WO2009094388A1

WO2009094388A1 - Digging hoe

Info

Publication number: WO2009094388A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/031574
Authority: WO
Inventors: Julie Gillman
Original assignee: Julie Gillman
Priority date: 2008-01-25
Filing date: 2009-01-21
Publication date: 2009-07-30

Abstract

A digging hoe (100) has a handle (102) extending from a proximal end (103) to a distal end (105) and an accurately- shaped head (106) that extends an entire length from a first cutting end (112) to a second cutting end (114). Each of the first and second cutting ends (112, 114) having tapered portions (190, 192) that converge at sharpened edges, with the first cutting end (112) having fewer sharpened edges than the second cutting end (114). The second cutting end (114) has a plurality of teeth (142), each having corresponding edges. The head (106) of the digging hoe is also a defined by a substantially constant width (124) and a substantially constant thickness (170). A mounting structure (108) fixedly attaches the head (106) to the handle (102).

Description

DIGGING HOE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention is generally related to digging implements and other hand tools that can be used for digging, weeding or otherwise working the soil and, even more particularly, to a hand tool comprising a uniquely designed digging hoe that provides a unique combination of functionality over existing digging hand tools.

2. The Relevant Technology

There are many types of known hoes, picks and other digging tools that can be used to dig, weed and work the soil. However, not all digging tools provide the same functionality. For example, some tools are better at digging than the tools that are specifically configured for weeding. Similarly, one tool might provide better functionality for digging a wide and shallow hole than another tool that is configured for digging a narrow and deep hole. Accordingly, in this regard, it is widely known that different tools can provide unique functionality and advantages, even when comparing tools that are very similar in appearance.

In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the selection of a particular digging tool will often depend on the type of soil being worked and the type of hole or trench that needs to be dug. The size and strength of the person using the tool is also an important factor to consider when selecting a tool for digging. While the industry has been inundated with different types of tools, there continues to be a need for improved and unique tools that are configured for accommodating the unique needs of specific users and applications, as well as for providing new and/or modified tool designs that provide functional advantages over existing tool designs. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a digging hand tool or hoe that provides a unique combination of functionality that is not present in any existing digging tool.

The digging hand tool of the present invention comprises a handle (extending from a proximal end to a distal end) and an arc-shaped head that is mounted to one end of the handle. A mounting structure is fixedly attached to a central portion of the head substantially equidistant between a first cutting end and a second cutting end of the head. The first cutting end is defined by a single substantially continuous cutting edge that extends the entire width of the head (from the first side to the second side of the head). The second cutting end is defined by a plurality of distinct cutting teeth and corresponding cutting edges that are disposed substantially uniformly between the first side and the second side of the head. Notably, the width of the head is substantially the same at each of the first and second cutting ends as well as at the central portion of the head. In fact, the width of the head is substantially constant and uniform along the entire length of the head.

The configuration of the digging hoe provides some unique advantages over existing tools. In particular, the substantially uniform width of the head provides advantages in trenching soft soil in a substantially uniform width. Accordingly, digging trenches with the inventive digging hoe can be particularly useful and efficient for digging trenches of an appropriate width for the installation of sprinkler pipes, such as PVC pipes, irrespective of which end is being used to perform the excavation of the trench. The different cutting ends of the digging hoe also provide different functionality and advantages for cutting through different types of soil. The multi- tooth cutting end, for example, can enable partial digging or scratching of hardened soil in such a way as to break down hardened soil with a lower amount of required force than is required to cut through hardened soil with the single edge cutting end. Accordingly, a user can interchangeably select which of the cutting ends will be used to dig through the soil at any particular time, depending on the preferences of the user, as well as the attributes of the soil.

The substantially uniform width of the head also provides advantages over existing mining picks and hoes that have a pointed end or that fail to provide a substantially uniform width along the entire length of the digging head. In particular, the uniform width provides additional functionality of helping to maintain alignment of the tool during the digging process and such that an excavated trench is more likely to maintain a desired straightness. Pointed tools do not provide this functionality, as the tool is not self aligning within the trench being dug, but instead is more prone to veer off course since opposing ends of the tool are not substantially held in alignment against the sides of the trench during digging. These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the digging hoe. Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the digging hoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the digging hoe 100 of the present invention. As shown, the digging hoe 100 includes a handle 102 (extending from a proximal end 103 to a distal end 105) and an arc-shaped head 106 that is mounted to one end of the handle 102. A mounting structure 108 is fixedly attached to a central portion 110 of the head 106 substantially equidistant between a first cutting end 112 and a second cutting end 114 of the head 106. The first cutting end 112 is defined by a single substantially continuous cutting edge 120 that extends the entire width 124 of the head (from the first side 130 to the second side 132 of the head 106). The second cutting end 114 is defined by a plurality of distinct cutting teeth 140 and corresponding cutting edges 142 that are disposed substantially uniformly between the first side 130 and the second side 132 of the head 106.

As mentioned above, it is notable that the width 124 of the head 106 is substantially the same at each of the first (112) and second (114) cutting ends as well as at the central portion 110 of the head 106, as well as along the entire length 150 of the head. This configuration can be particularly useful, as mentioned above, in trenching soil in a substantially straight alignment. Digging trenches with the inventive digging hoe can also be particularly useful and efficient for digging trenches of a substantially uniform and desired width for the installation of sprinkler pipes, such as PVC pipes, irrespective of which end is being used to perform the excavation of the trench.

Different hoe widths can be provided to accommodate the different trenching needs. For example, a first hoe width can be provided on a first hoe used to excavate trenches suitable for one inch or ³Zt inch PVC piping, while a different hoe width can be provided for excavating trenches for two-three inch, or any other diameter piping. In some embodiments, the width 124 of the hoe 100 is a dimension selected from the range between about 0.5 inch and about 5 inches, and more preferably from the range between about 1.5 inches and about 3 inches. It will be appreciated, however, that any width dimension can be selected, so long as the hoe 100 has a substantially uniform width along the entire length of the head 106.

The different cutting ends (112, 114) of the digging hoe also provide different functionality and advantages for cutting through hard soil or irregular soil. In particular, the multi-tooth cutting end 114 can be used to loosen or scratching harder soil. Thereafter, either the first (112) or second (114) cutting ends can be used to finish cutting through and excavating the soil with less force than would otherwise be required to cut through the soil with only the single edge cutting end 112.

The multi-tooth cutting end 114 can also provide additional benefits for scrapping the top surface of soil in a weeding or tilling capacity, and without completely trenching the soil. Accordingly, a user can interchangeably select which of the cutting ends (112, 114) will be used to dig through the soil at any particular time, depending on the preferences of the user, as well as the attributes of the soil and the current objective for using the tool.

Another feature of the digging hoe 100 is the substantially uniform thickness 170 of the head, extending between the top surface 180 and bottom surface 182 of the head 106. This substantially uniform thickness 170 is beneficial for enabling the hoe 100 to deeply penetrate the soil with less resistance than would be experienced with a head shape that is significantly tapered. The arcuate shape of the head 106 is also beneficial for reducing resistance during digging as the head is naturally swung in an arcuate motion by the user. It will be appreciated that the specific dimensions of the head thickness 170, length 150 and curvature can vary to accommodate different needs and preferences. In some embodiments, proportions of the head thickness, length and curvature are substantially the same as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Other proportions can also be used however. In some embodiments, the thickness 170 of the head is a dimension selected from the range between about 0.125 inches and about 0.5 inches, and more preferably from the range between about .25 inches and about .375 inches. It will be appreciated, however, that according to one embodiment, any thickness dimension can be selected, so long as the hoe 100 has a substantially uniform thickness 170 along the entire length of the head 106.

The length 150 of the head can also be of any desired dimension. Preferably, however, the length 150 is at least great enough (6-36 inches, for example) so that the head 106 extends at least 3-12 inches (preferably, at least 6 inches) away from the mounting structure 108 or central portion 110 of the head (where the handle 102 is attached), towards each of the cutting ends 112 and 114 and so as to provide a desired length for excavating trenches while preserving a desired lever ratio.

It will be noted that while the head 106 is not significantly tapered, each of the cutting ends 112 and 114 are significantly tapered in such as way as to provide sharp cutting edges (120, 142). The taper provided for each of the cutting ends 112 and 114 can occur from any combination of the top of the head (180), as well as the bottom of the head (182). In the present embodiment, the first cutting end 112 includes a first tapered portion 190 that tapers from the top surface 180 of the head and a second tapered portion 192 that tapers over a shorter distance, but more significantly, from the bottom surface 182 of the head. Similarly, the second cutting end 114 has first (194) and second (196) tapered portions that taper from the top surface 180 and the bottom surface 182 of the head, respectively.

With specific regard to the taper provided at the second cutting end 114, it will be appreciated that each of the teeth 140 can have a similar taper or a different taper, to accommodate different needs and preferences. For example, different tapers can be provided on the different teeth to provide additional benefits for scraping or breaking down the soil in a desired manner. The tapering can also be more extreme depending on whether the taper occurs at the top 180 of the head or the bottom 182 of the head.

In some embodiments the taper of one tooth (140) will also taper more significantly towards the top (180) of the head while another tooth (140) tapers more significantly towards the bottom (182) of the head. This can occur for example, by alternating the location of the first and second tapered portions (194, 196) between the teeth. Even more particularly, the location of the tapered portions 194 and 196 can be switched for the middle tooth or middle teeth (depending on the number of teeth present) in an alternate pattern than the pattern that is used for the tapered portions (194 & 196) of the outer teeth that are disposed next to the sides (130, 132) of the head.

Although only three teeth are shown 140 on the multi-tooth cutting end 114, it will be appreciated that any number of two or more teeth can be presented in the digging hoe of the present invention. In some embodiments, for example, only two teeth are presented. In other embodiments, four or five teeth are presented. The head 106 is preferably manufactured out of a hard material, such as a hardened steel or iron alloy. However, in some instances, hardened plastics and composites can be used. In yet other embodiments, the head 106 is manufactured out of different combinations of materials. For example, the cutting ends 112 and 114 can be manufactured out of a first material (such as a carbide or a hardened alloy) that is harder and possibly more flexible than the material used to manufacture of the rest of the head 106. The cutting ends 112 and 114 can then be attached to the rest of the head 106 with an epoxy or other adhesive, by welding or by any other connecting means.

It will be appreciated that the attachment means used to attach the head 106 to the handle can also vary to accommodate different needs and preferences. For example, the head 106 can be directly attached to the handle 102 with an adhesive, by welding, and/or by an intermediary mounting structure, such as mounting structure 108. While it is not necessary, the mounting structure is preferably manufactured out of a metal material that can be welded to the head 106 or that can be directly manufactured as part of the head 106, such as, for example, with casting, forging and/or stamping processes. In the present embodiment, the mounting structure 108 comprises a cylindrical tube having a wall 162 that encloses and defines a recess for receiving the distal end 105 of the handle 102. The distal end 105 of the handle can be fixedly attached to the head by any combination of a friction fit, adhesive, threaded coupling (such as when the inside of the mounting structure is threaded, for example), by a pin (not shown), by a snap fit or any other known attachment means known in the industry for attaching a head on a tool.

While the length (160) of the mounting structure 108 is presently shown to be greater than the width 124 of the head 106, it will be appreciated that different lengths of the mounting structure 108 can be provided to enhance the coupling of the handle to the head 106 in a secure fashion.

In the present embodiment, the mounting structure 108 is centrally disposed between the first and second cutting ends 112 and 114. In other embodiments, not shown, the mounting structure is positioned more closely to the first cutting end 112, to provide more leverage for the second cutting end 114 during use. In other embodiments, the mounting structure 108 is positioned more closely to the second cutting end 114 to provide more leverage for the first cutting end 112, during use.

Although not shown, the central portion 110 of the head can include an area shown at element 198 that defines a hole that extends from the top side 180 all the way through the second side 182, and that has substantially the same shape and dimensions as the shape and dimensions defined by the wall of the mounting structure, and so as to enable the distal end 105 of the handle 102 to pass at least partially through the head 106. This can be useful, for example, to utilize additional attachment means for attaching the handle 102 to the head 106 by affixing a collar or pin at the distal end 105 of the handle 102 after it is passed through the mounting structure 108 and/or head 106.

The handle 102 is preferably manufactured out of wood, plastic or another material. However, in some instances, the handle is manufactured out of metal. Combinations and layers of material can also be used to manufacture the handle to obtain the desired attributes of strength, flexibility, durability, and cost. In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the embodiments of the disclosed digging hoe provide unique advantages over existing tools. In particular, the substantially uniform width of the head provides advantages for trenching soil in a substantially uniform width and with a straight alignment. The different cutting ends of the digging hoe also provide different functionality and advantages for cutting through different types of soil and for enabling a user to interchangeably select which of the cutting ends will be used to dig through the soil at any particular time, depending on the preferences of the user, as well as the attributes of the soil.

While specific examples have been provided above regarding the design, dimensions and materials of the digging hoe, it will be appreciated that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. What is claimed is:

Claims

L A digging hoe comprising: a handle extending from a proximal end to a distal end; an accurately- shaped head that extends an entire length from a first cutting end to a second cutting end, each of the first and second cutting ends having tapered portions that converge at sharpened edges, with the first cutting end having fewer sharpened edges than the second cutting end, the second cutting end having a plurality of teeth that each have corresponding edges, the head also having a defined and substantially constant width and thickness along the entire length of the head; and a mounting structure that is fixedly attached to a central portion of the head in a location that is substantially equidistant between a first cutting end and a second cutting end of the head and that fixedly secures the head to the handle.