Patent Publication Number: US-2016242351-A1

Title: Leverage-enhancing attachment aid for digging and prying tools and method of use

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This non-provisional utility application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/094,143, filed on Dec. 19, 2014. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INNOVATION 
     This innovation relates to aids and tools to assist users of digging and prying implements, such as shovels and pry bars and other leverage tools particularly to reduce effort required to operate the implement on the part of the user. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Digging and prying implements typically are used without any aid to assist the user in exertion when using implements such as shovels and prying tools, or other leveraging tools. Many tasks that require such implements are difficult and tire the user quickly. Moreover, the user may strain joints and muscles. An aid that provides a substantial mechanical advantage so the user may gain leverage when digging and prying resistive and heavy objects is desired that is simple to deploy and lightweight to carry. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to an innovative leverage-enhancing attachment attachment for digging and prying implements, to ergonomically aid in digging, prying or lifting using shovels, pitch forks, trenching tools, shingle removing (roofing) tools and the like. Embodiments of the innovative tool attachment comprise a pivot stand member that articulates with a stationary support stem extending from an attachment collar. The attachment collar is adapted to attach the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment to the shaft of a digging or prying implement, such as a shovel or a shingle remover, by clasping about the shaft of said implement. The pivot stand comprises an elongated extension bar member, having a first end adapted to articulate with the attachment collar support stem, thereby forming articulating joint, whereby the foot stand pivots about the articulating joint. It will be seen that the articulating joint will act as a fulcrum to facilitate digging and prying operations when the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment is deployed. The innovative leverage-enhancing attachment assists a user of the digging implement by providing an enhanced mechanical advantage to aid in lifting a mass using the implement. The user gains leverage by the substantial mechanical advantage afforded by the innovation described herein. The second end of the foot stand is affixed to a foot base adapted to stabilize the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment when the aid is deployed as will be described below, as well as to provide an ergonomic foothold for enhancing the initiation of digging or prying operations using the user&#39;s foot to press the blade of the implement into the ground or under an object to lift or pry from a surface. Greater detail of the foregoing is provided in the Detailed Description. 
     The enhanced mechanical advantage is realized by a first mechanical advantage already achieved by the relative lengths of the upper shaft portion of the digging or prying implement between the free end of the shaft and the attachment point of the attachment collar on the shaft of the implement, and the lower shaft portion formed between the attachment point of the attachment collar and the bottom of the attached blade or head. A secondary mechanical advantage is realized by deployment of the pivot stand by rotating it about the articulating joint so that it forms an obtuse angle with the support stem. The foot base is then lowered to the ground or other surface, forming a fulcrum point. The straight line distance, or moment arms, between the free end of the shaft and the fulcrum point, and a second one extending from the blade of the implement where a load is borne, to the fulcrum point. These distances depend on the combined lengths of the support stem extending from the attachment collar and the extension bar member, and the angle formed between them when the extension bar is deployed. 
     For digging and prying actions, the pivot stand of the instant tool provides an additional degree of freedom in the action of lifting the load on the head of the digging implement to assist the user, whereby the length of the pivot stand adds an additional translational component to the digging motion, allowing the user to lift the load by both swiveling the digging or prying head or blade upwards by rocking the shaft backward, or toward the user, to place the foot base on the ground or surface, then pivoting the shaft downward using the fulcrum formed by the foot base. This digging or prying motion engendered by the innovative design is more natural for the user than if the fulcrum point was directly on the shaft of the digging implement, that is, an articulating foot stand was not present. The user may more easily lift a load with the blade of the implement. 
     As a further advantage provided by the instant innovation, the foot stand may be rotated or folded so that the foot base may rest on the lower portion of the shaft of the digging or prying implement to provide an ergonomic foothold for the user to more easily push the blade or head into the ground or under a load. When the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment is deployed in this position, the digging or prying implement itself may be reengaged with the ground or a load by placing the head blade, such as the spade of a shovel or pry tool, or the tines of a digging or pitch fork of the implement on the ground or under an object to be lifted or pried, where the foot base is positioned for placement of one or both of the user&#39;s feet to assist in the penetration of the ground by the head of the digging implement, or penetration of the head of the implement into a pile or under an object to be lifted or pried upward. According to the innovation, the foothold provided by this configuration of the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment creates an ergonomic and stable foot placement, allowing the user to apply maximum bodily force to engage the implement with the ground or load comfortably, by aligning the leg with the angle of the handle and blade or tines relative to the surface or ground. This foothold geometry afforded by the instant innovation enhances the user&#39;s ability to use bodily force to press the head of the implement into the ground or to engage a load. 
     As a yet further advantage provided by the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment, the mechanical advantage described above is afforded while allowing the shaft of the digging or prying implement to stand with a relatively small incline from the vertical once the implement is engaged with the ground or load, providing an ergonomic lever by allowing the user to position his or her arms and hands at shoulder or upper torso level instead of lower torso or waist level in order to initiate the pivoting action to lift the load imposed on the head of the implement, for example to pivot and lift the head of a shovel out of the ground in a digging operation, or applying upward force required for a prying operation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1 a   . Exploded view of a first embodiment of the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment assembly. 
         FIG. 1 b   . Exploded view of a second embodiment of the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment assembly. 
         FIG. 1 c   . Exploded view of a third embodiment of the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment assembly. 
         FIG. 1 d   . View of an alternative embodiment of the foot base. 
         FIG. 1 e   . Detailed view of the attachment collar assembly, showing chamfer inside the gap of the shank. 
         FIG. 2 . Assembled innovative leverage-enhancing attachment attached to a digging or prying implement, foot base pivoted downwards to provide an ergonomic foothold for a user. 
         FIG. 3 a   . View of the twisted embodiment of the extension bar. 
         FIG. 3 b   . View of the assembled innovative leverage-enhancing attachment, comprising the twisted extension bar embodiment pivotally affixed to the end of the unbent embodiment of the support stem of the attachment collar assembly. 
         FIG. 3 c   . Perspective view of the angled embodiment of the attachment collar assembly, comprising the two-piece collar ring. 
         FIG. 3 d   . Perspective view of abutment embodiment. 
         FIG. 3 e   . Perspective and exploded view of first alternative abutment embodiment. 
         FIG. 3 f   . Perspective and exploded view of second alternative abutment embodiment 
         FIG. 3 g   . Frontal view of second alternative abutment embodiment. 
         FIG. 3 h   . Perspective view of third alternative abutment embodiment. 
         FIG. 3 i   . Frontal view of third alternative abutment embodiment. 
         FIG. 3 j   . Frontal view of fourth alternative abutment embodiment. 
         FIG. 4 . Perspective view of the assembled innovative leverage-enhancing attachment comprising the twisted extension bar embodiment and the two-piece collar ring embodiment. 
         FIG. 5 a   . Perspective view of a method of deployment of inventive digging and prying aid—initial part of digging stroke showing ergonomic foot placement before driving shovel blade into the ground. 
         FIG. 5 b   . Perspective view of a method of deployment of inventive digging and prying aid—mid portion of digging stroke showing extension of users leg and completion of engagement of shovel blade with the ground. 
         FIG. 5 c   . Perspective view of deployment the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment for creating of fulcrum by pivoting extension bar and foot base outward, where foot base forms the fulcrum point. 
         FIG. 5 d   . Perspective view of deployment of the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment for completion of digging stroke. 
         FIG. 5 e   . Perspective view of deployment of innovative leverage-enhancing attachment comprising the angled embodiment of the attachment collar assembly. 
         FIG. 6 a   . Side view of the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment secured on a shovel handle, foot base deployed in a support position and shovel blade engaged with ground. 
         FIG. 6 b   . Side view of the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment used to provide mechanical advantage to complete digging stroke. 
         FIG. 7 . Force diagram showing moment arms and applied forces for derivation of mechanical advantage equations. 
         FIG. 8 . Example of use of the inventive digging and prying tool aid—prying task in roofing application. 
         FIG. 9 . Example of use of the inventive digging and prying tool aid—lifting a heavy object with a prying implement. 
         FIG. 10 . Example of use of the inventive digging and prying tool aid—aid for use of a scoop shovel. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 a - c    shows an exploded view of a basic embodiment  100  of the innovative tool disassembled. The basic embodiment comprises stand part  101  and articulating lever arm part embodiments  102  and  107 . 
     In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 a   , attachment collar  103  may be configured as a rigid contiguous ring to accommodate the shank or shaft of a digging implement, such as a digging shovel, a trenching shovel or a scoop shovel, or a prying tool, such as a pry bar or roofing shovel. The collar  103  may have a threaded bolt-hole  110  disposed on the collar body such that the axis of the bolt-hole  110  extends radially from the center of the collar, allowing a bolt to fasten the collar to a digging implement shank or shaft. 
     In the alternative embodiment of the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment shown in  FIG. 1 b    as an exploded view, the attachment collar may be configured as a split ring clamp, as in the example shown in attachment collar embodiment  107 , having a kerf  108  cut in the collar  103  and threaded bolt hole  110  cut perpendicular to the kerf for tightening the collar  103  around an shaft of a digging or prying implement. In both embodiments, through-hole  111  serve allow passage of a bolt or pin for fastening support stem  104  extending below attachment collar  103  to foot stand  101 . Through-hole  111  mates with passage hole  112  disposed near the upper end of extension bar  106  of foot stand  101 , allowing passage of a bolt or pin for pivotally fastening support stem  104  of attachment collar assembly  107  (embodiment  102  or  107 ) to extension bar  106 . For the assembly, extension bar  106  inserts into gap  115  to allow foot stand  101  to rotate about the pivot point formed by the bolt or pin fastener. a compression ring  115  may be included to insert into collar  103  to form a compression clamp around the shank or shaft of a digging implement when bolt  116  is tightened. Bolts such as the shoulder bolt  117  may be used. 
     In a further embodiment  119  shown in  FIG. 1 c   , the attachment collar  103  may be configured as a two-piece bracket clamp comprising a detachable bracket piece  120  and bottom flange  121 , to which bracket piece  120  may be affixed, for example, by bolts  122 . This embodiment of attachment collar  103  is adapted to clamp about the shaft of a digging or prying tool, such as a digging shovel, trenching shovel, scoop shovel, or pry bar and the like, having a hand grip, such as a D-shaped grip or handle, affixed to the top of the shaft, making it necessary to employ a split attachment collar  103  having a removable bracket piece  120  to clamp the attachment assembly  119  to the shaft of the digging or prying implement. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 a - c   , foot base  105  of stand  101  may comprise a single bar, or two separate elements extending perpendicularly from the bottom of extension bar  106 . In alternative embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 d   , feet  113  and  114  may be disposed in a non-collinear manner at or near the bottom of extension bar  106 . For example, rods  113  and  114  may form an angle between them at their point of fixation on extension bar  106 , forming a V, as shown in  FIG. 1   d.    
     Examining lever arm  102  in greater detail in  FIG. 1 e   , support stem  104  is at least partially split, forming gap  115  between the two lateral portions  104  descending from collar  103  and flanking gap  115 . Extension bar  106  fits within gap  115  (see  FIG. 2 ), thus the width of gap  115  is slightly larger than the width of extension bar  106 . Furthermore, gap  115  may comprise an internal chamfer  120  so that when the inventive digging and prying aid  100  is folded, as described below, extension bar  106  rests on the surface of the chamfer  120  within the gap  115  of lever arm  102 . The chamfered surface  120  within gap  115  may provide a stop to limit the folded angle between the pivoting portions. When the inventive digging and prying aid  100  is attached to the shaft or blade shank of a digging implement, as described below, extension bar  106  may be folded downwards to rest against the chamfered surface within gap  115 , forming a stable foot placement, whereby the laterally-extending rods or bars  113  and  114  of foot base  105  may provide a substantial and strong foothold upon which the user of the digging implement may place his or her foot and apply bodily force more efficiently to push the blade into the ground or pile. 
     In  FIG. 2 , an assembled view of the collar ring embodiment of the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment  200  is shown mounted on a shovel handle. Attachment collar assembly  201  is affixed at one end to the elongated shovel handle, and forms an articulating joint with extension bar  202  by virtue of a bolt, pin or bushing extending  203  though mating holes ( 111  and  112  of  FIG. 1 ). In most embodiments, attachment collar assembly  201  may be rigidly affixed to the blade shank or shaft of a digging or prying implement, allowing extension bar  204  to pivot freely. Lower portion  205  of the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment, which comprises extension bar  204  and foot base  205  (can be a single rod or bar attached to the bottom of extension bar  204 ), may be pivoted downwards so that foot base may abut or rest against handle  207  or blade  208 . In this position, foot base  205  provides a footrest platform for the user of the digging or prying implement to step upon and press or drive the blade with the foot into the ground, pile or under an object to be lifted or pried. 
     Foot base  205  provides a foothold that has a wide surface for the user upon which to ergonomically place his or her foot, rather than on the top edge  209  of the blade  208 , which is the conventional alternative for these types of tools. Top edge  209  may provide a thin ledge or lip for foot placement, which limits the amount of bodily force the user may apply with the foot to drive the blade into the ground or under an object to be pried, whereas foot base  205 , having a wide surface, allows more secure foot placement so that the user may use bodily force more efficiently. Moreover, foot base  205  may provide sloped surface for foot placement, where the slope angle may be adjusted so that the user&#39;s foot may be aligned with this angle, causing the leg to be aligned to a more natural angle to transfer greater bodily force to the blade. 
     Once the blade of the digging implement has been engaged with a load, base  205  of the inventive digging and prying aid  200  may be pivoted outwards by using the foot or hand to a deployment position. In the deployment position, base foot  205  may be placed in contact with the ground, and provide a stable and fixed footing for the pivoting of the attachment collar assembly  206  about the articulating joint formed with attachment collar assembly  201  affixed to the digging implement handle  207 . The pivot point provides a fulcrum about which attachment collar assembly  201  may swing, allowing the user to rotate the blade of the implement with its load upwards. This is explained in greater detail below. The mechanical advantage afforded by the inventive digging and prying aid is obtained by the relative lengths of attachment collar assembly  201  and extension bar  204 , as well as the relative lengths of the digging implement handle above and below the attachment point of attachment collar assembly  201  on the handle. 
     Another embodiment of the digging and prying aid is shown in  FIG. 3 a   . In this embodiment, leg  300  is twisted, substantially at a 90° angle along its axis in this example. Extension bar  300  may now comprise a lower portion  301  and an upper portion,  302 , shown as an angled plate affixed to lower portion  301 . Lower portion  301  of extension bar  300  may have a high aspect ratio rectangular cross section as shown in  FIG. 3 a    whereby the thickness is smaller than the width, and may join base foot  303  with the wide dimension aligned with that of base foot  303 . This arrangement may impart greater stability to the innovative aid during use relative to the previous embodiment. 
     The inset of  FIG. 3 a    shows upper portion  302  of extension bar  300  inserts into the gap (not shown but essentially described above and in  FIG. 2 ) of attachment collar support stem  304  and abuts the chamfer extending diagonally between the two lateral portions into the gap in support stem  304  from the base of flange  306  along one edge, as shown in  FIG. 1 e    and  FIG. 2 , in order to restrict the pivot angle of leg  300 . Upper portion  302  may be pivotally affixed to support stem  304  by a bolt or pin inserted through passage hole  305 , disposed in attachment collar support stem  304 , providing a pivot point for leg  300 . The inset of  FIG. 3 a    shows that leg  300  may be caused to extend at an angle relative to the axis of support stem  304  as a result of the abutment of upper portion  302  against the chamfer existing in the gap between lateral portions of support stem  304 . In the present embodiment, the combined angle in the inserted piece  304  and that of the chamfer existing in the gap ultimately determines the angle formed between extension bar  300  and attachment collar  305  when extension bar is fully extended. 
     An example is shown in  FIG. 3 b   , where leg  300  is extended downward from attachment collar  307  to the point where the angled edge of upper piece  302  rests on chamfer  306 , stopping leg  300  from pivoting outward any further. Thus, a fixed angle is formed between leg  300  and attachment collar  307  when leg  300  is pivoted outward to the deployment position. This fixed angle may be optimized to provide the largest ergonomic advantage to the user. Inclusion of this small angle causes the leg to extend at an angle less than 90° from the implement shaft, causing the implement shaft to be less inclined and tilted more vertically when the leg is deployed and the blade is engaged. The more vertical the handle of the digging implement, such as a shovel, is in relation to the ground, the easier it is for the user to pivot the implement handle because the user&#39;s arms are more at chest or shoulder level. 
     In  FIG. 3 c   , a bent embodiment of attachment collar is shown. Support stem  304  extends downward from the base flange  306  of the collar ring at an angle. In this embodiment, the pivot joint between the leg and support stem  304  may be straight. In  FIG. 3 d   , another embodiment of the innovative digging and prying aid is shown, where the pivot stand  300  is depicted comprising a bar pivotally affixed to attachment collar support stem  304  via pin or axle  305 . An abutment  308  is provided in this embodiment, where abutment  308  is affixed to attachment collar support stem  304  so that extension bar  301  may abut against it when pivot stand  300  is extended. A variation is shown In  FIG. 3 e   , where attachment collar support stem  304  shown in an exploded view is forked as in earlier embodiments. Stand  300  pivots between lateral portions  309  extending from attachment collar base by means of pin or axle  305  that may extend between the two lateral portions  309 . In this embodiment, abutment  308  extends within the gap between lateral portions  309 . When rotated upwards as indicted by the curved arrow in  FIG. 3 e   , extension bar  301  butts against abutment  308  and can pivot no further, where stand  300  is deployed in the fully extended position. 
     Another variation of the abutment embodiment is shown in  FIG. 3 f   , where forked attachment collar support stem  304  shown again in an exploded view. Stand  300  pivots between lateral portions  309  by means of pin or axle  305  that may extend between the two lateral portions  309 . In this embodiment, abutments  308  are affixed to and carried by extension bar  301 . When pivot stand  300  is extended, abutments  308  butt against edges  310  of lateral portions  309 , limiting the pivotal angle of pivot stand  300  and allowing the extended stand  300  to be fixed in a secure position when extended. When rotated in the opposite direction, pivot stand  300  may be freely rotated to rest foot base  303  against the digging or prying implement shaft (not shown).  FIG. 3 g    shows a frontal view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3   f.    
     A yet further embodiment of the abutment embodiment is shown in  FIG. 3 h   , where a single abutment is incorporated in the structure of support stem  304 . In this simple form, extension bar  301  may butt against the edge of gap base  310  when pivoted downward as indicated by the curved arrow in  FIG. 3 h   .  FIG. 3 i    shows a frontal view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 h   . A different embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 3 j   , where the member structures are reversed. In this embodiment, pivot stand  301  now comprises lateral portions  311  separated by a gap in which pivot axle or pin  305  extends from one side to the other. Abutment  310  may be disposed within the gap as well, as shown in the example of  FIG. 3 j   . Support stem  304  comprises a single bar or piece extending from attachment collar  307 . An articulating joint is again formed between pivot stand  301  and support stem  304  by means of axle  305 . As with the above embodiments, abutment  310  is provided to limit the pivot angle of pivot stand  301  during its deployment. Abutment  310  may also be disposed on support stem  304  as shown in  FIGS. 3 f    and  3   g.    
     An example is shown in  FIG. 4  of use of the twisted leg embodiment  400  just described where the leg is pivoted inwardly, out of the support position, and rests against the implement handle or blade. Innovative aid  400  is shown affixed to shovel  401 . The length of leg  402  may be set so that when pivoted inward, foot base  403  may rest against shovel handle  404  or blade shank  405 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . To maintain an ergonomic advantage, the attachment point of collar  406  may be set in the lower portion of shovel handle  404 , just above blade  407 . For optimal deployment and use of the innovative aid  400 , the length of leg  402  may be optimized so that foot base  403  may rest on shovel handle  404  just above the top of shovel blade  407 , or just at the top of blade  407 . When preparing to engage shovel blade  407  with the ground, a user may engage a foot on foot base  403 , which is stably supported against handle  404  or blade  405 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 4 , foot base  403  provides a relatively wide surface for foot placement, which moreover may be ergonomically sloped or angled to allow the user to apply maximum bodily force when pressing the foot downward to force blade  407  into the ground. This detail is accomplished by providing a sloped foot-engagement surface such that the user may comfortably position his or her leg for pressing downward on the foot.  FIG. 4  also shows that for conventional use of a shovel, the user normally places his or her foot on the top edge  408  of blade  407 . Edge  408  may be narrow, providing minimal surface for foothold. The user&#39;s foot may slip off the blade in cases where the sole of the user&#39;s shoe is wet or mud-covered. 
     Moreover, the user may be obliged to incline the blade  407  and handle  404  at a shallower angle in order to align the user&#39;s leg with the shovel axis in order to transfer maximum force to the point of blade  407 . Handle  404  is inclined closer to the ground in this case, and as mentioned above, this position is not ergonomic for the user. The provision of an ergonomic foothold by the innovative aid for the user may eliminate these disadvantages, allowing shovel handle  404  and blade  407  to assume a steeper angle of attack. First, the handle  404  is tilted away from the ground allowing more ergonomic manipulation of the shovel (or prying tool) by a user. Blade  407  is also positioned to engage with the ground at a steeper angle of attack, which allows for a more efficient digging stroke as greater volume of earth may be dug or scooped out per stroke. Second, an additional advantage is provided by the innovative aid, where the bodily force applied by the user to foot base  403  is transferred to handle  404  itself by virtue of attachment collar  406 . The user&#39;s bodily force is then transferred down handle  404  to the central portion of blade  407 , focusing the force at the tip or attacking edge of blade  407 . A greater concentration of force at the tip of blade  407  allows for more efficient distribution of the bodily force applied by the user when engaging blade  407  with the ground, as the bodily force is more concentrated at the tip of blade  407  to more easily push it into the ground. 
     A sequence of deployment positions of the inventive digging and prying aid is shown in  FIGS. 5 a - e   .  FIG. 5 a    depicts a view a user preparing to dig a hole in the ground with shovel  500  equipped with the inventive digging and prying aid (shown by parts assembly  303 - 306 ), by engaging blade  301  of spade The inventive digging and prying aid is shown attached to the shaft  502  of shovel  500  by attachment collar  503 . By way of example, attachment collar support stem  504  is depicted extending at a perpendicularly from attachment collar  503 , and therefore is also perpendicular to shovel handle  502 . The perpendicular angle is by no means meant to be limiting, and it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that any convenient angular relationships may be employed amongst the various components of the innovative digging and prying aid and the digging implement. An example is shown below using the bent embodiment of the attachment collar assembly. 
     Extension bar  505  is depicted as being pivoted and folded downward in a pre-deployment position, and may be stopped at a particular angle by resting against chamfer  120  within gap  115 , as introduced in  FIG. 1 e   , or may have no internal constraint, and simply be pivoted until foot base  506  is brought to rest against shaft  502 . Because it is attached to the handle of the shovel, a great advantage is gained by transferring a downward force from the leg to the center of the shovel shaft increasing the net force on the tip or cutting edge  507  of the shovel blade  501 . Moreover, the tendency to cause the blade and handle to tip sideways when, in conventional use, the user applies force to the one side of the top edge of blade  501 . 
     In this pre-deployment position of the inventive digging and prying aid, foot base  506  provides a foothold for the user to place a foot to apply downward force, aiding in plunging blade  501  into the ground. By virtue of the angle of the foothold surface of foot base  506 , and the placement of the foothold at the top of blade  501  the user is better able to engage the quadriceps muscles of the thigh more efficiently because the user&#39;s leg is aligned with extension bar  505 . The user may extend her or his leg, thereby transferring greater downward force to the blade without causing the user to rock forward to apply more leg force needed to drive the blade into the ground, which would be the case without use of the innovative aid. At the same time, shovel handle  502  may remain substantially upright, forming a near-vertical or steep angle with the ground. This is illustrated in  FIG. 5 b   . A near-vertical, upright, or steep angle of handle  502  allows for more ergonomic geometry for manipulation of the shovel, as explained above in relation to position of arms and hands during the digging (or prying) operation. The innovative aid permits the user to maintain the handle  502  substantially upright while at the same time allowing the user to fully extend her or his leg in order to apply maximum bodily force while driving blade  501  into the ground. 
     Without the advantage provided by the innovative aid, the user is forced to rock forward in order to apply maximum force by extending the leg while at the same time maintaining the handle as vertical as possible. It should be noted that engaging blade  501  into the ground at a steep angle allows for more efficient digging, as a greater volume of earth may be removed with each digging stroke. Without the aid of the innovation, the user would need to angle the shovel (blade  501  and handle  502 ) at a larger incline relative to the ground in order to align the user&#39;s leg with blade angle, permitting the user to extend his or her leg to drive the blade into the ground without rocking forward. As a first disadvantage, the handle  502  is lower to the ground, and presents a less ergonomic geometry for the user to pivot the handle to finish the digging stroke. Secondly, the volume scooped out by blade  501  is less, making for a less efficient digging operation. Much of this line of reasoning applies to implements designed for prying operations. 
     In  FIG. 5 b   , blade  501  has been plunged into the ground and is engaged.  FIG. 5 c    demonstrates how the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment  507  may be deployed. Extension bar  505  is pivoted away from shovel handle  502  extend therefrom to a deployment position, where it provides a stationary upright stand by virtue of foot base  506  now resting on the ground. When deployed as shown in  FIG. 5 c   , the user may apply force at the top of shovel handle  502  to pivot the shovel about a fulcrum point formed by the lower edge of foot base  507 , as indicated by the curved arrow. The portion of the shaft above the attachment collar  503  is the upper shaft portion  508 , and below attachment collar  503  is lower shaft portion  509 . As will be explained below, the relative lengths of portions  508  and  509 , together with lengths of parts  504  and  505  that pivot about fulcrum point  507  of the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment, provide a mechanical advantage aiding the user. The innovative leverage-enhancing attachment affords the user substantially less effort in carrying out a digging or prying task in proportion to the mechanical advantage it provides. 
     In  FIG. 5 d   , shovel handle  502  is shown having been tilted downward, lifting blade  501  with load  510  out of the ground by rotating shovel  300  about fulcrum point  507 . In  FIG. 5 e   , the innovative aid embodiment  511  employing the angled (bent) attachment collar assembly embodiment  512  is affixed to shovel handle  502 . Details of this embodiment are given above and an illustration is shown in  FIG. 3 c   . In this embodiment, an angle is introduced at the junction of collar flange  503  and attachment collar support stem  504 . The angle of the pivot joint formed between extension bar  505  and attachment collar support stem  504 , may be substantially 180° when leg  505  is fully extended into a deployment position, as shown in  FIG. 5 e   . In the example depicted in  FIG. 5 e   , attachment collar support stem  504  forms an acute angle with shovel handle  502 , allowing leg  505  to fully extend in a collinear fashion with attachment collar support stem  504 . When leg  505  is deployed, the acute angle formed by the bend in attachment collar assembly  512  draws foot base  506  closer to handle  502 , causing handle  502  to stand at a more erect angle than would be the case if no bend was present anywhere along the line extending from the attachment point on shovel handle  502  to foot base  506 . Blade  501  is also tilted to a more vertical angle when engaged in the ground, and poised to scoop out a greater volume of earth when tilted upward during the digging stroke. 
     Another sequence is shown in  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b   , showing a side view of digging implement  600  equipped with the inventive digging and prying aid affixed to shaft  602  at a point where a lower portion of shaft  602  of length c extends below the attachment point, and an upper portion of shaft  602  of length a extends above the attachment point, where a&gt;c. Blade  601  is engaged in the ground. The inventive leverage-enhancing attachment is affixed to shaft  602  by attachment collar  603 , with attachment collar support stem  604  extended at a right angle from shaft  602 . Shaft  602  is initially tilted at an angle θ with respect to the vertical. Pivot stand  605  is shown in the deployment position, where it is substantially inclined relative to the ground. The angle formed between attachment collar support stem  604  and pivot stand  605  is φ. In  FIG. 6 b   , shaft  602  is pivoted downward by the user with a force of F 1 , causing blade  601  to be pried or lifted out of the ground, carrying load  606  imposing an initial resistive force of F 2 , comprising both the weight of the load of earth being dislodged, and frictional forces involved with dislodging the load of earth by blade  601 . The initial force may the largest encountered during the digging stroke. Extended support stem  604  and pivot stand  605  comprise a lever assembly. 
     It may be shown analytically that the inventive digging and prying aid provides an enhanced mechanical advantage over conventional use of a digging or prying implement, where a simple lever comprising both blade  601  and shaft  602  is normally created with a fulcrum point at the intersection of blade  601  with the surface of the ground. Based on the schematic diagram shown in  FIG. 7 , and referring to  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b   , it may be shown that the mechanical advantage (M.A.) depends in a complex way upon independently adjustable length parameters a, c, m, q and independently adjustable angle φ, where a is the length of upper portion of shaft  602 , c is the length of lower portion of shaft  602 , m is the length of attachment collar support stem  604 , a is the length of pivot stand  605  and φ is the angle between attachment collar support stem  604  and pivot stand  605  when the latter is deployed, forming the lever assembly. The mechanical advantage may be expressed as implicit functions ƒ(x) of the afore-mentioned parameters by Equation 1, which has been derived for the geometry shown in  FIG. 7 : 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     M 
                     . 
                     A 
                     . 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       
                         F 
                         2 
                       
                       
                         F 
                         1 
                       
                     
                     = 
                     
                       
                         
                           L 
                           1 
                         
                         
                           L 
                           2 
                         
                       
                       = 
                       
                         
                           f 
                            
                           
                             ( 
                             
                               a 
                               , 
                               m 
                               , 
                               q 
                               , 
                               ϕ 
                             
                             ) 
                           
                         
                         
                           f 
                            
                           
                             ( 
                             
                               c 
                               , 
                               m 
                               , 
                               q 
                               , 
                               ϕ 
                             
                             ) 
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   1 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     where ƒ(c, m, q, φ) and ƒ(a, m, q, φ) are complicated functions of the arguments, and are given explicitly in the appendix that follows. F 2  is necessarily greater than F 1 . 
     The mechanical advantage is the ratio of the force F 2 , comprising the weight of load  606 , and the applied force F 1 , expressing then an amplification of the force F 1  applied by the user to lift load  606 . Mechanical advantage is also expressed as the ratio of the two moment arm lengths, L 1  and L 2 , where L 1  is the moment arm length extending from the top of shaft  602  to the fulcrum point formed by the foot base  607  on the ground, and L 2  is the moment arm length extending from the top of blade  601  to the same fulcrum point. This is shown in  FIG. 7 . F 1  multiplied by moment arm L 1  is the torque necessary to balance the torque composed of F 2  multiplied by moment arm L 2  about the fulcrum point, in order to overcome the load weight and frictional forces resisting dislodging the load  606 . Thus, F 1  is the minimum required applied force. The initial tilt angle θ of the shaft  602  may be shown to be related to the length c, m, q and angle φ by the following relation: 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   θ 
                   = 
                   
                     
                       π 
                       2 
                     
                     - 
                     
                       arctan 
                        
                       
                         [ 
                         
                           
                             c 
                             - 
                             
                               q 
                                
                               
                                   
                               
                                
                               
                                 sin 
                                  
                                 
                                   ( 
                                   
                                     π 
                                     - 
                                     ϕ 
                                   
                                   ) 
                                 
                               
                             
                           
                           
                             m 
                             + 
                             
                               q 
                                
                               
                                   
                               
                                
                               
                                 cos 
                                  
                                 
                                   ( 
                                   
                                     π 
                                     - 
                                     ϕ 
                                   
                                   ) 
                                 
                               
                             
                           
                         
                         ] 
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   2 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     Equations 1 and 2 show that the initial mechanical advantage depends in a complex way on the segment lengths as well as the lengths m and q of the attachment collar support stem  604  and extension bar  605 , respectively. More simply, the mechanical advantage afforded by the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment may be maximized by optimizing the independently adjustable parameters. Equations (1) and (2) are approximate because the weight of the digging implement by itself also causes a smaller second torque about the pivot point or fulcrum. For the purposes of this disclosure, the smaller torque due to the weight of the implement itself can be neglected in comparison to the weight of load and the resistance encountered by lateral forces when lifting the blade. 
     Application as a Prying Implement Aid 
     The innovative leverage-enhancing attachment may also be applied effectively to aid prying tools, such as roofing shovels and pry bars. The same principles described above for digging applications apply to prying implements.  FIG. 8  depicts roofing shovel equipped with the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment  801 . In a related application, a prying implement used for lifting heavy objects also benefit from the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment, as shown in  FIG. 9 . The instant aid may also be employed to assist scooping tasks, such as snow shoveling or scooping gravel or coal. This is depicted in  FIG. 10 , where the instant leverage-enhancing attachment is depicted attached to a scoop shovel  1000 . 
     The foot base may be studded on the top and bottom surfaces to increase grip of the sole of the user&#39;s shoe and prevent slippage, as well as to anchor in the ground to prevent slippage and increase stability. 
     Example of Method of Use 
     An example of deployment and use of the innovative leverage-enhancing attachment is described as follows. The aid is attached to the shaft of a digging or prying implement by means of any of the embodiments described for the attachment collar. With the pivot stand pivoted downwards in the pre-deployment position, the tip of the blade of the implement is poised for engagement. The user may then place his or her foot on the top side of the foot base, and press with his or her foot and extend his or her leg to drive the blade of the digging or prying implement into the ground or pile, or under an object to be lifted or pried. The user then may kick or otherwise move the pivot stand outward away from the elongated shaft and blade, extending the pivot stand to its pivot limit, which for instance may occur when its top portion abuts with an angled chamfer in the gap formed in the support stem. The extended pivot stand and the support stem thus form a lever assembly. The foot base is then made to rest on the ground or other surface, so the shaft of the implement is supported. The user then may apply a downward force with his or her arms to the top portion of the shaft of the digging or prying implement to cause it to pivot downward thereby pivoting the blade upwards, carrying a load, by rocking the lever assembly toward the user on the fulcrum point formed by the foot base, where the combined support stem and pivot stand form a rigid support as well, allowing the implement to remain horizontal as shown in  FIG. 5   d.    
     The embodiments described in this application are exemplary, and by no means limit the innovation described herein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other variations of the embodiments described are also considered without departing from the scope of the innovation described herein, and claimed in the claims that follow. 
     APPENDIX 
     It can be shown that the lengths of moment arms L 1  and L 2  according to the diagrams in  FIGS. 6 and 7  may be expressed by the following equations: 
     
       
         
           
             
               L 
               1 
             
             = 
             
               
                 
                   q 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   
                     sin 
                      
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         π 
                         - 
                         ϕ 
                       
                       ) 
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   sin 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   ϕ 
                 
               
               + 
               
                 
                   { 
                   
                     
                       a 
                       2 
                     
                     + 
                     
                       
                         [ 
                         
                           m 
                           + 
                           
                             q 
                              
                             
                                 
                             
                              
                             
                               cos 
                                
                               
                                 ( 
                                 
                                   π 
                                   - 
                                   ϕ 
                                 
                                 ) 
                               
                             
                           
                           - 
                           
                             q 
                              
                             
                               
                                 sin 
                                  
                                 
                                   ( 
                                   
                                     π 
                                     - 
                                     ϕ 
                                   
                                   ) 
                                 
                               
                               
                                 sin 
                                  
                                 
                                     
                                 
                                  
                                 ϕ 
                               
                             
                              
                             
                               sin 
                                
                               
                                 [ 
                                 
                                   
                                     cos 
                                     
                                       - 
                                       1 
                                     
                                   
                                    
                                   
                                     ( 
                                     
                                       sin 
                                        
                                       
                                           
                                       
                                        
                                       ϕ 
                                     
                                     ) 
                                   
                                 
                                 ] 
                               
                             
                           
                         
                         ] 
                       
                       2 
                     
                   
                   } 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
       
         
           and 
         
       
       
         
           
             
               L 
               2 
             
             = 
             
               
                 m 
                 + 
                 
                   q 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   
                     cos 
                      
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         π 
                         - 
                         ϕ 
                       
                       ) 
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 cos 
                  
                 
                   { 
                   
                     
                       tan 
                       
                         - 
                         1 
                       
                     
                      
                     
                       [ 
                       
                         
                           c 
                           - 
                           
                             q 
                              
                             
                                 
                             
                              
                             
                               sin 
                                
                               
                                 ( 
                                 
                                   π 
                                   - 
                                   ϕ 
                                 
                                 ) 
                               
                             
                           
                         
                         
                           m 
                           + 
                           
                             q 
                              
                             
                                 
                             
                              
                             cos 
                              
                             
                                 
                             
                              
                             π 
                           
                           - 
                           ϕ 
                         
                       
                       ] 
                     
                   
                   } 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     where independent parameters a, c, m, q and φ are defined above.