Abstract:
The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to an improved extendable and rotatable shovel for use in various applications such as the shoveling of snow. Users can modify the shovel to accommodate their stature and personal preferences.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/330,572 filed May 2, 2016 and entitled “Shovel with Extendable Handle and Rotating Grip,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety under 35 U.S.C. §119(e). 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosed technology relates generally to an improved hand tool, and in particular, to the devices, methods, and design principles allowing the user to rotate the handle of a tool such as a shovel. In additional implementations, the disclosure also relates to the devices, systems and methods allowing for the extension of the tool for use at leveraged angle. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The disclosure relates to apparatus, systems and methods for improved shoveling. 
         [0004]    In certain climates, snow removal from driveways, sidewalks and parking lots is necessary for safety reasons, and also necessary to provide access to businesses and residences. In snowy climates, snow removal is often mandated by city ordinance. 
         [0005]    There are several drawbacks to conventional snow shovels. For instance, conventional snow shovels are powered by the user&#39;s back and arm strength, as well as the stamina of the user. In addition, the orientation of the conventional shovel handle or grip is problematic, particularly when the user is pushing heavy snow, placing strain on the user&#39;s wrist and shoulder. The rotation required to then remove the snow from the blade can be awkward and poses additional risk of injury. 
         [0006]    Snow shovels are generally understood in the art, and are fairly standard. Typically, a snow shovel has a handle attached to a shaft which is attached to a blade which is capable of removing snow. Snow shovels are typically sold in a standard size, regardless to height of the user. Generally, the user uses the blade to push or scoop the snow, and then removes the snow through the rotation of the snow shovel. The user&#39;s back is typically rounded and unsupported, #2866736 shoulder internally rotated and wrist externally rotated, all of which are widely known to be unsafe positions from which to produce force. This repetitive motion conducted from unsupported and non-neutral body positions can lead to soreness, strained muscles, and more serious conditions. Although necessary, snow removal is burdensome, and poses serious risk of injury. Thus, there is a need for a better, safer, and more efficient method of removing snow. 
         [0007]    The present invention relates generally to an improved snow shovel and in particular, to the devices, methods, and design principles of an extendable and rotatable shovel for use in various applications such as the shoveling of snow. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Discussed herein are various devices, systems and methods relating to an improved shovel. 
         [0009]    The disclosed embodiments overcome the disadvantages of traditional methods of shoveling snow, trash, and other debris. One aspect of certain disclosed embodiments is an extendable or adjustable handle that for the first time allows the shovel to be powered by the weight of the user. In at least one embodiment, the shovel can be extended or adjusted to accommodate the height of the user. In an alternative embodiment, the handle is configured to comfortably receive the user&#39;s shoulder and/or armpit. In another aspect, the grip can be rotated 45 degrees to allow for more comfortable and efficient pushing. This adjustment places the powering arm in a neutral position, and provides a more comfortable and safer position from which to push the snow. In addition, the ability to rotate the grip provides a more comfortable and efficient rotation when removing snow from the shovel blade. 
         [0010]    As described herein, individuals in snowy climates can for the first time benefit from a shovel that allows them to stand up taller, place the grip on their shoulder, and use their weight to move snow. With multiple distinct handle positions, as well as various grip positions, the present invention confers versatility to the snow shoveling experience. Users can modify the shovel to accommodate their stature and personal preferences, resulting in a better, safer, and more efficient shoveling experience. In addition to increasing ease and efficiency of snow removal, the present invention will decrease the risk of injury associated with snow removal. 
         [0011]    One general aspect includes a handheld tool, including: an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends; an implement disposed at the distal end and having a tool axis; and a handle disposed at the proximal end, where the handle is capable of selective rotation relative to the tool axis. 
         [0012]    Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The tool where the handle can be selectively extended. The tool where the elongate shaft includes telescoping tubular portions. The tool where the tool is a shovel. The tool where the handle further includes ergonomic ends configured to cradle the shoulder of a user. The tool further including a locking collar. The tool further including a coupling member. The tool where the coupling member and locking collar are in rotational communication. The push tool where the elongate shaft is configured to be selectively extended. The push tool including a rotating collar in locking communication with the handle. The push tool where the rotating collar includes internal threads. The push tool where the rotating collar is configured to be in linear communication with the elongate shaft via rotation of the rotating collar. The push tool where the rotating collar is configured to secure the handle in a fixed rotational position. The push tool where the handle is a d-handle. The handle where the rotating collar is configured to be in linear communication with the elongate shaft via rotation of the rotating collar. The handle where the rotating collar is configured to secure the handle in a fixed rotational position. The handle where the handle is a d-handle. The handle where the rotating collar and coupling portion are in rotational communication via threads. 
         [0013]    One general aspect includes a push tool, including an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends; a handle disposed at the proximal shaft end and adapted to cradle the shoulder of a user; and an implement disposed at the distal shaft end, where the handle can be selectively rotated relative to the implement. 
         [0014]    Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The push tool where the elongate shaft is configured to be selectively extended. The push tool including a rotating collar in locking communication with the handle. The push tool where the rotating collar includes internal threads. The push tool where the rotating collar is configured to be in linear communication with the elongate shaft via rotation of the rotating collar. The push tool where the rotating collar is configured to secure the handle in a fixed rotational position. The push tool where the handle is a D-handle. The handle where the rotating collar is configured to be in linear communication with the elongate shaft via rotation of the rotating collar. The handle where the rotating collar is configured to secure the handle in a fixed rotational position. The handle where the handle is a D-handle. The handle where the rotating collar and coupling portion are in rotational communication via threads. 
         [0015]    One general aspect includes a handle for use with a push tool, including a rotating collar and a coupling portion adapted to be attached to an elongate shaft. 
         [0016]    Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The handle where the rotating collar is configured to be in linear communication with the elongate shaft via rotation of the rotating collar. The handle where the rotating collar is configured to secure the handle in a fixed rotational position. The handle where the handle is a D-handle. The handle where the rotating collar and coupling portion are in rotational communication via threads. 
         [0017]    While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods. As will be realized, the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1A  shows the device in a fully collapsed position, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1B  shows the device in a fully extended position, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1C  shows the device having the handle in a parallel position, according to another embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1D  shows the device having the handle in a perpendicular position, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2A  shows the device collapsed, according to the same exemplary embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2B  shows a detailed perspective view of a handle, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2C  shows a detailed front view of a fastening mechanism. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3A  shows a detailed perspective view of a handle, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3B  shows a cross-sectional view of a handle, collar and coupling portion, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3C  shows a detailed view of the junction between the collar and handle, according to the embodiment of  FIG. 3B . 
           [0028]      FIG. 3D  shows a bottom view of the handle of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0029]      FIG. 3E  shows a front view of a handle, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3F  shows a side cross-sectional view of the handle of  FIG. 3E . 
           [0031]      FIG. 3G  shows an external side view of the handle of  FIG. 3E . 
           [0032]      FIG. 3H  shows a perspective view of the handle of  FIG. 3E . 
           [0033]      FIG. 4A  shows a perspective view of a rotating collar, according to one embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4B  shows a side view of the collar of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0035]      FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional side view of the collar of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0036]      FIG. 4D  is a top view of the collar of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0037]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the coupling portion, according to one embodiment. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of the coupling portion of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0039]      FIG. 5C  is a side cross-sectional view of the coupling portion of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0040]      FIG. 5D  is a top view of the coupling portion of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0041]      FIG. 5E  shows a perspective view of the coupling portion, in which the coupling member comprises radial proximal openings, according to one embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIG. 5F  is a top view of the coupling portion of  FIG. 5E . 
           [0043]      FIG. 6A  shows one example of the exemplary device, in which the handle is in the co-axial position for use in a traditional manner. 
           [0044]      FIG. 6B  shows the exemplary device of  FIG. 6A  in use. 
           [0045]      FIG. 7A  shows another example of the exemplary device, in which the handle is rotated and the device is fully collapsed. 
           [0046]      FIG. 7B  shows the exemplary device of  FIG. 7A  in use. 
           [0047]      FIG. 8A  shows another example of the exemplary device, in which the shaft is extended mid-way and the handle is rotated. 
           [0048]      FIG. 8B  shows the exemplary device of  FIG. 8A  in use. 
           [0049]      FIG. 9A  shows another example of the exemplary device, in which the shafted is fully extended and the handle is rotated. 
           [0050]      FIG. 9B  shows the exemplary device of  FIG. 9A  in use. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0051]    Discussed herein are various devices, systems and methods relating to an improved extending and/or rotating shovel. For brevity, and for ease of explanation, these embodiments may be described in relation to a “shovel,” though that is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. For example, certain aspects can be used in other applications, such as for brooms, mops, or other long-handled tools, as would be readily understood in the art. 
         [0052]    According to certain embodiments, the tool or shovel has a selectively rotating handle. In certain additional implementations, the tool or shovel also has an extending shaft to allow the user the option to reposition the shovel in a variety of ways for driven use, such as in the process of shoveling snow. For example, in certain embodiments, after placing the scoop or blade on the ground, the user is able to extend the shovel shaft, rotate the handle, and drive the shovel with a shoulder. It is understood that these implementations improve the user&#39;s leverage and comfort in various applications, such as in snow shoveling. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the shaft is of fixed length or the handle does not rotate, as would be understood by a skilled artisan. 
         [0053]    Turning to the drawings in greater detail,  FIGS. 1A-1B  depict one implementation of the tool  10  configured to both extend (reference arrow A) and be capable of handle rotation (reference arrow B). While reference is made to either implementation as applied to a shovel are found throughout the present disclosure, it is understood that these discussions are in no way intended to be limiting to any specific modality, and that the design principles discussed are applicable to all other relevant implementations of the tool having a rotating handle. 
         [0054]    In the implementations of  FIGS. 1A-1D , the tool  10  is a shovel  10 , and has a generally tubular elongate shaft  12 , a graspable handle  14  capable of selective rotation and a distal implement  16 —in this implementation a shovel blade or scoop  16 —which is configured to collect and move material, such as snow. It is understood that in alternate implementations, other implements such as or other kinds of tool implements having a t-shaped or other rotationally-relevant shape, several non-limiting examples being shovels and rakes and implements of destruction, including push brooms, forks, rakes, squeegees, scrapers, hoes, spades, tampers, cultivators and the like, as would be readily understood by the skilled artisan. 
         [0055]    As is also shown in the implementation of  FIG. 1A , the scoop  16  has first  16 A and second  16 B sides defining a tool axis  18 , and the handle  14  also has first  14 A and second  14 B sides that define a handle axis  20 . It is understood that in the implementation  FIG. 1A  the shovel  10  is in a shoveling position, such that the tool axis  18  and handle axis  20  are substantially parallel. 
         [0056]    As shown in the implementation of  FIGS. 1A-1B , the shaft  12  can be extended (as shown at reference arrow A). Further, in this implementation as well as the implementations of  FIGS. 1C-1D , the handle  14  can be rotated (as shown by reference arrow B), such that the handle axis  20  has been rotated and is substantially perpendicular to the scoop access. It is understood that in the implementation of  FIGS. 1B and 1D , the shovel  10  is in the driving position. 
         [0057]    Turning to the shovel  10  implementation of  FIG. 2A , the elongate shaft  12  has a first tubular portion  12 A and second tubular portion  12 B which are assembled (shown by reference line C) to be in telescoping and rotating communication relative to one another, as is shown in the implementation of  FIG. 1B . 
         [0058]    In this implementation, the handle  14  is configured to be capable of rotation relative to the shaft  12 . In certain implementations, the handle has a tubular insertion shaft  22  (also referred to herein in relation to the distal handle portion  14 C), at least one handle projection  22 A,  22 B radially disposed on the shaft  22 . In the implementation of  FIG. 2A , these mounting projections  22 A,  22 B can be spring button clips or detents, as is further shown in relation to  FIG. 2C . 
         [0059]    Continuing with  FIG. 2A , the first tubular shaft portion  12 A is substantially hollow so as to accommodate the handle shaft  22 , further comprises at least one handle opening  24 A,  24 B,  24 C disposed radially at the proximal first shaft portion end  12 C to accept the handle projections  22 A,  22 B. It is understood that in exemplary embodiments of the shovel with a rotating handle  14 , more handle openings  24  are provided than there are handle projections  22 A,  22 B. 
         [0060]    For example, in an implementation wherein there are two handle projections  22 A,  22 B disposed 180 degrees from one another, four handle openings  24 A,  24 B,  24 C,  24 D disposed 90 degrees apart are required to allow the handle to be selectively secured in the shoveling position and driving position (as shown in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1B ). In further implementations, the handle openings  24 A,  24 B,  24 C,  24 D can be disposed such that other handle axis orientations are possible, such as about 45 degrees and/or about 135 degrees from the axis  18  shown in  FIG. 1A . It is understood that in alternate embodiments, additional projection and opening configurations are possible, and that other methods of selectively securing the handle  14  in several rotated positions relative to the shaft  12  are contemplated such that the shaft  12  can be extended incrementally. 
         [0061]    In the implementation of  FIG. 2A , the first shaft portion  12  defines several telescoping openings  26 A,  26 B,  26 C,  26 D,  26 E distributed from the proximal first shaft portion end  12 C to the distal first shaft portion end  12 D. It is understood that these telescoping openings  26  are adapted to receive a detent scoop projection  28 , so that the user can extend and secure the shaft at various lengths. For example, in the implementation of  FIG. 1A , the scoop projection  28  is in selectively secured communication with the most proximal telescoping opening  26 A, while in the implementation of  FIG. 1B  the second tubular shaft portion has been urged distally so that the scoop projection  28  is in selectively secured communication with the most distal telescoping opening  26 E. Other configurations are possible. 
         [0062]    As best shown in the implementation of  FIG. 2B , the handle  14  can be a “D-Plus” grip  30  configured to be cradled in the shoulder of the user, as is shown in  FIGS. 8B and 9B . In the implementation of  FIG. 2B , the D-Plus grip  30  has side members  32 ,  34  and an end member  36 . In the implementation of  FIG. 2B , the side members  32 ,  34  and end member  36  are disposed triangularly and enclose a handle opening  38 , such that the side members are disposed adjacent to the handle shaft  22  and the end member  36  is disposed opposite the handle shaft  22 , though other configurations are of course possible. In this implementation, the side members  32 ,  34  and end member  36  each have a grasping region  35  adapted to be easily grasped by the hand  4  of the user  2 , as best shown in  FIGS. 6B and 7B . It is understood that in alternate embodiments, various grip enhancements and pads can be provided on the grasping regions. 
         [0063]    In this implementation, the end member  36  has ergonomic ends  40 ,  42  that are adapted to be nested and fit comfortably in the armpit/shoulder  6  of the user  2  when the shovel  10  is in the driving position, as is best shown in relation to  FIGS. 8B and 9B . It is understood that in alternate embodiments the ergonomic ends  40 ,  42  can take on a variety of shapes and configurations to best fit within the armpit/shoulder  6 , and can further comprise additional support and comfort components, such as pads. 
         [0064]    In  FIG. 2C , an implementation of a spring or detent  44  is shown. In this implementation, the detent  44  has first  46 A and second  46 B projections and a spring joint  48  which urges the projections  46 A,  46 B into the depicted position. Accordingly, the detent  44  can be disposed within the handle shaft such that the projections  46 A,  46 B can be inserted through openings (not shown) and used as the handle projections  22 A,  22 B of  FIG. 2 , or within the elongate shaft  12  as the scoop projection  28 —in this configuration a second scoop projection (not shown) is disposed on the opposite side of the second shaft portion  12 B. 
         [0065]      FIGS. 3A-5F  depict further implementations of the shovel  10  utilizing a collar  50 . In these implementations, the collar  50  is a locking collar  50  that allows the user to selectively rotate the handle  14  freely or lock it into a specific position relative to the shaft  12 , similar to the embodiments featuring a detent  44  above. In certain implementations featuring a collar  50 , however, the handle  14  can be locked in any—or virtually any—rotated angle relative to the shaft  12 , as would be understood. 
         [0066]    As shown in the implementations of  FIGS. 3A-D , the collar  50  is an elongate collar having a central lumen  50 A, and is fitted around the exterior of the distal handle portion  14 C. A coupling member  52  can also be disposed at the proximal end  12 A of the shaft  12 . The distal handle portion  14 A is disposed within a coupling lumen  52 A within the coupling member  52 , the coupling member being disclosed within the collar  50 . Further, in certain implementations, the collar  50  has internal threads  51  configured to be in rotational communication with external threads  53  of the coupling member  52  as would be understood by the skilled artisan. In these implementations, therefore, the collar  50  can be rotated relative to the coupling member  52  to “tighten”/“lock” and/or “loosen” or “unlock” the rotation of the handle  14  as described herein. 
         [0067]    As shown in the implementations of  FIGS. 3B and 3C , the rotation of the collar  50  relative to the coupling portion  52  causes the collar  50  to move proximally toward the “locked” position (shown by reference arrow L) or distally toward the unlocked position (shown by reference arrow U). In various implementations, a lock stop, or flange  55  can be disposed radially around the exterior of the coupling portion  52  to prevent the collar  50  from being rotated and therefore moved distally (reference arrow U) beyond a certain threshold, as would be understood by the skilled artisan. Alternate implementations may use other components to limit the overall collar throw, as would be understood. 
         [0068]    Continuing with  FIGS. 3B and 3C , as well as in  FIGS. 4A-4D , in certain implementations, the collar  50  is able to “lock” the rotation of the handle  14  by applying physical pressure or friction to the handle  14  from the “locked” position. In certain of these implementations, and as shown in detail in  FIG. 3C , the collar  50  has a locking face  56  disposed within the central lumen  50 A of the collar  50 . In these implementations, the movement of the collar  50  proximally (as shown by reference arrow L) causes the locking face  56  to abut against the handle  14  at an outward plane  14 D, thereby preventing its rotation. It is understood that the locking face  56  and outward plane  14 D of various implementations are disposed at complimentary angles. Further views of the handle  14  are shown in  FIGS. 3E-3H . 
         [0069]    In the implementations of  FIGS. 3B and 3C , as well as  FIGS. 5A-5F , the coupling member  52  has an inward projection  58  that further abuts against a handle flange  60 . As would be understood, in these implementations, the collar  50  can therefore be used to apply proximal force against the handle  14  via the locking face  56 . Simultaneously, in response to the urging of the collar proximally (reference arrow L) relative to the coupling portion  52 , the inward projection  58  provides a corresponding distal force against the handle flange  60 , thereby applying opposite forces against the handle in two areas and locking the handle  14  in place. One of skill in the art would appreciate that various alternate implementations are possible. As shown in the implementation of  FIGS. 5E-F , in certain implementations the coupling member  52  comprises radial proximal openings  57  to allow for ease of handle (not shown) insertion. 
         [0070]    Several aspects of the various configurations and uses of the shovel  10  according to the disclosed implementations are shown in the implementations of  FIGS. 6A-9B . In the implementations of  FIGS. 6A-6B , the shovel  10  is in the shovel position, as generally described in relation to  FIG. 1A . In this position, the user  2  is able to use the handle in the co-axial position to shovel material  100 , such as snow, with the scoop  16  in the manner known to the skilled artisan or typical homeowner. As is also known, when in use pushing a material  100  such as snow along the ground (as shown generally in  FIGS. 6B, 7B, 8B and 9B  at reference arrow D), the blade or scoop  16  is preferentially disposed within a range of acute driving angles (designated generally at θ d ) from the ground  102 . 
         [0071]    In the implementations of  FIGS. 7A-7B , the user  2  has rotated the handle  14  into the driving position (shown by reference arrow B 1 ). In  FIG. 7B , the user is again able to use the shovel  10  to shovel and push material or snow  100  along the ground, however the handle  14  is in a more ergonomic position for use in the hands  4  and/or shoulder of the user  2 . As is also shown in the implementations of  FIGS. 6A-7B , in these implementations, the maintenance of an ideal driving angle θ d  frequently results in the user  2  assuming a “crouched” or “hunched” back  8  position, as shown generally at θ b , which can cause discomfort or injury. 
         [0072]    In the implementations of  FIGS. 8A and 9A , the shaft  12  has been extended into two different driving positions (as shown by reference arrows A 1  and A 2 ), and the handles  14  rotated to about 90 degrees (as shown by reference arrows B 2  and B 3 ), such that in these implementations the shovel  10  is in an extended driving position. As is shown in  FIGS. 8B and 9B , in these extended driving positions, the user  2  is able to place the handle  14  into their armpit/shoulder  6  for ease of driving material  100  with the scoop  16  (as shown at reference arrow D). 
         [0073]    Further, in the implementations of  FIGS. 8A-9B , the user  2  is able to maintain an ideal driving angle θ d  range with respect to the ground  102 . Additionally, in these implementations, the user  2  is able to adopt a more upright posture, as shown in  FIGS. 8B and 9B  at θ U1  and θ U2 , respectively. It is therefore understood that in these implementations the user  2  is able to push the snow or other material  100  in greater comfort without compromising any leverage. In fact, in these implementations, the use of the shoulder/armpit  6  can allow for greater driving force with less strain on the user  2 . In alternate embodiments, a variety of other configurations are contemplated, wherein the user  2  is able to quickly alternate between various shovel positions as dictated by the circumstances, such as alternating between shoveling and pushing, or driving snow on differing parts of the ground, sidewalk, driveway and the like. 
         [0074]    Although the disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods.