Hand tool

The present invention is directed to a hand tool that includes an implement, a tang extending from the implement, and a handle secured tot the tang. The handle includes an opposing surface facing away from the implement, and a portion of the tang is configured to engage a portion of the opposing surface to mechanically lock the handle and tang together. The present invention is also directed to a multi-blade garden transplanter tool that includes at least three blades extending outward along a center axis from a free end to a handle end, and a handle is secured to the handle end.

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to the field of hand tools, and more specifically directed to a hand-held garden tool.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various garden tools are known in the art for digging, loosening and cultivating soil for planting, transplanting, weeding, and otherwise maintaining a lawn or garden. Known hand-held garden hand tools, such as shovels, trowels, and hoes, are typically used for close-up, hands on work around delicate plants where larger, stand-up tools are too bulky or lack preciseness of use. While known hand-held tools are generally useful for their intended purposes, any given tool is limited in its ability to perform specific functions. For example, while a hand-held shovel is useful for digging into loose soil, it is not generally well-suited for digging into or loosening compacted soil. Similarly, while a hand-held trowel may be inserted into compacted soil, the generally flat configuration of the trowel blade prevents effectively twisting the tool to loosen the soil without compromising the integrity of the tool itself. Additionally, known hand-held garden tools are prone to breakage, especially at the juncture between the handle and the implement of a given hand tool. Thus, there remains a need in the art for an improved hand-held garden tool and for an improved means of securing hand-held garden tools to handles.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a multi-blade garden transplanter tool. The tool includes a blade assembly and a handle. The blade assembly includes at least three blades extending outward along a center axis from a free end to a handle end. The handle is secured to the handle end.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the blade assembly includes four blades that terminate in a pointed free end.

In an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the blades are arranged symmetrically around a center axis.

In yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, at least one of the blades includes serrations.

In still another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, at least one of the blades includes a knife edge.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, at least one of the blades includes graduation markings.

In an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, at least one of the blades includes a notch.

In still one more embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, at least one of the blades has a concave outer edge.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, at least one of the blades has a convex outer edge.

In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a hand tool. The hand tool includes an implement, a tang, and a handle. The tang extends from the implement. The handle is secured to the tang and includes an opposing surface facing away from the implement. A portion of the tang is configured to engage a portion of the opposing surface to mechanically lock the handle and tang together.

In an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the tang is formed from a material having a higher durometer than the handle. Preferably, the tang is formed from metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, iron, steel, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the handle is formed from plastic, rubber, composite, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, a portion of an end of the tang is in abutting contact with a portion of the opposing surface.

In another embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the end of the tang includes a hook that is in abutting contact with a portion of the opposing surface.

In yet another embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the opposing surface extends generally perpendicular a longitudinal axis of the tool.

In still another embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the handle includes an internal passageway configured to receive the tang. Preferably, the tang is press fit into the internal passageway. Preferably, the opposing surface is defined by an aperture ring extending through the handle generally perpendicular a longitudinal axis of the tool. Preferably, the aperture ring includes a slot through which the tang extends. Preferably, a portion of the tang is in abutting contact with an inner surface of the slot and a portion of the tang is in abutting contact with a portion of the opposing surface defined by the aperture ring. Preferably, a portion of the inner surface of the slot adjacent the opposing surface is angled to press against a portion of the tang. Preferably, the tang includes teeth that are configured to engage a portion of the handle along the internal passageway. Preferably, the tang includes a channel on a first surface of the tang that is configured to receive an adhesive, and the channel includes a slot that is configured to allow an adhesive to drain from the first surface of the tang to a second surface of the tang. Preferably, the handle includes a flared safety barrier positioned adjacent the implement. Preferably, the tang and the aperture ring are formed from a material having a higher durometer than the handle. Preferably, the tang and the aperture ring are formed from metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, iron, steel, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the handle is formed from plastic, rubber, composite, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the implement is selected from the group consisting of a planter, a shovel, a trowel, a hoe, a transplanter, a cultivator, a rake, and a scoop.

In an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the implement includes a plurality of three or more blades extending outward along a center axis.

In still another embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the tang extends at least approximately ½ the length of the handle and may extend the entire length of the handle. Preferably, the tang extends approximately ⅝ to ⅞ the length of the handle and most preferably approximately ¾ to ⅚ the length of the handle.

In yet another embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the tool includes a hub and at least one rib extending from the hub to the tang. Preferably, the handle includes a boss having a shape complimentary to the hub, and the boss is configured to receive a portion of the hub.

In an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the handle extends at an angle from a center axis of the implement. Preferably, the angle is between approximately 0 to 30 degrees, depending on the type and functionality of the implement. For transplanters and trowels, the angle is preferably approximately 5 to 25 degrees and most preferably 10-20 degrees.

In one embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the handle includes a rounded, bulbous end cap configured to allow a user to exert force on the handle using a palm of the user's hand.

In still another embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the handle is symmetrical about a central axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A multi-blade garden transplanter tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention is shown inFIG. 1and designated generally by the reference numeral10. Transplanter10includes a blade assembly12fixedly attached to a handle14to allow a user to manipulate the blade portion to loosen, cut, and work garden and lawn soil and to use the features and tools incorporated into the blades as will be described in more detail below.

As best seen in viewing the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-3, blade assembly12includes four blades18a-dextending outward along a center axis16from a front pointed outer end20to a rearward hub22. Blades18a-dare arranged symmetrically, clocked approximately every ninety degrees, around center axis16to form a cross-shaped blade assembly12. Although blade assembly12is shown with four blades, it is nonetheless within the scope of the present invention for the blade assembly to have any number of blades greater than two, and the blades need not necessarily be positioned around the center axis symmetrically.

Blade assembly12is preferably of singular construction and may be formed or cast in a mold, by welding blades18to one another, or by other methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Blades18of blade assembly12are preferably formed from a strong, rigid material, such as metal, a composite material, or combinations thereof. Most preferably, blades18are formed from a metal alloy such as a mixture of iron and aluminum; steel and aluminum; or iron, steel, and aluminum. The thickness of blades18may vary depending on the material from which they are constructed and the desired stiffness of blades18. Most preferably, when formed of an aluminum and iron mixture, the thickness of blades18is in the range of approximately 1/16 inch to ⅛ inch. The thickness of blades18may also vary, and blades18preferably are thicker adjacent center axis16.

As best seen inFIG. 2with reference to blade18a, each blade18a-dis generally triangular shaped, having a respective convex, curvilinear outer edge24a-dextending from the pointed outer end20to a respective sharply curved back edge26a-dat the juncture between each blade18a-dand hub22.

Looking still toFIG. 2, with reference to blade18c, the outer edge24cof blade18cincludes a knife edge portion28cextending from the pointed outer end20of blade assembly12a distance rearward, preferably to approximately one fifth the length of outer edge24c. As is known in the art, knife edge portion28cis formed by sharpening the edge thickness of the blade to a point along the desired length. Knife edge portion28cis configured to cut string, twine, or to cut and score lines into soil.

Blade18cfurther includes a serrated portion30cextending along outer edge24c, from the knife edge portion28ca distance towards the handle14, preferably approximately one half of the length of outer edge24c. Serrated portion30cis formed of a plurality of alternating sharpened teeth arranged linearly along outer edge24c. Serrated portion30cis operable to cut through compacted soil, lawn bags, and the like.

Referring toFIG. 1, outer edge24bof blade18bis sharpened into a knife edge along its entire length. Notch32bis formed in outer edge24bof blade18band is positioned along the widest portion of blade18bforward of handle14. Notch32bslants diagonally toward handle14and down from outer edge24bof blade18b, having a width of approximately ¼ inch. The portion of outer edge24bdefining and surrounding notch32bis preferably sharpened into a knife edge so that notch32bmay be used to cut rope or other similar gardening materials. Notch32balso provides enhanced root cutting capability to tool10when inserted into the ground and rotated.

As can be seen inFIGS. 1-3, the configuration of the individual blades18a-dneed not be identical, and can vary depending upon the desired configuration. For example, as seen in the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, blades18aand18c, positioned on opposite sides of transplanter tool10and generally extending within the same plane, are identical to one another, each having respective knife edge portions28a, cextending from pointed outer end20, transitioning to respective serrated portions30a, calong the majority of the respective outer edges24a, c, and concluding with respective curved back edges26a, c. Referring toFIG. 3, blades18band18dare likewise positioned on opposite sides of transplanter tool10, generally extend within the same plane, and are identical to one another. In contrast to blades18aand18c, blades18band18dinclude respective knife edge portions28b, dalong the majority of their respective outer edges22b, d, with respective notches32b, d, as described above, formed in each blade.

Referring toFIGS. 2-3, the rear ends34a-dof respective blades18a-dare joined with a generally hemispherical hub22. Hub22is preferably formed of a strong, rigid material, such as a metal or metal alloy. Hub22is preferably comprised of the same material as blades18and is most preferably integrally formed therewith. Hub22provides additional rigidity and strength to the blade assembly. Although hub22as shown is hemispherical, it is within the scope of the present invention for hub22to be other shapes, including but not limited to cubical or oval.

Pointed outer end20of blade assembly12allows penetration of compacted soil, and serrated portions30likewise ease the task. Knife edges28are useful for scoring and cutting soil. Pointed outer end20and knife edges28also can be used together to cut into bags of mulch or soil. Notches32can be used to cut rope, roots, and the like. As shown inFIG. 5, the cross configuration of blades18a-dforms triangular shaped pockets35a-dbetween each pair of blades that can be used to scoop and move soil.

Still looking toFIGS. 2-3, elongated handle14extends rearwardly from hub22to provide an ergonomic grip to a user for manipulating blades18of transplanter tool10. Preferably, handle14includes a boss having a shape complimentary to the hub that receives the hub. As seen inFIGS. 1-3, handle14comprises a cylindrical boss36abutting and encircling a rear portion of the hemispherical hub22of blade assembly12and connecting handle14to blade assembly12. Referring toFIGS. 2-3, boss36conforms to the circumference of the hub to receive a rear portion of hub22. Handle14extends rearwardly from boss, tapering a distance to a narrower neck portion38located behind boss36, and then increases in diameter from the neck portion38to a wider middle grip portion40that preferably extends between ⅛ and ⅞ the length of handle12, more preferably extends between ⅙ and ⅚ the length of handle12, and most preferably extends between ¼ and ¾ the length of handle12. As shown inFIG. 2, middle grip portion40extends approximately ⅗ of the length of handle14before tapering inward to a waist portion42and then flaring outward and terminating in a bulbous end cap44. Referring again toFIG. 2, an aperture46formed through the handle, just forward of the end cap44, allows tool12to be stored on a peg or hook, or allows a lanyard or clip to be attached. An aperture ring50is preferably fixedly secured within aperture46.

As best seen inFIG. 3, it can be seen that handle14extends upwardly from center axis16of blade assembly12(toward24bof blade18b) at angle48to provide a comfortable, ergonomic grip to a user. Angle48preferably ranges between 0 and 30 degrees, more preferably ranges between 5 and 25 degrees, and most preferably ranges between 10 and 20 degrees. In the embodiment shown, angle48is approximately 15 degrees. Blades18are secured to hub22such that it is slightly off-center; hub22is generally aligned with handle14such that it too is at an angle48with respect to center axis16of blade assembly12.

Referring toFIG. 3, a flared portion52of handle14, between boss36and neck portion38provides a flared safety barrier to protect a user's hand from sliding forward into blade assembly12. Referring toFIG. 2, a thumb depression area54ain neck portion38is configured to receive a user's thumb, allowing a comfortable and secure grip, and likewise preventing a user's hand from sliding forward on the tool. An identical thumb depression54b(not shown) is positioned on the opposite side of handle14, and thumb depressions54aand54bare generally aligned with blades18band18d. It will be understood that thumb depression areas54aand54bmay be positioned on opposite sides of handle14in a variety of positions within neck portion38other than as shown inFIG. 2. For example, thumb depressions54aand54bmay be generally aligned with blades18aand18c. Middle grip portion40provides a wide, generally cylindrical gripping surface that conforms to a user's hand. As seen inFIGS. 1-3, the middle grip portion40is contoured into a barrel shape between neck and waist portions38and42, having a larger diameter in its center and tapering to smaller diameter ends towards neck and waist portions38and42respectively. The bulbous end cap44terminating the end of the handle14provides a large, wide, smooth and rounded surface that allows a user to exert force on the end of the tool10using the palm of his or her hand to allow digging and working tool10into compacted soil.

As further seen inFIGS. 1-3, handle14is symmetrical about its center axis56(shown inFIG. 3) so that the features and ergonomics of the handle can equally be used by either right or left handed users. The symmetrical handle further allows the tool to be rotated to any desired orientation to allow any of the blades, and the various features of those blades, to be employed as desired by a user.

Handle14is preferably formed from a strong, light material, such as plastic, rubber, composite, metal, metal alloys or wood. In one embodiment, handle14is formed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic). As discussed in more detail below, handle14preferably has a soft or lower durometer outer layer for easier gripping.

In some embodiments, portions of handle14, such as boss36, end cap44, or aperture ring50may be made of a different material affixed to handle14, such as metal inserts or pieces used to enhance the strength and to improve the appearance of handle14.

The length of blade assembly12is preferably between 4 and 9 inches, more preferably between 5 and 8 inches, and most preferably between 6 and 7 inches. The length of handle14is preferably between 5 and 8 inches, more preferably between 5½ and 7½ inches, and most preferably between 6 and 7 inches. The overall length of transplanter tool10as measured from pointed end24to bulbous end cap is preferably between 10 and 16 inches, more preferably between 11 and 15 inches, and most preferably between 12 and 14 inches.

In some embodiments, handle14includes an internal passageway configured to receive a stud or tang projecting rearward from the blade assembly to attach the handle and blade assembly as described in more detail below. In other embodiments, handle14may be screwed, welded, or otherwise affixed to the blade assembly using any attachment method known in the art.

As just described, the four blade configuration of the transplanter tool allows easy penetration of hardened soil and scooping and moving of soil. Furthermore, the four blade configuration can be used to form a cylindrical hole in soil for planting bulbs, plants, and the likes. By inserting the tool into the soil and rotating and pulling while removing the tool, the four blade configuration acts as an auger to pull soil up and out, leaving a generally cylindrically shaped hole suited for planting bulbs. The blade serrations and sharpened blades work in concert when rotated to form the sides of the cylindrical hole formed by the removal of soil.

Looking toFIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of the multi-blade transplanter tool of the present invention generally designated with the reference numeral110includes a blade assembly112formed from a plurality of blades118. Blades118aand118ceach include a series of graduation marks158imprinted or engraved thereon, so that a distance from front pointed end120can be easily ascertained by a user. Thus, blades118aand118cmay be used to measure planting depth in soil or to measure the length of twine, rope, or the like. Preferably graduation marks158are imprinted on blades118aand118c, most preferably they are stamped, molded, or cast into blades118aand118c. As shown inFIG. 4graduation marks158may be in English, metric, or other units as desired. As also can be seen inFIG. 4, in addition to graduation marks158, blades118aand118cmay include serrated portions130aand130cas previously described.

As shown inFIGS. 6a-6dand as discussed above, the blades and features on the blades of the transplanter tool of the present invention may be combined in various configurations as desired for a particular tool.FIGS. 6a-6ddepict respective blade assemblies212a,212b,212c, and212dwherein each blade assembly includes respective sets of graduation markings258a,258b,258cand258dand respective serrated portions230a,230b,230cand230d. Graduation markings258a-dare Arabic numerals, a series of dots, a decorative Arabic numeral design, and Roman numerals, respectively. Serrated portions230a-deach illustrate various combinations of blade serrations in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. All of these variations and combinations are contemplated by and within the scope of the present invention. Similarly, as seen inFIGS. 7a-7f, variations in the decorative ornamentation of the handle14of the transplanter tool10are depicted and are within the scope of the present invention.

Looking toFIGS. 8-11, an exemplary embodiment of a tool of the second aspect of the present invention is shown and generally designated with the reference numeral310. Although the implement of transplanter tool310is a blade assembly312similar to blade assembly10described above (some differences are discussed below), it is nonetheless within the scope of the present invention for the implement of tool310to be any other implement including but not limited to a planter, a shovel, a trowel, a hoe, a cultivator, a rake, or a scoop. It is also within the scope of the present invention for the implement of tool310to not be positioned at an angle with respect to the center axis of the implement.

Transplanter tool310, like transplanter tool10, includes a blade assembly312, a handle314, an aperture346within handle314, and an aperture ring350, generally as described above. Differences between blade assembly312and blade assembly12and differences between handle14and handle314are discussed below.

Referring toFIG. 9, blades318aand318cof blade assembly312are identical to blades18aand18cof blade assembly12(seeFIG. 2), though blades318aand318cfurther include graduation markings358which are described above in connection with the embodiments shown inFIGS. 4 and 6A through 6D. Referring toFIG. 10, blades318band318d—like blades18band18dof transplanter tool10(shown inFIG. 3)—each include respective curvilinear outer edges324b,324d. However, unlike outer edges24b, dof blades18b,18d, outer edges324b, dare concave such that blades318b,318dare relatively narrow along most of their length, expanding to a larger width at the junction of blades318b,318dwith hub322. With opposing blades318b, dconfigured more narrowly as depicted (in contrast to blades18b, dof tool10), tool310is more easily inserted into the ground and is more easily rotated by a user than tool10because of the lesser surface area of blades318b, d. Blades318b, deach include identical respective notches332b, dthat are similar to notches32b, dof blades18b,18d(seeFIG. 3). However, with reference to notch332b, notch332bdiffers from notch32bin that it slants diagonally away from handle314and down from the outer edge324bof blade318b(rather than diagonally toward handle314and down from the outer edge324b). Further, notch332bis wider and slightly more rounded to facilitate cutting larger diameters of materials such as ropes and roots. Notches332b, dprovide enhanced root cutting capability to the tool when the tool is inserted into the ground and rotated.

With reference toFIG. 8, handle314preferably includes an outer layer360encapsulating handle314that makes handle314easier to grip and more comfortable within the hand of a user. Handle314is shown without outer layer360inFIG. 18. Referring toFIG. 11, it is noted that outer layer360is preferably not applied to aperture346, contact surface370(described below), or boss336. Suitable materials for outer layer360include but are not limited to rubber and thermoplastics. In one embodiment, outer layer360is formed from thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and/or thermoplastic rubbers (TPR). Outer layer360can be applied to handle314by methods known in the art. With reference toFIG. 8, outer layer360of grip portion340may include textural features361as are known in the art to improve a user's ability to grip handle14. Textural features361can be a wide-variety of patterns and shapes and may be created through known methods such as knurling or molding. As shown, textural features361are cylindrical ribs. Thumb depression areas354a-bdiffer from thumb depression areas54a-bin size and shape, but serve identical purposes and functions.

Having addressed the differences between transplanter tools310and10, the remaining features of the second aspect of the present invention will now be described. Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, aperture ring350has a cross-section that is generally rectangular shaped when viewed from either its top side355or bottom side357. Aperture ring350includes four rounded corners362, opposing curvilinear, convex sides364a, b, opposing, generally flat front end and rear end366and368, and a protruding lip369. Front end366faces blade assembly312and rear end368faces bulbous handle end cap344. Aperture ring350preferably is press fit into corresponding aperture346formed in handle314. Aperture ring350fits flush against the outer surface of handle314when fully inserted into aperture346. This is because protruding lip369around the top side355of aperture ring350is contoured to the corresponding contact surface370of handle314(as best shown inFIG. 18), and as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, aperture ring350has a shape complimentary to aperture346such that only the outer most surfaces of top side355and bottom side357are visible. Aperture ring350is preferably formed of a strong, rigid material, such as a metal, a composite material, aluminum, iron, or steel, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the durometer of aperture ring350is greater than the durometer of handle314.

As seen inFIG. 13, a slot372is formed in front end366of aperture ring350. Slot372is generally rectangular in shape having four side walls. The top, bottom and left sidewalls374a-care sloped inwardly toward the center of slot372from the front to back of slot372. In this manner, the outer perimeter378of slot372at the front of slot372is slightly larger than the inner perimeter380of slot372at the rear of slot372. Right sidewall376is relatively flat or planar from the front to the back of slot372and is generally perpendicular with front end366. As will be discussed in more detail below, a hook formed in a tang extending through an internal passageway of handle314engages the sidewalls374a-cand a rear face of front end366of aperture ring350to secure the tang to aperture ring350.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 14-17, a tang382extends rearwardly from hemispherical hub322of blade assembly312. Tang382is preferably formed of a strong, rigid material, such as a metal, a composite material, aluminum, iron, or steel, or combinations thereof. Most preferably, tang382is formed of the same material as blade assembly312and hub322. Forming tang382from a strong, rigid material provides added strength to handle314. Preferably, tang382, hub322and blade assembly312are of singular or unitary construction and may be formed in a mold. Preferably, the durometer of tang382is greater than the durometer of handle314. With reference toFIG. 20B, tang382preferably extends at least approximately ½ the length of handle314and up to the entire length of the handle, more preferably between approximately ⅝ and ⅞ the length of handle314, and most preferably between approximately ¾ and ⅚ the length of handle314. In one preferred embodiment, tang382extends approximately ⅚ of the length of handle314. With tang382extending through a majority of handle314, load placed on handle314is distributed to the stronger tang382and through the entire blade assembly312, providing additional strength to the entire transplanter tool310.

As shown inFIGS. 14-15 and 17, tang382has a top surface390and a bottom surface392and includes a flared section383, a first rectangular section384, a tapered section386, and an end section388.

Referring toFIG. 14, flared section383extends a distance rearwardly from hub322and transitions to first rectangular section384, first rectangular section384extends a distance rearwardly from flared section383and transitions to tapered section386, and tapered section386extends a distance rearwardly from first rectangular section383, decreasing in width, and transitions to end section388. Referring toFIGS. 14-15, flared section383narrows in both its thickness and its width from where it is joined to hub322to where it meets first rectangular section384. It should be understood that tang382need not be constructed as described and as shown in the Figures. For example, a tang of uniform width and thickness and/or that does not include any tapered sections could be used.

Referring toFIGS. 16-17, first rectangular section384includes a plurality of teeth394positioned thereon. Teeth394a-dare positioned on top surface390and teeth394e-hare positioned on bottom surface392. Looking toFIG. 15, and as discussed below, teeth394each include rake faces396oriented toward blade assembly312and relief faces398oriented away from blade assembly312, and teeth394are configured to engage an inner surface of handle314. Referring toFIGS. 16 and 17, first rectangular section384further includes adhesive channels400aand400bwithin respective top and bottom surfaces390and392. Referring toFIGS. 11 and 14, an adhesive drainage slot402extends through channels400aand400bof first rectangular section384. Although tang382is shown with two adhesive channels, it is nonetheless within the scope of the present invention for tang382to include only one adhesive channel positioned on either the top surface390or the bottom surface392. As discussed below, slot402is configured to allow an adhesive to drain from top surface390to bottom surface392or vice-versa.

Referring toFIGS. 15 and 16, at the terminal end of tang382furthest from hub322, end section388of tang382includes a hook404on bottom surface392and a rounded end406. As discussed below, end section388is configured to mate with a corresponding aperture in handle314, and hook404is configured to engage with slot372and a portion of a rear face420of aperture ring350.

Referring toFIGS. 15-17, tang382preferably further includes identical curved ribs408aand408bextending from the rear face of hub322opposite one another along top and bottom surfaces390and392of first rectangular section384, respectively. Ribs408aand408bserve as gussets to provide additional strength and rigidity to the tool310, reducing the risk of breakage at the juncture between tang382and hub322.

Referring toFIGS. 18-19, handle314includes cylindrical boss336. Looking toFIGS. 19 and 20B, inner cylindrical surface410of cylindrical boss336is complimentary in both size and shape to hub322and as such is configured to mate with a rear portion of hub322. With reference toFIGS. 19-21, handle314includes an internal passageway412configured to receive tang382. Internal passageway412includes top and bottom rib receiving recesses414aand414bthat are configured to mate with respective ribs408aand408bgiven that they are complimentary in size and shape. Internal passageway412further includes flared section receiving portions416aand416bthat are configured to mate with flared section383. An opening418is located at the rear end of internal passageway of handle314. Opening418has the same size and shape as outer perimeter378of slot372of aperture ring350and both aligns with and abuts slot372.

As shown inFIG. 20B, rounded end406of end section388of tang382extends through aligned opening418and slot372. The tip of rounded end406is visible when viewed from either top side355or bottom side357of aperture ring350. Hook404is engaged with rear face420of front end366of aperture ring350adjacent angled sidewall374bof slot372, securing tang382to aperture ring350of handle314via interference to mechanically lock tang382in place. Sidewalls374a-calso exert force against bottom surface392and sides of tang382, further increasing the strength of tool310and preventing blade assembly312from sliding out of handle314. The portion of internal passageway412that is immediately adjacent first rectangular section384of tang382is configured to envelope first rectangular section. Accordingly, teeth394frictionally engage the walls of internal passageway412. In this configuration, and as discussed more fully below, tang382is locked within handle by two separate and distinct sets of features, the first being the engagement of tang382with aperture ring350, and the second being the engagement of teeth394with an inner surface of internal passageway412. Additionally, and as also discussed below, tang382can be locked within handle314with an adhesive.

The first step in assembling transplanter tool310is to press aperture ring646into handle314as described above. The second step in assembling transplanter tool310is to insert tang382into handle314as shown inFIG. 20A. As shown, tang382may be press fit into handle314. As tang382moves through internal passageway412, rounded end406of end section388passes through aligned opening418and slot372. Angled surfaces374a-caid in guiding rounded end406through aligned opening418and slot372, and as rounded end406passes angled surface374b, rounded end406and hook404are pushed up due to the contact of rounded end406with the inclined surface of angled surface374b. With reference toFIGS. 20A-B, once hook404is past angled surface374b, because the remainder of end section388is slightly thinner than rounded end406, rounded end406and hook404move back to their original positions such that hook404engages and abuts a rear face420of aperture ring350and angled surface374bof aperture ring350. As teeth394move through internal passageway412, the relief faces398of teeth394(labeled and shown inFIG. 15) allow tang382to be more easily inserted in handle314. In contrast, rake faces396of teeth394(labeled and shown inFIG. 15) serve to prevent tang382from being removed from handle314by cutting into the walls of internal passageway412. With reference toFIGS. 11 and 20A-B, prior to assembly of tool310, an adhesive such as epoxy can also be poured into one of channels400a-b(see alsoFIG. 16) of first rectangular section384of tang382. Drainage slot402in turn allows the adhesive to drain to the other one of channels400a-b, and once the adhesive cures, it bonds both top and bottom surfaces390and392of first rectangular section384to the walls of internal passageway412.

It should be understood that although tang382is configured to mate with aperture ring350as described above, it is nonetheless within the scope of the present invention for tang382to include a hook404that engages with another feature of handle314. For example, slot372could be located somewhere else within internal passageway412and could be formed integrally with handle314. Hook404of tang382could likewise be configured to mate with a feature other than slot372. Furthermore, tang382need not necessarily include a hook404, and need only engage with a portion of an opposing surface of handle314that faces away from implement312.

Securing handle314to tang382in one or more of the ways described above results in an integral, strong handle assembly. This prevents handle314from turning relative to blade assembly312when transplanter tool310is in use. The weight of tang382further acts to balance handle314, further enhancing the usability of tool310.

Thus, as just described, the hand-held multi-blade garden transplanter tool of the present invention is well suited for a variety of garden tasks such as scoring, digging, working and moving soil, and cutting plants, lawn bags, ropes, and other garden tasks.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all ends and objectives herein-above set forth, together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the invention.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

While specific embodiments have been shown and discussed, various modifications may of course be made, and the invention is not limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts and steps described herein, except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims. Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.