Patent ID: 7472630

Claim:
A hand tool comprising a handle member having a distal end and a proximal end, a tool head at the distal end of the handle member, a handle extension member, the handle extension member being pivotally joined to the handle at an articulated joint adjacent the proximal end, the articulated joint comprising a pivot extending through the handle member and the handle extension member, at least one of the members including a slot, the pivot extending through the slot, the handle extension member comprising a channel having a pair of substantially parallel side panels and a spine panel, the pivot being capable of translational movement relative to the slot, whereby the handle extension member may be rotated at the articulated joint relative to the handle member from a closed position, wherein the handle member and the handle extension member are juxtaposed, to an extended position, wherein the handle member projects forwardly of the proximal end, the channel extending from a free end to an articulated end, the articulated end being adjacent the articulated joint and the spine panel extending from a free end of the channel to an interior edge, the interior edge being spaced from the articulated end leaving a gap between the side panels, the gap extending from the interior edge to the articulated end, whereby portions of the handle member will extend into the gap when the handle member and handle extension member are rotated relative to one another.