Handle attaching means for rakes and the like

Claim 1

Means for attaching an elongated handle to an implement such as a rake or hoe having a narrow elongated metal member extending therefrom, said attaching means comprising a longitudinally slotted cylindrical portion having inwardly extending protrusions for receiving an end of said elongated handle, the edges of said member adjoining said slot having cooperating outwardly extending substantially parallel flanges, means engaging said flanges to move them one toward the other to clamp said cylindrical member tightly about said handle, said attaching means further including a forwardly extending generally arcuate portion having a radius corresponding to the radius of said cylindrical portion and an arcuate width approximately equal to the circumferential length of said cylindrical portion and integrally formed with said cylindrical portion, said forwardly extending portion gradually decreasing in arcuate width forming a tapered portion and terminating in a substantially U-shaped portion having an internal width approximately equal to the width of said narrow elongated member, said U-shaped portion having a flattened portion joining the legs of said U-shaped portion and extending rearwardly to a point spaced from said cylindrical portion, reinforcing beads formed on the legs of said U-shaped portion and extending one toward the other, said flattened portion and said narrow elongated member having cooperating openings, and fastening means engaging said openings to secure the narrow elongated member to said forwardly extending portion of said attaching means.