U.S. patent application number 10/642073 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-17 for ergonomic handle for a tool.
Invention is credited to Wing, Robert L..
Application Number | 20050034277 10/642073 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34136522 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050034277 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wing, Robert L. |
February 17, 2005 |
Ergonomic handle for a tool
Abstract
An ergonomic handle for a manually applied tool is provided. The
handle includes at least one concave or convex grip lengths, and
preferably two curved grip lengths. The curved grip lengths reduce
slippage of a user's hands along the elongate shaft and provide
opportunities to adjust the user's hands and thereby reduce the
incidence of repetitive stress damage. The grip lengths are spaced
closer to a shovel blade or a pitch fork fixture, and further away
from a hoe blade or a rake head head. The user may thus stand more
upright when raking or hoeing and conversely apply more physical
power when shoveling or forking material. The grip lengths may be
retrofittable onto handles having an elongated shaft. The ergonomic
handle may be detachabley attachable to tool fixtures.
Inventors: |
Wing, Robert L.; (Royal
Oaks, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATRICK REILLY
BOX 7218
SANTA CRUZ
CA
95061-7218
US
|
Family ID: |
34136522 |
Appl. No.: |
10/642073 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
16/430 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01B 1/00 20130101; Y10T
16/476 20150115; B25G 1/102 20130101; A01B 1/026 20130101; B25G
3/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
016/430 |
International
Class: |
A45C 003/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An ergonomic handle, the ergonomic handle attached to a fixture,
the handle comprising: an elongated shaft, the elongated shaft
extending substantively longitudinally along an A axis, the shaft
having an ergonomic grip length and a fixture end; the fixture end
configured for attachment with the fixture; and the ergonomic grip
length having a continuously-curved concave shape, the concave
shape oriented substantively relative to a grip center point of the
A axis, and the ergonomic grip length shaped to fit within a six
inch radius from the grip center point.
2. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the ergonomic handle
further comprises a second ergonomic grip length shaft, the second
ergonomic grip length located along the elongated shaft and between
the ergonomic grip length and the fixture end, and the second
ergonomic grip length having a continuously-curved concave shape,
the concave shape of the second ergonomic grip length oriented
substantively relative to a second grip center point of the A axis,
and the second ergonomic grip length shaped to fit within a six
inch radius from the second grip center point.
3. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the ergonomic grip
length is shaped to fit within a three inch radius from the grip
center point.
4. The ergonomic handle of claim 3, wherein the ergonomic handle
further comprises a second ergonomic grip length shaft, the second
ergonomic grip length located along the elongated shaft and between
the ergonomic grip length and the fixture end, and the second
ergonomic grip length having a continuously-curved concave shape,
the concave shape of the second ergonomic grip length oriented
substantively relative to a second grip center point of the A axis,
and the second ergonomic grip length shaped to fit within a three
inch radius from the second grip center point.
5. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the grip center point
is located within one foot of the fixture end.
6. The ergonomic handle of claim 1 wherein the grip center point is
located approximately more than one foot from the fixture end and
approximately less than four feet from the fixture end.
7. The ergonomic handle of claim 1 wherein the grip center point is
located approximately more than four feet from the fixture end and
approximately less than six feet from the fixture end.
8. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the fixture end is
detachably attached to the fixture.
9. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the fixture is a shovel
blade.
10. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the fixture is a
pitchfork.
11. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the fixture is a rake
head.
12. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the fixture is a hoe
blade.
13. An ergonomic handle, the ergonomic handle attached to a
fixture, the handle comprising: an elongated shaft, the elongated
shaft extending substantively longitudinally along an A axis, the
shaft having an ergonomic grip length and a fixture end; the
fixture end configured for attachment with the fixture; and the
ergonomic grip length having a continuously-curved convex shape,
the convex shape oriented substantively as a concave shape relative
to a spatial grip center point, the spatial grip center point
located along an N axis and approximately six inches from the A
axis, the N axis substantively normal to the A axis, and the
ergonomic grip length shaped to fit within a six inch radius from
the spatial grip center point.
14. The ergonomic handle of claim 13, wherein the ergonomic grip
length is shaped to fit within a three inch radius from the spatial
grip center point.
15. The ergonomic handle of claim 13, wherein the fixture is a
shovel blade.
16. The ergonomic handle of claim 13, wherein the fixture is a
pitchfork.
17. The ergonomic handle of claim 13, wherein the fixture is a rake
head.
18. The ergonomic handle of claim 13, wherein the fixture is a hoe
blade.
19. An ergonomic grip, the ergonomic grip for attachment to an
elongated shaft, the elongated shaft extending substantively
longitudinally along an A axis, the grip comprising: a
continuously-curved concave length, the concave length shaped to
fit within a six inch radius from a spatial grip point; and an
attachment feature, the attachment feature configured to attach the
ergonomic grip to the elongated shaft in an orientation wherein the
spatial grip point is approximately located on the A axis.
20. The ergonomic grip of claim 19, wherein the ergonomic grip
further comprises a second attachment feature, the second
attachment feature for attaching the ergonomic grip to the
elongated shaft and providing improved stability to the ergonomic
handle relative to the elongated shaft.
21. The ergonomic grip of claim 19, wherein the ergonomic grip is
detachably attached to the elongated shaft.
22. An ergonomic grip, the ergonomic grip for attachment to an
elongated shaft, the elongated shaft extending substantively
longitudinally along an A axis, the grip comprising: a
continuously-curved convex length, the convex length shaped to fit
within a six inch radius from a spatial grip point; and an
attachment feature, the attachment feature configured to attach the
ergonomic grip to the elongated shaft in an orientation wherein the
spatial grip point is approximately located on an N axis normal to
the A axis and approximately six inches distance from the A
axis.
23. The ergonomic grip of claim 22, wherein the ergonomic grip
further comprises a second attachment feature, the second
attachment feature for attaching the ergonomic grip to the
elongated handle and providing improved stability to the ergonomic
handle relative to the elongated shaft.
24. The ergonomic grip of claim 22, wherein the ergonomic grip is
detachably attached to the elongated shaft.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the design of handles for
manual tools. More particularly, the present invention relates to
providing an ergonomic handle for manually applied tools
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The effects of repetitive stress syndrome has disabled or
impaired many users of manually applied tools. Yet manual tools
presenting handles for manual control are widely used. Prior art
tool handles for manual tools are generally inexpensive to
manufacture and obvious to use, but seldom ergonomically well
designed. In addition, material science increasingly provides many
varieties of substances and methods to enable the production
ergonomically designed handles. The potential for medical cost
savings would be tremendous for more ergonomic handle designs.
[0003] There is, therefore, a long felt need for a handle that more
ergonomically provides a means to manually apply a tool with
reduced incidence of injury to the user.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
ergonomic handle for a manual tool.
[0005] It is an additional optional object of the present invention
to provide an ergonomic handle having an elongate shaft and concave
and/or convex grip lengths.
[0006] It is a further optional object of certain preferred
embodiments of the present invention to provide an ergonomic tool
made of metal, wood, plastic or composite materials.
[0007] It is another optional object of certain alternate preferred
embodiments of the present invention to provide an ergonomic grip
that may be retrofitted unto a handle having an elongate shaft.
[0008] It is yet another optional object of certain still alternate
preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide an
ergonomic handle that is detachabley attachable to a tool fixture,
such as a shovel blade, a pitch fork, a rake head, a hoe blade, or
other suitable tool or part of a tool known in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] These and other objects will be apparent in light of the
prior art and this disclosure. A first preferred embodiment of the
present invention, or first handle, includes an elongate shaft
having a first concave section for use by a user in gripping the
shaft. The first concave section, or first concave grip length, of
the elongate shaft may be substantially circular, ellipsoidal, or
concave in shape. The curve of the first concave grip length offers
the user options in selecting how to orient a hand along the curve
of the first concave grip length, whereby a user may adjust the
position of his or her hand in gripping the handle in order to
compensate for a weakness, tenderness, or injury of the hand.
Additionally the curve of the first concave grip length allows the
user to vary the position of the hand in relation to the handle and
the user's wrist and arm over time, so as to reduce the occurrence
of repetitive motions in manipulating the handle. This opportunity
to use the handle for extended periods of time or sessions while
varying the exact angle at which the user's hand grips the handle
allows for a reduction in repetitive stress injuries.
[0010] In various alternate preferred embodiments of the present
invention the elongate shaft may be from four inches to six feet in
length, and the length of the first concave grip length may be from
four inches to over a foot in length. It is understood that the
length of the first concave grip length is measured as the arc
length of a curved axis passing through the center of the first
concave grip length. Certain alternate preferred embodiments of the
present invention may further comprise a second, third or
additional grip lengths located within the elongate shaft. The grip
lengths may be approximately concave or approximately convex, in
relation to an arc passing through the substantially linear
portions of the elongate shaft.
[0011] Certain still alternate preferred embodiments of the present
invention include a detachable attachment fixture for use in
removabley affixing shovel blades, pitch forks, hoe blades or rake
heads to the elongate shaft.
[0012] Certain yet alternate preferred embodiments of the present
invention include a placement of the grip lengths to ease back
strain, where the grip lengths are located from one foot to four
feet apart and along or within an elongate shaft having a total
length of from two feet to over eight feet.
[0013] Certain other alternate preferred embodiments of the present
invention comprise retrofittable grips that may be attached to an
elongate shaft and provide curved lengths for use as grips in
manipulating the elongate shaft.
[0014] Certain still other alternate preferred embodiments of the
present invention include detachably attachable grips, whereby the
attachable grips may be attached to an elongate shaft and provide
curved lengths for use as grips in manipulating the elongate shaft.
These attachable grips may be removed and used within another
suitable elongate shaft at the user's discretion.
[0015] Certain yet other preferred embodiments of the present
invention are comprised, in part, in totality, or in combination,
of wood, plastic, metal or composite materials, or other suitable
materials. The shaft may be solid in construction or at least
partially hollow. The elongate shaft and the grip lengths may share
an approximately constant cross-sectional shape, the
cross-sectional shape being substantially circular and having a
radius of from approximately one quarter inch or less to
approximately two inches or more. The cross-sectional shape may be
positioned normal to an A axis of the elongate shaft, where the A
axis passes approximately substantially centrally through one or
more linear portions of the elongate shaft.
[0016] The first handle, or first ergonomic handle, maybe attached
to a fixture and includes an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft
extends substantively longitudinally along an A axis and has an
ergonomic concave grip length and a fixture end. The fixture end is
configured for attachment with a fixture, such as a shovel blade, a
rake head, a pitchfork, a hoe blade, and/or one or more suitable
tools or portions of tools known in the art. The ergonomic concave
grip length presents a continuously-curved concave shape, where the
concave shape is oriented substantively relative to a grip center
point of the A axis, and the ergonomic concave grip length shaped
to fit within a six inch radius from the grip center point. The
ergonomic concave grip length may alternately be shaped to fit
within a three inch radius from the grip center point.
[0017] The first ergonomic handle may further optionally include a
second ergonomic grip length shaft, the second ergonomic grip
length located along the elongated shaft and between the ergonomic
grip length and the fixture end.
[0018] A second preferred embodiment of the present invention, or
second version, may include one or more ergonomic convex grip
lengths, wherein each convex grip length presents a
continuously-curved convex shape, and the convex shape is oriented
substantively concave relative to a spatial grip center point, the
spatial grip center point located along an N axis and approximately
six inches from the A axis, the N axis substantively normal to the
A axis, and the convex grip length shaped to fit within a six inch
radius from the spatial grip center point. In various alternate
preferred embodiments of the present invention the elongate shaft
may include one or more concave grip lengths in combination with
one or more convex grip lengths.
[0019] A third preferred embodiment of the present invention
provides an ergonomic grip, the ergonomic grip designed for
attachment to the elongated shaft. The grip may include a
continuously-curved concave length, the concave length shaped to
fit within a six inch radius from a spatial grip point, and an
attachment feature. The attachment feature may be configured to
attach the ergonomic grip to the elongated shaft in an orientation
wherein the spatial grip point is approximately located on the A
axis. The ergonomic grip further include a second attachment
feature, the second attachment feature for attaching the ergonomic
grip to the elongated handle and providing improved stability to
the ergonomic handle relative to the elongated shaft. The ergonomic
grip of may optionally be detachably attached to the elongated
handle.
[0020] Certain alternate preferred embodiments of the ergonomic
grip present a convex shape relative to the elongate shaft when the
grip is attached to the elongate shaft.
[0021] It is understood the terms concave and concave shape are
defined herein to be a curved shape that is approximately or
substantially along an arc length of a circle, a concave curve, an
ellipse, or another suitable curved shape known in the art. It is
understood the terms convex and convex shape are defined herein to
be a curved shape that is approximately or substantially along an
arc length of a circle, a concave curve, a convex curve, an
ellipse, or another suitable curved shape known in the art.
[0022] Other aspects of the present invention include a method,
system and a computer-readable medium configured to carry out the
foregoing steps. The foregoing and other objects, features and
advantages will be apparent from the following description of the
preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] These, and further features of the invention, may be better
understood with reference to the accompanying specification and
drawings depicting the preferred embodiment, in which: These, and
further features of the invention, may be better understood with
reference to the accompanying specification and drawings depicting
the preferred embodiment, in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first preferred embodiment of
the present invention having an elongate shaft and two concave grip
lengths ("grips");
[0025] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a second preferred embodiment
of the present invention having an elongate shaft and two convex
grips;
[0026] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a first preferred embodiment of
the present invention of FIG. 1 having an elongate shaft and two
concave grips, the grips located to ease back strain;
[0027] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are illustrations of the first
preferred embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1 with a
shovel blade, a pitchfork, a hoe blade and a rake head; and
[0028] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a concave grip designed for
retrofit and attachment to an elongate shaft;
[0029] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a convex grip designed for
retrofit and attachment to an elongate shaft;
[0030] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a fixture end of the elongate
shaft of FIG. 1 adapted for removable attachment of a tool or a
tool part, such as a shovel blade, a pitchfork, a hoe blade, or a
rake head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] In describing the preferred embodiments, certain terminology
will be utilized for the sake of clarity. Such terminology is
intended to encompass the recited embodiment, as well as all
technical equivalents, which operate in a similar manner for a
similar purpose to achieve a similar result.
[0032] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to
FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first preferred embodiment
of the present invention, or first handle 2, having an elongate
shaft 4. The elongate shaft 4 is linear in general and includes a
first concave grip length 6 and a second optional grip length 8.
The elongate shaft 4 has linear sections 10 having a substantially
circular cross section normal to an A axis. The substantially
circular section is shaped within a radius of approximately one
half inch. The A axis passes through the center points of the
linear sections 10 of the elongate shaft 4.
[0033] The first concave grip length 6 may be substantially
circular, ellipsoidal, or concave in shape. The curve 12 of the
first concave grip length 6 offers the user options in selecting
how to orient a hand along the curve 12 of the first concave grip
length 6, whereby a user may adjust the position of his or her hand
in gripping the elongate shaft 4 in order to compensate for a
weakness, tenderness, or injury of the hand. Additionally the curve
12 of the first concave grip length 6 allows the user to vary the
position of the hand in relation to the handle and the user's wrist
and arm over time, so as to reduce the occurrence of repetitive
motions in manipulating the handle 2. This opportunity to use the
handle 2 for extended periods of time or sessions while varying the
exact angle at which the user's hand grips the first handle 2
allows for a reduction in repetitive stress injuries.
[0034] The second optional concave grip length 8 may be
substantially circular, ellipsoidal, or concave in shape. A curve
14 of the second optional concave grip length 8 also offers the
user options in selecting how to orient a hand along the curve 14
of the second optional concave grip length 8, whereby a user may
adjust the position of his or her hand in gripping the elongate
shaft 4 in order to compensate for a weakness, tenderness, or
injury of the hand. Additionally the curve 14 of the second
optional concave grip length 8 allows the user to vary the position
of the hand in relation to the handle and the user's wrist and arm
over time, so as to further reduce the occurrence of repetitive
motions in manipulating the handle 2. This additional opportunity
to use the to varying the exact angle at which the user's hand
grips the first handle 2 allows for a reduction in repetitive
stress injuries.
[0035] The elongate shaft 4 may be from four inches to six feet in
length, and the length of the first concave grip length 6 and the
second concave grip length 8 may be from four inches to over a foot
in length. It is understood that the length of the first and second
concave grip lengths 6 & 8 are measured as the arc length of a
curved axis passing respectively through the center of the first
concave grip length 6 and the second concave grip length 8. The
first concave grip length 6 and the second concave grip length 8
may be spaced from one foot apart from a central spatial point 16
of each concave grip length 6 & 8.
[0036] The first handle 2 may be comprised, in part, in totality,
or in combination, of wood, plastic, metal or composite materials,
or other suitable materials known in the art. The elongate shaft 4
may be solid in construction or at least partially hollow. The
elongate shaft 4 and the grip lengths 6 & 8 may share an
approximately constant cross-sectional shape, the cross-sectional
shape being substantially circular. Variations of the first handle
2 have a radius of from approximately one quarter inch or less to
approximately two inches or more.
[0037] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to
FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is an illustration of a second preferred embodiment
of the present invention, or second handle 18, having an elongate
shaft 4, a first convex grip length 20 and a second convex grip
length 22. Each convex grip length 20 & 22 presents a
continuously-curved convex shape, and the convex shape of each grip
length 20 & 22 is oriented substantively concave relative to a
respective spatial grip center point 24. The spatial grip center
point 24 is located along an N axis and approximately six inches
from the A axis. Each N axis is substantively normal to the A axis,
and each convex grip length 20 & 22 is shaped to fit within a
six inch radius from the respective spatial grip center point 24.
In certain variations of the second handle 18 the elongate shaft 4
may include one or more concave grip lengths 6 & 8 in
combination with one or more convex grip lengths 20 & 22.
[0038] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to
FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is an illustration of a variation of the first
handle 2 of FIG. I wherein the elongate shaft 4 has a length of
greater than four feet and the two concave grip lengths 6 & 8
are on the elongate shaft 4 located to ease back strain of the
user.
[0039] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to
FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are illustrations
of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention of FIG.
1 with a shovel blade 26, a pitchfork 28, a hoe blade 30 and a rake
head 32.
[0040] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to
FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is an illustration of an ergonomic concave grip 34
designed for retrofit and attachment to an elongate shaft 36. The
ergonomic concave grip 34 includes a continuously-curved concave
length 38 and an attachment feature 40. The concave length 38 is
shaped to fit within a six inch radius from a spatial grip point
42. The attachment feature 40 is configured to attach the concave
grip 34 to the elongated shaft 36 in an orientation wherein the
spatial grip point 42 is approximately located on an AA axis of the
elongate shaft 36. The attachment feature 40 includes a U-shaped
element 44 sized and shaped to fit substantially about three
orthogonal sides of the elongate shaft 36. A threaded bolt 46 of
the attachment feature 40 engages and extends through a threaded
receiver 48 of the U-shaped element 44. A bolt end 50 of the
threaded bolt 46 presses against the elongate shaft 36 and drives
the elongate shaft 36 against a surface 54 of the U-shaped element
44. The elongate shaft 36 is thereby gripped securely by the
attachment feature 40 and the ergonomic concave grip 34 provides a
securely attached and retrofitted ergonomic curve handle for the
elongate shaft 36.
[0041] The ergonomic concave grip 34 further may include a second
attachment feature 56. The second attachment feature 56
additionally attaches the ergonomic concave grip 34 to the
elongated shaft 36 and provides improved stability to the ergonomic
concave grip 34 relative to the elongated shaft 36. The second
attachment feature 56 includes a second U-shaped element 58 sized
and shaped to fit substantially about three orthogonal sides of the
elongate shaft 36. A second threaded bolt 60 of the second
attachment feature 56 engages and extends through a second threaded
receiver 62 of the second U-shaped element 58. A second bolt end 64
of the second threaded bolt 60 presses against the elongate shaft
36 and drives the elongate shaft 36 against a second surface 66 of
the second U-shaped element 58. The elongate shaft 36 is thereby
gripped securely by the second attachment feature 56 and the
ergonomic concave grip 34 provides a securely attached and
retrofitted ergonomic curve handle for the elongate shaft 36.
[0042] The ergonomic concave grip 34 may be detached from the shaft
36 by withdrawing the threaded bolts 46 and 60 respectively through
the threaded receivers 48 and 62 and away from the elongated shaft
36. The relaxation of the pressure placed by the threaded bolts 46
and 60 against the elongated shaft 36 results in a detachment of
the attachment features 34 and 56 from the shaft 36, whereby the
ergonomic concave grip 34 may be detached from the elongated shaft
36.
[0043] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to
FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is an illustration of a convex grip 68 designed for
retrofit and attachment to an elongate shaft 36. The ergonomic
convex grip 34 includes a continuously-curved convex length 70 and
the attachment feature 40 and the second attachment feature 56. The
convex grip 68 may be detachably attached to the elongate shaft by
means of the attachment feature 40 and the second attachment
feature 56 as described in the preceding discussion of FIG. 5.
[0044] The attachment features 40 and 56 are configured to attach
the ergonomic convex grip 68 to the elongated shaft 36 in an
orientation wherein the spatial grip point 42 is positioned
approximately located on an N axis normal to the A axis and
approximately six inches distance from the A axis.
[0045] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to
FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is an illustration of a fixture end 72 of the
elongate shaft 4 of FIG. 1 adapted for removable attachment of a
tool 74 or a tool part, such as a shovel blade, a pitchfork, a hoe
blade, or a rake head. The fixture end comprises a thread 76 that
is sized and fitted engage with a threaded receiver 78 of the tool
74, whereby the fixture end 72 may be screwed into and out of the
threaded receiver to alternatively attach and detach the tool 74
from elongate shaft 4.
[0046] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred
embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. Other suitable fabrication, manufacturing,
assembly, wire bonding and test techniques and methods known in the
art can be applied in numerous specific modalities by one skilled
in the art and in light of the description of the present invention
described herein. Therefore, it is to be understood that the
invention may be practiced other than as specifically described
herein. The above description is intended to be illustrative, and
not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those
of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope
of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to
the knowledge of one skilled in the art and in light of the
disclosures presented above.
* * * * *