Adapter for articulated tools with double handle

Abstract

The Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle consists of a clamp-type element that attaches to the handle of a tool, with a fixing element to secure it to the tool, and that has a receiver for a second handle, allowing for articulated movement so that the separation angle between the handles can be adjusted according to the user's needs. This proposed innovation can be adapted to all types of manual tools to have a double handle, allowing for less effort when working and facilitating the work for people with motor difficulties in handling normal tools. The second handle that adapts to the first handle of the tool can be commercially available as an accessory and replacement for traditional tools.

Description

[0001] Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle

[0002] OBJECT AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention belongs to the technical field of mechanics and electrical engineering, specifically to the field of devices or accessories for tools; and more specifically, it belongs to the field of accessories that are adapted to hand tools.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In the market, there are a large number of manual and electric tools for performing various tasks. Over time, tools have become more specialized to improve their performance, and some structural aspects have been modified to fulfill new functionalities.

[0006] It is common to find tools on the market that have been modified, with parts of their structure altered, as well as accessories that adapt to known tools to provide them with new functions.

[0007] In the case of manual tools, some have been designed with a double handle. Specifically, shovels used in construction or gardening have been designed with a double handle, helping the user to perform work more efficiently and with less effort. However, there are few solutions that allow traditional tools, such as shovels, to be adapted with a double handle.

[0008] Some products on the market with double handles are known as "articulated shovels," "double-handle shovels," or "folding shovels." However, these tools are designed to inherently have two handles as part of their structure. There are few accessories that can be adapted to a shovel or tool to convert a single-handle tool into an articulated double-handle tool.

[0009] Among existing solutions, we can find some with articulated elements, such as the document ES1043387, titled "HAND ARTICULATED SHOVEL," which describes a hand-articulated shovel with a standard handle. It consists of a coupling piece and accessories connected to the first piece via a pin forming a hinge system. These accessories have, in their central part, a U-shaped double plate that can be welded or bolted, with the function of holding a clamping lever; this clamping is done at its end with a through screw that allows its articulation. However, this document does not disclose a clamp-type adapter that can be placed on a shovel to add a second handle.

[0010] Similarly, the document US20080054660A1, titled "DOUBLE-HANDLE SHOVEL," discloses a double-handle shovel with a straight first handle and a second handle rotated to avoid unnecessary body twisting. The second handle is perpendicular to the head, allowing greater leverage and better side-to-side handling; the head is offset 40 degrees from the first handle to help maintain proper body alignment. However, this document also does not disclose a clamp-type adapter that can be placed on a shovel to add a second handle. It describes a solution that is replicated in many products where a handle is attached to a complete shovel.

[0011] Additionally, the document ES1075794U, titled "ERGONOMIC DIGGER," describes an ergonomic digger consisting of a fork or shovel attached to a handle that pivots on a rotating axis at a determined distance from the ground. It is characterized by the incorporation of a locking clamp that firmly holds the pivot axis to the ground; this is activated with the foot, anchoring the pivot axis and ensuring the assembly formed by the handle and fork pivoted by this axis. However, this document also does not disclose a clamp-type adapter that can be placed on a shovel to add a second handle.

[0012] Another document, ES1300431U, titled "TOOL WITH ADDITIONAL HANDLE," describes a similar system to the one mentioned in the previous paragraph. It consists of a tool with an additional handle characterized by a rotating grip element with an auxiliary handle attached to the tool's handle by fastening elements. However, this document also does not disclose a clamp-type adapter that can be placed on a shovel to add a second handle.

[0013] Moreover, the document MX / a / 2014 / 008413, titled "ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED MULTIPLE HANDLE TOOL," describes a tool with multiple handles designed ergonomically to maximize the tool's efficiency using an optionally rotating handle fixed to the tool's shaft. The rotating handle can be turned and locked in any desired position, allowing the user to adjust the tool for maximum efficiency. Additionally, an optional foot support is provided on the tool, enabling greater digging force. However, this document only describes a tool with handles distributed along a single handle and does not disclose a clamp-type adapter that can be placed on a shovel to add a second handle.

[0014] Given the above, it is clear that solutions for double-handle shovels or tools are designed with the functionalities integrated into a single product, and there are no clamp-type adapters that can be placed on a common shovel or tool to add a second handle. In this context, we can find many available clamps on the market, such as hydro clamps, isophonic clamps, tray clamps, U-clamps, pear clamps, clevis clamps, unicanal clamps, and omega clamps. These types of clamps typically consist of a band or ring that wraps around a usually cylindrical object and is secured with screws to immobilize it. However, none of these clamps have the functionality to be placed on a shovel or tool to add a second handle.

[0015] TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

[0016] Currently, there is no accessory in the form of a clamp that has the function of being placed on a shovel and adapting an additional handle to convert a single-handle tool into an articulated double-handle tool.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Figure 1: Shows a top perspective view of an Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10).

[0019] Figure 2: Shows a top perspective view of an Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) with fastening screws (17).

[0020] Figure 3: Shows a side view of an Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10).

[0021] Figure 4: Shows a side view of an Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) with fastening screws (17) and a fixing element (15).

[0022] Figure 5: Shows a front view of an Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10).

[0023] Figure 6: Shows a front view of an Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) with fastening screws (17) and a fixing element (15).

[0024] Figure 7: Shows a top perspective view of an Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) with a single articulation hole (13).

[0025] Figure 8: Shows a top perspective view of an Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) placed on the handle (20) of a shovel and with an additional handle (20) placed on the adapter where the separation angle between the handles is less than 45°.

[0026] Figure 9: Shows a top perspective view of an Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) placed on the handle (20) of a shovel and with an additional handle (20) placed on the adapter where the separation angle between the handles is 45°.

[0027] Figure 10: Shows a top perspective view of an Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) placed on the handle (20) of a shovel and with an additional handle (20) placed on the adapter where the separation angle between the handles is less than 45°. The Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) has a single articulation hole (13).

[0028] Figure 11: Shows a close-up view of an Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) placed on the handle (20) of a shovel and with an additional handle (20) placed on the adapter where the separation angle between the handles is 45°.

[0029] Figure 12: Shows a close-up view of an Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) placed on the handle (20) of a shovel and with an additional handle (20) placed on the adapter where the separation angle between the handles is less than 45°.

[0030] Figure 13: Shows a top perspective view of an Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) placed on the handle (20) of a shovel and with an additional flat handle (20) placed on the adapter with a square-shaped clamp ring (11).

[0031] Below there is a list of the parts indicated in the figures:

[0032] - Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10).

[0033] - Clamp ring (11).

[0034] - Handle receiver (12).

[0035] - Articulation hole (13).

[0036] - Fixing hole (14).

[0037] - Fixing element (15).

[0038] - Clamp holes (16).

[0039] - Fastening screw (17). - Shovel (20).

[0040] - Handle (30).

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Referring in more detail to the drawings, as shown from Figure 1 to Figure 12, an Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) is described. It should be expressly understood that this exemplary embodiment is provided solely for descriptive purposes and is not intended to unduly limit the scope of the present inventive concept. Other embodiments and variations of the present invention, called Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10), are considered within the present inventive concept as set forth in the claims of this document.

[0043] The Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) consists of a clamp-type element that attaches to the handle of a tool, with a fixing element to the tool, and that has a receiver for a second handle (30) on the opposite side of the clamp, allowing for articulated movement so that the separation angle between the handles (30) can be adjusted according to the user's needs.

[0044] Quickly and easily, this proposed innovation can be adapted to all types of manual tools to have a double handle, allowing for less effort when working and facilitating the work for people with motor difficulties in handling normal tools. The second handle that adapts to the first handle of the tool can be commercially available as an accessory and replacement for traditional tools.

[0045] This innovation allows for converting simple single-handle tools into articulated double-handle tools, such as shovels, picks, short and long rakes, forks, hoes, and all types of construction or gardening tools with a handle (30).

[0046] The Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) has a clamp-type body consisting of a Clamp ring (11) to wrap around and clamp the handle (30) of the shovel, a fixing element (15) to secure the clamp to the handle (30), and a Handle receiver (12) to place a second articulated handle (30).

[0047] The handle (30) of the shovel and the second handle (30) placed in the handle receiver (12) can vary in length, material, and thickness. These handles can be made from materials such as metal, plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, wood, or alloys thereof, as well as other materials commonly used in the manufacture of hand tools, such as reinforced polymers and composites. The Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) can be manufactured from any type of material, including metal, plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, wood, or alloys thereof, as well as other materials commonly used in the manufacture of tool components.

[0048] The Clamp ring (11) is a clamp-shaped element, preferably cylindrical, with an opening at its lower part for placing a cylindrical object, in this case, the handle (30) of a shovel. Additionally, the Clamp ring (11) has pairs of Clamp holes (16) at the ends of the clamp's opening, in which Fastening screws (17) are placed to screw and tighten the clamp firmly to the handle (30) of the shovel. Each Clamp hole (16) in the pair of mentioned Clamp holes is aligned parallelly, allowing for the insertion of a fastening screw (17) from one hole and through to the other Clamp hole (16).

[0049] The Clamp ring (11) preferably has 2 Clamp holes (16); however, in other embodiments, it can have a single Clamp hole (16) or more than 2 Clamp holes.

[0050] In other embodiments, the Clamp ring (11) can have a different shape according to the tool it will clamp, such as a square or rectangular body.

[0051] At the upper part of the Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10), there is a Handle receiver (12) that has the function of receiving the second handle and providing it with articulated movement. The Handle receiver (12) is preferably located opposite the opening of the Clamp ring (11); however, it can also be positioned on the left, lower right, or lower left side opposite the opening of the Clamp ring (11).

[0052] The Handle receiver (12) is cylindrical in shape, with an upper opening wide enough to allow the insertion of a handle (30). The Handle receiver (12) functions to contain the second handle (30) of the shovel from the bottom and both sides of the handle. Therefore, there can be many embodiments of the Handle receiver (12), which can be cylindrical, triangular, square, or any other geometric shape, as long as it has an upper opening wide enough to allow the insertion of a handle (30).

[0053] The Handle receiver (12) also has a single pair of opposed Articulation holes (13) for the insertion of a fastening screw (17). Each Articulation hole (13) in the pair of mentioned Articulation holes is aligned parallelly, allowing for the insertion of a fastening screw (17) from one hole and through to the other Articulation hole (16).

[0054] In this context, when the additional handle (30) is placed inside the Handle receiver (12), the fastening screw (17) is inserted through the Articulation holes (13) to pass through the handle, as shown in Figures 8, 9, 11 , and 12. Once the fastening screw (17) is inserted, it is tightened and fixed, for example, by placing a nut. Another embodiment of the Handle receiver (12) proposed in this invention has a single wall with a single Articulation hole (13), where the handle placed on the receiver must clamp the Handle receiver (12) from both sides. In this embodiment, the fastening screw (17) is inserted from the outside of one side of the handle (30), passing through the Articulation hole (13) and reaching the other side of the handle (30) to be fastened and tightened, for example, with a nut.

[0055] The upper part of the Handle receiver (12) has a free area for the angular movement of the shovel handle, allowing for manipulation of the double-handle shovel with a larger or smaller separation angle between both handles. In Figure 8, it can be seen that the separation angle is less than 45°, while in Figure 9, the separation angle between the handles is 45°. Therefore, the articulated and movable second handle (30) can be rotated to have a variable separation angle with respect to the shovel handle, from 0° when both handles (30) are together to 180° when they are rotated and both handles (30) are on opposite sides.

[0056] Similarly, the second handle (30) can be a rigid element, such as wooden, plastic, or metal shovel handles; however, this second handle (30) can be a flexible element, such as a chain, rope, cord, wire, or any other element that allows the function of a tensioner to be performed; this functionality can be carried out because the first handle (30) is the one that concentrates the tool's force, and the second handle (30) only serves as an additional support element to hold the tool, performing solely the function of a tensioner.

[0057] This functionality allows it to occupy little storage space since, when the separation is 0°, both handles are together and do not significantly increase the occupied volume.

[0058] The Clamp ring (11) has a Fixing hole (14) in its cylindrical body, into which a Fixing element (15) is inserted to anchor the handle (30) of the shovel where the Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) is placed, thus preventing it from playing and rotating involuntarily around the axis of the handle (30) of the shovel.

[0059] The Fixing element (15) can be any type of element that allows its insertion into the internal body of the shovel handle (30), such as a screw, nail, or bolt.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) comprising a clampshaped element, preferably cylindrical, consisting of a Clamp ring (11) to wrap around and clamp the handle (30) of the shovel, a Fixing element (15) to secure the clamp to the handle (30), and a Handle receiver (12) to place a second articulated handle (30), characterized in that: the Clamp ring (11) has pairs of Clamp holes (16) at the ends of the clamp's opening, in which fastening screws (17) are placed to screw and tighten the clamp firmly to the handle (30) of the shovel; the Handle receiver (12) is cylindrical in shape, with an upper opening wide enough to allow the insertion of a handle (30). The Handle receiver (12) functions to contain the handle (30) of the second shovel from the bottom and both sides of the handle; the Handle receiver (12) also has a single pair of opposed Articulation holes (13) for the insertion of a fastening screw (17). Each Articulation hole (13) in the pair of mentioned Articulation holes is aligned parallelly, allowing for the insertion of a fastening screw (17) from one hole and through to the other Articulation hole (16); the Clamp ring (11) has a Fixing hole (14) in its cylindrical body, into which a Fixing element (15) is inserted to anchor the handle (30) of the shovel where the Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) is placed, thus preventing it from playing and rotating involuntarily around the axis of the handle (30) of the shovel.

2. The Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the Handle receiver (12) can be cylindrical, triangular, square, or any other geometric shape, as long as it has an upper opening wide enough to allow the insertion of a handle (30).

3. The Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the Handle receiver (12) is located opposite the opening of the Clamp ring (11); however, it can also be positioned on the left, lower right, or lower left side opposite the opening of the Clamp ring (11).

4. The Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that each Clamp hole (16) in the pair of Clamp holes is aligned parallelly, allowing for the insertion of a fastening screw (17) from one hole and through to the other Clamp hole (16).

5. The Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) can be made from any type of material, such as metal, plastic, fiberglass, wood, or alloys of these.

6. The Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the Clamp ring (11) can have a square or rectangular body for flat handles.

7. The Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the adapter is used with a second handle (30), which can be a rigid element, such as wooden, plastic, or metal shovel handles, or a flexible element, such as a chain, rope, cord, wire, or any other element that allows the function of a tensioner to be performed.

8. The Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the handle (30) of the shovel and the second handle (30) can be made from materials such as metal, plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, wood, reinforced polymers, composites, or alloys thereof.

9. The Adapter for Articulated Tools with Double Handle (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said adapter can be manufactured from materials such as metal, plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, wood, reinforced polymers, composites, or alloys thereof, as well as other materials commonly used in the manufacture of tool components.

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