Hand tools and method of fabrication thereof
An attachment system and method allows reversely operating a working head with a shaft of different lengths selectively. A first hand tool is reversely connected to an extension shaft to obtain a second, longer-shafted hand tool, both fully operational and sturdy for hand-use, according to applications, work conditions and ergonomics. A range of different lengths hand tools may be contemplated, such as shovels, forks, trowels, transplanters, weed cutters, rakes, hoes, planters, and scoops, for example.
1 . A tool, comprising:
a tool shaft;
a tool head;
a slotted sleeve connecting the tool head to the tool shaft; and
an excentric C-clamp clamp comprising a locking tab at a free end thereof and connected to the slotted sleeve between an open position and a closed position;
wherein:
in the closed position of the clamp, the clamp tightens the slotted sleeve around a proximal end of the tool head by reducing a slot in the slotted sleeve, thereby locking lateral movements between the tool head and the sleeve, and the locking tab clips into an opening in the proximal end of the tool head, thereby locking axial movements between the tool head and the sleeve;
from the closed position, the clamp untightens the slotted sleeve from around the proximal end of the tool head; and
in the open position of the clamp, the locking tab is released from the opening in the proximal end of the tool head, and the tool head is separable from the tool shaft.
2 . The tool of claim 1 , wherein the clamp is rotatively connected to the slotted sleeve between the open position and the closed position thereof.
3 . The tool of claim 1 , wherein a connection end of the tool shaft comprises one of a male and a female member configured to receive a corresponding one of a female and male member of the sleeve, for locking axial movements between the tool shaft and the sleeve.