Patent Publication Number: US-2005134064-A1

Title: Pivoting tool

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      (Not Applicable)  
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
      (Not Applicable)  
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The invention relates in general to tools and, more particularly, to tools having adjustable working heads.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      In the context of gardening, there are numerous tools that can be used for working the ground and other purposes. For instance, a garden hoe can be used for digging, loosening soil, cultivating and weeding. A hoe generally has an elongated handle with a thin flat blade fixed at one end of the handle. However, the fixed connection between the handle and blade can, in some situations, result in difficulties for a person using the hoe.  
      For instance, there may be certain areas of a yard that a gardener may wish to avoid or may have trouble accessing, such as in and around flowerbeds, bushes or shrubs. A gardener may have to position himself in inconvenient positions or in undesired locations in order to properly use the hoe. For example, a gardener may have to step into the flowerbeds or to push himself into bushes, which may not only harm the plants but may also cause discomfort to the gardener himself. Further, a gardener may avoid such tight areas and try to manipulate the hoe in a manner other than in its intended orientation, which, in turn, can reduce the efficiency of the hoe and introduce muscle pain to the gardener.  
      Such problems are not unique to gardening or gardening tools, and can arise in a number of applications in which a tool includes a rigid connection between the handle and the tool head. For instance, in a household setting, large appliances or immovable fixtures may pose obstructions to a person using a broom to sweep a floor or to a person using a mop to wash a floor. Thus, there is a need for a tool that can allow a user to quickly adjust the orientation of a tool head so that such difficult areas can be more easily reached and the tool can be used in its intended manner.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Aspects of the present invention relate to pivoting tools. In a first embodiment, a pivoting tool can include an elongated shaft, a pivot arm, and a lock pin. The shaft has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis defined therebetween. The pivot arm has a first end including a plurality of notches therein and a second end adapted for connection to a tool head. The pivot arm is pivotally connected at its first end to the distal end of the shaft.  
      The lock pin is movably connected to the distal end of the shaft and is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the lock pin substantially lockingly engages one of the plurality of notches in the first end of the pivot arm. Thus, the pivot arm is prevented from pivoting relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In the second position, the lock pin is substantially disengaged from the plurality of notches in the pivot arm. As a result, a user can pivotally adjust the orientation of the pivot arm relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.  
      The lock pin can be biased toward the first position such as by a spring. The lock pin can disposed at least partially within the distal end of the handle. The lock pin can move substantially along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A trigger can extend from the lock pin; thus, a user can engage the trigger with a finger to move the lock pin between the first and second positions.  
      The pivot arm can have a range of pivoting motion of about 90 degrees on each side of the longitudinal axis of the shaft. One of the plurality of notches can positioned on the pivot arm such that, when the lock pin substantially lockingly engages this notch, the pivot arm can be substantially in line with the shaft. One of the plurality of notches can be positioned on the pivot arm such that, when this notch is substantially lockingly engaged by the lock pin, the pivot arm can be disposed at one of about 90 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 45 degrees, or about 30 degrees relative to the shaft.  
      In a second embodiment, a pivoting tool includes an elongated shaft, a pivot arm, a handle movably mounted to the shaft, and a pair of connecting rods. The elongated shaft has a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The pivot arm has a first end and a second end. The second end of the pivot arm is adapted for connection to a tool head; the first end of the pivot arm is pivotally connected to the distal end of the shaft. Each connecting rod has a proximal end and a distal end where the proximal ends of the connecting rods are operatively associated with the handle and the distal ends of the connecting rods are operatively associated with the pivot arm. The connecting rods can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This arrangement allows the connecting rods to transmit the movement of the handle to the pivot arm such that the pivot arm pivots in substantially the same direction as the movement of the handle.  
      The pivoting tool can further include a lock for substantially maintaining the pivot arm in place relative to the shaft. To that end, the handle can includes a raised wall along a portion of the handle, and the raised wall can include a plurality of notches. In addition, the lock can be a strip of spring steel that substantially lockingly engages one of the plurality of notches in the raised wall. One of the plurality of notches can be positioned on the raised wall such that, when this notch is substantially lockingly engaged by the strip of steel, the pivot arm can disposed at one of about 90 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 45 degrees, or about 30 degrees, or substantially in line with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.  
      Either of the above embodiments of a pivoting tool can further include a tool head secured to the first end of the pivot arm. The tool head can be a gardening tool such as, for example, a shovel; a garden rake; a hoe; a fork; a trowel; a cultivator; combination tools; a patio weeder; a weeder; an edger; an edging knife; a yard rake; a grubber; a tiller; and a plow, to name a few. Alternatively, the tool head can be one of scrub brushes, brooms, mops, and squeegees.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a pivoting tool according to aspects of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view of the first embodiment of a pivoting tool according to aspects of the present invention.  
       FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of a pivoting tool according to aspects of the present invention showing a lock pin in a first position, thereby substantially preventing the pivot arm from moving.  
       FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of a pivoting tool according to aspects of the present invention showing a lock pin in a second position, thereby allowing the pivot arm to be moved.  
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of the first embodiment of a pivoting tool according to aspects of the present invention.  
       FIG. 5  is an isometric view of various possible tool heads that can be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.  
       FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a pivoting tool according to aspects of the present invention.  
       FIG. 7  is an exploded isometric view of the second embodiment of a pivoting tool according to aspects of the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  is a plan view of the second embodiment of a pivoting tool according to aspects of the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION  
      Aspects of the present invention address the drawbacks associated with prior tools having a fixed connection between the handle and the working head. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a tool assembly with a pivotally adjustable working head. Embodiments of the invention are shown in  FIGS. 1-8 , but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated structure or application. Further, the following detailed description is intended only as exemplary.  
      One embodiment of a pivoting tool apparatus  10  according to aspects of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . The pivoting tool  10  can include a number of individual components. Each component of the assembly will be discussed in turn below.  
      One component of the pivoting tool  10  is an elongated shaft  12 . The shaft  12  can have a proximal end  14  and a distal end  16 . Use of the terms “proximal” and “distal” herein is meant to indicate the relative position of each end of the shaft  12  with respect to a user. Such terms are used for convenience to facilitate discussion and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The shaft  12  can have a longitudinal axis  18  defined between its proximal and distal ends  14 , 16 .  
      The shaft  12  can be made of almost any material including wood, fiberglass, metal, composites, and plastic, to name a few. Likewise, the shaft  12  can have almost any shape or cross-sectional geometry, and embodiments of the invention are not limited to any particular shape or cross-sectional geometry for the shaft  12 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the shaft  12  can be generally cylindrical, but, again, other conformations are possible. Preferably, the shaft  12  is shaped for the comfort of the user. To that end, the shaft  12  can have any of a number of associated ergonomic contours or features. The shaft  12  can be substantially straight, but it can also be curved or bent. Correspondingly, the longitudinal axis  18  of the shaft  12  can be straight or include one or more curves or bends.  
      The shaft  12  can be substantially solid or it can include one or more hollow portions. In one embodiment, the shaft  12  can include a hollow portion  20  that begins at the distal end  16  and extends toward the proximal end  14 . As will be explained later, the hollow portion  20  can house other components of the pivoting tool assembly  10 . The hollow portion  20  can be sized and shaped as necessary to accommodate these other components. In addition, the shaft  12  may have one or more openings  52 , 70 , 78 , extending from the outer peripheral surface  22  of the shaft  12  to the hollow portion  20 ; these openings can be provided as needed for purposes of, among other things, mounting, user access, and/or to accommodate other components of the pivoting tool assembly  10 . The shaft  12  can be almost any length and, preferably, the shaft  12  is sufficiently long such that a user has enough room to grip the shaft  12  with two hands without substantial obstruction or interference from other components of the tool assembly  10  according to aspects of the invention.  
      Another component of the pivoting tool assembly  10  is a pivot arm  24 . The pivot arm  24  can have a first end  26  and a second end  28 . The second end  28  of the pivot arm  24  can be adapted for connection to a tool head  30 . In one embodiment, the second end  28  can include an opening  32  for receiving a portion of the tool head  30 . The opening  32  can begin at the second end  28  and extend toward the first end  26  of the pivot arm  24 . The tool head  30  can be secured in the opening  32  in various ways including threaded engagement, fasteners, adhesives, welding, or interference fit, to name a few. In one embodiment, the connection can be made by providing a hole  34  in the pivot arm  24  that is substantially transverse to the opening  32 . In such case, a fastener, such as a set screw  36 , can be inserted in the hole  34  and into engagement with a portion of the tool head  30  disposed inside of the opening  32  in the pivot arm  24  so as to secure the tool head  30  to the pivot arm  24 . The tool head  30  can provide a recess, dimple, notch or indent  37  for receiving the fastener. There are still other manners of connecting the tool head  30  to the pivot arm  24 , and the pivot arm  24  need not provide the opening  32  as the tool head  30  can be connected to the exterior of the pivot arm  24  by, for example, fasteners, adhesives, or welding. Alternatively, the pivot arm  24  and the tool head  30  can be a single piece. However, it is preferred if the tool head  30  is connected to the pivot arm  24  so as to be removable. Thus, other tool heads can be connected to the pivot arm  24  as needed depending on the task at hand.  
      The first end  26  of the pivot arm  24  can include a plurality of notches  38 . Each of the notches  38  can be substantially identical to each other and can be substantially aligned along the first end  26  of the pivot arm  24 . The plurality of notches  38  can be disposed on at least one peripheral surface of the pivot arm  24 . For instance, the notches  38  can all be on one continuous peripheral surface, such as the arcuate surface  40  shown in  FIG. 2 . Alternatively, the notches  38  can be disposed over multiple peripheral surfaces (not shown) on the first end  26  of the pivot arm  24 , such as if the first end  26  is generally polygonal in shape. There can be any quantity of notches  38 , but, preferably, there are at least three notches  38 , as will be described later. The notches  38  can be any cross-sectional geometry and conformation, but, preferably, the notches  38  are sized and shaped to matingly engage other components of the pivoting tool assembly  10  as will be described later. Further, the notches  38  can extend into the pivot arm  24  at various depths.  
      The pivot arm  24  can be made from any material and it is not necessarily made from the same material as the shaft  12 . Further, the pivot arm  24  can have any of a number of configurations. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the pivot arm  24  can include a forward section  42  and a rearward section  44 . The forward section  42  can be elongated. Further, the forward section  42  can be generally rectangular, but other conformations are possible including circular, polygonal and triangular. The forward section  42  includes the second end  28 . The rearward section  44 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , can be generally cylindrical; in such case, the first end  26  includes a substantially arcuate outer peripheral surface  40 . However, aspects of the invention are not limited to any particular conformation for the rearward section  44 .  
      The first end  26  of the pivot arm  24  can be pivotally connected, directly or indirectly, to the distal end  16  of the shaft  12 . In other words, the pivot arm  24  can be directly attached to the distal end  16  of the shaft  12  such that the pivot arm  24  can pivot relative to at least the distal end  16  of the shaft  12  or relative to the longitudinal axis  18  of the shaft  12  at least at the distal end  16  of the shaft  12 . One manner of achieving a pivoting relation between a directly connected pivot arm  24  and shaft  12  is by way of a shoulder screw. There are still other ways of achieving a pivoting relation as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. Alternatively, the pivot arm  24  can be pivotally attached to one or more components interposed between the pivot arm  24  and the shaft  12 . One example of an indirect connection is shown in  FIG. 2  in which a bracket  46  can be disposed between the pivot arm  24  and the shaft  12 . The bracket  46  can be fixedly secured to the shaft  12 , and the pivot arm  24  can be pivotally connected to the bracket  46  by way of, for example, a shoulder screw.  
      The bracket  46  can have any of a number of configurations and, in one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the bracket  46  can be generally L-shaped. In such case, a protrusion  50  can extend from the bracket  46 . The protrusion  50  can interface with the shaft  12  in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the protrusion  50  can be received within the hollow portion  20  of the distal end  16  of the shaft  12 . In addition, an opening  52  can be provided in the shaft  12  in which a fastener, such as a set screw  54 , can be inserted to securely engage the protrusion  50  of the bracket  46 . Alternatively, the protrusion  50  can be secured inside of or over the distal end  16  of the shaft  12  by adhesives, welding, interference fit or threaded engagement, to name a few possibilities. The bracket  46  can provide an opening  56  for receiving a fastener, such as a shoulder screw  58 , that can be used to pivotally connect the pivot arm  24  to the bracket  46  and shaft  12 .  
      A pivoting tool according to embodiments of the invention also includes a system for selectively retaining the pivot arm  24  in fixed relation to the shaft  12 . One possible system  59 , shown in  FIG. 2 , can include a lock pin  60 . The lock pin  60  can be movable between a first position and a second position.  
      In the first position, shown in  FIG. 3A , at least a portion of the lock pin  60 , such as the tip  62 , can substantially lockingly engage one of the plurality of notches  38  in the pivot arm  24 . As a result, the pivot arm  24  is substantially prevented from pivoting relative to the shaft  12  or the longitudinal axis  18  of the shaft  12 . In some cases, the lock pin  60  can be biased toward the first position. In one embodiment, the lock pin  60  can be disposed at least partially within the distal end  16  of the shaft  12 . In such case, the lock pin  60  can be biased axially outward from the distal end  16  of the shaft  12  and, in one embodiment, substantially along the longitudinal axis  18  of the shaft  12 . Still other directions of bias are possible. Further, where an L-shaped bracket is used as shown in  FIG. 2 , the lock pin  60  can pass through an opening  51  provided in the L-shaped bracket. In other embodiments, the lock pin  60  may be disposed outside of the shaft  12 . Embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific location for the lock pin  60 , or to any specific direction of bias for the lock pin  60 .  
      In the second position, shown in  FIG. 3B , the lock pin  60  can be substantially disengaged from the plurality of notches  38  in the pivot arm  24 . As a result, the pivot arm  24  is free to pivot relative to the shaft  12  or to the longitudinal axis  18  of the shaft  12 . Thus, a user can pivotally adjust the orientation of the pivot arm  24  relative to the shaft  12  or to the longitudinal axis  18  of the shaft  12 .  
      The lock pin  60  an be almost any shape, and its cross-sectional geometry, at least at its tip  62 , can be shaped to matingly lockingly engage any one of the plurality of notches  38  in the pivot arm. Further, the tip  62  of the pin  60  can include one or more features, such as a chamfer, to facilitate engagement with the notches  38 . The lock pin  60  can be made of any of a number of materials, such as metal, plastic, or wood, to name a few. In one embodiment, the lock pin  60  can be substantially cylindrical in conformation. The lock pin  60  can be substantially straight or it can include one or more bends or curves.  
      The lock pin  60  can further provide a trigger  64  for facilitating user manipulation of the lock pin  60 . The user trigger  64  can be connected to the lock pin  60  in various manners. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the trigger  64  can include threads  66  at one end so as to threadbly engage a threaded opening  68  provided in the lock pin  60 . Securement by threaded engagement is preferable when the lock pin  60  is disposed at least partially in the distal end  16  of the shaft  12 , as such engagement can facilitate installation. For instance, the lock pin  60  can be inserted into the distal end  16  of the shaft  12 . Then, the trigger  64  can be inserted through an opening or cutout  70  in the shaft  12 , and brought into engagement with the lock pin  60 . Once joined, a portion of the trigger  64  can extend through the opening  70  provided in the shaft  12 , allowing a user to engage the trigger  64  with a finger.  
      The trigger  64  and lock pin  60  can be secured by more permanently such as by welding or brazing. In one embodiment, the trigger  64  can extend substantially perpendicularly from the lock pin  60 . Preferably, the lock pin  60  and/or trigger  64  are positioned along the shaft  12  such that they are within the reach of a user. The trigger  64  can be made of any material including metals and plastics, to name a few. In one embodiment, the trigger  64  and the lock pin  60  can be made of substantially the same material.  
      The lock pin  60  can further include a base  72 . The base  72  can be secured to one end of the lock pin  60  in various manners. For instance, the lock pin  60  can be welded to the base  72  or it can be secured by threaded engagement. Alternatively, the lock pin  60  and base  72  may be a single part. The base  72  can provide a surface against which a biasing element, such as a spring  74 , can force the lock pin  60  toward the first position or otherwise into engagement with one of the plurality of notches  38  in the pivot arm  24 . The amount of the biasing force can vary, but, preferably, a user can overcome the force with a single finger. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the spring  74  can bias the lock pin  60  axially outward from the distal end  16  of the shaft  12 . Other directions of bias are possible, depending on the configuration of the lock pin  60 , shaft  12 , pivot arm  24 , and/or notches  38 .  
      The biasing element can act between the base  72  and another surface. To that end, a spacer  76  can be provided in the hollow portion  20  of the shaft  12 . The spacer  76  can be retained in place by adhesive, welding, interference fit or by one or more fasteners, such as a set screw  79  inserted through an opening  78  in the shaft  12 . The spacer  76  can be made of almost any material such as metals, plastics, wood or composites, to name a few. Some embodiments may not include a spacer at all; instead, the biasing element can act between the base  72  of the lock pin  60  and, for instance, a back wall of the hollow interior  20  of the shaft  12 .  
      The assembly  10  can further include a tool head  30 , which can be any of sundry tools. The tool head  30  can generally comprise a working portion  80  and a connection portion  82 . The working portion  80  of the tool head  30  can have any of a variety of configurations. For example, referring to  FIG. 5 , the working portion  80  of the tool head  30  can be any gardening tool including, but not limited to: a shovel  86 ; a garden rake  88 ; a hoe  90 ; a fork  92 ; a trowel  94 ; a cultivator  96 ; combination tools  98 , 100 ; a patio weeder  102 ; a weeder  104 ; an edger  106 ; an edging knife  108 ; a yard rake  110 ; a grubber (not shown); a tiller (not shown); and a plow (not shown). However, the tool head  30  used in connection with the pivoting tool assembly  10  of the invention is not limited to garden tools. Rather, other tools can be used in connection with embodiments of the invention including, but not limited to: a broom  112 ; a scrub brush  114 ; or a squeegie  116 . Embodiments of the invention are not limited to any particular type of tool head  30  or working portion  80  of the tool head  30 .  
      The connection portion  82  of the tool head  30  can be substantially straight or it can include one or more bends. Further, the connection portion  82  of the tool head  30  can have any cross-sectional shape, such as round, polygonal or rectangular. The connection portion  82  of the tool head  30  can be secured to the pivot arm  24  in several ways. In one embodiment, the connection portion  82  of the tool head  30  can be inserted into the opening  32  in the second end  28  of the pivot arm  24 . Accordingly, the connection portion  82  can be sized and shaped to be received in the opening  32  in the pivot arm  24 . In such case, the connection portion  82  of the tool head  30  can include a recess, dimple, notch, indent, keyway or depression  37  for interfacing with a fastener, such as a set screw  36  extending through an opening  34  in the shaft  12  so as to retain the tool head  30  in place. Other ways of retaining the tool head  30  are possible as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.  
      There are a variety of ways in which a pivoting tool  10  according to the above-described embodiments of the invention can be used. One example of a manner in which the above-described pivoting tool  10  can be used will now be described in the context of a pivoting tool with a garden hoe  90  for a tool head  30 . At the outset, the user may wish to use the hoe in the conventional manner; thus, the tool head  30  and pivot arm  24  can be substantially aligned with the shaft  12 . In such case, the lock pin  60  is in the first position, shown in  FIG. 3A , engaging one of the notches  38  in the pivot arm  24 . The user can use the hoe in a conventional manner by pulling the shaft  12  toward the user such that the hoe working head  90  scratches the ground.  
      When the user encounters an area that is difficult to access, the orientation of the tool head  30  and pivot arm  24  can be altered relative to the shaft  12 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the tool head  30  and the pivot arm  24  can pivot clockwise  11   a  or counterclockwise  11   b  relative to the shaft  12 . In such case, the user can pull the trigger  64  toward the proximal end  14  of the shaft  12  such that the lock pin  60  moves to the second position, shown in  FIG. 3B , in which the lock pin  60  is substantially disengaged from the notches  38 . In this case, the pivot arm  24  is free to pivot relative to the shaft  12  and its longitudinal axis  18 . The user can effect the pivoting motion of the pivot arm  24  by tilting the assembly  10  to one side such that the pivot arm  24  swings in that direction under the influence of gravity. Other methods for effecting the pivoting of the pivot arm  24  will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. Once in the desired position, the user can release the trigger  64  such that the lock pin  60  moves into the first position, under the influence of the spring  74 , so that the lock pin  60  engages one of the plurality of notches  38 . As noted earlier, the lock pin  60  and/or the notch  38  can include one or more features, such as a chamfer, to facilitate engagement. Then, the user can use the hoe to reach those challenging areas or to perform the task at hand without undue strain.  
      It should be noted that a notch  38  may or may not be provided at that exact location desired and the user may have to move the pivot arm  24  to a position where the lock pin  60  can engage a notch  38 . Any number of notches  38  can be provided, and the range of pivoting motion of the apparatus  10  will be determined by at least by the quantity and placement of the notches  38  on the pivot arm  24 . In one embodiment, there can be at least three notches. One of the plurality of notches  38  can be positioned on the first end  26  of the pivot arm  24  such that, when the lock pin  60  engages this notch, the pivot arm  24  and the shaft  12  are substantially aligned, as shown in  FIG. 1 , which, to facilitate discussion, will be referred to as the central position or central notch.  
      Additional notches can be positioned such that, when the lock pin  60  engages either of these notches, the pivot arm  24  can be oriented at about 90 degrees relative to the shaft  12  or the longitudinal axis  18  of the shaft  12 . Preferably, there are two of such notches positioned such that the pivot arm  24  can be substantially locked at about 90 degrees relative to the shaft  12  on either side of the central position, thereby permitting a range of about 180 degrees of lock positions. Alternatively or in addition, two notches can be provided at substantially 45 degrees in either direction of the central notch.  
      The amount and range of locked positions of the apparatus  10  need not be substantially equal on either side of the central position. For instance, the pivot arm  24  may be able to lock at a maximum of about 90 degrees in one direction and a maximum of about 45 degrees in the opposite direction with respect to the central position. The first end  26  of the pivot arm  24  can have even more notches positioned so as to orient the pivot arm  24  at about 30 and/or at about 60 degrees relative to the shaft  12  or the longitudinal axis  18  of the shaft  12 .  
      Again, any quantity of notches  38  can be provided. Further, the notches can be spaced according to regular intervals, such as about every 10 degrees. Alternatively, the notches  38  may be provided at irregular intervals or according to no particular pattern. Moreover, there need not be an equal number of notches  38  on each side of the central notch or on either side of the longitudinal axis  18  of the shaft  12 .  
      Another pivoting tool apparatus  130  according to embodiments of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . The pivoting tool  130  can include a multitude of components, each of which will be discussed below.  
      The pivoting tool apparatus  130  can include an elongated shaft  132  having a proximal end  134 , a distal end  136 , and a longitudinal axis (not shown) extending therebetween. The previous discussion with respect to the shaft  12  is equally applicable to the shaft  132 . The pivoting tool assembly  130  can further include a handle  138  that can be engaged by a user to cause a portion of the apparatus  130  to pivot.  
      The handle  138  can be a single or a multi-piece construction. Further, the handle  138  can be made of various materials including metal and plastic, just to name a few. The handle  138  can have any shape or conformation. In one embodiment, the handle  138  can include a actuator portion  140  and a mounting portion  142 .  
      The handle  138  can be movably mounted to the shaft  132  in various manners. In one embodiment, the handle  138  can be pivotally mounted to the shaft  132 . The handle  138  can be either directly or indirectly mounted to the shaft  132 . Direct mounting can be accomplished by bolting the handle  138  to the shaft  132  using, for example, one or more fasteners such as a shoulder screw. An indirect mounting system is shown in  FIG. 7 , and it includes the use of upper and lower mounting blocks  144 , 146 . It should be noted that the relative terms—“upper” and “lower”—are used to facilitate discussion and are not intended to limit the invention. While the upper and lower mounting blocks  144 , 146  can have almost any shape, it is preferred if the upper and lower mounting blocks  144 , 146  are shaped to substantially surround a portion of the shaft  132 , such as by providing recesses or cutouts  148 , 150  in each of the mounting blocks  144 , 146 . Further, the mounting blocks  144 , 146  can have corresponding or mating surfaces to facilitate engagement with each other. The upper and lower mounting blocks  144 , 146  can be secured together using one or more fasteners, such as bolts  151 ; the handle  138  can be movably mounted to the upper mounting block  144  by, for example, a shoulder bolt  147 . The clamping force between the joined mounting blocks  144 , 146  can hold the blocks  144 , 146  on the shaft  132 . Alternatively, one or more fasteners can be used to tie the mounting blocks  144 , 146  directly into the material of the shaft  132 . Again, the use of the mounting blocks  144 , 146  is only one of many ways in which the handle  138  can be indirectly mounted to the shaft  132 . Irrespective of the manner in which it is mounted to the shaft  132 , the handle  138  is preferably positioned along the shaft  132  so that a user can readily access the handle  138 , particularly the actuator portion  140 .  
      The upper mounting block  144  can provide one or more features for mounting and/or interfacing with other components of the apparatus  130 . For instance, the upper mounting block  144  can include a pair of grooves  210 . The purposes for these features will be discussed later.  
      The pivoting tool assembly  130  can further include a lock system for maintaining the handle  138  in a desired position. In one embodiment, the lock system can include a substantially flat strip of spring steel  148  such as 16-gauge spring steel. The strip of steel  148  can be biased toward the substantially flat position. In such case, one end of the strip  148  can be secured to the handle  138 . Preferably, the strip  148  does not move with the handle  138 . In such case, the strip  148  can be secured to the upper mounting block  144  by a shoulder bolt  150 , which passes through the handle  138 . A channel  149  can be provided in the handle  138  so as to permit movement of the handle  138  despite the presence of the bolt  150 . The channel  149  can have any of a number of conformations such as arcuate, as shown in  FIG. 7 . In addition or alternatively, the strip  148  can be secured by central shoulder bolt  147 , which is used to connect the handle  138  to the upper mount  144 . Preferably, the strip  148  is secured by both bolts  147 , 150  to thereby provide two mounting points so as to provide strength against the torque effect of the rotating handle. Other manners of attachment between the strip  148  and the handle  138 , whether direct or indirect, are possible as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.  
      The strip  148  can be of sufficient force to substantially lock the handle  138  in place, while allowing a user to overcome the spring force with a single finger. In one embodiment, the strip  148  can interact with portions or features of the handle  138  so as to substantially lock the handle  138  in place. For instance, the handle  138  can include a wall  152  along at least a portion of the edge or rim of the mounting portion  142 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The wall  152  can extend along a portion of the actuator portion  140  as well. The wall  152  can project substantially perpendicularly upward from the handle  138 . The wall  152  can include one or more cutouts, breaks, interruptions, recesses, or notches  154 . Alternatively, the wall  152  can comprise a plurality of walls with spaces between each of the plurality of walls.  
      Thus, when the strip  148 , under its own bias, falls into one of the notches  154 , the handle  138  is substantially restricted from moving relative to the shaft  132 . To release the handle  138  so that is can be moved, a user must pull up on the strip  148  so as to defeat the spring force of the strip  148  and so that the strip  148  is disengaged from the notch  154 . Then, a user can move the handle  138  as desired.  
      The distal end  136  of the shaft  132  can include an adapter  160 . The adapter  160  can be part of the shaft  132 . Alternatively, the adapter  160  can be a separate piece secured to the shaft  132  by, for example, threaded engagement, fasteners, adhesives, welding, brazing, and interference fit, to name a few possibilities. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the adapter  160  can fit over the distal end  136  of the shaft  132 . In another embodiment, the distal end  136  of the shaft  132  can fit over at least a portion of the adapter  160 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the adapter  160  includes a pair of slots or grooves  212 . Aspects of the invention are not limited to any particular configuration for the adapter  160 . The adapter  160  can be made of substantially the same material as the shaft  132  or it can be different. The adapter  160  can be made of metal such as aluminum or steel, plastic, wood, to name a few possibilities.  
      Another component of the pivoting tool assembly  130  is a pivot arm  162 . The pivot arm  162  can be made of almost any material including metals such as aluminum or steel, plastic, wood, to name a few possibilities. Further, the pivot arm  162  can be, but is not necessarily made of the same material as the shaft  132  and/or adapter  160 . Further, the pivot arm  162  can have any of a number of configurations. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the pivot arm  162  can be generally rectangular, as shown in  FIG. 7 , and still other conformations are possible including circular, polygonal and triangular, to name a few.  
      The pivot arm  162  can have a first end  164  and a second end  166 . The second end  166  of the pivot arm  162  can be adapted for connection to a tool head  180 ; the previous discussion regarding some of the possible manners of attachment between the pivot arm  24  and the tool head  30  is equally applicable to the attachment between the tool head  180  and the pivot arm  162  in embodiments of the invention shown in  FIGS. 6-8 .  
      The first end  164  of the pivot arm  162  can be pivotally connected to the adapter  160 . To that end, the adapter  160  can provide one or more surfaces and/or features for connecting to pivot arm  162 . The connection between the adapter  160  and the pivot arm  162  can be direct or indirect. In other words, the pivot arm  162  can be directly attached to the adapter  160  in such a way that the pivot arm  162  can pivot relative to at least the distal end  136  of the shaft  132  or to the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the shaft  132 . A pivoting relation can be achieved by way of a shoulder screw. Other ways of achieving a pivoting relation will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.  
      Alternatively, the pivot arm  162  can be pivotally attached to one or more components interposed between the pivot arm  162  and the shaft  132 , for instance, a plate  170 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The plate can have any of a number of configurations, and, in one embodiment, the plate  170  can be a disk-shaped piece, as shown in  FIG. 7 . Additional details of this indirect mode of connection will be described later. In one embodiment, the plate  170  and the pivot arm  162  can be a single part, making the connection to the adapter  160  a direct one.  
      The assembly according to embodiments of the invention can further include one or more elongated connection rods  190 . The connection rods  190  can transfer the motion of the handle  138  to the pivot arm  162  at the other end of the assembly  130 . The connection rods  190  can have proximal and distal ends  192 , 194 .  
      In one embodiment, there can be two connection rods  190 . The connection rods  190  can be substantially parallel to each other and/or to the shaft  132  or the longitudinal axis of the shaft  132 . The connection rods  190  can have various configurations. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the connection rods  190  can comprise substantially straight elongated rods. The proximal and distal ends  192 , 194  of the connection rods  190  can include one or more features for securing the connection rods  190  to other components of the apparatus  130 . For instance, as shown in  FIG. 7 , each end of the connection rods  190  can include a block  196  having an opening  198 . The blocks  196  can be used to engage other components of the assembly  130  as will be described below.  
      The connection rods  190  can be multi-part assemblies or they can be single part constructions. Further, the connection rods  190  can be substantially solid or they can include one or more hollow regions. In one embodiment, the connection rods  190  can be tight cables. The blocks  196  can be secured to the ends  192 , 194  of the connection rods  190  by threaded engagement, welding brazing, and adhesives, to name a few. Also, the connection rods  190  can be made of any of a number of materials including steel, aluminum, metals, alloys, plastic, composites, or combinations thereof.  
      There are several ways in which the connection rods  190  can interact with other components of the pivoting tool apparatus  130  according to the invention. For example, the proximal ends  192  of the connection rods  190  can be operatively connected to the handle  138 ; the distal ends  194  of the connection rods  190  can be operatively connected with the first end  164  of the pivot arm  162 . One manner of achieving such operational association is by way of pins  200 .  
      Each of the pins  200  can include an upper projection  202 , a lower projection  204 , and a middle section  206 . The cross-sectional area of the middle section can be greater than the cross-sectional area of upper and lower projections  202 , 204 . In one embodiment, each of the upper projection  202 , the lower projection  204 , and the middle section  206  are substantially cylindrical in conformation. In such case, the diameter of the middle section  206  can be greater than the diameter of the upper and lower projections  202 , 204 . The lower projection  204  of the pin  200  can be substantially identical to the upper projection  202  of the pin  200 . Further, lower projection  204  of the pin  200  can be substantially coaxial with at least the upper projection  202  of the pin  200 .  
      The pins  200  can be made of various materials including metals, plastics, composites, to name a few. Further, the pins  200  can be assemblages of multiple parts joined by, for example, welding or brazing. Alternatively, the pins  200  can be a single piece made by, for example, casting or machining.  
      The pins  200  can be used in a variety of ways to operatively connect the connection rods  190  to the other components of the pivoting tool apparatus  130 . For instance, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , a total of four pins  200  can be used to operatively connect two rods  190  to the rest of the apparatus  130 . As shown, the upper projection  202  of each pin  200  can be received within the opening  198  in the blocks  196  provided at each end of the connection rods  190 . The upper projection  202  may simply reside inside of the opening  198 . Alternatively, the upper projection  202  can be secured in the opening  198  by, for example, threaded engagement, welding, adhesives, or interference fit, to name a few possibilities. Preferably, the connection rods  190  are removably secured to the pins  200 . For instance, the connection rods  190  can be secured to the pins  200  using bolts (not shown). To that end, the upper projections  202  on the pins  200  can include internal threads for engaging the bolts. Likewise, the lower projections  204  of the pins can be secured to other components of the pivoting tool assembly  130  by bolts.  
      Turning to the two pins  200  at the proximal end  192  of the connection rods  190 , the middle section  206  can be disposed within openings  208  provided in the handle  138 . The middle sections  206  of the pins  200  can simply reside in the openings  208 , or additional securement devices can be employed including threaded engagement, adhesives, welding, press fit. The lower projections  204  of the pins  200  at the proximal end  134  of the shaft  132  can be substantially disposed within grooves  210 , which can be generally arcuate in conformation, provided in the upper mount  144 . The grooves  210  can be sized to permit travel of the lower projections  204  within the grooves  210  in response to a user actuating the handle  138 , as will be discussed later. The grooves  210  can be shaped to correspond to the travel path of the handle  138 .  
      The distal ends  194  of the two connection rods  190  can be operatively connected to the pivot arm  162  by, for example, two pins  200 . In such case, each middle section  206  of the pins  200  can be disposed within a respective groove  212  in the adapter  160 . The grooves  212  can be generally arcuate in shape, and can be substantially identical to the grooves  210  in the upper mount  144 . The lower projection  202  of the pins  200  at the proximal end  136  of the shaft  132  can be received in the openings  214  provided in the plate  170 . The lower projections  202  can be secured in the openings  214  in various manners including those previously discussed. The lower projections  202  can also remain unattached or unsecured within the openings  214 . The manner in which the connection rods  190 , pins  200  and other components cooperate will be discussed below.  
      The pivoting tool apparatus  130  can include a tool head  180  having a working portion  182  and a connection portion  184 . The previous discussion of the tool head  30  in connection with the embodiments shown in FIGS.  1 - 4 —including the examples of the tool heads shown in  FIG. 5 , the various associated features and the manner of attachment to the pivot arm—applies equally to the embodiments of the invention shown in  FIGS. 6-8 .  
      When assembled, embodiments of the invention allow a user to quickly adjust the orientation of the tool head  180  so that such difficult areas can be more easily reached. One of the many ways in which embodiments of the invention can be used will be described with reference to  FIGS. 6-8 . The operation of the device will be described in the context of a pivoting tool  130  having a garden hoe for a tool head  180 .  
      At the outset, the user may wish to use the hoe in the conventional manner; thus, the tool head  180  and pivot arm  162  can be substantially aligned with the shaft  132 . In such case, the strip of spring steel  148  can be engaged with one of the notches  154  in the wall  152  on the handle  138 . The user can use the hoe in a conventional manner by pulling the shaft  132  toward himself such that the hoe working head  182  scratches across the ground.  
      When the user comes into are area that is difficult to access, the angular orientation of the tool head  180  and pivot arm  162  relative to the shaft  132  can be adjusted, as shown in  FIG. 8 . In such case, the user can lift upwardly on the strip  148  such that the strip  148  disengages the notch  154  in which it was disposed as well as all of the other notches  154  in the wall  152 . Now the user can grab the actuator portion  140  of the handle  138 , and move the handle  138  clockwise  220   a  or counterclockwise  220   b  relative to the shaft  132 , depending on the desired orientation of the pivot arm  162 .  
      When the user moves the handle  132 , in one pivoting direction or the other, the pins  200  associated with the handle  138  move as well. For instance, in  FIG. 8 , the handle  138  can be moved in the clockwise direction  220   a . Because the middle section  206  of the pins are connected to the openings  208  in the handle  138  and because the lower projections  204  of the pins  200  are free to move within groove  210 , the pins  200  will travel along with the handle  138 . In addition, the blocks  196  at the proximal end  192  of the connection rods  190  are connected to the upper projection  202  of the pins  200 ; therefore, the connection rods  190  will necessarily follow as well with one of the rods  190  being pulled toward the proximal end  134  of the shaft  132  and one of the rods  190  being pushed away from the proximal end  134  of the shaft  132 .  
      The motion of the handle  138  is transmitted along the length of the rods  190  to the pivot arm  162 . Again, the connection rods  190  can move in opposite directions to each other, while each connection rod  190  can remain substantially parallel to the shaft  132  or its longitudinal axis. Because the blocks  196  at the distal end  194  of the connection rods  190  are connected to the upper projection  202  of pins  200 , the pins  200  will move in opposite directions as well. The middle section  206  of the pins  200  will move along the grooves  212  provided in the adapter  160 . On the other hand, the lower projections  204  of the pins  200  reside within the openings  214  in the plate  170 , which, in turn, is secured to the pivot arm  162 . The pivot arm  162  is pivotally mounted to the adapter  160 . Thus, as one pin  200  moves away from the proximal end  134  of the shaft  132 , and one pin  200  moves toward the proximal end  134  of the shaft  132 , the pivot arm  162  will pivot to the side being pulled toward the proximal end  134  of the shaft  132 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , if a user turns the handle  138  clockwise  220   a , then the pivot arm  162  and attached tool head  180  will pivot clockwise. Similarly, if a user turns the handle  138  counterclockwise  220   b , then the pivot arm  162  will pivot counterclockwise as well.  
      Once in the desired position, the user can release the strip of spring steel  148 . Out of its own resiliency, the strip  148  can move into engagement with one of the plurality of recesses or notches  154  in the wall  152 , which can include one or more features, such as a chamfer, to facilitate engagement. Then, the user can use the pivoting tool  130  to reach those challenging areas or to accomplish the job without undue strain.  
      It should be noted that a recess  154  may or may not be provided at that exact location desired and the user may have to move the pivot arm  162  to a position where the strip  148  can engage a recess  154 . Any number of recesses  154  can be provided, and the range of lock positions of the apparatus  130  will be determined by at least by the quantity and placement of the recesses  154  associated with the handle  138 . In one embodiment, there can be at least three recesses. One of the plurality of recesses  154  can be positioned such that, when the strip  148  engages this recess, the pivot arm  162  and the shaft  132  are substantially aligned, as shown in  FIG. 6 , which, to facilitate discussion, will be referred to as the central position or central recess.  
      Additional recesses can be positioned such that, when the strip  148  engages these recesses, the pivot arm  162  can be oriented at about 90 degrees relative to the shaft  132  or to the longitudinal axis of the shaft  132 . Preferably, there are two of such recesses positioned such that the pivot arm  162  can be substantially locked at about 90 degrees relative to the shaft  132  on either side of the central position, thereby permitting a range of about 180 degrees of lock positions. Alternatively or in addition, two recesses or notches can be provided at substantially 45 degrees in either direction of the central notch, thereby permitting a range of at least about 90 degrees of lock positions.  
      The range of motion of the apparatus  130  need not be substantially equal on either side of the central position. For instance, the pivot arm  162  may be able to pivot substantially 90 degrees to one side of the central position and only substantially 45 degrees in the opposite direction with respect to the central position. The wall  152  on the handle  138  can have even more notches or recesses positioned so as to orient the pivot arm  162  at about 30 and/or at about 60 degrees relative to the shaft  132  or the longitudinal axis of the shaft  132 .  
      Again, any quantity of recesses or notches  154  can be provided. Further, the notches  154  can be spaced according to regular intervals, such as about every 10 degrees. Alternatively, the notches  154  may be provided at irregular intervals or according to no particular pattern. Notches  154  may be provided at unequal intervals on either side of the central notch. Moreover, there need not be an equal number of notches  154  on each side of the central notch or on either side of the longitudinal axis of the shaft  132 .  
      Yet another determinant of the range of motion of the pivoting tool  130  according to the invention in the configuration of the grooves  210  provided in the upper mount  144  and/or the grooves  212  provided in the adapter  160 . Ideally, the grooves  210  and the grooves are substantially identical. However, the two grooves  210  provided on the upper mount  144  can but need not be identical to each other. Similarly, the two grooves  212  provided on the adapter  160  can but need not be identical to each other.  
      It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.