Long-Handled Tool Stabilizer With Pivoting Upright Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long-handled tools lack a dedicated storage solution during brief periods of non-use, leading to inefficiencies, safety risks, and user fatigue due to frequent bending and potential damage when leaned against objects or placed on the ground.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing device that attaches to the handle of long-handled tools, providing an upright support mechanism using a base plate, pivot plate, U-bolt, and support leg, allowing tools to be positioned upright and hands-free.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If long-handled tools are leaned against a wall or structure, then they remain accessible, but they may cause damage to surfaces or create safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing device acts as an intermediary between the tool and the ground surface. Instead of the tool handle directly contacting the wall or structure, the device's base plate and support leg provide a mediating support system that distributes weight and prevents surface damage while maintaining tool accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing device enables the tool to support itself in an upright position without requiring external walls or structures. The self-contained base plate, support leg, and pivot mechanism create a self-service system where the tool becomes self-supporting, eliminating the need for external surfaces to bear the tool's weight.
2Stability of the object's composition
If long-handled tools are laid on the ground, then they are stable, but users must repeatedly bend down to retrieve them, causing fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the tool from a horizontal ground position to a vertical upright position using the support leg that extends to the ground. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical orientation allows the tool to remain stable through the support leg's ground contact while keeping the tool head accessible at a higher, more ergonomic level, eliminating the need for users to bend down.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal stabilizing device is designed to accommodate various tool sizes and handle diameters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing device is designed with universal adaptability to work with various long-handled tools of different sizes and handle diameters. The base plate and support leg configuration creates a universal support system that can accommodate multiple tool types without requiring tool-specific customization, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining relatively simple construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The device accommodates various handle diameters through adjustable parameters in the base plate positioning and U-bolt configuration. By allowing parameter changes in the positioning of these components, the device can adapt to different handle sizes without requiring completely different designs, thus achieving versatility with controlled complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilizing device attachable to a handle of a long-handled tool includes a first angled connector and a second angled connector. Each angled connector has a slotted plate with a slotted plate edge and an axle bolt opening. Each angled connector has a U-bolt plate perpendicular to and connected to a slotted plate along the slotted plate and U-bolt plate edges. A bracket clip has finger catches extending outward from the clip edges. A spacer block is securable between the slotted plates adjacent the axle bolt openings. An axle bolt extends through the axle bolt openings and the spacer block. A support leg has a leg first end rotatably attached between the first and second angled connectors, and a leg distal end opposite the leg first end. The support leg is extendable from a first position adjacent the handle to a second position away from the handle.