Abstract:
An auxiliary handle attachment for efficiently decreasing or eliminating the requirement to bend over and cause strain upon ones back when using a long-handled tool, such as a shovel, broom, rake, or the like. The auxiliary handle attachment generally includes a mounting structure having a first channel member including a first channel and a second channel member including a second channel aligned with the first channel, an auxiliary shaft extending upwardly from the mounting structure, and an auxiliary handle extending from the shaft. The mounting structure is adapted to attach to the shaft or handle of the tool by collectively receiving the shaft from an upper side of the first channel opposite the first channel member and a lower side of the second channel opposite the second channel member. Various fastening members and grips may also be used to secure the shaft within the channel members of the mounting structure.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a tool attachment and more specifically it relates to an auxiliary handle attachment for a tool for efficiently decreasing or eliminating the requirement to bend over and cause strain upon ones back when using a long-handled tool, such as a shovel, broom, rake, or the like. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
     Long-handled tools, such as shovels, brooms, rakes, hoes, and the like are widely use for performing various tasks. Typically, when using the tools, the user must repeatedly bend over to lift, push, and/or control the tool. This can often result in forcing the individual to extend beyond a comfortable range of motion and cause strain upon one&#39;s back. Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved auxiliary handle attachment for a tool for efficiently decreasing or eliminating the requirement to bend over and cause strain upon ones back when using a long-handled tool, such as a shovel, broom, rake, or the like. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A system for efficiently decreasing or eliminating the requirement to bend over and cause strain upon ones back when using a long-handled tool, such as a shovel, broom, rake, or the like. The invention generally relates to a tool attachment which includes a mounting structure having a first channel member including a first channel and a second channel member including a second channel aligned with the first channel, an auxiliary shaft extending upwardly from the mounting structure, and an auxiliary handle extending from the shaft. The mounting structure is adapted to attach to the shaft or handle of the tool by collectively receiving the shaft from an upper side of the first channel opposite the first channel member and a lower side of the second channel opposite the second channel member. Various fastening members and grips may also be used to secure the shaft within the channel members of the mounting structure. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of a first side of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an upper perspective view of a second side of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an upper perspective view of the present invention with a tool being attached to the mounting structure. 
         FIG. 4  is an upper perspective view of the present invention with a tool attached to the mounting structure. 
         FIG. 5  is a first side view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a second side view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a rear view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is an upper perspective view the present invention illustrating a rotating handle. 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the present invention illustrating the rotational connection of the auxiliary handle and shaft. 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention illustrating the channel members shortened in length thus decreasing amount of material needed and cost. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A. Overview 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 13  illustrate an auxiliary handle attachment for a tool  10 , which comprises a mounting structure  20  having a first channel member  30  including a first channel  33  and a second channel member  40  including a second channel  43  aligned with the first channel  33 , an auxiliary shaft  50  extending upwardly from the mounting structure  20 , and an auxiliary handle  60  extending from the shaft  13 . The mounting structure  20 , auxiliary shaft  50 , and auxiliary handle  60  are preferably integrally formed in a one-piece structure. 
     The mounting structure  20  is adapted to attach to the shaft  13  or handle of the tool  12  by collectively receiving the shaft  13  from an open upper side of the first channel  33  opposite the first channel member  30  and an open lower side of the second channel  43  opposite the second channel member  40 . Various fastening members  37 ,  47  and grips  34 ,  44  and  38 ,  48  may also be used to secure the shaft  13  collectively within the channels  33 ,  43  of the mounting structure  20 . It is appreciated that the open side of the first channel member  30  substantially longitudinally aligns with the closed side of the second channel member  40  and the closed side of the first channel member  30  substantially longitudinally aligns with the open side of the second channel member  40 . 
     The tool  12  generally includes an elongated shaft  13  (i.e. handle) which is also generally comprised of a uniform diameter. The tool  12  includes an implement  14  at the end of the shaft  13  which may be comprised of various types, such as a shovel, rake, broom, etc. 
     B. Mounting Structure 
     The present invention includes the mounting structure  20  for affixing to the shaft  13  or handle of the tool  12  generally at a midway point along the length of the shaft  13  of the tool  12 . The mounting structure  20  is generally comprised of a rigid structure and material, such as but not limited to plastic, metal, or wood. It is appreciated that the front and rear channel members  30 ,  40  may also maintain a degree of flexibility to prevent breaking when heavy loads are applied to the implement  14 . The mounting structure  20  is adapted to removably attach to the shaft  13  of the tool  12  without permanently altering the shaft  13  of the tool  12  in any manner. It is appreciated that the channel members  30 ,  40  may be alternately constructed to be flat in structure, include hooks, or be comprised of various other configurations. 
     The mounting structure  20  generally includes a first arm  22  extending in a forward direction and leading to a first channel member  30  and a second arm  23  extending in a rearward direction and leading to a second channel member  40 . An open portion  25  is defined between the first arm  22  and the second arm  23  to separate the first channel member  30  from the second channel member  40  and allow for the shaft  13  of the tool  12  to be easily inserted within and attached to the mounting structure  20 . 
     The channel members  30 ,  40  are generally comprised of similar elongated structures, yet are oriented rotationally opposite and extend in opposite directions from the center of the mounting structure  20 . In the preferred embodiment, the first channel member is comprised of a right side up U-shaped cross-sectional structure having a first channel  33  formed therein for receiving the shaft  13  of the tool  12  and engaging an underside of the shaft  13  when positioned within the first channel  33 . The second channel member  40  is comprised of an upside down U-shaped cross-sectional structure having a second channel  43  formed therein for receiving the shaft  13  of the tool  12  and engaging a top side of the shaft  13  when positioned within the second channel  43 . The cross-sectional shape of the channel members  30 ,  40  may also be V-shaped rather than U-shaped to accommodate a wider width of shafts  13 . Thus, the shaft  13  of the tool  12  is engaged both on an underside and on a top side to stabilize the shaft  13  about the mounting structure  20 . 
     The channel members  30 ,  40  each define an upper or lower perimeter of a circular shape and the channels  33 ,  43  formed by the channel members  30 ,  40  preferably align with each other. The diameter of the formed first channel  33  and second channel  43  may be of various sizes to accommodate various sized handles. The first channel member  30  thus is lower than the second channel member  40  since the first channel member  30  wraps around the bottom of the shaft  13  of the tool  12  and the second channel member  40  wraps around the top of the shaft  13  of the tool  12 . It is appreciated that the channel members  30 ,  40  may attach around opposing left and right sides of the shaft  13  in alternate embodiments rather than the top and bottom side of the shaft  13 . 
     Each of the channel members  30 ,  40  also preferably include a tapered distal end  31 ,  41 , generally opposite the opposing channel member  30 ,  40 , to allow for the shaft  13  of the tool  12  to be more easily slid within a respective channel  33 ,  43  of the channel member  30 ,  40 . The tapered distal end  31 ,  41  also allows the channel members  30 ,  40  to attach to various diametric shafts  13  of tools  12 . In addition, each of the channel members  30 ,  40  include a grip material  34 ,  44  within a respective channel member  30 ,  40  for assisting in gripping the shaft  13  of the tool  12 . The grip material  34 ,  44  may be comprised of various gripping materials, such as but not limited to rubber. The channel members  30 ,  40  at furthest outward ends may tilt toward centerline of the tool shaft  13  (while not in use) to aid in the grasping of shafts of differing diameters whether uniform or varying in diameter. This will either eliminate or aid in the function of the tapered ends  31 ,  41 . 
     In addition, each of the channel members  30 ,  40  preferably includes at least one fastening member  37 ,  47  for laterally extending over the shaft  13  positioned within the respective channel  33 ,  43  and around the channel member  30 ,  40 . The fastening members  37 ,  47  are generally held onto the respective channel members  30 ,  40  via a looped attachment  36 ,  46  which allows sliding of the fastening member  37 ,  47  at least partially therethrough. Each fastening member  37 ,  47  may include a stopper  38 ,  48  located at an end for preventing the fastening member  37 ,  47  from sliding completely through a respective attachment  36 ,  46 . 
     The fastening members  37 ,  47  may be comprised of various structures all which allow for the fastening member  37 ,  47  to secure the shaft  13  within a respective channel  33 ,  43 . In the preferred embodiment, the fastening members  37 ,  47  are comprised of a hook and loop nylon strap structure to be wound around the shaft  13  and channel member  30 ,  40  and secured upon itself. The fastening member  37 ,  47  also preferably includes a grip material  39 ,  49  located along an inside surface for gripping the exposed perimeter of the shaft  13  when wrapped around. The grip material  39 ,  49  may be comprised of various gripping materials, such as but not limited to rubber. 
     C. Auxiliary Shaft 
     An auxiliary shaft  50  extends in an upward manner from the mounting structure  20 . In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary shaft  50  extends in a slightly rearward manner, away from the first channel member  30 , to allow for a more comfortable grip. The auxiliary shaft  50  may be comprised of various lengths and widths to accommodate the size of the individual using the present invention and the tool  12  being attached thereto. The shaft  13  may extend at various angles from the mounting structure  20 , such as perpendicular to form a 90 degree angle, 45 degree angle, or various others. 
     The auxiliary shaft  50  may include a male attachment end  52  for allowing swiveling of the auxiliary handle  60  and removability of the auxiliary handle  60  therefrom. The male attachment end  52  may also include a notch  54  to allow a tab  53  on a lateral outer end to laterally retract and expand for easy insertion within a female attachment end  62  and locking therein. 
     D. Auxiliary Handle 
     The auxiliary handle  60  extends from the auxiliary shaft  50  and may be comprised of various structures. The auxiliary handle  60  may include a looped structure, various gripping materials, or may be comprised of various other structures. The handle  60  may include an opening  61  for the user to better grasp the handle  60  when lifting or pushing thereon. 
     The auxiliary handle  60  may includes the female attachment end  62  having a spiked projection  64  extending towards the auxiliary shaft  50 . The projection  64  receives the notch  54  and works to separate the notch  54  to lock outwardly extending tabs  53  of the male attachment end  52  within the female attachment end  62  over a respective holding ledge  63  to prevent the handle  60  from being pulled loose from the auxiliary shaft  50  yet allow the auxiliary handle  60  to rotate with respect to the auxiliary shaft  50 . As appreciated, the shaft  50  can be comprised of various structures or shapes. 
     The user may thus rotate the handle  60  to a desired position to achieve a more comfortable grasp upon the present invention when utilizing. It is appreciated that the handle  60  may rotate 360 degrees with respect to the auxiliary shaft  50 . 
     E. Operation of Preferred Embodiment 
     In use, the midway point along the length of the shaft  13  of the tool  12  is first positioned within the opening so that the shaft  13  intersects the longitudinal length of the mounting structure  20  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The shaft  13  is then pivoted so that the shaft  13  is collectively received within both the first channel  33  of the first channel member  30  and the second channel  43  of the second channel member  40  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     The mounting structure  20  may then be slid along the length of the shaft  13  until a proper longitudinal positioning is achieved. The fastening members  37 ,  47  are then looped around the respective portions of the shaft  13  and affixed tightly so that the grip material  39 ,  49  of the fastening members  37 ,  47  and the grip material  34 ,  44  of the channels members  30 ,  40  both tightly engage the shaft  13  and thus frictionally prevent the shaft  13  from sliding or moving with respect to the mounting structure  20 . 
     Attaching the mounting structure  20  to the shaft  13  of the desired tool  12  will effectively lock and grasp the auxiliary handle  60  to the shaft  13 . This is done by the combined weight of implement  14  and forward end of shaft  13  pulling down on the first channel member  30  which in turn pushes up on the second channel member  40 . The added force of pulling the opposing end of the shaft  12  (as the implement  14 ) toward the auxiliary handle  60  increases channel members  30 ,  40  grip and friction. The more pull on opposing end of the shaft  12  (or handle of the shaft) towards the auxiliary handle  60  and/or load on implement  14  the stronger the grip and hold of the channel members  30 ,  40 . 
     The use of fastening members  37 ,  48  is not necessary for holding the auxiliary handle  60  to the shaft  13  while in use or forces are present. The mounting structure  20  will effectively lock/grasp the shaft  13  without fastening members  37 ,  48  and/or grip material  39 ,  49  with forces present. Fastening members  37 ,  48  may be used for holding the auxiliary handle  60  to the mounting structure  20  between uses and applied forces. The upright orientation of the auxiliary handle  60  may also assist in picking up the tool  12  off of the ground and/or leaning the tool  12  and auxiliary handle  60  against an object between uses. 
     When the present invention is attached to the shaft  13  of the tool  12 , the tool  12  may be use by grasping the auxiliary handle  60  with one hand and the end of the shaft  13  (opposite the implement  14 ) with the other hand and controlling the tool  12  in a normal manner. The vertical extension of the auxiliary shaft  50  away from the shaft  13  of the tool  12  allows the user to control the tool  12  without requiring the user to bend over substantially. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.