Abstract:
A tool for manipulating a material, such as snow, ice, sand, salt, dirt, gravel, concrete, vegetation, grains, debris and the like, resting on a surface has an elongated handle, an elongated shaft, and a compound blade head. The handle is attached to a proximal end of the elongated shaft and the compound blade is fixed to a distal end of the elongated shaft. The tool is capable of pushing and pulling materials when operating either the first tool section or the second tool section. The compound blade head has a first tool section adapted generally for shoveling and digging and a second tool section adapted for chopping and scraping. Tamping, compressing, and leveling is achieved when using the tools in the shoveling/digging position. The structure of the tool is designed to endure the stresses and forces of aggressive and repeated operating.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/545,842 and U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/342,343, both filed on Aug. 23, 2009, and both included herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to material handling tools, and more particularly to a combination tool. 
     DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART 
     Combination snow shovels are well known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,260,276 to W. H. Miller on Mar. 19, 1918 teaches such a device. Such devices are made to move snow and ice to a desired location. However, despite the development of many approaches to combination snow shovels, these approaches often have significant drawbacks. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,222,699 to L. L. Zeisig on Dec. 14, 1965 teaches a snow shovel with handle mounted ice chopper. The Zeisig device is effective as a shovel and ice chopper. However, the Zeisig device has the disadvantage that the ice chopper is located on the handle of the shovel and the device must be completely inverted to use. In use, the handle will be become wet and dirty and is not an ideal combination of the two devices. Furthermore, the Zeisig device takes time to invert and requires two different techniques of holding the handle. Therefore, a device is needed that does not need to be inverted end-to-end to be used. Furthermore, the needed device would be able to quickly and easily change from the shoveling position to the ice breaking position. Also, the needed device would provide a comfortable and ergonomic angle of the handle in use. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,260,276 to W. H. Miller on Mar. 19, 1918 also teaches a snow shovel and ice chopper. The Miller device teaches attaching an ice chopping blade on the end of the shovel. This approach avoids the problem of having to invert the tool end-to-end and keeps the handle from becoming wet and dirty. However, this approach has the drawback of using a separate attachment that needs to be added and removed depending on needs of the user. Also, the ice chopper attachment is designed to be used in a mostly vertical up-and-down motion transferring the impact of breaking the ice primarily vertically up the handle of the tool. Therefore, there is a need for a device that does not need a separate attachment for each function. Furthermore, a device is needed where the structure of the ice chopper function avoids direct transfer of impact up the handle and limits the impact of repetitive motion of breaking ice. 
     Two published applications teach combination snow shovels that are made of one-piece and do not need attachments. US Patent Application 2006/0197349 by Dawes published on Sep. 7, 2006 teaches a combination snow shovel and snow plow. US Patent Application 2009/0051180 A1 by Marlin published on Feb. 26, 2009 teaches a snow removal tool for the pushing and pulling of snow. However, neither one of these devices provides the ability to aggressively and repeatedly dig and chop snow, compacted snow, ice, slush and the like. They are suitable for their designed function of pushing and pulling freshly fallen snow, but they are clearly not designed and do not disclose a structure to withstand vigorous digging and chopping in a forceful and repetitive manner. Therefore, there is a need for a device that in addition to providing the functions of is pushing and pulling, further includes the structural design integrity and sturdiness to endure the stresses and forces of aggressive and repeated digging and chopping most often associated with manipulation and removal of snow, compacted snow, ice, slush and the like. 
     In my previously filed parent application, I taught a combination tool that overcame the above drawbacks and is particularly well-suited for handling snow and ice removal. Yet some of the features taught therein, it has been found, are applicable to a much wider variety of different material handling tools and applications. As such, additional variations and important distinctions are taught in the present application. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a device that does not require being inverted end-to-end to be used. Furthermore, the needed device would be able to quickly and easily change from the shoveling position to the ice breaking position. Also, the needed device would provide a comfortable and ergonomic angle of the handle in use. There is a need for a device that does not need a separate attachment for each function. Clearly there is a need for a device where the structure of the ice chopper or scraper feature avoids direct transfer of impact up the handle and limits the impact to the user of repetitive motion of breaking ice. Further, the needed device would provide the functions of shoveling, pushing, and pulling snow, and include the structure to chop ice and the sturdiness to withstand the forces of repeated ice chopping. Such a needed invention would applicable to a wide variety of different types of materials and applications. The present invention accomplishes these objectives. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present device is a tool for manipulating a material resting on a surface. The tool includes an elongated handle having proximal and distal ends. An elongated shaft has a means for attaching to the handle at a proximal end thereof. 
     A compound head is fixed at a center portion thereof to a distal end of the elongated shaft. The compound blade has a first tool section adapted for shoveling, digging or the like when the first tool section is used at an angle of less than approximately 30 degrees with respect to the surface, the first tool section having a first tangential angel of less than 30 degrees with respect to the elongated handle. The compound blade has a second tool section adapted for chopping or scraping and the like when the second tool section is used at an angle of more than approximately 60 degrees with respect to the surface, the second tool section having a second tangential angle of between 60 and 120 degrees with respect to the elongated handle. 
     The tool may be used generally to both alternately push and pull the material. The handle is kept at generally the same angle with respect to the surface but rotated to alternately allow either the first tool section to be used generally tangentially to the surface, or to allow the second tool section to be used generally orthogonally to the surface. 
     Various forms of the first and second tool sections may be taken. For example, the first tool section may include the cutting blade and the second tool section may include a plurality of cutting teeth. Each tool section may include a single or two common side walls. The first tool section may also include at least one sharpened serrated edge for cutting, and may form a sharpened V-shaped blade. The second tool section may include a plurality of tines. 
     The present invention is a tool that does not require being inverted end-to-end to be used nor does the tool require a separate attachment for each function. The present device may be quickly and easily rotated from a shoveling/digging position to a chopping/scraping position. The disclosed tool provides the function of pushing and pulling in both the shoveling/digging position and in the chopping/scraping position. Tamping, compressing, and leveling features and benefits are achieved when operating the tool in the shoveling/digging position. The structure is sturdy enough to endure the stresses and forces of aggressive and repeated operating. The design of the chopper/scraper feature avoids direct transfer of impact up the handle and thus limits the physical stress to the user during repetitive motion. Furthermore, the device provides a comfortable and ergonomically correct angle of the handle in use. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention, illustrating a tool manipulating a material on a surface with a second tool section; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a partially exploded perspective view of the invention, illustrating a pin, an elongated shaft, an elongated handle, and a compound head; 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the invention in a shoveling position with a first tool section; 
         FIG. 5  is a partially exploded side elevational view of the tool, illustrating cooperating screw threads on an elongated handle and shaft, and illustrating discontinuous contours along the elongated shaft; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a “Back Hoe Hardscaper” embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the left-side elevational view being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 8  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a “Compact Dirt Digger” embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the left-side elevational view being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a “Multi-Function Gardening” embodiment of the is invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the left-side elevational view being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a “Mortar Mixer” embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , the left-side elevational view being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 17  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a “Landscape Rake &amp; Shovel” embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 , the left-side elevational view being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 20  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a “Dual Pitchfork” embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 21 , the left-side elevational view being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 23  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a “Trencher” embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24 , the left-side elevational view being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 26  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a first “Short Handle Gardner” embodiment of the is invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 27 , the left-side elevational view being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 29  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a second “Short Handle Gardner” embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 31  is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 30 , the left-side elevational view being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 32  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of an “Extending Garden Tool” embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 34  is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 33 , the left-side elevational view being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 35  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a first “Concrete Form” embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 37  is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 36 , the left-side elevational view being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 38  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a second “Hardscaping Hand Tool embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 40  is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 39 , the left-side elevational view being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 41  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of a “Firefighter&#39;s Tool” embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 43  is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 42 , the left-side elevational view being a mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 44  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIG. 45  is a diagram of a first and second parabolic curve associated with the first and second tool sections, respectively. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The following explanation provides specific details for a thorough understanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. 
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list. 
     With respect to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a tool  10  for manipulating a material  20  resting on a surface  30 . The material  20  can be a variety of materials, such as snow, ice, slush, sand, salt, dirt, gravel, concrete, grains, and the like. The tool  10  includes an elongated handle  40  having proximal  42  and distal ends  48 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 3 , an elongated shaft  50  of the tool  10  has a means for attaching  60  to the handle  40  at a proximal end  52  thereof. Such a handle may be several inches to several feet long, typically. 
     In  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a compound head  70  is fixed at a center portion  75  thereof to a distal end  58  of the elongated shaft  50 . The compound head  70  has a first tool section  80  having a first tangential angle α 1  of less than 30 degrees with respect to the elongated handle  40 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The compound head  70  has a second tool section  90  having a second tangential angle α 2  of between 60 and 120 degrees with respect to the elongated handle  40 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . When the compound head  70  is rotated such that the first tool section  80  is below the second tool section  90 , the tool  10  may be readily used in a shoveling or digging fashion along the surface  30 , the first tool section  80  working the materially  20  substantially tangentially to the surface  30 . Herein the term “shoveling” may also refer to leveling, tamping, digging, and like actions that require a tool that is more parallel to the surface than orthogonal. When the compound head  70  is rotated such that the second tool section  90  is below the first tool section  80 , the tool  10  may be readily used in a chopping or hoe-type fashion into the surface  30 , the second tool section  90  working the material  20  substantially orthogonally to the surface  30 . Herein, the term “chopping” may also refer to scraping, piling, digging, hoeing, raking, and the like. 
     The specific tool sections  80 , 90  may take many various forms, but generally a side profile of the first tool section  80  can be generally described by a first parabolic expression P 1  ( FIG. 45 ), such as y=⅜ x 2 −¼ x, for example, and a side profile of the second tool section  90  can be generally described by a second parabolic expression P 2 , which may be the same as the first parabolic expression P 1  or not, but rotated with respect to the first parabolic expression P 1 , such as by 90 degrees. As such, the tool  10  may be used generally to both alternately shovel and dig the material  20 . The handle  40  is kept at generally the same angle with respect to the surface  30  but rotated to alternately allow either the first or second tool sections  80 , 90  to be used on the material  30 . In another embodiment, the second tool section  90  is adapted for chopping or scraping the material  20  when the second tool section  90  is used at an angle of more than approximately 60, degrees but less than 90 degrees. 
     In a simple embodiment, each first and second tool section  80 , 90  may include a cutting blade  160  ( FIG. 3 ). In one embodiment, the cutting blades  160  of each first and second tool section  80 , 90  are substantially mutually parallel. The sharpness of each cutting blade  160  contributes to separating materials  20  from surfaces, for example, without the need to thrust excessively downward which may cause damage to the surface  30  and/or pain and injury to the user. 
     The tool  10  may also be used in additional orientations. In a diagonal orientation (not shown), corners  82 ,  92  ( FIG. 3 ) of the compound head  70  may be used at various angles to the surface to reach into narrow crevices of the surface  30 . In a sideways orientation, side edges  76  may be used to manipulate material  20  near trees and poles and around other structures (not shown) on the surface  30 . In one embodiment, each side edge  76  of the compound head  70  is planar, providing the ability to manipulate the material  20  on the surface  30 . In another embodiment, each planar side edge  76  is substantially orthogonal to each cutting blade  160 . 
     In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the means for attaching  60  the elongated shaft  50  to the handle  40  includes cooperating screw threads  100  on the elongated shaft  50  and the handle  40 . In another embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the means for attaching  60  the elongated shaft  50  to the handle  40  includes a pin  110  traversing the elongated shaft  50  and handle  60  when mutually attached. The pin  110  secures the handle  40  to the elongated shaft  50 . The means for attaching  60  may also be ultrasonic welding, adhesive, metallic welding, or the like. Preferably, however, the handle  40  and the elongated shaft  50  are integrally formed from extruded aluminum tube, the elongated shaft  50  portion being bent and crimped to the proper shape and welded onto the compound head  70  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the longitudinal axes of the distal l 1  and proximal ends l 2  of the elongated shaft  50  are parallel but distally offset, which provides an ergonomic and efficient angle when using the tool  10 . In one embodiment, the offset of the distal end l 1  and proximal end l 2  is formed by a continuous contour  120  ( FIG. 2 ) along the elongated shaft  50 . In another embodiment, the offset of the distal l 1  and proximal ends l 2  is formed by at least two substantially discontinuous contours  130  ( FIG. 5 ) along the elongated shaft  50 . In one embodiment, each first and second tool section  80 ,  90  includes a continuous contour  140  ( FIG. 4 ) along its length. Generally the longitudinal axis l 3  of the handle  40  ( FIG. 2 ) is coincident with the longitudinal axis l 2  of the proximal end  52  of the elongated shaft  50 , and the longitudinal axis l 3  of the handle  40  bisects the second tool section  90 . 
     In one embodiment, the compound head  70  may be formed from a single metal casting process. In another embodiment, the compound head  70  may be formed from an extrusion process. In these embodiments, the elongated shaft  50  may be fixed to the compound head  70  using mechanical fasteners, welding or the like. In one alternate embodiment, the compound head  70  and elongated shaft  50  may be formed from a single metal casting process. The tool  10  is preferably made from a strong and durable material such as a rigid metal material, but can also be formed from any suitable durable rigid material, such as a hard rigid plastic material, if desired. The elongated handle  40  may also be made from a rigid durable material such as wood, fiberglass, or metal. 
     The size of the tool  10  may be adapted for different sized users and working needs. An advantage of the tool  10  is that it can be a size that is efficient for removing material  20  such as snow, slush and ice from steps (not shown). Some steps are not very deep and the structure of each tool section  80 , 90  is of a design well suited to be able to effectively remove material  20  from steps. Another advantage is that the tool  10  combines several functions together which can each be used in an ergonomic manner. When the weather is cold and unpleasant, having one device with many features avoids the hassle and inconvenience of carrying multiple devices or going back and forth to retrieve additional devices. 
     Various forms of the first and second tool sections  80 , 90  may be taken. For example, the first tool section  80  may include the cutting blade  160  and the second tool section may include a plurality of cutting teeth  170  ( FIG. 6 ). Each tool section  80 , 90  may include a single or two common side walls  180  ( FIGS. 9 and 15 ). The first tool section  80  may also include at least one sharpened serrated edge  190  for cutting ( FIG. 12 ), and may form a sharpened V-shaped blade  220  ( FIG. 27 ). The second tool section  90  may include a plurality of tines  200  ( FIG. 18 ). 
     Referring now to specific embodiments,  FIGS. 1-5  illustrate an embodiment particularly well-suited for chipping and breaking apart ice and packed snow with the second tool section  90 , and shoveling same with the first tool section  80 . 
       FIGS. 6-8  illustrate a “Back Hoe Hardscaper” embodiment particularly well-suited for chopping and cutting with the second tool section  90 , the first tool section  80  having the cutting blade  160 , and being useful as a step when rotated upwardly to allow a user to apply additional weight to the tool to increase cutting and digging force imparted by the second tool section  90 , and for performing tamper, compression, and leveling operations on the material  20 . This embodiment is well suited for general hardscaping and landscaping operations. 
       FIGS. 9-11  illustrate a “Compact Dirt Digger” embodiment particularly well-suited for chopping with the second tool section  90 , the first tool section  80  having the cutting blade  160 , and being useful as a step when rotated upwardly to allow a user to apply additional weight to the tool to increase cutting and digging force imparted by the second tool section  90 , and for performing tamper, compression, and leveling operations on the material  20 . The second tool sections  90  has the plurality of cutting teeth  170  for loosening compact soils, clay, ice, snow and the like. This embodiment is well suited for hardscaping, digging, landscaping, soil aeration, breaking up ice and snow, and general gardening operations, combining many of the functions of a traditional pick axe, spade shovel, Italian hoe, and tamper. 
       FIGS. 12-14  illustrate a “Multi-Function Gardening” embodiment particularly well-suited for gardening. The first tool section  80  has an arc-shaped cutting blade  160  suitable for edging and the like, and is useful as a step when rotated upwardly to allow a is user to apply additional weight to the tool to increase cutting and digging force imparted by the second tool section  90 . The first tool section  80  is adapted to facilitate tamper, compression, and leveling operations on the material  20 , and includes the sharpened serrated edge  190  for cutting roots and the like. The second tool sections  90  has the plurality of cutting teeth  170  for loosening compact soils, clay, ice, snow and the like. This embodiment is well suited for general gardening operations, combining many of the functions of a traditional edger, spade shovel, Italian hoe, garden hoe, cultivator, hand space, and tamper. 
       FIGS. 15-17  illustrate a “Mortar Mixer” embodiment particularly well-suited for working with cement, concrete and mortar materials  20 . The first tool section  80  has the side wall  180  that allows the material  20  to be scooped out of a wheelbarrow or other container, for example, and upon rotating of the handle  50  allows such materials  20  to be accurately placed at a job site. The first tool section  80  is adapted to mixing the materials  20  by scooping or shoveling, while not allowing water or moisture to leak away from the materials  20 . The second tool sections  90  is adapted for scraping and mixing, and includes a plurality of apertures  230  therethrough for allowing the materials  20  to pass through for more thorough mixing thereof. This embodiment is well suited for general concrete operations, combining many of the functions of a traditional concrete/mortar mixer, spade shovel, and flat shovel. 
       FIGS. 18-20  illustrate a “Landscape or Asphalt Rake and Shovel” embodiment particularly well-suited for raking, shoveling, tamping and leveling. The first tool section  80  has a relatively wide shovel  150  and is adapted to facilitate the transfer and leveling of materials such as dirt, bark mulch, gravel, asphalt and the like. The second tool section  90  has the plurality of tines  200  and is adapted for raking materials such as dirt, bark mulch, gravel, asphalt and the like. This embodiment combines many of the functions of a traditional rake, flat shovel, tamper and leveler. 
       FIGS. 21-23  illustrate a “Dual Pitchfork” embodiment particularly well-suited for transporting materials  20  such as hay, grass, bark-mulch, leaf debris, and the like. The first and second tool sections  80 , 90  have the plurality of the sharpened prongs  210 , which with the second tool section  90  may be used to gather or rake materials into a pile, and with the first tool section  80  penetrate the materials  20  for lifting and transport. This embodiment is well suited for landscaping, combining many of the functions of a traditional pitchfork and cultivator or rake. 
       FIGS. 24-26  illustrate a “Trencher” embodiment particularly well-suited for digging and forming a narrow trench. The first tool section  80  has an arc-shaped cutting blade  160  suitable for shoveling, and is useful as a step when rotated upwardly to allow a user to apply additional weight to the tool to increase cutting and digging force imparted by the second tool section  90 . The first tool section  80  is adapted to facilitate tamper, compression, and leveling operations on the material  20 , and includes two of the common side walls  180  for capturing the materials  20  therein for shoveling and lifting. The second tool sections  90  has the plurality of cutting teeth  170  for loosening compact soils, clay, and the like. This embodiment is well suited for trenching operations, combining is many of the functions of a traditional trenching shovel, drain or trenching spade, and tamper. 
       FIGS. 27-32  illustrate two “Short Handle Gardner” embodiment particularly well-suited for gardening. The first tool section  80  has the sharpened V-shaped blade  220  suitable for digging, cutting roots, and the like. The first tool section  80  is adapted to facilitate shoveling the material  20 , and includes the sharpened serrated edge  190  for cutting roots and the like. The second tool sections  90  has the plurality of tines  200  or cutting teeth  170  for loosening compact soils, clay, and the like. This embodiment preferably includes a relatively short handle for close-up work, and is well suited for general gardening operations, combining many of the functions of a traditional short-handled gardening tools such as trowels, cultivators, weed removers, and the like.  FIGS. 33-35  show a similar “Extending Garden Tool” embodiment having an adjustable, extendible handle  40 . 
       FIGS. 36-41  illustrate a “Concrete Form” and a “Hardscaping Hand Tool” embodiments particularly well-suited for shaping, forming, and finishing concrete, cement and mortar materials  20 . The first and second tool sections  80 , 90  have the two common side walls  180  that allow the material  20  to be scooped out of a wheelbarrow or other location, for example, in a shoveling motion. The second tool sections  90  is adapted for scraping and mixing. This embodiment is well suited for general concrete finishing operations, combining many of the functions of a traditional concrete/mortar trowels, levelers and tampers. 
       FIGS. 42-44  illustrate a “Firefighter&#39;s Tool” embodiment particularly well-suited for use in firefighting. The first and second tool sections  80 , 90  have the two common side walls  180  that allow debris and like material  20  to be scooped in a shoveling motion. The second tool sections  90  is adapted for scraping, chopping, breaking, and the like. This embodiment combines many of the functions of a traditional “McLeod” type firefighting tool with a spade or shovel. 
     While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the means for attaching  60  the elongated shaft  50  to the handle  40  may include gluing, welding, or additional mechanical fasteners. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims. 
     The teachings provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention. 
     These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. 
     Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention. 
     The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
     All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention. 
     Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above “Detailed Description.” While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Therefore, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. 
     In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the is invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims. 
     While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. 
     Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.