Abstract:
The hand extension with universal clamp extends the reach of a hand tool. It features a universal clamp to work with virtually any tool. It reduces the need to bend over or work on hands and knees. Further, it decreases the strain and injury often caused by crouching or hunching to work. The device protects clothing from being stained by dirty floors.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/823,780, filed May 15, 2013 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
     The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of tools and more specifically relates to a hand extension with universal clamp device of a tool extension system. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Tools are used by individuals in modern society to perform many processes and tasks. Tools are often relatively short in length so they can be stored between uses. When using hand tools, people often have to hunch over or work on their hands and knees. Regularly doing either of these things can result in knee or back problems and general pain and discomfort. Working on hands and knees can also lead to stained and ruined clothing. This is not desirable. A means for using tools over an extended distance is desirable. 
     Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,792,581; 3,357,035; D263,677; 3,984,892; 3,413,043; and 6,119,311. This art is representative of tools. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
     Ideally, a hand extension with universal clamp device should provide ease of use and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable tool extension system to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known tools art, the present invention provides a novel hand extension with universal clamp device of a tool extension system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a easy means for safely using tools in hard to reach locations. 
     The hand extension with universal clamp extends the reach of a hand tool. It features a universal clamp to work with any tool. It reduces the need to bend over or work on hands and knees. Further, it decreases the strain and injury often caused by crouching or hunching to work. The present invention protects clothing from being stained by dirty floors. 
     A tool extension system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising: a tool extension assembly having a telescopic extension handle (having a proximate end, a distal end, and a handle length), and a coupler end assembly (having a coupler-end-body, a threaded-receiver-end, a tool-handle-receiver-end, and at least one fastener); wherein the tool extension system comprises the tool extension assembly. The tool extension assembly comprises in functional combination the telescopic extension handle and the coupler end assembly. 
     The parameters of the handle length of the telescopic extension handle are defined by the proximate end and the distal end; wherein the distal end preferably comprises a threaded-extrusion suitable for coupling into the threaded-receiver-end of the coupler end assembly for removable connection thereto. The proximate end of the telescopic extension handle is suitable for holding via a user and may include a gripping means. The telescopic extension handle is suitable for manipulation of the user such that the coupler end assembly holding a tool is able to be used to facilitate a remote use of the tool to perform a task at a distance from the user. This is handy for instances that the user cannot easily reach the object to be worked on. 
     The coupler end assembly comprises in functional combination the coupler-end-body, the threaded-receiver-end, the tool-handle-receiver-end, and the at least one fastener (serving as a clamping means when tightened). The threaded-receiver-end, and the tool-handle-receiver-end oppose each other; wherein the tool-handle-receiver-end is suitable to receive a handle of the tool. In preferred embodiments the tool-handle-receiver-end comprises a cylindrical profile, alternate embodiments may have different profiles. The working portion of the tool extends out of the tool-handle-receiver-end when coupled such that it can contact the fastener or other work piece. 
     The at least one fastener is able to couple the handle of the tool substantially within an inner volume of the coupler-end-body, the handle of the tool able to enter into the inner volume of the coupler-end-body, then be tightened via the at least one fastener to secure the tool firmly in position in a condition ready for remote use. The at least one fastener preferably comprises a threaded-fastener threadably moveable in relation to the handle of the tool via apertures located in the tool-handle-receiver-end, however alternate fastening means may be used. The at least one fastener each preferably comprises a bull-nose end for contacting against the tool; the bull-nose end having rubber caps located thereon to prevent damage to the tool (finish). The at least one fastener each preferably comprises a carriage head for hand-tightening of the at least one fastener in relation to the handle of the tool (such that other tools are not necessary for tightening, such that it is more convenient for use). 
     The telescopic extension handle may comprise aluminum for relative lightweight during use, such that the user can comfortably use the device for extended periods. In this way the user is thereby able to remotely perform tasks at the distance with the tool. 
     A kit is also disclosed herein including: the telescopic extension handle, a plurality of the coupler end assemblies, and a set of user instructions. Tools may be sold with the present invention. 
     A method of using a tool extension system is described comprising the steps of: coupling a telescopic extension handle to a coupler end assembly, inserting a handle of a tool into a tool-handle-receiver-end, and turning at least one fastener to couple the tool in position for use, and using the tool to perform a task. The method may further comprise the step of uncoupling the tool and replacing it with another tool or readying the present invention for storage. The device may be fully disassembled for convenient storage. 
     The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a hand extension with universal clamp system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, hand extension with universal clamp system (tool extension system), constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a hand extension with universal clamp device in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the hand extension with universal clamp device in another in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view illustrating a coupler end assembly of the hand extension with universal clamp device according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side perspective view illustrating the coupler end assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is another side perspective view illustrating the coupler end assembly of the hand extension with universal clamp system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1 and 4 . 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to tools and more particularly to a hand extension with universal clamp device as used to improve the ease of using tools in hard to reach (remotely displaced) locations. 
     Generally speaking, hand extension with universal clamp is a device that significantly extends the reach of other tools. The invention may comprise a cylindrical clamping device that a hand tool can insert into. The present invention may comprise aluminum. The clamp can have two thumbscrews that tighten down into the cylinder to secure a tool in place. The thumbscrews may have rubber caps on the ends to avoid damaging the hand tool. The attachment that the tool inserts into can have female threading at the base in order to connect to a threaded pole. To use, attach virtually any hand tool; such as a roller, screwdriver, trowel, scrapper, or utility knife; onto the threaded pole. Next, insert and tighten the thumbscrews. Use the tool as desired, with the invention acting as an extended handle. The device may be about 6″ long and ½″ wide. 
     Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , a perspective view illustrating a hand extension with universal clamp device (tool extension assembly  110 ) of tool extension system  100  in two in-use conditions according to an embodiment of the present invention. Many in-use conditions are envisioned as only exemplary means for use with different tools in different applications are described. The exemplary means are not meant to be limiting in any way. 
     Tool extension system  100  comprises: tool extension assembly  110  having telescopic extension handle  120  (having proximate end  122 , distal end  124 , and handle length  126 ), and coupler end assembly  130  (having coupler-end-body  132 , threaded-receiver-end  134 , tool-handle-receiver-end  136 , and at least one fastener  138 ). Fastener  138  preferably comprises two of fasteners  138 , as shown. As such tool extension system  100  comprises tool extension assembly  110 . 
     Tool extension assembly  110  comprises in functional combination telescopic extension handle  120  and coupler end assembly  130 ; wherein parameters of handle length  126  of telescopic extension handle  120  are defined by proximate end  122  and distal end  124 . Distal end  124  preferably comprises threaded-extrusion  125  suitable for coupling into threaded-receiver-end  134  of coupler end assembly  130  for removable connection thereto. Proximate end  122  of telescopic extension handle  120  is suitable for holding via a user. Telescopic extension handle  120  is suitable for manipulation of the user such that coupler end assembly  130  holding (at least one) tool  140  is able to be used to facilitate a remote use of tool  140  to perform a task at a distance from the user, as shown in both  FIGS. 1-2 . 
     Coupler end assembly  130  comprises in functional combination coupler-end-body  132 , threaded-receiver-end  134 , tool-handle-receiver-end  136 , and the at least one fastener  138 ; wherein threaded-receiver-end  134 , and tool-handle-receiver-end  136  oppose each other. Tool-handle-receiver-end  136  is suitable to receive handle  142  of tool  140 ; wherein the at least one fastener  138  is able to couple handle  142  of tool  140  substantially within inner volume  137  of coupler-end-body  132 , handle  142  of tool  140  able to enter into inner volume  137  of coupler-end-body  132 , then be tightened via the at least one fastener  138  to secure tool  140  firmly in position in a condition ready for remote use. The user is thereby able to remotely perform tasks at a distance with tool  140 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-5  showing various perspective views illustrating coupler end assembly  130  of the hand extension with universal clamp device (tool extension assembly  110 ) of tool extension system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
     The at least one fastener  138  preferably comprises a threaded-fastener  139  threadably moveable in relation to handle  142  of tool  140  (via turning in or out) via apertures  135  located in tool-handle-receiver-end  136 ; wherein the at least one fastener  138  each preferably comprises bull-nose end  146  for contacting against tool  140 ; bull-nose end  146  having rubber caps  148  located thereon are used to prevent damage to tool  140 . Further, the at least one fastener  138  each preferably comprises carriage head  150  for hand-tightening of the at least one fastener  138  in relation to handle  142  of tool  140 . 
     Tool-handle-receiver-end  136  may comprise a cylindrical profile; wherein working portion  144  of tool  140  extends out of tool-handle-receiver-end  136 . Telescopic extension handle  120  preferably comprises aluminum for relative lightweight during use. Other materials may be used for telescopic extension handle  120  such as plastics, composites or the like. It is desirable that the material(s) used be suitably lightweight yet durable such that the invention can be used for extended duration yet not unnecessarily fatiguing the user. Telescopic extension handle  120  may comprise a sectional assembly that is able to be moved in relation to a preceding section to provide telescoping means. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of mechanical telescoping means as described herein, methods of telescoping will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. The sectional assembly may comprise detents for holding steady the sectional assembly when set at a user-defined positioning. 
     Handle  142  of tool  140  comprises a cylindrical-handle-profile in preferred embodiments; alternate embodiments may comprise a non-cylindrical-handle-profile (such as square, or rectangular, oval or the like. 
     Tool  140  may comprise a scraper, a trowel, a roller paint brush, a screwdriver, a utility knife. Tool  140  may comprise other suitable tools not mentioned. Tool  140  should be generally understood to refer to any handheld tool  140 . 
     A kit may include: telescopic extension handle  120 , a plurality of the coupler end assemblies  130  (of various profiles if desired for different applications of use), and a set of user instructions. 
     A method of using a tool extension system  100  comprises the steps of: coupling telescopic extension handle  120  to coupler end assembly  130 , inserting handle  142  of tool  140  into tool-handle-receiver-end  136 , and turning at least one fastener  138  (for example threaded-fastener  139 ) to couple tool  140  in position for use, and using tool  140  to perform a task. The method may further comprise the step of uncoupling tool  140  and replacing it with another tool or readying the present invention for storage. The device may be fully disassembled for convenient storage. 
     It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.