secures said rod and said connector housing into said hallow portion of said hand gripping apparatus by engaging said threads inside said sleeve to said threads along said outer perimeter of said and gripping apparatus.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said gardening apparatus is selected from a group consisting of a rake; a spade; a fork; an aerator; a weeder or a knife; a hoe.
3. A garden tool apparatus comprising: a rod having a first end and a second end; gardening apparatus connected to said first end of said rod; a rotating handle apparatus connected to said second end of said rod; wherein said rotating handle apparatus is comprised of: a. a hand gripping apparatus comprising a shaft extending between two arms of a yoke and a lower cylindrical body having a hallow portion wherein said lower cylindrical body further comprises an inner rib; b. a connector housing having a cylindrical outer body with an upper rib and a lower rib along the perimeter of said cylindrical outer body and an inner hallow body wherein said hallow body is attached to said second end of said rod by a screw; c. wherein said inner rib engages said lower rib when said connector housing is further connected to said hollow portion of said hand gripping apparatus whereby said connector housing is freely rotational against said hollow portion and wherein said hand gripping apparatus rotates along the linear axis of said rod; d. a washer is seated along the perimeter of said connector housing and is further seated between said hollow portion and said upper rib of said connector housing, e. said connector housing is further comprised of an impediment device wherein said impediment device impedes rotation of said connector housing against said hollow portion wherein said impediment device is disabled by applying acute rotation force onto said hand gripping apparatus f. wherein said hollow portion is further comprised of a plurality of circular sink holes radially positioned along the circumference of a surface within said hollow portion of said hand gripping apparatus; g. said impediment device comprises a single recess positioned on a surface of said housing connector and a metal spring and a stopper wherein said single recess houses a metal spring and a stopper wherein said stopper is further inserted into one of said plurality of sink holes when said housing connector is connected to said hollow portion of said hand gripping apparatus thereby impedes the rotation of said hand gripping apparatus against said connector housing unless acute rotational force is applied onto said hand gripping apparatus.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said washer is selected from a group consisting of steel washer, metal washer, rubber washer, plastic washer, silicon washer.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said gardening apparatus is selected from a group consisting of a rake; a spade; a fork; an aerator; a weeder or a knife; a hoe.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details which may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all of the components or steps that are illustrated. When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps.
[0043] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the hand tool device of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle.
[0045] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of the connector housing.
[0046] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of the connector housing.
[0047] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle.
[0048] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle.
[0049] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle assembly.
[0050] FIG. 8a is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool device showing a hoe as a garden tool portion.
[0051] FIG. 8b is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool device showing a rake as a garden tool portion.
[0052] FIG. 8c is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool device showing a shovel as a garden tool portion.
[0053] FIG. 8d is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool device showing a spade as a garden tool portion.
[0054] FIG. 9a is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool device showing a fork as a garden tool portion.
[0055] FIG. 9b is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool device showing an aerator as a garden tool portion.
[0056] FIG. 9c is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool device showing a weeder as a garden tool portion.
[0057] FIG. 9d is an illustration of a perspective view of hand tool device showing a knife as a garden tool portion.
[0058] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle.
[0059] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle.
[0060] FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exploded, air view of the rotational handle.
[0061] FIG. 13 is an illustration of an exploded view of the rotational handle.
[0062] FIG. 14 is an illustration of a close-up view of the pin and sink hole mechanism for the rotational handle.
[0063] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a perspective view of another embodiment of the rotational handle.
[0064] FIG. 16 is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the rotational handle.
[0065] FIG. 17 is an illustration of front view of another embodiment of the rotational handle.
[0066] FIG. 18 is a side view of a rotatable handle of the current invention.
[0067] FIG. 19 is a top view of a rotatable handle of the current invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0068] In the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of the invention.
[0069] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the screen shots, figures, and the detailed descriptions thereof, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.
[0070] In accordance with the method and apparatus of the invention disclosed herein, the present invention is an improved hand tool for gardening wherein the rotational handle may be adjusted at least between 15 degrees to 125 degrees with a releasable locking mechanism to allow a user to use and perform operations while minimizing the risk of injury and increasing comfort and productivity. In one embodiment, the rotation handle can rotate 360 degrees. In another embodiment, the releasable locking mechanism allows the rotational handle to rotate 45 degrees at a time. In another embodiment, the releasable locking mechanism allows the rotational handle to rotate 30 degrees at a time. In another embodiment, the releasable locking mechanism allows the rotational handle to rotate 15 degrees at a time. Specifically, the hand tool device provides for a rotational handle, which can adjust to the varying needs of the user, which will create less strain on the hand, wrist, and arm. This is because functional capabilities of the hands are important for work efficiency. Hands require a certain level of strength and precision, depending on the type of task being performed. The right combination of strength and precision in handling the task involves a delicate management of the sensory system of the hand. Therefore, the present invention takes into consideration the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the hand by providing a rotational handle that can adjust to the user's anatomical and physiological needs depending on the task the user is seeking to accomplish.
[0071] In particular, there is a pin with spring on the surface of the male component and sink holes on the inside bottom part of the female component. This pin with spring and sink holes combination provide the utility hand tool to be adjustable according to the user's grip. However, in order to prevent too much or too little rotation, a locking mechanism is important. Locking mechanisms are often pivotally connected to a handle and spring-based to engage in the locking recesses in order to turn a handle into various operating positions. Locking mechanisms not only give rotational handles stability, but may also provide security, which is very important for safe tool operation.
[0072] The ease of using this hand tool enhances power application by creating a favorable angle between the ground and the point of entry of the hand tool into the ground to allow a user to perform operations with less effort. The utility hand tool of the invention disclosed herein is designed for people who have different opening angle between their palm and arm, as the difference can vary between 75 to 180 degrees. In fact, the design of the handle itself and the handle relative to the rest of the tool can greatly impact the power application of the hand tool. Specifically, the angulation of handles may be necessary for tools to maintain a straight wrist in order to prevent injury and to improve power applications. The handle should reflect the axis of the grasp, which is generally 78 degrees from the horizontal, and should be oriented in order that the eventual tool axis is in line with the index finger.
[0073] Optimum tool angle depends on the posture of the user. The amount of torque and force that can be exerted also depends on the working posture. For example, repetitive screw driving should be done on a horizontal surface above the elbow, and push or pull should be done in the direction of the forearm, with the handle directly in front of it. Therefore, the ability to change the angle of the hand tool can be of great importance in providing for more torque or force and to minimize or eliminate injury and discomfort.
[0074] Notably, the present invention is suitable for utility hand tools for both left-handed and right-handed individuals. The preferred hand, also known as the dominant hand, is the right hand for about 90% of the population and the percentage appears constant across cultures and for both sexes. Non-preferred hand tends to have approximately 94% of the grip strength of the preferred hand. Thus, for a hand tool that is usable in either hand, the ability to rotationally adjust the angle of the hand tool allows for the hand tool to adapt to the users' hands when they switch hands rather than having the users' hands adapt to the tool.
[0075] As an example, when holding a bow saw, many users have found that when their hand and grip is at a 90 degree angle as opposed to holding it horizontally as with regular bow saws, the pushing and pulling of the bow saw is much more effective when the user is able to turn the handle to the 90 degree angle. At the optimal angle and with a better grip, the user is able to produce a much larger force while placing less stress on the arm and hand of the user. This angle may be different for every individuals, but since the handle can be adjusted, each individual user can adjust the handle to their optimal angle to prevent injury while also improving their productivity.
[0076] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the hand tool device 100 of the present invention. The hand tool device 100 may comprise a rotational handle 105, a garden tool 110, at least one connector 115 with a first end 120 and a second end 125. The garden tool 110 may be constructed of an alloy, metal composite, or other strong rigid material. The garden tool 110 may be attached to the connector 115 at the first end 120. The rotational handle 105 may be attached to the connector 115 at the second end 125. The rotational handle 105 may rotate at least between 15 degrees to 125 degrees wherein the rotational handle 105 is selectively actuated in response to a rotating action upon the rotational handle 105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means 130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105. The axis of the grabbing means 130 may be perpendicular to the axis of the connector 115. The hand tool device 100 may comprise of semi-permanent or permanent parts wherein the parts may be connected to each other by means of screwing, pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain the structural integrity of the hand tool device.
[0077] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle 105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means 130 for manipulating the handle and at least one hollow portion 200. The hollow portion 200 may be continuously attached to the grabbing means 130. The hollow portion 200 may house the connector housing. The rotational handle 105 may comprise of semi-permanent or permanent parts wherein the parts may be connected to each other by means of screwing, pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain the structural integrity of the rotational handle 105.
[0078] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of the connector housing 300. The connector housing 300 may comprise a first end 305 and a second end 310. The first end 305 of the connector housing 300 may comprise of at least one inlet for housing the connector. The second end 310 of the connector housing 300 may comprise of at least one planar surface 315 for alignment with a washer. The connector housing 300 may be connected to other parts of the rotational handle by means of screwing, pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain the structural integrity of the connector housing 300.
[0079] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of the connector housing 300. The connector housing 300 may comprise a first end 305, a second end 310, and at least one release mechanism 400. The first end 305 of the connector housing 300 may comprise of at least one inlet for housing the connector. The second end 310 of the connector housing 300 may comprise of at least one planar surface 315 for alignment with a washer. The release mechanism 400 allows the connector housing to be connected to other parts of the rotational handle by means of screwing, pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain the structural integrity of the connector housing 300.
[0080] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle 105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means 130 for manipulating the handle, at least one hollow portion 200, and at least one connector housing 300. The rotational handle 105 may be attached to the second end 125 of the connector 115. The axis of the grabbing means 130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105 may be perpendicular to the axis of the connector 115. The hollow portion 200 may be continuously attached to the grabbing means 130. The hollow portion 200 may house the connector housing 300. The connector housing 300 may comprise of at least one inlet for housing the second end 125 of the connector 115. The rotational handle 105 may comprise of semi-permanent or permanent parts wherein the parts may be connected to each other by means of screwing, pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain the structural integrity of the rotational handle 105.
[0081] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle 105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise at least one hollow portion 200 and at least one connector housing 300 with a first end 305 and a second end 310. The rotational handle 105 may be attached to the second end 125 of the connector 115. The hollow portion 200 of the rotational handle 105 may be for housing the connector housing 300 and the connector 115. The first end 305 of the connector housing 300 may comprise of at least one inlet for housing the second end 125 of the connector 115. The second end 310 of the connector housing 300 may comprise of at least one planar surface 315 for alignment with a washer. The rotational handle 105 may comprise of semi-permanent or permanent parts wherein the parts may be connected to each other by means of screwing, pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain the structural integrity of the rotational handle 105.
[0082] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle 105 assembly. The rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means 130 for manipulating the handle, at least one hollow portion 200, at least one connector housing 300 with a first end 305 and a second end 310, and at least one washer 700. The rotational handle 105 may be attached to the second end 125 of the connector 115. The grabbing means 130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105 may be axis of the perpendicular to the axis of the connector 115. The hollow portion 200 may be integrated to the grabbing means 130. The hollow portion 200 may be perpendicular to the grabbing means 130. The hollow portion 200 may house the connector housing 300, the connector 115, and the washer 700. The first end 305 of the connector housing 300 may comprise of at least one inlet for housing the second end 125 of the connector 115. The second end 310 of the connector housing 300 may comprise of at least one planar surface 315 for alignment with the washer 700. The rotational handle 105 may comprise of semi-permanent or permanent parts wherein the parts may be connected to each other by means of screwing, pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain the structural integrity of the rotational handle 105.
[0083] FIGS. 8a-8d are illustrations of a perspective view of a hand tool device 100 showing various garden tools 110. The hand tool device 100 may comprise a rotational handle 105, a garden tool 110, at least one connector 115 with a first end 120 and a second end 125. The garden tool 110 may be in the form of, but not limited to, a hoe 800, a rake 805, a shovel 810, or a spade 815. The garden tool 110 may be constructed of an alloy, metal composite, or other strong rigid material. The garden tool 110 may be attached to the connector 115 at the first end 120. The rotational handle 105 may be attached to the connector 115 at the second end 125. The rotational handle 105 may rotate at least between 15 degrees to 125 degrees wherein the rotational handle 105 may be selectively actuated in response to a rotating action upon the rotational handle 105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means 130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105. The grabbing means 130 may be parallel to the connector 115. The hand tool device 100 may comprise of semi-permanent or permanent parts wherein the parts may be connected to each other by means of screwing, pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain the structural integrity of the hand tool device 100.
[0084] FIGS. 9a-9d are illustrations of a perspective view of a hand tool device 100 showing various garden tools 110. The hand tool device 100 may comprise a rotational handle 105, a garden tool 110, at least one connector 115 with a first end 120 and a second end 125. The garden tool 110 may be in the form of, but not limited to, a fork 900, an aerator 905, a weeder 910, or a knife 915. The garden tool 110 may be constructed of an alloy, metal composite, or other strong rigid material. The garden tool 110 may be attached to the connector 115 at the first end 120. The rotational handle 105 may be attached to the connector 115 at the second end 125. The rotational handle 105 may rotate at least between 15 degrees to 125 degrees wherein the rotational handle 105 may be selectively actuated in response to a rotating action upon the rotational handle 105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means 130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105. The grabbing means 130 may be perpendicular to the connector 115. The hand tool device 100 may comprise of semi-permanent or permanent parts wherein the parts may be connected to each other by means of screwing, pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain the structural integrity of the hand tool device 100.
[0085] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle 105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means 130 for manipulating the handle, at least one hollow portion 200, and at least one connector housing 300. The rotational handle 105 may be attached to the second end 125 of the connector 115. The grabbing means 130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105 may be perpendicular to the connector 115. The hollow portion 200 may be continuously attached to the grabbing means 130. The hollow portion 200 may house the connector housing 300. The connector housing 300 may comprise of at least one inlet for housing the second end 125 of the connector 115. The rotational handle 105 rotate about the connector 115 at least between 15 degrees to 125 degrees. The rotational handle 105 may comprise of semi-permanent or permanent parts wherein the parts may be connected to each other by means of screwing, pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain the structural integrity of the rotational handle 105.
[0086] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rotational handle 105. The rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means 130 for manipulating the handle, at least one hollow portion 200, and at least one connector housing 300. The rotational handle 105 may be attached to the second end 125 of the connector 115. The axis of the grabbing means 130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105 may be perpendicular to the axis of connector 115. The hollow portion 200 may be continuously attached to the grabbing means 130. The hollow portion 200 may house the connector housing 300. The connector housing 300 may comprise of at least one inlet for housing the second end 125 of the connector 115. The rotational handle 105 rotate about the connector 115 at least between 15 degrees to 125 degrees. The rotational handle 105 may comprise of semi-permanent or permanent parts wherein the parts may be connected to each other by means of screwing, pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain the structural integrity of the rotational handle 105.
[0087] FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exploded, air view of another embodiment of a rotational handle 105 assembly as disclosed herein. The rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means 130 for manipulating the handle, at least a pin 1200, a spring 1201, a pin securing hole 1202, and multiple sink holes 1203, and at least a washer 700, one connector housing 300, and a connector 115. The axis of the grabbing means 130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105 may be perpendicular to the axis of the connector 115. The pin 1200 and the spring 1201 is secured to the connector housing 300 through the pin securing hole 1202. The pin 1200 and the spring 1201 provide the rotational handle 105 with the mechanism to be rotated and adjusted according to the need of the user. There are multiple sink holes 1203 on the grabbing means 130 for providing a locking mechanism using the pin 1200 and the sink holes 1203. The pin 1200 is sunk into one of the sink holes 1203 to lock in the desired angle for the hand tool. The release mechanism 400 allows the pin 1200 to be disengaged from the sink holes 1203, thereby allowing the handle to be rotated to the desired angle.
[0088] FIG. 13 is an illustration of an exploded view of another embodiment of a rotational handle 105 assembly as disclosed herein. FIG. 13 is similar to FIG. 12 with the exception that FIG. 13 is a regular view of the rotational handle assembly and FIG. 12 is a see-through view of the rotational handle assembly. As discussed above, the rotational handle 105 may comprise a grabbing means 130 for manipulating the handle, at least a pin 1200, a spring 1201, and a pin securing hole 1202, multiple sink holes 1203, and at least a washer 700, one connector housing 300, and a connector 115. The axis of the grabbing means 130 for manipulating the rotational handle 105 may be perpendicular to the axis of the connector 115. The pin 1200 and the spring 1201 is secured to the connector housing 300 through the pin securing hole 1202. The pin 1200 and the spring 1201 provide the rotational handle 105 with the mechanism to be rotated and adjusted according to the need of the user. There are multiple sink holes 1203 on the grabbing means 130 for providing a locking mechanism using the pin 1200 and the sink holes 1203. The pin 1200 is sunk into one of the sink holes 1203 to lock in the desired angle for the hand tool. The release mechanism 400 allows the pin 1200 to be disengaged from the sink holes 1203, thereby allowing the handle to be rotated to the desired angle.
[0089] FIG. 14 is an illustration of a close-up view of the pin 1200 and sink hole 1203 locking mechanism for that rotational handle assembly. As shown, the pin 1200, secured in the pin securing hole 1202, is pushed by the spring 1201 and is decompressed into the sink hole 1203. By compressing the spring 1201, the pin 1200 can be released from the sink hole 1203, allowing the handle to be rotated to the desired angle according to the application of the hand tool.
[0090] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a perspective view of another embodiment of the rotational handle 1500. In this embodiment, the rotational handle 1500 comprises a D-shaped grip 1505 for manipulating the handle, at least one hollow portion 1510, and at least one connector housing 1515. The connector housing 1515 comprises a first end opening 1520, a middle portion 1525, and a second end opening 1530. The hollow portion 1510 is continuously attached to the D-shaped grip 1505. The interior of the hollow portion 1510 partially houses at least one rotatable apparatus. The exterior wall of the hollow portion may matingly engage with the first end opening 1520 of the connector housing 1515. To provide the user with a better grab while attaching the D-shaped grip to the connector housing, several grab tabs 1540 are disposed on the exterior wall of the connector housing 1515 around the first and second end openings 1520 and 1530. One end 1535 of the shovel's shaft is disposed through the second end opening 1530 and preferably attached to the rotatable apparatus disposed inside the connector housing 1515 and the hollow portion 1510. Preferably, the connector housing may be able to rotate against the shaft in fifteen degree increments. It is appreciated that the second end opening 1530 perimeter is made to fit the perimeter of the shovel's shaft, which is smaller than the inner perimeter of the middle portion 1525 and the first end opening 1520. The inner perimeters of the middle portion 1525 and first end opening 1520 are made larger to receive the shaft and the connector and rotatable apparatus. The rotational handle 1500 may comprise of semi-permanent or permanent parts wherein the parts may be connected to each other by means of screwing, pinning, or but not limited to, a locking mechanism that will maintain the structural integrity of the rotational handle 1500.
[0091] FIG. 16 is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the rotational handle. The rotational handle 1600 comprises a D-shaped grip 1605 for manipulating the handle, one or more springs 1610, one or more pins 1615, at least one connector and rotatable apparatus 1620, and at least one connector housing 1625, which has a first end opening 1624 and a second end opening 1626, which are similarly disclosed in previous embodiments. The connector and rotatable apparatus 1620 comprises a first end 1619 and a second end 1622. The second end 1622 is open to receive one end of the shovel's shaft. A ring 1621 is disposed on the rim of the second end 1622. The ring 1621 has a larger outer perimeter than that of the second end 1622. The ring's larger outer perimeter is also larger than the inner perimeter of the second end opening 1626 of the connector housing 1625. The first end 1619 is sealed in this embodiment. When fully assembled, the end of the shovel's shaft is disposed through the connector housing's second end opening 1626 and the second end's opening of the connector and rotatable apparatus 1620, and fits snugly inside the connector and rotatable apparatus 1620. The exterior circular face of the first end 1619 of the connector apparatus 1620, the pins 1615, the springs 1610, and the interior of the hollow portion 1609 of the handle press against each other in turn. The first end 1619 and the interior of the hollow portion 1609 sandwich the pins and springs. To keep the whole assembly from springing apart, the D-shaped grip portion of the handle is screwed into the first end opening 1624 of the connector housing 1625. This is achieved by mating threads, male threads 1608 on the exterior wall of the hollow portion 1609 and female threads on the inner perimeter of the first end opening 1624 of the connector housing 1625. It is appreciated that there are other attachment mechanisms to achieve the same effect, such as tabs and L-shaped gaps in a push-and-turn mechanism. Furthermore, as disclosed above, because the end opening 1626 inner perimeter is smaller than the outer perimeter of the ring 1621, disposed on the rim of the rotatable connector apparatus 1620, the end opening 1626 keeps the connector apparatus 1620 within the connector housing 1625. It lets the shovel's shaft through but keeps the shaft sitting inside the connector apparatus 1620 from coming loose from the connector housing 1625. In this assembly, the shovel's shaft and the handle are kept somewhat rigid along the longitudinal axis because of the springs' force pressure, but are freely rotatable. To avoid undesired rotation, there are multiple sink holes disposed on the exterior circular face of the first end 1619 of the connector apparatus 1620 for providing a locking mechanism using the pins 1615. The sink holes are disposed along the perimeter of the first end 1619 in such a manner to allow 15 degree increment rotation. To rotate the handle against the shaft, the user must apply a larger rotational force than the friction force created by the pins, pushed by the springs, pressing against the first end 1619 of the connector apparatus 1620. Also, the user's rotational force must be able to push the pins and springs out of their straightened positions so the pins can move out of the current sink holes to the next sink holes.
[0092] FIG. 17 is a front view of another embodiment of the fully assembled rotational handle. As disclosed above, the rotational handle 1700 comprises a D-shaped grip 1705 for manipulating the handle, a hollow portion 1710, and a connector housing 1715 that houses the connector apparatus inside. As disclosed above, the D-shaped grip 1705 and the hollow portion 1710 are continuously attached. The hollow portion 1710, in turn, is screwed into the first end opening of the connector housing 1715 to form a unit of a rotational handle of the current invention. As disclosed earlier, a connector apparatus is enclosed inside the connector housing, and, since the connector apparatus holds one end of the shovel's shaft, this end of the shaft is also held inside the connector housing, and, thus, the rotational handle is connected with the rest of the shovel. FIG. 17 also discloses first and second end openings, 1714 and 1716, of the connector housing 1715. In this embodiment, the first and second end openings' perimeters are equal, and slightly larger than that of the shovel's shaft to allow the shaft passing through the second end opening 1716, and connecting with the connector apparatus inside. To help a user to have a better grab while attaching the connector housing 1715 and the D-shaped grip, grab tabs 1717 are provided and disposed on the exterior of the connector housing.
[0093] FIG. 18 is a side view of another embodiment of the fully assembled rotational handle. FIG. 18 discloses a rotational handle 1800 with the D-shaped grip 1805 is thinner than the connector housing 1810. In this embodiment, the D-shaped grip is also thinner than the shovel's shaft.
[0094] FIG. 19 is a top down view of another embodiment of the rotational handle. FIG. 19 discloses a rotational handle 1900 that has a relatively wider D-shaped grip 1905. However, the D-shaped grip is thinner than the connector housing 1910. The connector housing is disposed symmetrically with respect to the vertical axis or Z-axis.
[0095] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications which are set forth in this specification, including in the claims which follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range which is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.
[0096] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.
[0097] Except as stated immediately above, nothing which has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.
