US 12,583,093 B2Granted

Propping handle for tools and similar implements

OwnerRichard Lewisinventor

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Abstract

A handle permits propping of an implement in a substantially vertical orientation within a ground surface includes an elongate handle body and a spike embedded in a gripping end of the elongate handle body, the spike having an exposed axial portion. A compression spring is disposed about the exposed axial portion of the spike and a hollow sleeve is fitted over the compression spring and gripping end. An opening in an upper end of the sleeve permits passage of the exposed portion of the spike. A pin member transversely disposed within the gripping end of the handle body has ends extending into longitudinal slots of the hollow sleeve such that the handle body is movable axially between first and second positions to enable the exposed axial portion of the spike to be advanced through the opening of the hollow sleeve for advancement into the ground surface.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A handle configured to permit retention of an implement in a vertical or substantially vertical orientation within a ground surface or substrate when the implement is not in use, the handle comprising:

i) an elongate handle body having a gripping end and an opposing implement end that attaches to the implement;
ii) a spike embedded in the gripping end of the elongate handle body, the spike having an exposed axial portion;
iii) a compression spring disposed about the exposed axial portion of the spike;
iv) a hollow sleeve sized and adapted to be fitted over the compression spring and the gripping end of the elongate handle body, the hollow sleeve having an opening in an upper end sized to permit passage of the exposed axial portion of the spike, the hollow sleeve further including one or more longitudinal slots;
and
v) a pin member transversely disposed within the gripping end of the elongate handle body, the pin member having at least one end extending into the one or more longitudinal slots of the hollow sleeve, and wherein the hollow sleeve is movable axially between a first position in which the spike is wholly embedded in the gripping end and the hollow sleeve and a second position in which the exposed axial portion of the spike is advanced outwardly through the opening of the hollow sleeve for secure placement into the ground surface.

3 more elements

A method of manufacturing a handle for an implement enabling the implement to be propped in a substantially vertical orientation when the implement is not in use, the method comprising:

providing an elongate handle, the handle having a gripping end and an opposed implement end;
imbedding a spike within the gripping end of the elongated handle such that there is a predetermined axial exposed section of the spike extending therefrom;
disposing a compression spring about the exposed section of the spike;
providing a protective hollow sleeve over the compression spring and the gripping end of the elongate handle including the axial exposed section of the spike, the protective sleeve having an opening in an upper end sized to permit passage of the exposed portion of the spike, the hollow sleeve further including one or more longitudinal slots;
and
providing a pin member transversely disposed within the gripping end of the elongated handle body, the pin member having at least one end extending into the one or more longitudinal slots of the hollow sleeve, wherein the hollow sleeve is movable axially between a first position in which the spike is wholly imbedded in the gripping end and the hollow sleeve and a second position in which the axial exposed portion of the spike is outwardly advanced through the opening of the hollow sleeve for secure placement into the ground surface.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.