Patent Publication Number: US-2023160266-A1

Title: Automatic handheld shovel with auger

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/248,128, filed Jan. 11, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/248,128, filed Jan. 11, 2021, is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/410,157, filed May 13, 2019, which are hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/410,157, filed May 13, 2019, is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/213,411, filed Dec. 7, 2018, which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention Around typical home gardens and in commercial settings, there is always a need to dig small holes or channels in the ground. For example, garden trowels are commonly used for planting as well as to bury bulbs, outdoor lighting cables, outdoor audio cables, fence posts, sprinkler hoses, and the like. However, digging these holes and other cavities in the ground with a hand garden trowel can be a difficult and painful process. During digging, a significant clump of dirt or other debris usually falls off the trowel and back into the hole which in turn requires additional effort. 
     Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field. 
     SUMMARY 
     To address these as well as other issues, a unique powered handheld shovel has been developed. The handheld electric shovel includes a powered screw-auger bit to dig into the ground. A shovel or dig portion of the shovel is stationary while the auger bit is rotatable. The shovel portion of the device is then used for removal of the dirt by holding all of the dirt dug up by the auger bit generally in the form of a debris plug. In certain embodiments, the auger and shovel are made from a suitable metal and/or plastic material. 
     The electric shovel may be portably powered using a battery. In one particular form, the battery is a lithium rechargeable battery. The battery can be attached and detached on the end of the handle. On the interior of the handle is a high torque motor and gear box capable of controlling the rotation of the auger bit. The output shaft of the gearbox is connected to the auger bit. The handle includes a switch allowing the user to control the auger. In one particular example, when the switch is set to the right most position, the motor rotates counterclockwise causing the auger to dig into the ground. When the switch is set to the middle position, the motor turns off. When the switch is set to the left most position, the motor rotates clockwise causing the auger to discharge the debris or dirt plug that was removed from the hole. In one form, the handle is made from a suitable metal and/or plastic. Alternatively or additionally, the handle may be encased by a rubber grip. 
     In one specific example, the portable power electric shovel is designed for digging up dirt for gardening and landscaping use cases. The electric shovel in this example includes a shovel-like design with a screw-auger to dig into the ground. In one form, the electric shovel is powered by a 20 Volt (V) lithium rechargeable battery. The battery can be attached and detached on the end of the handle. To facilitate this, the handle has a battery mount. In one form, the auger bit is made from metal and is used to cut into dirt. In this form, the auger bit is no more than 220 millimeters (mm) tall, and the auger bit has a diameter of at most 95 mm. In one variation, the handle houses a 20V motor and a gearbox. 
     Aspect 1 generally concerns a system that includes a handheld shovel including a handle and a shovel portion attached to the handle with a blade and an auger bit. 
     Aspect 2 generally concerns the system of aspect 1 in which the handheld shovel includes a motor configured to rotate the auger bit. 
     Aspect 3 generally concerns the system of aspect 2 in which the handheld shovel includes an Energy Storage System (ESS) configured to power the motor. 
     Aspect 4 generally concerns the system of aspect 3 in which the handheld shovel includes an input/output (I/O) device and a controller to control rotation of the auger bit. 
     Aspect 5 generally concerns the system of aspect 3 in which the ESS is integrated into the handle. 
     Aspect 6 generally concerns the system of aspect 3 in which the ESS is detachably coupled to the handle. 
     Aspect 7 generally concerns the system of aspect 3 in which the shovel includes a gearbox coupled to the motor. 
     Aspect 8 generally concerns the system of aspect 7 in which the gearbox and the motor are housed inside the handle. 
     Aspect 9 generally concerns the system of aspect 3 in which the ESS includes a battery. 
     Aspect 10 generally concerns the system of aspect 1 in which the blade is positioned proximal to the auger bit to retain debris from the auger bit. 
     Aspect 11 generally concerns the system of aspect 10 in which the auger bit has a flute that is partially covered by the blade. 
     Aspect 12 generally concerns the system of aspect 11 in which the blade defines a discharge opening configured to discharge at least some of the debris. 
     Aspect 13 generally concerns the system of aspect 12 in which the blade has a semi-cylindrical shape that partially surrounds the auger bit. 
     Aspect 14 generally concerns the system of aspect 10 in which the auger bit has a helical web that contacts the blade. 
     Aspect 15 generally concerns the system of aspect 10 in which the auger bit has a helical web that is spaced from the blade to form a clearance gap of at most 1 cm. 
     Aspect 16 generally concerns the system of aspect 10 in which the blade has a cutting edge configured to cut into the ground. 
     Aspect 17 generally concerns the system of aspect 16 in which the auger bit has a tip that extends past the cutting edge of the blade. 
     Aspect 18 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the handheld shovel includes a motor configured to rotate the auger bit. 
     Aspect 19 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the handheld shovel includes an Energy Storage System (ESS) configured to power the motor. 
     Aspect 20 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the handheld shovel includes an input/output (I/O) device and a controller to control rotation of the auger bit. 
     Aspect 21 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the ESS is integrated into the handle. 
     Aspect 22 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the ESS is detachably coupled to the handle. 
     Aspect 23 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the shovel includes a gearbox coupled to the motor. 
     Aspect 24 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the gearbox and the motor are housed inside the handle. 
     Aspect 25 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the ESS includes a battery. 
     Aspect 26 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the blade is positioned proximal to the auger bit to retain debris from the auger bit. 
     Aspect 27 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the auger bit has a flute that is partially covered by the blade. 
     Aspect 28 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the blade defines a discharge opening configured to discharge at least some of the debris. 
     Aspect 29 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the blade has a semi-cylindrical shape that partially surrounds the auger bit. 
     Aspect 30 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the auger bit has a helical web that contacts the blade. 
     Aspect 31 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the auger bit has a helical web that is spaced from the blade to form a clearance gap of at most 1 cm. 
     Aspect 32 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the blade has a cutting edge configured to cut into the ground. 
     Aspect 33 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the auger bit has a tip that extends past the cutting edge of the blade. 
     Aspect 34 generally concerns a method of operating the system of any previous aspect. 
     Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a diagrammatic view of a handheld shovel device according to one example. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a handheld shovel device. 
         FIG.  3    is a front view of the  FIG.  2    handheld shovel device. 
         FIG.  4    is a bottom view of the  FIG.  2    handheld shovel device. 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view of the  FIG.  2    handheld shovel device as taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a handheld shovel device according to another example. 
         FIG.  7    is a flowchart illustrating a technique for digging a hole with the handheld shovel device. 
         FIG.  8    is a first side view of the handheld shovel device digging into the ground. 
         FIG.  9    is a second side view of the handheld shovel device discharging in a clockwise direction from the hole. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of a handheld shovel device according to a further example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS 
     For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity. 
     The reference numerals in the following description have been organized to aid the reader in quickly identifying the drawings where various components are first shown. In particular, the drawing in which an element first appears is typically indicated by the left-most digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. For example, an element identified by a “100” series reference numeral will likely first appear in  FIG.  1   , an element identified by a “200” series reference numeral will likely first appear in  FIG.  2   , and so on. 
     A diagrammatic view of a system for a handheld shovel device  100  according to one example is illustrated in  FIG.  1   . Among other things, the handheld shovel device  100  is designed to be easily picked up and handled by a single individual or user with one or two hands. The handheld shovel device  100  is configured to dig holes, trenches, and/or other cavities in the ground or other substrates. While the handheld shovel device  100  will be described below with respect to forming a hole in soil or the ground, it should be recognized that the handheld shovel device  100  can be used to form holes or other cavities in other types of substrates. For example, the handheld shovel device  100  can be used to dig a hole in beach sand for an umbrella. The handheld shovel device  100  can also be used to dig furrows in mulch commonly found in garden or flower beds. 
     As shown, the handheld shovel device  100  includes a handle  105  and a shovel portion  110 . The handle  105  has an Energy Storage System (“ESS”)  115  and a controller  120  operatively connected to receive power from the controller  120 . To facilitate handheld operation of the handheld shovel device  100 , the ESS  115  includes a portable power source such as a battery and/or fuel cell. In one particular example, the ESS  115  includes a 20V lithium ion battery. In one form, the ESS  115  is permanently incorporated into the handheld shovel device  100 . In such a case, the power of the ESS  115  can be replenished in a number of manners. For instance, when the ESS  115  is a battery, the ESS  115  can be recharged through an external electrical source such as through a wireless recharging station and/or a wall outlet plug. When the ESS  115  is in the form of a fuel cell, fuel can be supplied to repower the ESS  115 . In another form, the ESS  115  is replaceable. The ESS  115  for example can be detachably coupled to and/or housed inside the handle  105 . Once the ESS  115  is drained, the ESS  115  can be replaced by a new and/or recharged ESS  115 . For instance, the ESS  115  can include disposable or rechargeable batteries that are replaced once drained of power. 
     The handle  105  further includes an input/output device (“I/O device”)  125  operatively connected to the controller  120 , a motor  130  operatively connected to the controller  120 , and a gearbox  135  mechanically coupled to the motor  130  for supplying mechanical power from the motor  130  to the shovel portion  110 . The I/O device  125  through the controller  120  controls the operation of the motor  130  as well as the overall operation of the handheld shovel device  100 . For example, the I/O device  125  can include a transducer, such as a switch or touch display, through which the user is able to control the rotational speed and/or direction of the motor  130 . The controller  120  through I/O device  125  can further provide feedback, such as audio and/or visual cues, through the I/O device  125 . The I/O device  125  can for instance provide an alert when there is a malfunction, an indicator of the status of the handheld shovel device  100 , and/or a signifier of environmental conditions, to name just a few. 
     The motor  130  in one example includes a reversible electric motor, but the motor  130  in other cases can include other types of small, portable motors like pneumatic or hydraulic motors. Some motors  130 , such as electric motors, have a normally high rotation per minute (RPM) and low torque output which would make such a high RPM, low torque motor  130  unsuitable for most use cases. In the illustrated example, the mechanical output of the motor  130  is connected to the gearbox  135  to reduce the resulting RPM and/or to increase the torque supplied to the shovel portion  110 . In other variations, the gearbox  135  can be eliminated, and the motor  130  can have a direct mechanical connection with the shovel portion  110 . As can be seen, the components of the handle  105  are mounted inside and/or outside of a housing  140 . The housing  140  provides structural support for and protects the components of the handle  105 . The housing  140  also provides a gripping surface where the user is able to grab and easily hold the handheld shovel device  100 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG.  1   , the shovel portion  110  includes a blade  145  and an auger bit  150  positioned proximal to the blade  145 . The blade  145  in one example is secured to the housing  140  such that the blade  145  remains stationary relative to the auger bit  150  as the auger bit  150  is rotated by the motor  130 . The auger bit  150  is rotated by the motor  130  through the gearbox  135  in order to drill or dig a hole into the ground. The blade  145  is able to facilitate formation of the hole. The blade  145  is positioned next to the auger bit  150  such that the blade  145  is able to retain the debris in the auger bit  150  as the shovel portion  110  is removed from the dug hole. This helps to reduce the amount of soil or other debris from falling back into the hole during the digging process. 
     It should be recognized that the components of the handheld shovel device  100  can be connected or otherwise configured in other ways besides what is depicted in  FIG.  1   . The ESS  115 , controller  120 , I/O device  125 , and motor  130  can be operatively connected together through wires and/or a wireless connection. In one example, the ESS  115  can be directly connected to the motor  130  in order to supply power directly to the motor  130 . The I/O device  125  in other variations is directly connected to the motor  130  to control the operation of the motor  130 . Moreover, as should be appreciated, one or more of these components can be integrated together to form a single unit. For instance, the I/O device  125  can be integrated with the controller  120  and the motor  130  to form a single unit. Alternatively or additionally, the gearbox  135  can be integrated into the motor  130  to form a single unit. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  2 ,  3 , and  4   , the components of the handheld shovel device  100  are generally aligned along a longitudinal axis  202  so that handheld shovel device  100  is generally balanced and easy to handle. Once more, the handheld shovel device  100  is designed to be a handheld type tool. In other words, the handheld shovel device  100  is designed to be easily picked up and handled by a single individual or user with one or two hands. In the illustrated example, the handheld shovel device  100  has the size and weight comparable to a hand garden trowel. In another example, the handheld shovel device  100  is sized somewhat larger to be comparable in size and function to that of a garden spade or shovel. As depicted, the ESS  115  is detachably attached to the end of the handle  105  so that the ESS  115  can be easily replaced with a new one or one that has been recharged. The I/O device  125  in the depicted example includes a multiway switch  205 . The multiway switch  205  in one variation includes a three way switch with positions for causing the auger bit  150  to rotate in clockwise or counterclockwise directions, or to stop. The multiway switch  205  is positioned on the housing  140  of the handle  105  so that the multiway switch  205  can be readily actuated by the finger or thumb of the operator. In another variation, the multiway switch  205  includes a variable switch that incrementally adjusts the speed and direction of rotation of the auger bit  150 . 
     As shown, the blade  145  has a shoulder  210  that is secured to the housing  140  of the handle  105 . The blade  145  has a body  215  that has a semi-cylindrical shape that coincides with the overall cylindrical shape of the auger bit  150 . The body  215  in the depicted example only covers a portion of the auger bit  150  to form a discharge opening  217  that allows the auger bit  150  to discharge soil or other debris during digging of the hole. The discharge opening  217  extends along the longitudinal axis  202  to expose one lateral side of the auger bit  150 . Once more, the blade  145  helps to retain a plug of the debris within the handheld shovel device  100  to minimize spilling of the soil back into the hole during removal of the blade  145  from the hole. Opposite the shoulder  210 , the blade  145  has a cutting edge  220  that is curved or pointed to further facilitate digging. 
     The auger bit  150  includes a shaft  225  with a shank  230  where the auger bit  150  is connected to the gearbox  135  of the handle  105 . As shown, the shaft  225  of the auger bit  150  extends along and rotates about the longitudinal axis  202 . Opposite the shank  230 , the auger bit  150  has a tip  235  where the auger bit  150  first contacts the ground during digging of the hole. In the depicted example, the tip  235  is pointed to facilitate penetration in the ground and centering of the handheld shovel device  100  at the site of the hole. In the illustrated embodiment, the auger bit  150  has a web  240  that extends in a helical pattern around the shaft  225  to form a flute  245  that similarly has a helical shape. In other examples, the auger bit  150  can be shaped differently than illustrated. For example, the auger bit  150  can have two or more webs  240  and/or two or more flutes  245 . The web  240  in other examples can be discontinuous and/or positioned around the shaft  225  in a non-helical pattern. The web  240  can be arranged in a right or left handed helical pattern in other variations. Moreover, the handheld shovel device  100  can have two or more blades  145  and/or auger bits  150 . 
     As noted before, the handheld shovel device  100  is configured and sized to be easily operated using one hand. Consequently, the handheld shovel device  100  is sized accordingly. In one example, the housing  140  of the handle  105  has a motor-gearbox diameter  305  that is sized to receive the motor  130  and gearbox  135 . The motor-gearbox diameter  305  in one variation is at most 40 millimeters (mm). The housing  140  at the handle  105  in one example has a housing length  307  that is at most 160 mm. The housing length  307  and the length of the handle  105  can be longer in other examples to allow digging with the handheld shovel device  100  while the user is standing. The blade  145  at the shovel portion  110  in one form has a blade width  310  that is at most 112 mm, and as measured from the shoulder  210  of the blade  145  to the tip  235  of the auger bit  150 , the shovel portion  110  has a shovel portion height  315  of at most 235 mm. In one example, the auger bit  150  has at auger bit height  320  of at most 220 mm, as measured from the shank  230  to the tip  235 . 
     Looking at  FIG.  4   , an outer radial edge  405  of the web  240  contacts or nearly contacts an inner surface  410  of the body  215  of the blade  145 . In one form, the outer radial edge  405  of the web  240  slightly rubs against the inner surface  410  of the blade  145 . This close proximity between the web  240  of the auger bit  150  and the blade  145  helps to retain the soil or debris plug within the flute  245  of the auger bit  150  during removal of the handheld shovel device  100  from the dug cavity. In other variations, a clearance gap  415  of at most 1 centimeter (cm) can be formed between the outer radial edge  405  of the web  240  and the inner surface  410  of the body  215  that still allows this retention of the debris plug. The auger bit  150  has an auger bit diameter  420  that is measured to the outer radial edge  405 . In one variation, the auger bit diameter  420  is at most 95 mm. As can be seen, the body  215  of the blade  145  stretches to surround about half of the circumference of the auger bit  150  to form the discharge opening  217 . Again, the discharge opening  217  allows some of the debris to be ejected from the hole as the auger bit  150  digs the hole, and this shape of the blade  145  helps to retain some of the soil within the flute  245  when the auger bit  150  is stopped and the shovel portion  110  is pulled from the hole. 
       FIG.  5    shows a cross-sectional view of the handheld shovel device  100  as taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG.  4   . As can be seen, the blade  145  is offset or positioned to generally cover one side of the auger bit  150  such that the other side of the auger bit  150  is exposed. In other words, the blade  145  is positioned to one side of the longitudinal axis  202  in  FIG.  5   . With one side of the auger bit  150  exposed at the discharge opening  217 , the handheld shovel device  100  can be drawn in a lateral direction so that the exposed side of the auger bit  150  at the discharge opening  217  is able to cut a furrow or trench in the soil. 
     As shown, the auger bit  150  is attached to the gearbox  135 . In particular, the gearbox  135  has an output shaft  505 , and the shank  230  of the auger bit  150  has a shank cavity  510  that receives the output shaft  505  of the gearbox  135 . The shoulder  210  of the blade  145  is secured to the housing  140  of the handle  105 . In one example, fasteners, such as screws, are used to secure the blade  145  to the housing  140 . Alternatively or additionally, the blade  145  can be secured to the handle  105  in other ways, such as via welding, adhesives, etc. In another example, the blade  145  is integrally formed with the housing  140  as a single component, such as through injection molding. As can be seen, the blade  145  has a blade height  515  that is measured from the shoulder  210  to the furthest part of the cutting edge  220 . In one form, the blade height  515  is at most 190 mm. Looking at  FIG.  5   , the auger bit  150  is longer than the blade  145  such that the tip  235  extends past the cutting edge  220  of the blade  145 . With the tip  235  of the auger bit  150  extending past the blade  145 , the tip  235  of the auger bit  150  is able to first touch and drill into the ground. 
       FIG.  6    shows a handheld shovel device  600  according to another example. As can be seen, the handheld shovel device  600  shares a number of features in common with and operates in a fashion similar to the handheld shovel device  100  described with reference to  FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5   . For the sake of brevity as well as clarity, these common components and functions will not be again described in great detail below, but please reference the previous discussion of these features. 
     Like before, the handheld shovel device  600  includes a handle  605  and a shovel portion  610 . The ESS  115  and controller  120  ( FIG.  1   ) are housed inside the handle  605 . The handle  605  further includes an I/O device  625 , motor  630 , and gearbox  635  configured in a similar fashion as described above. These components are housed inside a housing  640 . Similar to before, the shovel portion  610  has a blade  645  and an auger bit  650 . The blade  645  is secured to the housing  640  of the handle  605 , and the auger bit  650  is mechanically connected to the motor  630  via the gearbox  635 . 
     The handle  605  has a grip  655  where the user grabs the handheld shovel device  600 . In one form, the grip  655  includes a foam and/or rubber type grip to ensure a firm and comfortable grip. At the grip  655 , the I/O device  625  is in the form of a trigger  660  that controls the operation of the auger bit  650  through the motor  630 . In one particular example, the trigger  660  is in the form of a multi-position trigger. In the illustrated example, the blade  645  has a cutting edge  665  with a pointed tip  670 . 
     A technique for digging a hole with the handheld shovel device  100  will now be described with reference to  FIGS.  7 ,  8 , and  9   . While the technique will be described with reference to the handheld shovel device  100  illustrated in  FIG.  2   , this technique can also be performed with the handheld shovel device  600  shown in  FIG.  6    as well as other similar designs. This technique will be described with reference to digging a hole in the ground or soil, but it should be recognized that this technique can be used to dig other types of cavities in other substrates and/or materials (e.g., sand, peat, mulch, etc.). 
       FIG.  7    shows a flowchart  700  illustrating this technique. As noted before, the handheld shovel device  100  is sized, shaped, and weighted in such a manner that the handheld shovel device  100  can be easily picked up and handled by the user or operator. The user typically grips or holds the handheld shovel device  100  by the handle  105  in one hand. In stage  705 , the shovel portion  110  of the handheld shovel device  100  is positioned at a site for the hole. Looking at  FIG.  8   , the tip  235  of the auger bit  150  is placed against the surface of the ground  805 . 
     In stage  710 , the user via the I/O device  125  activates the motor  130  to cause the auger bit  150  to drill into the ground  805 . In one example, when the multiway switch  205  is set to a rightmost position, the motor  130  rotates the auger bit  150  in a counterclockwise direction  810  (i.e., from the bottom view in  FIG.  4   ) to cause the auger bit  150  to dig into the ground  805 . It should be recognized that the auger bit  150  can be rotated in the opposite manner when the auger bit  150  has a web  240  with the opposite helical pattern. As the user continues to grip the handle  105 , the handheld shovel device  100  moves into the ground  805  in an insertion direction  815  (e.g., a downward direction). As the handheld shovel device  100  burrows into the ground  805 , some debris  820 , such as cuttings, roots, soil, and/or gravel, is discharged from the auger bit  150  and onto the surface of the ground  805  on a side opposite the blade  145  from the discharge opening  217 . During digging, the blade  145  further prevents the soil from back filling into a hole  905  ( FIG.  9   ) being dug. 
     Turning to  FIG.  9   , once the handheld shovel device  100  reaches the desired depth for the hole  905 , the user actuates the I/O device  125  in stage  715  to stop the auger bit  150  from turning and digging. In one particular example, when the multiway switch  205  is set to a middle position, the motor  130  is stopped so that the auger bit  150  ceases rotation. In stage  720 , the user pulls on the handle  105  in a removal direction  910  (e.g., upward direction) out of the hole  905 . In certain cases, such as with moist soil and/or clay soil, the blade  145  helps to retain a debris plug  915  in the flute  245  between the web  240  as the handheld shovel device  100  is pulled in the removal direction  910  from the hole  905 . This helps to prevent the debris  820  from falling back into the hole  905 . 
     In stage  725 , the debris plug  915  is discharged from the shovel portion  110  of the handheld shovel device  100  onto the pile of the debris  820  on the surface of the ground  805  or elsewhere. Depending on the soil conditions, the debris plug  915  can for example be in the form of a single clump of dirt or multiple clumps of dirt. Under dry conditions, the debris plug  915  can be for instance in the form of loose dirt or gravel. To accomplish this discharge of the debris plug  915 , the user actuates the I/O device  125  to cause the motor  130  to rotate the auger bit  150  in a clockwise direction  920  (i.e., from the bottom view in  FIG.  4   ). In one specific example, when the multiway switch  205  is set to a left most position, the motor  130  through the gearbox  135  rotates the auger bit  150  in the clockwise direction  920  to discharge the debris plug  915  that was removed from the hole  905 . In the illustrated example, the debris plug  915  from the shovel portion  110  in  FIG.  9    is dropped on top of the same pile of debris  820  shown in  FIG.  8   , but in other examples, the debris plug  915  can be dropped elsewhere. The technique can be repeated to make the hole  905  deeper/larger or to dig another hole  905 . For example, the handheld shovel device  100  in stage  710  can be drawn in a lateral direction so that the exposed side of the auger bit  150  at the discharge opening  217  is able to cut a furrow or trench in the ground  805 . 
       FIG.  10    shows a handheld shovel device  1000  according to another example. As can be seen, the handheld shovel device  1000  shares a number of features in common with and operates in a fashion similar to the handheld shovel device  100  described with reference to  FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5   . For the sake of brevity as well as clarity, these common components and functions will not be again described in great detail below, but please reference the previous discussion of these features. 
     Like before, the handheld shovel device  1000  includes a handle  1005  and a shovel portion  1010 . An ESS  1015  and controller  1020  (see e.g.,  FIG.  1   ) are housed inside the handle  1005 . The handle  1005  further includes an I/O device  1025 , a motor  1030 , and a gearbox  1035  configured in a similar fashion as described above (see e.g.,  FIGS.  1  and  2   ). The handle  1005  has a housing  1040  for housing the components. Similar to before, the shovel portion  1010  has a blade  1045  and an auger bit  1050 . The blade  1045  is secured to the housing  1040  of the handle  1005 , and the auger bit  1050  is mechanically connected to the motor  1030  via the gearbox  1035 . 
     In the illustrated example, the ESS  1015  and housing  1040  are shaped or configured differently than before. As can be seen, the housing  1040  gives the handle  1005  a smooth appearance that is easily gripped. In this example, the ESS  1015  is housed inside the housing  1040 . In one form, the ESS  1015  is in the form of a rechargeable battery that is slid into a cylindrical chamber in the housing  1040 . The ESS  1015  can be replaced by being slid out of the chamber in the housing  1040 . In another form, the ESS  1015  is permanently installed inside the housing  1040 . 
     Glossary of Terms 
     The language used in the claims and specification is to only have its plain and ordinary meaning, except as explicitly defined below. The words in these definitions are to only have their plain and ordinary meaning. Such plain and ordinary meaning is inclusive of all consistent dictionary definitions from the most recently published Webster&#39;s dictionaries and Random House dictionaries. As used in the specification and claims, the following definitions apply to these terms and common variations thereof identified below. 
     “Auger Bit” generally refers to a cutting tool used to remove material to create holes, most typically of circular cross-section, when rotated. The auger bit typically, but not always, includes one or more flutes arranged in a spiral or helical pattern to remove chips or other debris. The flute is usually defined between a similarly shaped web that wraps around a shank. There are a number of auger bit styles. For example, a Jennings-pattern bit has a self-feeding screw tip, two spurs, and two radial cutting edges. The Jennings style bit has a double flute starting from the cutting edges, and extending up the shank of the bit, for waste removal. An Irwin or solid-center style auger bit is similar, the only difference being that one of the cutting edges has only a vestigial flute supporting it, which extends only partially up the shank before ending. Typically, but not always, the auger bit is made of a metal, such as steel, for strength purposes. 
     “Blade” or “Shovel Blade” generally refers to a broad flat or concave part of a tool or machine that comes into contact with material to be moved. Typically, but not always, the blade is made of rigid or semi-rigid material such as metal or plastic. The blade can for example include a square, rounded point, or tapered cutting edge or tip. In some variations, the blade can include a shoulder or step along with a collar for receiving a handle. 
     “Controller” generally refers to a device, using mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic electronic techniques, and/or a microprocessor or computer, which monitors and physically alters the operating conditions of a given dynamical system. In one nonlimiting example, the controller can include an Allen Bradley brand Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). A controller may include a processor for performing calculations to process input or output. A controller may include a memory for storing values to be processed by the processor, or for storing the results of previous processing. A controller may also be configured to accept input and output from a wide array of input and output devices for receiving or sending values. Such devices include other computers, keyboards, mice, visual displays, printers, industrial equipment, and systems or machinery of all types and sizes. For example, a controller can control a network or network interface to perform various network communications upon request. The network interface may be part of the controller, or characterized as separate and remote from the controller. A controller may be a single, physical, computing device such as a desktop computer, or a laptop computer, or may be composed of multiple devices of the same type such as a group of servers operating as one device in a networked cluster, or a heterogeneous combination of different computing devices operating as one controller and linked together by a communication network. The communication network connected to the controller may also be connected to a wider network such as the Internet. Thus a controller may include one or more physical processors or other computing devices or circuitry, and may also include any suitable type of memory. A controller may also be a virtual computing platform having an unknown or fluctuating number of physical processors and memories or memory devices. A controller may thus be physically located in one geographical location or physically spread across several widely scattered locations with multiple processors linked together by a communication network to operate as a single controller. Multiple controllers or computing devices may be configured to communicate with one another or with other devices over wired or wireless communication links to form a network. Network communications may pass through various controllers operating as network appliances such as switches, routers, firewalls or other network devices or interfaces before passing over other larger computer networks such as the Internet. Communications can also be passed over the network as wireless data transmissions carried over electromagnetic waves through transmission lines or free space. Such communications include using WiFi or other Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or a cellular transmitter/receiver to transfer data. 
     “Energy Source” generally refers to a device, structure, mechanism, and/or system that provides power for performing work. The energy supplied by the energy source can take many forms including electrical, chemical, electrochemical, nuclear, hydraulic, pneumatic, gravitational, kinetic, and/or potential energy forms. The energy source for instance can include ambient energy sources, such as solar panels, external energy sources, such as from electrical power transmission networks, and/or portable energy sources, such as batteries. The energy source can include an energy carrier containing energy that can be later converted to other forms, such as into mechanical, heat, electrical, and/or chemical forms. Energy carriers can for instance include springs, electrical batteries, capacitors, pressurized air, dammed water, hydrogen, petroleum, coal, wood, and/or natural gas, to name just a few. 
     “Energy Storage System” (ESS) or “Energy Storage Unit” generally refers to a device that captures energy produced at one time for use at a later time. The energy can be supplied to the ESS in one or more forms for example including radiation, chemical, gravitational potential, electrical potential, electricity, elevated temperature, latent heat, and kinetic types of energy. The ESS converts the energy from forms that are difficult to store to more conveniently and/or economically storable forms. By way of non-limiting examples, techniques for accumulating the energy in the ESS can include: mechanical capturing techniques, such as compressed air storage, flywheels, gravitational potential energy devices, springs, and hydraulic accumulators; electrical and/or electromagnetic capturing techniques, such as using capacitors, super capacitors, and superconducting magnetic energy storage coils; biological techniques, such as using glycogen, biofuel, and starch storage mediums; electrochemical capturing techniques, such as using flow batteries, rechargeable batteries, and ultra batteries; thermal capture techniques, such as using eutectic systems, molten salt storage, phase-change materials, and steam accumulators; and/or chemical capture techniques, such as using hydrated salts, hydrogen, and hydrogen peroxide. Common ESS examples include lithium-ion batteries and super capacitors. 
     “Fastener” generally refers to a hardware device that mechanically joins or otherwise affixes two or more objects together. By way of nonlimiting examples, the fastener can include bolts, dowels, nails, nuts, pegs, pins, rivets, screws, and snap fasteners, to just name a few. 
     “Flat” generally refers to an object having a broad level surface but with little height. 
     “Gearbox” or “Transmission” generally refers to a power system that provides controlled application of mechanical power. The gearbox uses gears and/or gear trains to provide speed and torque conversions from a rotating power source to another device. 
     “Handheld” generally refers to an object, such as a tool or other device, that has been designed so that object can be easily held, used, and operated with one or two hands of a human being. In other words, a handheld device is designed to be small and light enough to be operated in the hand of a human being for an extended period of time without experiencing significant fatigue. 
     “Handle” generally refers to a part that is designed especially to be grasped by a human hand. In other words, a handle is a part by which an object, such as a tool or device, is held, carried, and/or controlled by a human hand. A handle typically has sufficient strength to support the object. For tools, the handle typically has sufficient strength to transmit any force from the handle to perform the designed functionality for the tool. The handle usually has a sufficient length to accommodate a single hand or multiple hands to grip and reliably exert force through the handle. Similarly, the handle commonly has a sufficiently small circumference or exterior size to permit single hand or multiple hands to reliably grip the handle. Other ergonomic factors, such as friction, coating, grip, and injury prevention features, can be incorporated into the handle. By way of non-limiting examples, the handles can include broom handles, shovel handles, pull handles, or twist handles, to name just a few. 
     “Input/Output (I/O) Device” generally refers to any device or collection of devices coupled to a computing device that is configured to receive input and deliver the input to a processor, memory, or other part of the computing device and/or is controlled by the computing device to produce an output. The I/O device can include physically separate input and output devices, or the input and output devices can be combined together to form a single physical unit. Such input devices of the I/O device can include keyboards, mice, trackballs, and touch sensitive pointing devices such as touchpads, or touchscreens. Input devices also include any sensor or sensor array for detecting environmental conditions such as temperature, light, noise, vibration, humidity, and the like. Examples of output devices for the I/O device include, but are not limited to, screens or monitors displaying graphical output, a projecting device projecting a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image, or any kind of printer, plotter, or similar device producing either two-dimensional or three-dimensional representations of the output fixed in any tangible medium (e.g., a laser printer printing on paper, a lathe controlled to machine a piece of metal, or a three-dimensional printer producing an object). An output device may also produce intangible output such as, for example, data stored in a database, or electromagnetic energy transmitted through a medium or through free space such as audio produced by a speaker controlled by the computer, radio signals transmitted through free space, or pulses of light passing through a fiber-optic cable. 
     “Lateral” generally refers to being situated on, directed toward, or coming from the side. 
     “Longitudinal” generally relates to the length or lengthwise dimension of an object, rather than across. 
     “Motor” generally refers to a machine that supplies motive power for a device with moving parts. The motor can include rotor and linear type motors. The motor can be powered in any number of ways, such as via electricity, internal combustion, pneumatics, and/or hydraulic power sources. By way of non-limiting examples, the motor can include a servomotor, a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor, a steam engine, a pneumatic piston, a hydraulic piston, and/or an internal combustion engine. 
     “Power Supply” generally refers to an electrical device that provides electrical power to an electrical load, such as electrical machines and/or electronics. 
     It should be noted that the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and the like as used in the description and/or the claims include the plural forms unless expressly discussed otherwise. For example, if the specification and/or claims refer to “a device” or “the device”, it includes one or more of such devices. 
     It should be noted that directional terms, such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “radial,” “circumferential,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” etc., are used herein solely for the convenience of the reader in order to aid in the reader&#39;s understanding of the illustrated embodiments, and it is not the intent that the use of these directional terms in any manner limit the described, illustrated, and/or claimed features to a specific direction and/or orientation. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by the following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Reference Numbers 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 100 
                 handheld shovel device 
               
               
                 105 
                 handle 
               
               
                 110 
                 shovel portion 
               
               
                 115 
                 ESS 
               
               
                 120 
                 controller 
               
               
                 125 
                 input/output device 
               
               
                 130 
                 motor 
               
               
                 135 
                 gearbox 
               
               
                 140 
                 housing 
               
               
                 145 
                 blade 
               
               
                 150 
                 auger bit 
               
               
                 202 
                 longitudinal axis 
               
               
                 205 
                 multiway switch 
               
               
                 210 
                 shoulder 
               
               
                 215 
                 body 
               
               
                 217 
                 discharge opening 
               
               
                 220 
                 cutting edge 
               
               
                 225 
                 shaft 
               
               
                 230 
                 shank 
               
               
                 235 
                 tip 
               
               
                 240 
                 web 
               
               
                 245 
                 flute 
               
               
                 305 
                 motor-gearbox diameter 
               
               
                 307 
                 housing length 
               
               
                 310 
                 blade width 
               
               
                 315 
                 shovel portion height 
               
               
                 320 
                 auger bit height 
               
               
                 405 
                 outer radial edge 
               
               
                 410 
                 inner surface 
               
               
                 415 
                 clearance gap 
               
               
                 420 
                 auger bit diameter 
               
               
                 505 
                 output shaft 
               
               
                 510 
                 shank cavity 
               
               
                 515 
                 blade height 
               
               
                 600 
                 handheld shovel device 
               
               
                 605 
                 handle 
               
               
                 610 
                 shovel portion 
               
               
                 625 
                 input/output device 
               
               
                 630 
                 motor 
               
               
                 635 
                 gearbox 
               
               
                 640 
                 housing 
               
               
                 645 
                 blade 
               
               
                 650 
                 auger bit 
               
               
                 655 
                 grip 
               
               
                 660 
                 trigger 
               
               
                 665 
                 cutting edge 
               
               
                 670 
                 pointed tip 
               
               
                 700 
                 flowchart 
               
               
                 705 
                 stage 
               
               
                 710 
                 stage 
               
               
                 715 
                 stage 
               
               
                 720 
                 stage 
               
               
                 725 
                 stage 
               
               
                 805 
                 ground 
               
               
                 810 
                 counterclockwise direction 
               
               
                 815 
                 insertion direction 
               
               
                 820 
                 debris 
               
               
                 905 
                 hole 
               
               
                 910 
                 removal direction 
               
               
                 915 
                 debris plug 
               
               
                 920 
                 clockwise direction 
               
               
                 1000 
                 handheld shovel device 
               
               
                 1005 
                 handle 
               
               
                 1010 
                 shovel portion 
               
               
                 1015 
                 ESS 
               
               
                 1020 
                 controller 
               
               
                 1025 
                 input/output device 
               
               
                 1030 
                 motor 
               
               
                 1035 
                 gearbox 
               
               
                 1040 
                 housing 
               
               
                 1045 
                 blade 
               
               
                 1050 
                 auger bit