CA2132046C - Ergonomic shovel - Google Patents
Ergonomic shovel Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2132046C CA2132046C CA002132046A CA2132046A CA2132046C CA 2132046 C CA2132046 C CA 2132046C CA 002132046 A CA002132046 A CA 002132046A CA 2132046 A CA2132046 A CA 2132046A CA 2132046 C CA2132046 C CA 2132046C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- handle
- blade
- piece
- opposite ends
- shovel according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
- E01H5/00—Removing snow or ice from roads or like surfaces; Grading or roughening snow or ice
- E01H5/02—Hand implements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
- A01B1/00—Hand tools
- A01B1/02—Spades; Shovels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
- A01B1/00—Hand tools
- A01B1/02—Spades; Shovels
- A01B1/026—Spades; Shovels with auxiliary handles for facilitating lifting
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25G—HANDLES FOR HAND IMPLEMENTS
- B25G1/00—Handle constructions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25G—HANDLES FOR HAND IMPLEMENTS
- B25G1/00—Handle constructions
- B25G1/10—Handle constructions characterised by material or shape
- B25G1/102—Handle constructions characterised by material or shape the shape being specially adapted to facilitate handling or improve grip
Abstract
A shovelling tool has a flexible portion at the base of the handle that helps prevent the risk of injury when shovelling by absorbing the initial shock when digging or by adjusting gradually to a different load when shovelling.
This tool, which is preferably telescopic, is particularly useful for removing snow and ice.
This tool, which is preferably telescopic, is particularly useful for removing snow and ice.
Description
~~ 213204fi ERGONOMIC SHOVEL
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hand tool for the shovelling of debris, particularly snow and ice, having a flexible portion along its handle so as to permit limited flexion of the handle when lifting a load.
The invention also relates to a hand tool as described above, where the handle is collapsible or retractable.
b) Description of prior art Hitherto, it has been common to mount a blade on a handle to form a tool which may be used for shovelling.
United States Patents NOS. 1,177,072, 1,177,073, 1,267,915, 1,930,000, 2,047,485, 3,401,971 relate to shovels which have collapsible or retractable handles of various designs.
United States Patent 4,730,860 relates to a shovel having a vibrator mounted between the handle and the blade so as to increase its digging efficiency.
United States Patent 4,691,954 relates to a snow shovel having a telescoping handle and a detachable blade. A
compression spring extends lengthwise within the handle.
This spring is mounted so as to compress under load or shock from striking an object submerged in the snow. When the shovel is lifted, the spring decompresses and assists in discharging the load.
:. ~ ~ 213~o~s In the snow remover art, United States Patent 4,550,943 relates to a snow remover with a collapsible handle.
In the broom art, United States Patent 645,988 relates to a handle which has a slit lengthwise along it whereby the handle absorbs the initial shock when sweeping.
It is recognized that one of the problems associated with such devices is that they are associated with back pains due to the stiffness of the handle. Indeed, because of such stiffness, the user of the shovel has to absorb all the force fluctuations associated with lifting a load and discharging it. Particularly, when the user lifts a load with a given force and this load is greater than anticipated, he or she does not have the opportunity to adjust to the new load gradually and thus risks injury when lifting a load of unknown weight.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is apparent from the foregoing that it is desirable to have a shovel where a portion of the handle can flex in a limited manner in a plane perpendicular to the front edge of the shovel exclusively, such that the handle absorbs part of the initial shock and permits the user to gradually adjust the force required to lift the load.
An object of the present invention is to provide such a hand tool having a flexible portion to help prevent the risk of injury. Another object of the invention is also to provide a shovel of the above mentioned type which has a telescopic handle to permit easy and compact storage.
:. ' 2132046 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In meeting this and other objects, the present invention provides a shovel comprising:
- a blade having a front edge and a rear portion;
- a handle having a front surface and a back surface and two opposite ends, one the ends being fastened to the rear portion of the blade, where the handle has a portion adjacent to the blade which is made flexible so as to permit flexion of the handle to a given extent exclusively in a plane perpendicular to the front edge of the blade.
In use, when a user lifts a load with a given force and the load is greater than anticipated, the flexible portion will permit the user to adjust the force required to lift the load, thereby permitting the user to adjust smoothly to a new load and help prevent the risk of injury when lifting a load of unknown weight.
Furthermore, the flexible portion aids in discharging the load by providing a catapult-like effect when it resumes its static position.
The flexible portion of the handle may consists of either a hollow piece of resilient plastic material having fins extending longitudinally along its side, or of a piece of resilient plastic material having recesses opening on the back surface of the handle and in which are inserted pieces of elastomer. A slidable sleeve may be mounted over such piece and the handle so that the user can adjust the amount of resiliency of the flexible portion.
Furthermore, the handle can be made telescopic and thus comprise an extendable portion that can be either retracted :. ' 2132046 inside the main portion of the handle or fastened in an extended position. Advantageously, the handle can also be designed so as to be retracted through an opening provided in the rear portion of the blade of the shovel. This allows easy and compact storage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood upon reading the following non-restrictive description of two preferred embodiments thereof, made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shovel according to a first embodiment of the invention, in use.
Figure 2 is another perspective view of the same embodiment as in Figure 1, in fully extended position.
Figure 3 is a view similar to the one of Figure 2, showing the shovel in retracted position.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV
of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a top plan view of the flexible portion of the shovel shown in Figure 1.
Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the same flexible portion as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a view similar to the one of Figure 6, showing the flexible portion flexed to a certain extent.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to the one of Figure 4, showing a flexible portion where the fins are slightly above the central axis.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hand tool for the shovelling of debris, particularly snow and ice, having a flexible portion along its handle so as to permit limited flexion of the handle when lifting a load.
The invention also relates to a hand tool as described above, where the handle is collapsible or retractable.
b) Description of prior art Hitherto, it has been common to mount a blade on a handle to form a tool which may be used for shovelling.
United States Patents NOS. 1,177,072, 1,177,073, 1,267,915, 1,930,000, 2,047,485, 3,401,971 relate to shovels which have collapsible or retractable handles of various designs.
United States Patent 4,730,860 relates to a shovel having a vibrator mounted between the handle and the blade so as to increase its digging efficiency.
United States Patent 4,691,954 relates to a snow shovel having a telescoping handle and a detachable blade. A
compression spring extends lengthwise within the handle.
This spring is mounted so as to compress under load or shock from striking an object submerged in the snow. When the shovel is lifted, the spring decompresses and assists in discharging the load.
:. ~ ~ 213~o~s In the snow remover art, United States Patent 4,550,943 relates to a snow remover with a collapsible handle.
In the broom art, United States Patent 645,988 relates to a handle which has a slit lengthwise along it whereby the handle absorbs the initial shock when sweeping.
It is recognized that one of the problems associated with such devices is that they are associated with back pains due to the stiffness of the handle. Indeed, because of such stiffness, the user of the shovel has to absorb all the force fluctuations associated with lifting a load and discharging it. Particularly, when the user lifts a load with a given force and this load is greater than anticipated, he or she does not have the opportunity to adjust to the new load gradually and thus risks injury when lifting a load of unknown weight.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is apparent from the foregoing that it is desirable to have a shovel where a portion of the handle can flex in a limited manner in a plane perpendicular to the front edge of the shovel exclusively, such that the handle absorbs part of the initial shock and permits the user to gradually adjust the force required to lift the load.
An object of the present invention is to provide such a hand tool having a flexible portion to help prevent the risk of injury. Another object of the invention is also to provide a shovel of the above mentioned type which has a telescopic handle to permit easy and compact storage.
:. ' 2132046 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In meeting this and other objects, the present invention provides a shovel comprising:
- a blade having a front edge and a rear portion;
- a handle having a front surface and a back surface and two opposite ends, one the ends being fastened to the rear portion of the blade, where the handle has a portion adjacent to the blade which is made flexible so as to permit flexion of the handle to a given extent exclusively in a plane perpendicular to the front edge of the blade.
In use, when a user lifts a load with a given force and the load is greater than anticipated, the flexible portion will permit the user to adjust the force required to lift the load, thereby permitting the user to adjust smoothly to a new load and help prevent the risk of injury when lifting a load of unknown weight.
Furthermore, the flexible portion aids in discharging the load by providing a catapult-like effect when it resumes its static position.
The flexible portion of the handle may consists of either a hollow piece of resilient plastic material having fins extending longitudinally along its side, or of a piece of resilient plastic material having recesses opening on the back surface of the handle and in which are inserted pieces of elastomer. A slidable sleeve may be mounted over such piece and the handle so that the user can adjust the amount of resiliency of the flexible portion.
Furthermore, the handle can be made telescopic and thus comprise an extendable portion that can be either retracted :. ' 2132046 inside the main portion of the handle or fastened in an extended position. Advantageously, the handle can also be designed so as to be retracted through an opening provided in the rear portion of the blade of the shovel. This allows easy and compact storage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood upon reading the following non-restrictive description of two preferred embodiments thereof, made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shovel according to a first embodiment of the invention, in use.
Figure 2 is another perspective view of the same embodiment as in Figure 1, in fully extended position.
Figure 3 is a view similar to the one of Figure 2, showing the shovel in retracted position.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV
of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a top plan view of the flexible portion of the shovel shown in Figure 1.
Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the same flexible portion as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a view similar to the one of Figure 6, showing the flexible portion flexed to a certain extent.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to the one of Figure 4, showing a flexible portion where the fins are slightly above the central axis.
5 Figure 9 is a side elevational view showing the shovel of Figures 1 to 3 in use, where the flexion of the flexible portion of the handle of this shovel is emphasized during a shovelling motion.
Figure l0 is a side elevational view similar to the one of Figure 9, where the flexion of the flexible portion is emphasized during a digging motion.
Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the shovel shown in the previous drawings.
Figures 12a and 12b are rear and side elevational views of the shovel previously shown, in retracted position.
Figure 13a and 13b are rear and side elevational views of the shovel previously shown, in fully extended position.
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in Figure 12.
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV
in Figure 13.
Figure 16 is a partial perspective view of the rear portion of the blade of the embodiment shown in the previous f figures .
Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of the flexible portion of the handle of a shovel according to another embodiment of the invention.
i 21~2o~s Figures 18, 19, 2o and 21 are side elevational views of the embodiment shown in Figure 17 , showing the lower part of the handle and the blade.
Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXII-XXII of Figure 19.
Figure 23 is a bottom plan view of the flexible portion of the shovel shown in Figure 17, in use.
Figures 24 and 25 are side elevational cross-sectional views of another embodiment of the invention, showing the junction between the blade and the handle where the rotational aspect of the junction is enhanced during a digging and lifting motion.
DESCRIPTION OF THREE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following description and drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same structural components.
The shovel according to the invention as shown in the accompanying drawings comprises three main parts, namely a hand grip l0, a handle 18 and a blade 50.
The blade 50 has a front edge 52 and a rear portion 51 designed to receive the handle 18 and be connected to the same. The blade 50 is made of a single piece of plastic material. Alternatively, it can be made of metal.
The handle 18 has a front surface 32 and a back surface 33.
The handle 18 is preferably telescopic and comprises an extendable portion 20 which is telescopically mounted within a main portion 30. Specifically, the extendable portion 20 can be reversibly moved between a position where the extendable portion 20 is retracted inside the main portion 30 and a position where the extendable portion 20 is fully extended. The extendable portion 20 can be fastened in the fully extended position by means of snap lock consisting of a piece of resilient plastic material 69 inserted into the base of the extendable portion 20. This piece of resilient plastic material 69 has a pin 68 which Projects towards the front surface 32 of the handle 18 in order to snap into a hole 39 drilled into the main portion 30. The tongue 68 can be released by a collar 31, similar to the one disclosed in Canadian Patent 1,277,462 and United States Patent 4,908,900, so that the extendable portion 20 can be slidably retracted inside the main portion of the handle.
In accordance with an essential aspect of the invention, the handle 18 has a portion 40 adjacent to the blade 50 which is made flexible so as to permit flexion of the handle 18 to a given extent, exclusively in a plane perpendicular to the front edge 52 of the blade 50.
In a first embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 16, this flexible portion 40 is preferably made of hollow plastic material having fins 41 extending longitudinally along it so as to permit flexion exclusively in a plane perpendicular to the front edge 52 of the blade 50.
In this particular embodiment, the shovel can be made even more compact. Thus, the rear portion 51 of the blade 50 7a may have an opening 54 having guard rails 53 such that the flexible portion 40 can be inserted in the opening 54 and the fins 41 fit inside the guard rails 53. This permits reversible movement of the flexible portion 4o between a position where the flexible portion 40 is partially retracted inside the blade 50 and a position where the flexible portion 40 is fully extended. The flexible portion 40 can be fastened in the fully extended position by means of another snap lock mechanism which comprises a rectangular opening 65 at the base of the rear portion 5' of the blade, and a tongue 61 having a protuberance 64.
The protuberance 64 locks into the rectangular opening 65 when the flexible portion 40 is extended. The mechanism can be released by a push button 62, which clears the protuberance 64 from the rectangular opening 65 so that the flexible portion 40 can be retracted. The flexible portion 40 is prevented from slipping off the blade 5o by a pair of hooks 63 at the base of the flexible portion 40.
The advantage of having the shovel telescopic is that it makes its storage easy and compact, particularly if the shovel is to be stored in a vehicle such as a car. In this connection, compare Figures 2 and 3.
In a second embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 17 to 23, the flexible portion 40 comprises a piece of resilient plastic material 42 having transverse recesses 46 of given width at equal distances along the length of the piece of resilient plastic material 42, opening on the back surface 33 of the handle 18. Sections of elastomer 43 are fastened within all the recesses 46. Preferably, these sections of elastomer are made in a single piece 49 which is fastened to the piece of resilient plastic material 42.
The flexible portion 40 is fastened to the blade 5o at one end and fastened to said handle 18 at the other end. The piece of resilient plastic material lies in the same plane as the front edge 52 of the blade 50 and at the front surface of the shovel so as to permit the elastomer 43 to 2132~~~
Figure l0 is a side elevational view similar to the one of Figure 9, where the flexion of the flexible portion is emphasized during a digging motion.
Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the shovel shown in the previous drawings.
Figures 12a and 12b are rear and side elevational views of the shovel previously shown, in retracted position.
Figure 13a and 13b are rear and side elevational views of the shovel previously shown, in fully extended position.
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in Figure 12.
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV
in Figure 13.
Figure 16 is a partial perspective view of the rear portion of the blade of the embodiment shown in the previous f figures .
Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of the flexible portion of the handle of a shovel according to another embodiment of the invention.
i 21~2o~s Figures 18, 19, 2o and 21 are side elevational views of the embodiment shown in Figure 17 , showing the lower part of the handle and the blade.
Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXII-XXII of Figure 19.
Figure 23 is a bottom plan view of the flexible portion of the shovel shown in Figure 17, in use.
Figures 24 and 25 are side elevational cross-sectional views of another embodiment of the invention, showing the junction between the blade and the handle where the rotational aspect of the junction is enhanced during a digging and lifting motion.
DESCRIPTION OF THREE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following description and drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same structural components.
The shovel according to the invention as shown in the accompanying drawings comprises three main parts, namely a hand grip l0, a handle 18 and a blade 50.
The blade 50 has a front edge 52 and a rear portion 51 designed to receive the handle 18 and be connected to the same. The blade 50 is made of a single piece of plastic material. Alternatively, it can be made of metal.
The handle 18 has a front surface 32 and a back surface 33.
The handle 18 is preferably telescopic and comprises an extendable portion 20 which is telescopically mounted within a main portion 30. Specifically, the extendable portion 20 can be reversibly moved between a position where the extendable portion 20 is retracted inside the main portion 30 and a position where the extendable portion 20 is fully extended. The extendable portion 20 can be fastened in the fully extended position by means of snap lock consisting of a piece of resilient plastic material 69 inserted into the base of the extendable portion 20. This piece of resilient plastic material 69 has a pin 68 which Projects towards the front surface 32 of the handle 18 in order to snap into a hole 39 drilled into the main portion 30. The tongue 68 can be released by a collar 31, similar to the one disclosed in Canadian Patent 1,277,462 and United States Patent 4,908,900, so that the extendable portion 20 can be slidably retracted inside the main portion of the handle.
In accordance with an essential aspect of the invention, the handle 18 has a portion 40 adjacent to the blade 50 which is made flexible so as to permit flexion of the handle 18 to a given extent, exclusively in a plane perpendicular to the front edge 52 of the blade 50.
In a first embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 16, this flexible portion 40 is preferably made of hollow plastic material having fins 41 extending longitudinally along it so as to permit flexion exclusively in a plane perpendicular to the front edge 52 of the blade 50.
In this particular embodiment, the shovel can be made even more compact. Thus, the rear portion 51 of the blade 50 7a may have an opening 54 having guard rails 53 such that the flexible portion 40 can be inserted in the opening 54 and the fins 41 fit inside the guard rails 53. This permits reversible movement of the flexible portion 4o between a position where the flexible portion 40 is partially retracted inside the blade 50 and a position where the flexible portion 40 is fully extended. The flexible portion 40 can be fastened in the fully extended position by means of another snap lock mechanism which comprises a rectangular opening 65 at the base of the rear portion 5' of the blade, and a tongue 61 having a protuberance 64.
The protuberance 64 locks into the rectangular opening 65 when the flexible portion 40 is extended. The mechanism can be released by a push button 62, which clears the protuberance 64 from the rectangular opening 65 so that the flexible portion 40 can be retracted. The flexible portion 40 is prevented from slipping off the blade 5o by a pair of hooks 63 at the base of the flexible portion 40.
The advantage of having the shovel telescopic is that it makes its storage easy and compact, particularly if the shovel is to be stored in a vehicle such as a car. In this connection, compare Figures 2 and 3.
In a second embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 17 to 23, the flexible portion 40 comprises a piece of resilient plastic material 42 having transverse recesses 46 of given width at equal distances along the length of the piece of resilient plastic material 42, opening on the back surface 33 of the handle 18. Sections of elastomer 43 are fastened within all the recesses 46. Preferably, these sections of elastomer are made in a single piece 49 which is fastened to the piece of resilient plastic material 42.
The flexible portion 40 is fastened to the blade 5o at one end and fastened to said handle 18 at the other end. The piece of resilient plastic material lies in the same plane as the front edge 52 of the blade 50 and at the front surface of the shovel so as to permit the elastomer 43 to 2132~~~
compress and the lateral walls 47 to distort slightly, as can be seen in Figure 23, when in use.
The flexible portion 40 of the second embodiment described above may also include a sleeve 44 for use to adjust the amount of resiliency of the portion 40. As can be seen in Figures 18, 19, 20 and 21, the sleeve 44 is fastened along the piece of flexible plastic material 42 by snapping a push button 45 inside holes 48 drilled at predetermined distances in the piece of flexible plastic material 42 on the front surface 32 of the handle.
When all recesses are covered by the sleeve 44, the flexible portion 40 exhibits no resiliency and when all the recesses are uncovered by the sleeve 44, the shovel exhibits maximum resiliency. Thus the user can adjust the resiliency of the flexible portion 4o so that it absorbs as little or as much as he or she desires.
Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by means of a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be pointed out that any modification to these preferred embodiments, within the scope of the appended claims, is not deemed to change or alter the nature of the invention.
Thus, for example, the flexibility of the shovel could be obtained, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, by replacing the flexible portion of the handle with a rotating mechanism consisting of a spring 73 mounted around a pin 72 extending inside the handle 18. The pin 72 is inserted through the rear portion 51 of the blade 50 and is prevented from slipping inside the handle 18 by a head or nut 75. At the other end, a nut 76 and washer 77 prevent the spring 63 from slipping off the pin 72. The spring 73 is designed so . .. _2132046 that it extends inside the handle exclusively and its natural resiliency holds the pin firmly in place. Inserted between the handle 18 and the rear portion 51 of the blade 50 is a piece of elastomer 74. A cover 71, preferably made 5 of plastic, is snapped on the front surface 32 of the handle to hide the mechanism.
When the user uses the shovel in a digging motion, the blade is forced to rotate clockwise in a limited manner l0 about a first axis "X" which is downwardly spaced from the pin 72. This in turn forces the spring 73 to compress and thus absorb part of the impact, as shown in Figure 24.
Afterwards, when the user uses the shovel in a shovelling motion, lifting the load forces the blade 50 to rotate counter-clockwisely in a limited manner about a second axis "Y" which is upwardly spaced apart from the pin 72, thereby compressing the piece of elastomer, as shown in Figure 25.
Instead of using such a mechanism, the flexibility of the shovel could be obtained by pivotably fastening the handle to the blade by means of a pin transversely inserted through the rear portion of the blade and the handle, where the rear portion is shaped like an open wedge. The pin would be fastened at both ends to the rear portion of the blade. A coil spring would then be mounted around the pin between the rear portion of the blade and the handle, and fastened at one end to the rear portion of the blade and at the other end to the handle. The spring has a given resiliency so that when the user digs or shovels, the spring would absorb part of the initial shock or load and then return the blade to its static position.
The flexible portion 40 of the second embodiment described above may also include a sleeve 44 for use to adjust the amount of resiliency of the portion 40. As can be seen in Figures 18, 19, 20 and 21, the sleeve 44 is fastened along the piece of flexible plastic material 42 by snapping a push button 45 inside holes 48 drilled at predetermined distances in the piece of flexible plastic material 42 on the front surface 32 of the handle.
When all recesses are covered by the sleeve 44, the flexible portion 40 exhibits no resiliency and when all the recesses are uncovered by the sleeve 44, the shovel exhibits maximum resiliency. Thus the user can adjust the resiliency of the flexible portion 4o so that it absorbs as little or as much as he or she desires.
Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by means of a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be pointed out that any modification to these preferred embodiments, within the scope of the appended claims, is not deemed to change or alter the nature of the invention.
Thus, for example, the flexibility of the shovel could be obtained, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, by replacing the flexible portion of the handle with a rotating mechanism consisting of a spring 73 mounted around a pin 72 extending inside the handle 18. The pin 72 is inserted through the rear portion 51 of the blade 50 and is prevented from slipping inside the handle 18 by a head or nut 75. At the other end, a nut 76 and washer 77 prevent the spring 63 from slipping off the pin 72. The spring 73 is designed so . .. _2132046 that it extends inside the handle exclusively and its natural resiliency holds the pin firmly in place. Inserted between the handle 18 and the rear portion 51 of the blade 50 is a piece of elastomer 74. A cover 71, preferably made 5 of plastic, is snapped on the front surface 32 of the handle to hide the mechanism.
When the user uses the shovel in a digging motion, the blade is forced to rotate clockwise in a limited manner l0 about a first axis "X" which is downwardly spaced from the pin 72. This in turn forces the spring 73 to compress and thus absorb part of the impact, as shown in Figure 24.
Afterwards, when the user uses the shovel in a shovelling motion, lifting the load forces the blade 50 to rotate counter-clockwisely in a limited manner about a second axis "Y" which is upwardly spaced apart from the pin 72, thereby compressing the piece of elastomer, as shown in Figure 25.
Instead of using such a mechanism, the flexibility of the shovel could be obtained by pivotably fastening the handle to the blade by means of a pin transversely inserted through the rear portion of the blade and the handle, where the rear portion is shaped like an open wedge. The pin would be fastened at both ends to the rear portion of the blade. A coil spring would then be mounted around the pin between the rear portion of the blade and the handle, and fastened at one end to the rear portion of the blade and at the other end to the handle. The spring has a given resiliency so that when the user digs or shovels, the spring would absorb part of the initial shock or load and then return the blade to its static position.
Claims (18)
1. A shovel comprising:
- a blade having a front edge and a rear portion;
- a handle having a front surface, a back surface and two opposite ends, one of said ends being fastened to the rear portion of said blade, said handle having a portion adjacent to said one end which is made flexible so as to permit flexion of said handle to a given extent exclusively in a plane perpendicular to said front edge of said blade;
whereby, in use, when a user lifts a load with a given force and said load is greater than anticipated, said flexible portion will permit the user to adjust the force required to lift said load, thereby permitting said user to adjust smoothly to a new load and help prevent the risk of injury when lifting a load of unknown weight.
- a blade having a front edge and a rear portion;
- a handle having a front surface, a back surface and two opposite ends, one of said ends being fastened to the rear portion of said blade, said handle having a portion adjacent to said one end which is made flexible so as to permit flexion of said handle to a given extent exclusively in a plane perpendicular to said front edge of said blade;
whereby, in use, when a user lifts a load with a given force and said load is greater than anticipated, said flexible portion will permit the user to adjust the force required to lift said load, thereby permitting said user to adjust smoothly to a new load and help prevent the risk of injury when lifting a load of unknown weight.
2. A shovel according to claim 1 wherein said portion of the handle that is flexible consists of a hollow piece of plastic material of given resiliency, having two opposite ends and two opposite sides, each of said sides having a fin extending longitudinally along said portion so as to permit flexion exclusively a plane perpendicular to said front edge of said blade, one of said ends of said hollow piece being fastened to said main handle, the other one of said ends of said hollow piece being fastened to said back.
3. A shovel according to claim 1, wherein said portion of the handle that is flexible comprises:
- a piece of resilient plastic material of given length, parallel to said front edge of said blade, said piece having transverse recesses of given width at equal distances along said length, which open on said back surface of said handle, said piece lying in the same plane as said front edge; and - sections of elastomer inserted within all said transverse recesses.
- a piece of resilient plastic material of given length, parallel to said front edge of said blade, said piece having transverse recesses of given width at equal distances along said length, which open on said back surface of said handle, said piece lying in the same plane as said front edge; and - sections of elastomer inserted within all said transverse recesses.
4. A shovel according to claim 3, wherein said piece of resilient plastic material has lateral walls.
5. A shovel according to claim 4, wherein said sections of elastomer are made in one piece, said one piece having two opposite ends, each of said opposite ends being fastened to said piece of plastic material.
6. A shovel according to claim 4, wherein said portion of the handle that is flexible further comprises a sleeve having two opposite ends, one of said opposite ends being fastened to said handle, the other one of said opposite ends being slidably mounted onto both said piece of plastic material and said handle, said sleeve including means to fasten it at preselected positions along said piece of flexible plastic material, whereby the amount of flexion of the portion can be adjusted by the user by fastening the sleeve such that all, some or none of the recesses are left uncovered by the sleeve, so that when no recesses are uncovered, there will be no flexion and when all of the recesses are uncovered, there will be maximum flexion of said portion.
7. A shovel according to claim 6, wherein said means include shallow holes drilled along said piece of flexible plastic material and a push button on said sleeve, whereby said sleeve can be fastened at various distances along said piece of flexible plastic material by snapping said push button inside said holes.
8. A shovel according to claim 2, wherein said handle is telescopic.
9. A shovel according to claim 4, wherein said handle is telescopic.
10. A shovel according to claim 7, wherein said handle is telescopic.
11. A shovel according to claim 2 wherein:
- said blade is made of one piece of plastic material;
- the rear position of said blade has an opening with guard rails designed to accommodate said handle; and - fixation means are provided for fastening said handle in a fully extended position, so as to allow reversible movement of said handle between a position where said handle is partially retracted inside said blade and a position where said portion is fully extended.
- said blade is made of one piece of plastic material;
- the rear position of said blade has an opening with guard rails designed to accommodate said handle; and - fixation means are provided for fastening said handle in a fully extended position, so as to allow reversible movement of said handle between a position where said handle is partially retracted inside said blade and a position where said portion is fully extended.
12. A shovel according to claim 11, wherein said fixation means comprises a push button on said handle and a snap lock mechanism, whereby when said handle is partially retracted behind said blade and is then slidably extended, said snap lock fastens said handle in an extended position and can subsequently be released by pressing said push button.
13. A shovel according to claim 12, wherein said handle is telescopic and comprises a main portion and an extendable portion each having opposite ends, one of the opposite ends of said extendable portion being slidably mounted inside said main portion so as to allow reversible movement of
14 said extendable portion between a position where said extendable portion is inside said main portion and a position where said extendable portion is fully extended, said main portion also comprising means for retaining said extendable portion in said fully extended position.
14. A shovel according to claim 13, wherein said retaining means comprises a push button on said extension handle and another snap lock mechanism, whereby when said extension handle is fully retracted and is slidably extended, said another snap lock fastens said extended handle in a fully extended position and can subsequently be released by pressing said push button.
14. A shovel according to claim 13, wherein said retaining means comprises a push button on said extension handle and another snap lock mechanism, whereby when said extension handle is fully retracted and is slidably extended, said another snap lock fastens said extended handle in a fully extended position and can subsequently be released by pressing said push button.
15. A shovel according to claim 14 wherein said handle further comprises a hand grip fastened to the other end of said handle.
16. A shovel comprising:
- a blade having a front edge and a back portion;
- a handle having two opposite ends, one of which is pivotably fastened to said rear portion of said blade in a way that said blade pivots exclusively in a plane perpendicular to said front edge of said blade;
- biasing means for resiliently opposing said pivotal movement of said blade, whereby, in use, when a user lifts a load with a given force, said blade is allowed to pivot in a limited manner in a direction opposite to said force while said biasing means absorbs part of the initial shock and when a user uses a digging motion, said blade is again permitted to pivot in a limited manner whereby said biasing means absorbs part of the initial shock.
- a blade having a front edge and a back portion;
- a handle having two opposite ends, one of which is pivotably fastened to said rear portion of said blade in a way that said blade pivots exclusively in a plane perpendicular to said front edge of said blade;
- biasing means for resiliently opposing said pivotal movement of said blade, whereby, in use, when a user lifts a load with a given force, said blade is allowed to pivot in a limited manner in a direction opposite to said force while said biasing means absorbs part of the initial shock and when a user uses a digging motion, said blade is again permitted to pivot in a limited manner whereby said biasing means absorbs part of the initial shock.
17. A shovel according to claim 16, wherein said biasing means comprises:
- a piece of elastomer inserted between said rear portion of said blade and said handle;
- a pin having two opposite ends, one of which rests against said rear portion of said blade, the other one extending inside said handle;
- a compression spring mounted around said other end of said pin, said spring having one end that bears on said pin and another end that bears on said handle.
- a piece of elastomer inserted between said rear portion of said blade and said handle;
- a pin having two opposite ends, one of which rests against said rear portion of said blade, the other one extending inside said handle;
- a compression spring mounted around said other end of said pin, said spring having one end that bears on said pin and another end that bears on said handle.
18. A shovel according to claim 16 wherein said biasing means comprises:
- a pin having two opposite ends, said pin being mounted transversely inside said handle and fastened to said rear portion of said blade at both ends; and - a coil spring having two opposite ends, said spring being mounted around said pin, one of said opposite ends being fastened to said rear portion of said blade and the other of said opposite ends being fastened to said handle.
- a pin having two opposite ends, said pin being mounted transversely inside said handle and fastened to said rear portion of said blade at both ends; and - a coil spring having two opposite ends, said spring being mounted around said pin, one of said opposite ends being fastened to said rear portion of said blade and the other of said opposite ends being fastened to said handle.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002132046A CA2132046C (en) | 1994-09-14 | 1994-09-14 | Ergonomic shovel |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002132046A CA2132046C (en) | 1994-09-14 | 1994-09-14 | Ergonomic shovel |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2132046A1 CA2132046A1 (en) | 1996-03-15 |
| CA2132046C true CA2132046C (en) | 2004-03-30 |
Family
ID=4154317
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002132046A Expired - Fee Related CA2132046C (en) | 1994-09-14 | 1994-09-14 | Ergonomic shovel |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2132046C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10058990B1 (en) | 2018-02-20 | 2018-08-28 | Titus Logan | Shock-absorbing shovel handle |
-
1994
- 1994-09-14 CA CA002132046A patent/CA2132046C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2132046A1 (en) | 1996-03-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |