FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to material handling tools, and more particularly to a combination tool.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Combination snow shovels are well known in the art. For example, US Patent 1,260,276 to W.H. Miller on Mar. 19, 1918 teaches such a device. Such devices are made to move snow and ice to a desired location. However, despite the development of man} approaches to combination snow shovels, these approaches often have significant drawbacks.

US Patent 3,222,699 to L. L. Zeisig on Dec. 14, 1965 teaches a snow shovel with handle mounted ice chopper. The Zeisig device is effective as a shovel and ice chopper.

How ever, the Zeisig device has the disadvantage that the ice chopper is located on the handle of the shovel and the device must be completely inverted to use. In use, the handle will be become w et and dirty and is not an ideal combination of the tw o devices. Furthermore, the Zeisig device takes time to invert and requires two different techniques of holding the handle. Therefore, a device is needed that does not need to be inverted end-to-end to be used. Furthermore, the needed device w ould be able to quickly and easily change from the shoveling position to the ice breaking position. Also, the needed device would provide a comfortable and ergonomic angle of the handle in use.

US Patent 1,260.276 to W.H. Miller on Mar. 19, 1918 also teaches a snow shovel and ice chopper. The Miller device teaches attaching an ice chopping blade on the end of the shovel. This approach avoids the problem of having to invert the tool end-to-end and keeps the handle from becoming w et and dirty. How ever, this approach has the draw back of using a separate attachment that needs to be added and removed depending on needs of the user. Also, the ice chopper attachment is designed to be used in a mostly vertical up- and-down motion transferring the impact of breaking the ice primarily vertically up the handle of the tool. Therefore, there is a need for a device that does not need a separate attachment for each function. Furthermore, a device is needed where the structure of the ice chopper function avoids direct transfer of impact up the handle and limits the impact of repetitive motion of breaking ice.

Tw o published applications teach combination snow shovels that are made of one-piece and do not need attachments. US Patent Application 2006/0197349 by Daw es published on Sep. 7, 2006 teaches a combination snow shovel and snow plow . US Patent

Application 2009/0051180 Al by Marlin published on Feb. 26, 2009 teaches a snow removal tool for the pushing and pulling of snow . How ever, neither one of these devices provides the ability to aggressively and repeatedly dig and chop snow , compacted snow , ice, slush and the like. The} are suitable for their designed function of pushing and pulling freshly fallen snow . but the} are clearly not designed and do not disclose a structure to w ithstand vigorous digging and chopping in a forceful and repetitive manner. Therefore, there is a need for a device that in addition to providing the functions of pushing and pulling, further includes the structural design integrity and sturdiness to endure the stresses and forces of aggressπ e and repeated digging and chopping most often associated with manipulation and remo\ al of snow , compacted snow , ice, slush and the like

In ni} pre\ ioush filed parent application, I taught a combination tool that o\ ercanie the abo\ e draw backs and is particularh w ell-suited for handling snow and ice remo\ al Yet some of the features taught therein, it has been found, are applicable to a much w ider \ ariet} of different material handling tools and applications As such, additional \ ariations and important distinctions are taught in the present application

Therefore, there is a need for a de\ ice that does not require being in\ erted end-to-end to be used Furthermore, the needed de\ ice w ould be able to quickh and easih change from the sho\ ehng position to the ice breaking position Also, the needed de\ ice w ould pro\ ide a comfortable and ergonomic angle of the handle in use There is a need for a de\ ice that does not need a separate attachment for each function Clearh there is a need for a de\ice where the structure of the ice chopper or scraper feature a\ oids direct transfer of impact up the handle and limits the impact to the user of repetitπ e motion of breaking ice Further, the needed de\ ice w ould pro\ ide the functions of sho\ ehng, pushing, and pulling snow , and include the structure to chop ice and the sturdiness to w ithstand the forces of repeated ice chopping Such a needed in\ ention w ould applicable to a w ide \ an eh of different ΓΛ pes of materials and applications The present in\ ention accomplishes these ob)ecti\ es SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present device is a tool for manipulating a material resting on a surface. The tool includes an elongated handle having proximal and distal ends. An elongated shaft has a means for attaching to the handle at a proximal end thereof.

A compound head is fixed at a center portion thereof to a distal end of the elongated shaft. The compound blade has a first tool section adapted for shoveling, digging or the like w hen the first tool section is used at an angle of less than approximately 30 degrees with respect to the surface, the first tool section having a first tangential angel of less than 30 degrees w ith respect to the elongated handle. The compound blade has a second tool section adapted for chopping or scraping and the like when the second tool section is used at an angle of more than approximately 60 degrees w ith respect to the surface, the second tool section having a second tangential angle of between 60 and 120 degrees w ith respect to the elongated handle.

The tool may be used generally to both alternately push and pull the material. The handle is kept at generally the same angle w ith respect to the surface but rotated to alternately allow either the first tool section to be used generally tangentially to the surface, or to allow the second tool section to be used generally orthogonally to the surface.

Various forms of the first and second tool sections may be taken. For example, the first tool section may include the cutting blade and the second tool section may include a plurality of cutting teeth. Each tool section may include a single or two common side w alls. The first tool section may also include at least one sharpened serrated edge for cutting, and ma> form a sharpened V-shaped blade The second tool section maj include a plurality of tines

The present in\ ention is a tool that does not require being in\ erted end-to-end to be used nor does the tool require a separate attachment for each function The present de\ ice ma} be quickh and easih rotated from a sho\ ehng/digging position to a chopping/scraping position The disclosed tool pro\ ides the function of pushing and pulling in both the sho\ ehng/digging position and in the chopping/scraping position Tamping, compressing, and le\ ehng features and benefits are achie\ ed w hen operating the tool in the

sho\ ehng/digging position The structure is sturd} enough to endure the stresses and forces of aggressπ e and repeated operating The design of the chopper/scraper feature a\ oids direct transfer of impact up the handle and thus limits the sical stress to the user during repetitπ e motion Furthermore, the de\ ice pro\ ides a comfortable and ergonomicalh correct angle of the handle in use Other features and ad\ antages of the present in\ ention w ill become apparent from the follow ing more detailed description, taken in con) unction with the accompany ing drawings, which illustrate, b} w a} of example, the principles of the in\ ention

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG l is a perspectπ e \ lew of a first embodiment of the in\ ention, illustrating a tool manipulating a material on a surface with a second tool section.

FIG 2 is a side ele\ ational \ lew of another embodiment of the in\ ention. s a partialh exploded perspectπ e \ lew of the in\ enti on, illustrating a pin, an elongated shaft, an elongated handle, and a compound head.

s a side ele\ ational \ ie^ of the in\ ention in a sho\ ehng position w ith a first tool section.

s a partialh exploded side el e\ ational \iew of the tool, illustrating cooperating screw threads on an elongated handle and shaft, and illustrating discontinuous contours along the elongated shaft.

s a perspectπ e \ lew of a " Back Hoe Hardscaper" embodiment of the in\ ention.s a right-side el e\ ational \iew of the embodiment of FIG 6, the left-side ele\ ational \ lew being a mirror image thereof.

s a front el e\ ational \iew of the embodiment of FIG 6.

s a perspectπ e \ lew of a "Compact Dirt Digger" embodiment of the in\ ention. is a right-side el e\ ational \ lew of the embodiment of FIG 9, the left-side ele\ ational \ lew being a mirror image thereof.

is a front ele\ ational \ lew of the embodiment of FIG 9.

is a perspectπ e \iew of a "Multi-Function Gardening" embodiment of the in\ ention.

is a right-side el e\ ational \iew of the embodiment of FIG 12, the left-side ele\ ational \ ie^ being a mirror image thereof.

is a front ele\ ational \ lew of the embodiment of FIG 12.

is a perspectπ e \iew of a "Mortar Mixer" embodiment of the in\ ention.

is a right-side el e\ ational \iew of the embodiment of FIG 15, the left-side ele\ ational \ lew being a mirror image thereof.

is a front ele\ ational \ ie^ of the embodiment of FIG 15. is a perspectπ e \ lew of a "Landscape Rake & Sho\ el" embodiment of the in\ ention.

is a right-side ele\ ational \ lew of the embodiment of FIG 18, the left-side ele\ ational \ lew being a mirror image thereof.

is a front ele\ ational \ lew of the embodiment of FIG 18.

is a perspectπ e \ie\\ of a "Dual Pitchfork" embodiment of the in\ ention. is a right-side el e\ ational \iew of the embodiment of FIG 21, the left-side ele\ ational \ lew being a mirror image thereof.

is a front el e\ ational \ iew of the embodiment of FIG 21.

is a perspectπ e \ lew of a "Trencher" embodiment of the in\ ention.

is a right-side el e\ ational \iew of the embodiment of FIG 24, the left-side ele\ ational \ lew being a mirror image thereof.

is a front ele\ ational \ lew of the embodiment of FIG 24.

is a perspectπ e \iew of a first "Short Handle Gardner" embodiment of the in\ ention.

is a right-side ele\ ational \iew of the embodiment of FIG 27, the left-side ele\ ational \ lew being a mirror image thereof.

is a front ele\ ational \ lew of the embodiment of FIG 27.

is a perspectπ e \ ie^ of a second " Short Handle Gardner" embodiment of the in\ ention.

is a right-side ele\ ational \iew of the embodiment of FIG 30, the left-side ele\ ational \ lew being a mirror image thereof.

is a front ele\ ational \ lew of the embodiment of FIG 30.

is a perspectπ e \ie\\ of an "Extending Garden Tool" embodiment of the in\ ention. is a right-side ele\ ational \iew of the embodiment of FIG 33, the left-side ele\ ational \ lew being a mirror image thereof.

is a front el e\ ational \ iew of the embodiment of FIG 33.

is a perspectiv e \ ie\\ of a first "Concrete Form" embodiment of the inv ention. is a right-side el e\ ational \iew of the embodiment of FIG 36, the left-side ele\ ational \ lew being a mirror image thereof.

is a front el e\ ational \ iew of the embodiment of FIG 36.

is a perspectiv e view of a second "Hardscaping Hand Tool embodiment of the in\ ention.

is a right-side ele\ ational view of the embodiment of FIG 39, the left-side ele\ ational \ lew being a mirror image thereof.

is a front ele\ ational v iew of the embodiment of FIG 39.

is a perspectiv e view of a "Firefighter's Tool" embodiment of the in\ ention. is a right-side el e\ ational view of the embodiment of FIG 42, the left-side ele\ ational v lew being a mirror image thereof.

is a front ele\ ational v lew of the embodiment of FIG 42.

is a diagram of a first and second parabolic curve associated with the first and second tool sections, respectiv eh

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The following explanation provides specific details for a thorough understanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. One skilled in the art w ill understand that the invention may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise, ^" "comprising, ^" and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to. ^" Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words "herein, ^" "above, ^" "below" and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a w hole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word "or" in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list.

With respect to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a tool 10 for manipulating a material 20 resting on a surface 30. The material 20 can be a variety of materials, such as snow, ice, slush, sand. salt. dirt, gravel, concrete, grains, and the like. The tool 10 includes an elongated handle 40 having proximal 42 and distal ends 48, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, an elongated shaft 50 of the tool 10 has a means for attaching 60 to the handle 40 at a proximal end 52 thereof. Such a handle may be several inches to several feet long, typically.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, a compound head 70 is fixed at a center portion 75 thereof to a distal end 58 of the elongated shaft 50. The compound head 70 has a first tool section 80 having a first tangential angle αi of less than 30 degrees with respect to the elongated handle 40, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The compound head 70 has a second tool section 90 having a second tangential angle obof between 60 and 120 degrees with respect to the elongated handle 40, as illustrated in FIG. 2. When the compound head 70 is rotated such that the first tool section 80 is below the second tool section 90, the tool 10 may be readilv used in a shoveling or digging fashion along the surface 30, the first tool section 80 w orking the materially 20 substantially tangentially to the surface 30. Herein the term "shoveling" may also refer to leveling, tamping, digging, and like actions that require a tool that is more parallel to the surface than orthogonal. When the compound head 70 is rotated such that the second tool section 90 is below the first tool section 80, the tool 10 may be readily used in a chopping or hoe-type fashion into the surface 30, the second tool section 90 w orking the material 20 substantially orthogonally to the surface 30. Herein, the term "chopping" may also refer to scraping, piling, digging, hoeing, raking, and the like.

The specific tool sections 80,90 may take man} various forms, but generally a side profile of the first tool section 80 can be generally described by a first parabolic expression Pi (FIG. 45), such as y = 3/8 x ² - 1/4 x, for example, and a side profile of the second tool section 90 can be generally described by a second parabolic expression P ₂ , which may be the same as the first parabolic expression Pi or not, but rotated with respect to the first parabolic expression P ₁ . such as by 90 degrees. As such, the tool 10 may be used generally to both alternately shovel and dig the material 20. The handle 40 is kept at generally the same angle with respect to the surface 30 but rotated to alternately allow either the first or second tool sections 80,90 to be used on the material 30. In another embodiment, the second tool section 90 is adapted for chopping or scraping the material 20 w hen the second tool section 90 is used at an angle of more than approximately 60, degrees but less than 90 degrees.

In a simple embodiment, each first and second tool section 80,90 may include a cutting blade 160 (FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the cutting blades 160 of each first and second tool section 80,90 are substantially mutually parallel. The sharpness of each cutting blade 160 contributes to separating materials 20 from surfaces, for example, without the need to thrust excessively downward which may cause damage to the surface 30 and/or pain and injury to the user.

The tool 10 may also be used in additional orientations. In a diagonal orientation (not shown), corners 82, 92 (FIG 3) of the compound head 70 may be used at various angles to the surface to reach into narrow crevices of the surface 30. In a sideways orientation, side edges 76 may be used to manipulate material 20 near trees and poles and around other structures (not shown) on the surface 30. In one embodiment, each side edge 76 of the compound head 70 is planar, providing the ability to manipulate the material 20 on the surface 30. In another embodiment, each planar side edge 76 is substantially orthogonal to each cutting blade 160. In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, the means for attaching 60 the elongated shaft 50 to the handle 40 includes cooperating screw threads 100 on the elongated shaft 50 and the handle 40. In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the means for attaching 60 the elongated shaft 50 to the handle 40 includes a pin 110 traversing the elongated shaft 50 and handle 60 when mutually attached. The pin 110 secures the handle 40 to the elongated shaft 50. The means for attaching 60 may also be ultrasonic w elding, adhesive, metallic w elding, or the like. Preferably, how ever, the handle 40 and the elongated shaft 50 are integrally formed from extruded aluminum tube, the elongated shaft 50 portion being bent and crimped to the proper shape and welded onto the compound head 70 (FIG. 2).

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the longitudinal axes of the distal U and proximal ends /? of the elongated shaft 50 are parallel but distally offset, which provides an ergonomic and efficient angle when using the tool 10. In one embodiment, the offset of the distal end U and proximal end /?is formed by a continuous contour 120 (FIG. 2) along the elongated shaft 50. In another embodiment, the offset of the distal Ij and proximal ends /? is formed by at least tw o substantially discontinuous contours 130 (FIG. 5) along the elongated shaft 50. In one embodiment, each first and second tool section 80, 90 includes a continuous contour 140 (FIG. 4) along its length. Generally the longitudinal axis /5 of the handle 40 (FIG. 2) is coincident with the longitudinal axis /? of the proximal end 52 of the elongated shaft 50, and the longitudinal axis 13 of the handle 40 bisects the second tool section 90.

In one embodiment, the compound head 70 may be formed from a single metal casting process. In another embodiment, the compound head 70 may be formed from an extrusion process. In these embodiments, the elongated shaft 50 may be fixed to the compound head 70 using mechanical fasteners, w elding or the like. In one alternate embodiment, the compound head 70 and elongated shaft 50 may be formed from a single metal casting process. The tool 10 is preferably made from a strong and durable material such as a rigid metal material, but can also be formed from any suitable durable rigid material, such as a hard rigid plastic material, if desired. The elongated handle 40 may also be made from a rigid durable material such as wood, fiberglass, or metal.

The size of the tool 10 may be adapted for different sized users and working needs. An advantage of the tool 10 is that it can be a size that is efficient for removing material 20 such as snow, slush and ice from steps (not shown). Some steps are not very deep and the structure of each tool section 80,90 is of a design well suited to be able to effectively remove material 20 from steps. Another advantage is that the tool 10 combines several functions together which can each be used in an ergonomic manner. When the weather is cold and unpleasant, having one device w ith man} features avoids the hassle and inconvenience of cam ing multiple devices or going back and forth to retrieve additional devices.

Various forms of the first and second tool sections 80,90 may be taken. For example, the first tool section 80 may include the cutting blade 160 and the second tool section may include a plurality of cutting teeth 170 (FIG. 6). Each tool section 80,90 may include a single or two common side w alls 180 (FIGS. 9 and 15). The first tool section 80 may also include at least one sharpened serrated edge 190 for cutting (FIG. 12), and may form a sharpened V-shaped blade 220 (FIG. 27). The second tool section 90 may include a plurality of tines 200 (FIG. 18). Referring now to specific embodiments, FIGS 1—5 illustrate an embodiment parti cularh w ell-suited for chipping and breaking apart ice and packed snow w ith the second tool section 90, and sho\ ehng same with the first tool section 80

FIGS 6—8 illustrate a "Back Hoe Hardscaper" embodiment particularh. w ell-suited for chopping and cutting w ith the second tool section 90, the first tool section 80 ha\ ing the cutting blade 160, and being useful as a step when rotated upw ardh. to allow a user to apph additional w eight to the tool to increase cutting and digging force imparted b> the second tool section 90, and for performing tamper, compression, and le\ ehng operations on the material 20 This embodiment is w ell suited for general hardscaping and landscaping operations

FIGS 9—11 illustrate a "Compact Dirt Digger" embodiment particularh w ell-suited for chopping with the second tool section 90, the first tool section 80 ha\ ing the cutting blade 160, and being useful as a step when rotated upw ardh to allow a user to apph additional w eight to the tool to increase cutting and digging force imparted b} the second tool section 90, and for performing tamper, compression, and le\ ehng operations on the material 20 The second tool sections 90 has the plurality of cutting teeth 170 for loosening compact soils, cla> , ice, snow and the like This embodiment is w ell suited for hardscaping, digging, landscaping, soil aeration, breaking up ice and snow , and general gardening operations, combining man} of the functions of a traditional pick a\e, spade sho\ el, Italian hoe, and tamper FIGS 12-14 illustrate a "Multi-Function Gardening" embodiment particularh w ell- suited for gardening The first tool section 80 has an arc-shaped cutting blade 160 suitable for edging and the like, and is useful as a step w hen rotated upw ardh to allow a user to apph additional w eight to the tool to increase cutting and digging force imparted b} the second tool section 90 The first tool section 80 is adapted to facilitate tamper, compression, and le\ ehng operations on the material 20, and includes the sharpened serrated edge 190 for cutting roots and the like The second tool sections 90 has the plurality of cutting teeth 170 for loosening compact soils, cla} , ice. snow and the like This embodiment is w ell suited for general gardening operations, combining man} of the functions of a traditional edger, spade sho\ el, Italian hoe, garden hoe, cultπ ator, hand space, and tamper

FIGS 15—17 illustrate a "Mortar Mixer" embodiment particularh w ell-suited for w orking w ith cement, concrete and mortar materials 20 The first tool section 80 has the side w all 180 that allows the material 20 to be scooped out of a wheelbarrow or other container, for example, and upon rotating of the handle 50 allow s such materials 20 to be accurateh placed at a )ob site The first tool section 80 is adapted to mixing the materials 20 b} scooping or sho\ ehng, w hile not allow ing w ater or moisture to leak aw a} from the materials 20 The second tool sections 90 is adapted for scraping and mixing, and includes a pluralit} of apertures 230 therethrough for allowing the materials 20 to pass through for more thorough mixing thereof This embodiment is w ell suited for general concrete operations, combining man} of the functions of a traditional concrete/mortar mixer, spade sho\ el, and flat sho\ el FIGS 18-20 illustrate a "Landscape or Asphalt Rake and Sho\ el ^" embodiment particularh w ell-suited for raking, sho\ eling, tamping and le\ eling The first tool section 80 has a relatπ eh w ide sho\ el 150 and is adapted to facilitate the transfer and le\ eling of materials such as dirt, bark mulch, gra\ el, asphalt and the like The second tool section 90 has the plurality of tines 200 and is adapted for raking materials such as dirt, bark mulch, gra\ el, asphalt and the like This embodiment combines man} of the functions of a traditional rake, flat sho\ el, tamper and le\ eler

FIGS 21-23 illustrate a "Dual Pitchfork" embodiment particularh w ell-suited for transporting materials 20 such as ha> , grass, bark-mulch, leaf debris, and the like The first and second tool sections 80,90 ha\ e the pluralit} of the sharpened prongs 210, which with the second tool section 90 ma} be used to gather or rake materials into a pile, and with the first tool section 80 penetrate the materials 20 for lifting and transport This embodiment is w ell suited for landscaping, combining man} of the functions of a traditional pitchfork and cultπ ator or rake

FIGS 24-26 illustrate a "Trencher" embodiment particularh w ell-suited for digging and forming a narrow trench The first tool section 80 has an arc-shaped cutting blade 160 suitable for sho\ eling, and is useful as a step when rotated upw ardh to allow a user to apph additional w eight to the tool to increase cutting and digging force imparted b} the second tool section 90 The first tool section 80 is adapted to facilitate tamper, compression, and le\ eling operations on the material 20, and includes tw o of the common side w alls 180 for capturing the materials 20 therein for sho\ eling and lifting The second tool sections 90 has the pluralit} of cutting teeth 170 for loosening compact soils, cla} , and the like This embodiment is w ell suited for trenching operations, combining man} of the functions of a traditional trenching sho\ el. drain or trenching spade, and tamper

FIGS 27-32 illustrate tw o "Short Handle Gardner" embodiment particularh w ell-suited for gardening The first tool section 80 has the sharpened V-shaped blade 220 suitable for digging, cutting roots, and the like The first tool section 80 is adapted to facilitate sho\ ehng the material 20, and includes the sharpened serrated edge 190 for cutting roots and the like The second tool sections 90 has the plurality of tines 200 or cutting teeth 170 for loosening compact soils, cla} , and the like This embodiment preferabh includes a relatπ eh short handle for close-up w ork, and is w ell suited for general gardening operations, combining man} of the functions of a traditional short-handled gardening tools such as trow els, cultπ ators, w eed remo\ ers, and the like FIGS 33—35 show a similar "Extending Garden Tool" embodiment ha\ ing an ad)ustable. extendible handle 40

FIGS 36-41 illustrate a "Concrete Form" and a "Hardscaping Hand Tool" embodiments particularh w ell-suited for shaping, forming, and finishing concrete, cement and mortar materials 20 The first and second tool sections 80,90 ha\ e the tw o common side w alls 180 that allow the material 20 to be scooped out of a w heelbarrow or other location, for example, in a sho\ ehng motion The second tool sections 90 is adapted for scraping and mixing This embodiment is w ell suited for general concrete finishing operations, combining man} of the functions of a traditional concrete/mortar trow els, le\ elers and tampers

FIGS 42-44 illustrate a "Firefighter's Tool" embodiment particularh w ell-suited for use in firefighting The first and second tool sections 80,90 ha\ e the tw o common side w alls 180 that allow debris and like material 20 to be scooped in a sho\ eling motion The second tool sections 90 is adapted for scraping, chopping, breaking, and the like This embodiment combines man} of the functions of a traditional "McLeod" t} pe firefighting tool w ith a spade or sho\ el

While a particular form of the in\ ention has been illustrated and described, it w ill be apparent that \ aπous modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the in\ ention For example, the means for attaching 60 the elongated shaft 50 to the handle 40 ma\ include gluing, w elding, or additional mechanical fasteners

Accordingh , it is not intended that the in\ ention be limited, except as b} the appended claims

The teachings pro\ided herein can be applied to other s} stems, not necessarih the s} stem described herein The elements and acts of the \ arious embodiments described abo\ e can be combined to pro\ ide further embodiments All of the abo\ e patents and applications and other references, including an} that ma} be listed in accompam ing filing papers, are incorporated herein b} reference Aspects of the in\ ention can be modified, if necessan , to emplo} the s} stems, functions, and concepts of the \ arious references described abo\ e to pro\ ide } et further embodiments of the in\ ention

These and other changes can be made to the in\ ention in light of the abo\ e Detailed Description While the abo\ e description details certain embodiments of the in\ ention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the abo\ e appears in text, the in\ ention can be practiced in man} w a} s Details of the s} stem ma} \ an considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed b} the im ention disclosed herein

Particular ternunolog} used when describing certain features or aspects of the im ention should not be taken to imph that the terminolog} is being redefined herein to be restricted to an} specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the im ention with which that terminolog} is associated In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the in\ ention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the abo\ e Detailed Description section explicit!} defines such terms Accordingh , the actual scope of the im ention encompasses not onh the disclosed embodiments, but also all equi\ alent w a} s of practicing or implementing the in\ ention

The abo\ e detailed description of the embodiments of the im ention is not intended to be e\hausti\ e or to limit the im ention to the precise form disclosed abo\ e or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the im ention are described abo\ e for illustratn e purposes, \ aπous equrv alent modifications are possible within the scope of the im ention, as those skilled in the rele\ ant art w ill recognize Also, the teachings of the im ention pro\ ided herein can be applied to other s} stems, not necessaπh the s} stem described abo\ e The elements and acts of the \ anous embodiments described abo\ e can be combined to pro\ ide further embodiments

All of the abo\ e patents and applications and other references, including an} that ma} be listed in accompam ing filing papers, are incorporated herein b} reference Aspects of the im ention can be modified, if necessaπ , to emplo} the s} stems, functions, and concepts of the \ arious references described abo\ e to pro\ ide } et further embodiments of the in\ ention

Changes can be made to the im ention in light of the abo\ e "Detailed Description " While the abo\ e description details certain embodiments of the im ention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the abo\ e appears in text, the im ention can be practiced in man} w a} s Therefore, implementation details ma} \ an considerabh while still being encompassed b} the in\ ention disclosed herein As noted abo\ e, particular terminolog} used when describing certain features or aspects of the im ention should not be taken to imph that the terminolog} is being redefined herein to be restricted to an} specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the im ention with which that terminolog} is associated

In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the im ention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the abo\ e Detailed Description section exphcith defines such terms Accordingh , the actual scope of the im ention encompasses not onh the disclosed embodiments, but also all equπ alent w a} s of practicing or implementing the im ention under the claims

While certain aspects of the im ention are presented below in certain claim forms, the im entor contemplates the \ arious aspects of the im ention in an} number of claim forms Accordingh , the im entor reseπ es the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the im ention