Abstract:
A tool adapted to collect, lift, and move material has a lifting structure attached to a collection element and at least one handle attached to the lifting structure. The lifting structure may have two or three segments. Each segment may have rails spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other with at least one cross member disposed there-between. The segments are oriented relative to one another to reduce the amount of bending required to lift material in the collection element. Adjacent segments in the lifting structure may be pivotally attached to each other. This tool can be free standing when used as a dustpan.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure generally relates to tool for collecting, lifting, and moving material, and specifically a tool having a multi-angled lifting structure. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    Tools commonly used to assist with displacement of material are shovels, scoops, scrappers and dustpans. When one uses a dustpan the person usually holds the dustpan in one hand and a broom in the other hand to sweep material into the dustpan. This process requires the user to bend over and such bending is difficult or painful for many people. Another option is to place the dustpan on the floor and sweep the material into the dustpan. But the dustpan may move such that much of the material is not swept into the dustpan. In the same way one can use a shovel as a dustpan by holding the shovel with one hand and the broom in the other hand to sweep material into the dustpan. But the same problems occur. Consequently, there is a need for a tool that can be used with a broom for the same purpose as a dustpan but not require the user to bend down to use the tool. This tool should also be able to be used as a shovel for both lifting and scraping. 
         [0003]    Most shovels have a blade portion or collection portion that is attached to a long cylindrical handle. A handgrip may be provided at the end of the handle opposite the blade. In using the shovel the user must bend over to lift the contents of the shovel. There is a need for a shovel or similar lifting tool in which the handle is configured so that during use the user need not bend over as far as is required when using a conventional shovel. 
         [0004]    Conventional shovels are displayed in bins or held on racks in the retail store. Because of their shape they are not easily stacked. When they are stacked they easily fall over. Consequently, there is a need for a shovel having a shape which enables the shovels to be neatly and easily stacked in a stack that does not fall over when in storage or on a retail floor. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    I provide a tool having a collection element, a lifting structure, and at least one handle disposed on the lifting structure which can easily be used like a dustpan or used like a conventional shovel to lift and scrape snow or other material. Specific dimensions, relative angles, and configurations of the tool exemplified in various embodiments enable a user to collect, lift, and move material with less bending than is required when using a conventional shovel. 
         [0006]    The lifting structure which functions like the handle of a conventional shovel has three segments. The first segment extends from the collection element so as to be substantially parallel to a back plate of the collection element. A second segment extends from the first segment so as to form an obtuse angle with respect to a rear of the collection element. The third segment extends from the second segment so as to be substantially parallel to the first segment. In some embodiments, each segment comprises a first rail and a second rail that is substantially parallel the first rail. At least one cross member is disposed between the first rail and the second rail of each segment. Some embodiments have at least one segment pivotally attached to another segment. The tool is preferably provided with a retention mechanism to selectively retain the pivotally attached segments at desired angles relative to each other. 
         [0007]    I also provide an optional support stand attached to the collection element and/or the lifting structure, which enables the tool to stand self-supported. The support stand is preferably pivotally attached to the tool via a pivot assembly. The tool may be provided with a retention mechanism connected to the lifting structure and the support stand, which may be configured to selectively retain the pivotally attached support stand at a desired angle. Other embodiments provide for a brush member that may be attached to the tool. The support stand and brush member may be configured to be interchangeable or the brush may be removably attached to the support stand. The support stand, the brush member, or both may be provided with an extension and retraction means. 
         [0008]    A stiffener strip may be disposed on the collection plate, which may provide a desired front edge configuration, stiffness, or rigidity to the collection plate. The stiffener strip may be a separate piece that is permanently attached or is removable. It may also be co-injected, with a harder wearing/cutting surface like nylon to act as a cutting edge that protects the softer plastic, like polypropylene, behind it. The stiffener strip may be configured to be sacrificial. 
         [0009]    Components of various embodiments of the tool may be fabricated as one unitary unit or may be constructed of modular pieces. Each component piece may be permanently or removably secured to the other. A component may be made to be interchangeable and/or replaceable with another component. 
         [0010]    While these potential advantages are made possible by technical solutions offered herein, they are not required to be achieved. Other advantages will become apparent from the description of certain present preferred embodiments shown in the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of the tool having an optional support stand, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the tool shown in  FIG. 1  with an optional stiffening strip; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the tool shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side cross sectional view along the line A-A in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view a second present preferred embodiment of the tool in which the lifting element is removable from the collection element; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is rear partial view of the tool shown in  FIG. 5  showing the support stand attached to the tool via a pivot assembly, in accordance with a present preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the another present preferred embodiment of our tool which has a brush member; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a perspective front view of another present preferred embodiment of the tool in which the first segment is pivotally attached to a second segment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the tool shown in  FIG. 8  being used to scrape snow from a step; and, 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the tool shown in  FIG. 8  in self-supporting configuration while being used as a dustpan. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    The standing shovel comprises a collection element  110 , a lifting structure  120 , and at least one handle  130  disposed on the lifting structure  120 , hereinafter identified as the “tool”  100 . While exemplary embodiments may illustrate the tool  100  as a shovel, one skilled in the art will appreciate, with the benefit of the present disclosure, that configurations and uses of the tool  100  are not limited to that of a shovel. The tool  100  may be configured and employed as any type of excavator, gathering tool, and/or a cleaning tool. For example, the tool  100  may also be configured and/or used as a scrapper, a scoop or a dustpan. 
         [0022]    The present disclosure may reference a constituent part or user in singular, but it is understood that a plurality thereof may be utilized and that any description of singulars is done for the sake of ease of illustration and brevity. The same reference may include the singular or plurality of that constituent part or user without deviating from the teachings of the tool  100 . 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , various views of the tool  100  with an optional support stand  140 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, are disclosed. The tool  100  comprises a lifting structure  120  extending from a collection element  110  with at least one handle  130  disposed on the lifting structure  120 . A user uses the collection element  110  to collect, lift, and move material while exploiting the leverage and ergonomics provided by the tool  100  to perform work in an efficient, effective, and salutary manner. The handle  130  is provided to assist a user with grasping and manipulation of the tool  100 . The tool  100  is preferably fabricated from a rigid, light-weight, durable material. This may include, but is not limited to plastic, fiberglass and aluminum. The selected material should have material properties that provide suitable operable ductility and malleability characteristics within a range of temperatures that occur where the tool may be used (e.g., −40° F. to 120° F.). 
         [0024]    The collection element  110  comprises a first side panel  111   a,  a second side panel  111   b,  a collection plate  112 , and a back plate  113  conjoined to form a collection cavity  114  at a front side  115   a  of the back plate  113 . The lifting structure  120  comprises at least one segment  121 ,  122 ,  123 . A first segment  121  extends from the back plate  113 , preferably from a rear side  115   b  of the back plate  113 , and connects to a second segment  122 . The second segment  122  is connected to a third segment  123 . Preferably, the first segment  121  is substantially parallel to the back plate  113 , the second segment  122  extends from the first segment  121  and forms an obtuse angle with respect to the rear side  115   b  of the back plate  113 , and the third segment  123  extends from the second segment  122  and is substantially parallel to the first segment  121 . The handle  130  is preferably disposed on the lifting structure  120 . 
         [0025]    Preferably, the first segment  121 , second segment  122 , and third segment  123  each comprise a first rail  124  and a second rail  125 . However, it is understood that only one segment  121 - 123 , or any number of segments  121 - 123 , may comprise a first rail  124  and a second rail  125 . The first rail  124  of any segment  121 - 123  may be substantially parallel the second rail  125  of the same segment  121 - 123 . Any rail  124 ,  125  may be configured as a U-shaped channel to maximize structural support but minimize weight. Preferably, a cross member  126   a,    126   b,    126   c,    126   d  is disposed between the first and second rails  124 ,  125  of any segment  121 - 123 . A cross member  126   a - d  may be configured to connect the first and second rails  124 ,  125  of a same segment  121 - 123  or a different segment  121 - 123 . In a preferred embodiment, the first cross member  126   a  is disposed near a top of the first segment  121 , the second cross member  126   b  is disposed near a bottom of the second segment  122 , the third cross member  126   c  is disposed near a midpoint of the second segment  122 , the fourth cross member  126   d  is disposed near a top of the second segment  122 , and the handle  130  is disposed near a top of the third segment  123 . 
         [0026]    Any cross member  126   a - d  may be configured as a handle  130 . Preferably, all cross members  126   a - d  are configured as a handle  130  so that a user may grasp any cross member  126   a - d  to manipulate the tool  100  without having to compromise balance, position, or leverage. This configuration enables easy lifting with improved ergonomics. 
         [0027]    In a preferred embodiment, at least one stiffener strip  170  is disposed on the collection plate  112 . The stiffener strip  170  is preferably disposed along the front edge  116  of the collection plate  112 . The stiffener strip  170  may be permanently affixed or temporarily affixed thereto. An adhesive, welding or rivets could be used to permanently affix the stiffener strip while screws or an interference fit would enable the stiffener strip to be removable. The stiffener strip  170  may be metal, plastic or a composite material and also provide wear resistance. 
         [0028]    A perspective view of another present preferred embodiment of the tool  101  having a removable collection element  110  is shown in  FIG. 5 . The collection element  110  and the lifting element  120  are similar to the collection element and the lifting element in the previous embodiment. However, the ends of the lower segment  121  of the lifting element fit into slots  104  provided in the collection element. Components  121 ,  122  and  123  of the lifting portion  120  of this tool  101 , as well as in the tools  100  of the previous embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , may be fabricated as a unitary unit or may be constructed of modular pieces. For example, a lifting structure  120  may be a construction of separate segments  121 - 123  connected to each other via welding. 
         [0029]    Where the tool  100 ,  101  is made from modular components, each piece may be permanently or removably secured to the other. A means to temporarily secure a piece may be, but is not limited to, threading engagements, a quick connect-disconnect coupling, a quick connect bayonet style fastener, quick-connect magnetic couplings, a detent and spring-loaded pin tumbler assembly, deflection clips, a tension knob/screw assembly, and an interference fit. In some embodiments, a component may be made to be interchangeable and/or replaceable. For example, if a collection element  110  is damaged, a user may replace it with another collection element  110 . As another example, a first collection element  110  may be configured with a steep sloping back plate  113  and a flat collection plate  112 , whereas a second collection element  110  may be configured with a curved back plate  113  and an undulated collection plate  112 . A user may desire to interchange the first and second collection elements  110  to accommodate a type of work being performed with the tool  100 . 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the support stand  140  may be attached to the tool  100 ,  101  via a pivot assembly  150 . This assembly may include a ratchet mechanism or other retention mechanism  160  which enables the support stand to be held in any of several selected positions including a stowed position and deployed positions. The retention mechanism  160  may include, but is not limited to, a detent and spring-loaded pin tumbler assembly, deflection clips, or a tension knob/screw assembly. The pivot assembly  150  may also be configured to enable removable attachment of the support stand  140 . This may be achieved, for example, via an interference fit of the support stand  140  with at least one C-shaped resilient collar (not shown) affixed to a portion of the tool  100 ,  101 . The support stand  140  may be a bent metal rod or wire or a molded plastic, fiberglass, or composite material structure. There may also be a molded support connected with a living hinge to the shovel/dustpan to achieve better vertical positioning. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a side view of another present preferred embodiment of our tool  102  has a brush member  180 . The brush member  180  may be attached in a similar manner as the support stand  140 . Some embodiments enable the brush member  180  and the support stand  140  to be interchangeable. Alternatively, a brush head may be removably attached to the support stand. A brush member  180  may comprise a brush head with a bristled surface; however, other configurations of brush members  180  may be utilized. This may include, but is not limited to, a bristled roller, a motorized brush and a squeegee. Prongs may be provided to allow the shovel to be used to clean stables and stalls. 
         [0032]    The support stand  140  and the brush member  180  may be provided with an extension and retraction means (not shown). This may be achieved by a telescoping engagement of support arms that connect the support stand  140  and/or the brush member  180  to the back of the collection element  110  or to the lifting element  120 . Other extension and retraction means may be utilized. 
         [0033]    All of the embodiments of the tool  100 ,  101 ,  102  have preferred dimensions and configurations which are given in  FIGS. 2, 4 and 7 . In the preferred embodiments, the first segment  121  forms a 75 degree angle with respect to a plane  10  running through the collection plate  112 , the second segment  122  forms a 30.92 degree angle with respect to the plane  10  running through the collection plate  112 , and the third segment  123  forms a 75 degree angle with respect to the plane  10  running through the collection plate  112 . While these angles are preferred to provide the best ergonomic shape, each angle can be increased or decreased by up to five degrees and the tool will still provide some benefit to the user in ease of lifting, scraping or pulling. 
         [0034]    In the preferred embodiments, when the tool  100  is positioned such that the collection plate  112  is horizontal: 1) a horizontal distance from a front edge  116  of the collection plate  112  to a top edge  117  of the back plate  113  is 15.4 inches; 2) a vertical distance from the front edge  116  of the collection plate  112  to the top edge  117  of the back plate  113  is 10.61 inches; 3) a horizontal distance from the front edge  116  of the collection plate  112  to a top edge  127  of the third segment  123  is 39.84 inches; 4) a vertical distance from the front edge  116  of the collection plate  112  to the top edge  127  of the third segment  123  is 37.74 inches; 5) a distance between an outer most portion of the first side panel  111   a  and an outer most portion of the second side panel  111   b  is 21.27 inches; 6) a distance between the first and second rails  124 ,  125  near the top edge  127  of the third segment  123  is 3 inches and a distance between the first and second rails  124 ,  125  near the top edge  117  of the back plate  113  is 6.44 inches; 7) a vertical distance between the plane  10  running through the collection plate  112  and the first cross member  126   a  is 17.05 inches and a horizontal distance between the front edge  116  of the collection plate  112  and the first cross member  126   a  is 17.02 inches; 8) a vertical distance between the plane  10  running through the collection plate  112  and the second cross member  126   b  is 21.27 inches and a horizontal distance between the front edge  116  of the collection plate  112  and the second cross member  126   b  is 19.23 inches; 9) a vertical distance between the plane  10  running through the collection plate  112  and the third cross member  126   c  is 25.89 inches and a horizontal distance between the front edge  116  of the collection plate  112  and the third cross member  126   c  is 27.60 inches; 10) a vertical distance between the plane  10  running through the collection plate  112  and the fourth cross member  126   d  is 30.96 inches and a horizontal distance between the front edge  116  of the collection plate  112  and the fourth cross member  126   d  is 36.01 inches; and, 11) a vertical distance between the plane  10  running through the collection plate  112  and the handle  130  is 37.12 inches and a horizontal distance between the front edge  116  of the collection plate  112  and the handle  130  is 39.22 inches. While these dimensions can provide the best ergonomic shape for most users, each distance can be within a range of distances determined by rounding the preferred distance stated here to the nearest inch and then adding or subtracting two inches. 
         [0035]    It is envisioned for the tool  100 ,  101 ,  102  to be employed as a snow shovel. The delineated dimensions and relative angles of component parts are provided as the best mode to enable an effective, efficient, and salutary use of the tool as a snow shovel. Various embodiments are envisioned to account for varying physical faculties of users and to incorporate biomechanics into the tool. Embodiments illustrating component parts having specific dimensions, specific placement, and specific relative angles are preferred embodiments, and are not to be viewed as limiting. As an example, an exemplary embodiment discloses four cross members  126   a - d  and a handle  130  disposed on segments  121 - 123  connected to each other at various relative angles. This configuration enables easy lifting with less bending over, thereby providing ease of use and improved ergonomics. 
         [0036]    In another present preferred embodiment of our tool  103  shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , one segment  121 ′ of the lifting structure is pivotally attached to another segment  122 ′ of the lifting structure. As shown in  FIG. 9  the pivotal connection and second handle  132  allow the tool to be configured and turned upside down and used as a scraper for pulling snow, as when standing on a lower step and pulling snow downwards from higher steps. When the shovel is upside down, a pulling surface is provided and snow or other material may be pulled down and toward the user, or off to one side. The pivotal connection also enables the tool to be self-supporting as shown in  FIG. 10 . When the tool is positioned as shown in  FIG. 10 , a user can easily sweep debris onto the collection element  110 ′. The same shovel therefore works as a shovel, puller, and dustpan. 
         [0037]    The pivot assembly  150 ′ may be configured in any manner described above for the pivot assembly  150  of the support stand  140 . With such an embodiment, the tool  100 ′ is preferably provided with a retention mechanism  160 ′ connected to the first segment  121 ′ and second segment  122 ′ to selectively retain the pivotally attached segments  121 ′,  122 ′ at desired angles relative to each other. The retention mechanism  160 ′ may be configured in any manner described above for the retention mechanism  160  of the support stand  140 . 
         [0038]    In the embodiment  103  shown in  FIGS. 8-10  a first handle  131  is disposed on the distal end of the second segment  122 ′ and a second handle  132  is disposed on the first segment  121 ′. The first segment  121 ′ is attached to the collection element  110 ′ and is pivotally attached to the second segment  122 ′. The first handle  131  is preferably D-shaped. Preferably, a stiffener strip  170 ′ is disposed on the collection plate  112 ′. 
         [0039]    The configuration of the tool  103  and placement of the first and second handles  131 ,  132  is such as to enable a user to grasp the first handle  131  with a first hand and the second handle  132  with a second hand. The pivot assembly  150 ′ may enable a user to actuate the first and second segments  121 ′,  122 ′ in a scissor motion or may maintain these segments is a fixed relationship. 
         [0040]    Various embodiments may provide for a nonslip surface on any portion of the tool  100 ,  101 ,  102 ,  103 . This may be achieved by providing a textured surface thereto. This may also be achieved by disposing a coating thereto. This coating may include paint, rubber, silicon, polymer, etc. In addition, any portion of the tool  100  may be provided with a protective coating that inhibits corrosion and/or oxidation of the tool. 
         [0041]    All of the embodiments shown in the drawings are configured so the several tools may be stacked one on top of another. The stack will be tight thereby minimizing the space requires to store and to display several tools. 
         [0042]    While various exemplary embodiments of our tool have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented for purposes of example only, and are not to be viewed as limitations. It is not exhaustive and does not limit our tool to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practicing of the disclosure, without departing from the breadth or scope.