Hand Trowel

Abstract

A hand trowel with an adjustable handle that enables a user to dig in confined spaces that would otherwise be too small to dig. The scoop can be configured in two positions. In the first position the handle is behind the scoop like traditional trowels. In the second position the handle is above the scoop so that it may be used to dig directly beneath the user in confined spaces.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An improved hand trowel comprising a handle, a scoop, and a means for connecting the handle and scoop that allows the handle to occupy four positions relative to the scoop, directly behind it and directly over it. 
     
     
         2 . The improved hand trowel of  claim 1  where the means for connecting the handle and scoop is a locking pin and spring located in the distal end of the handle and the proximal end of the scoop. 
     
     
         3 . The improved hand trowel of  claim 1  where pressing the locking pin downwards displaces said locking pin between 1-50 mm downwards resulting in the displacement of the scoop away from the handle by the same distance. 
     
     
         4 . The improved hand trowel of  claim 1  where displacing the scoop downwards by the said distance disengages the level contoured surface of the curved neck from one of four grooves located on the handle. 
     
     
         5 . The improved hand trowel of  claim 1  where displacing the scoop downwards by the said distance disengages one of four grooves located on the handle from the level contoured locking surface of the neck the scoop. 
     
     
         6 . The improved hand trowel of  claim 1  where disengaging the neck from the groove allows the handle and scoop to move rotationally in relation to each other about the axis of the locking pin and in the plane of the long axis of the trowel. 
     
     
         7 . The improved hand trowel of  claim 1  where the handle can be rotated 360 degrees to a position directly above the blade, to positions of 90° to the left, 90° to the right or back to a position directly behind the blade. 
     
     
         8 . The improved hand trowel of  claim 1  where a spring mounted under the locking pin will pull the scoop back towards the handle after pressure upon the button is removed. 
     
     
         9 . The improved hand trowel of  claim 1  where the neck and groove of the handle and scoop will re-engage and lock in either handle position. 
     
     
         10 . A method of using an improved hand trowel. 
     
     
         11 . A method of making an improved hand trowel.