Auxiliary Patents (Class 294/58)
  • Patent number: 11839290
    Abstract: Systems and methods involve implementations including a bar member with a first and second end portions, first and second elongated side portions extending between the first and second end portions, an elongated top and bottom portions extending between the first and second end portions, wherein the first and second elongated side portions extend between the elongated top portion and the bottom portion, and a device case with an aperture sized, shaped, and position to couple with the bar member is removably couplable with the device case. In addition, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Pioneer Square Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Riley Edwin Lynch
  • Patent number: 11794329
    Abstract: A clamp structure for an auxiliary handle attachment includes a first female member adjacent to a first channel member comprising a first channel closed side along a tool axis to receive an elongated shaft of a tool along the tool axis; a first male member arm that pivots about a body axis parallel to a tool axis; a T-handle pivot along the first male member arm to define an arm axis parallel to the tool axis a threaded fastener that extends through the T-handle pivot; and a first wing nut mounted to the threaded fastener, the first male member arm pivotable about the body axis and the first wing nut pivotable about the arm axis such that the first wing nut is engageable with the first female member to clamp the first female member against the elongated shaft to clamp the elongated shaft against the first channel closed side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: James Pladson
  • Patent number: 11717952
    Abstract: An auxiliary handle attachment includes a first channel member comprising a first channel closed side along a tool axis to receive an elongated shaft of a tool along the tool axis; a first clamp structure attached to the first channel member to clamp the elongated shaft of the tool to the first channel closed side; a body transverse to the tool axis; and a handle that extends from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Inventor: James Pladson
  • Patent number: 11607795
    Abstract: Rotatable handles and related methods are disclosed herein. In one form, the handle has a clip member that fits around a cylindrical object and a handle. The clip member includes a track that guides rotation of the handle about a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical object. The handle includes an actuator that operates a braking member which comprises a braking surface that is movable into and out of contact with the track. When the braking surface is out of contact the track, the handle is movable relative to the track when permitting the handle to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical object. Rotating the handle about the longitudinal axis of the handle operates the actuator, causing the braking surface to move into and out of contact with the track. Various methods are also disclosed herein with respect to the rotatable handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Brauer, Scott J. Emmerich
  • Patent number: 11506307
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method of using that grips a rod of small diameter and uniform cross-section of metal, fiberglass, or composite material used to probe the soil to locate underground utilities in a manner that permits a user of any height or strength to ergonomically and safely advance the rod into the soil and retract the rod from the soil regardless of how deep the utility may be buried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventors: Samuel James Pipkin, Cary Clarke Johnson
  • Patent number: 11434085
    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a pusher for inducting items into a packaging system. In one embodiment, the pusher moves an item through a mandrel and into a loading volume where the item is enclosed in a package. To mitigate the likelihood the item becomes stuck or does not fully come to rest in the loading volume, the pusher has a scoop that pushes the item through the mandrel into the loading volume. Further, the scoop is designed to perform a springing action to help move the item into the loading volume. In one embodiment, the scoop is cantilevered where an upper edge connects to a back side of the pusher but a lower edge is not connected to the pusher, to help perform the springing action. When the pusher stops moving, the compressed scoop performs the springing action to help propel the item into the loading volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent Belden Meiswinkel
  • Patent number: 11266288
    Abstract: A double-handle mop includes a floor cleaning apparatus, a support shaft, a bend shaft, and a handle. The support and bend shaft are collectively optimized leverage to apply pressure to clean floors, without having to bend over. The bend shaft includes a first elongated section, a second elongated section, and a bend section as the bend shaft is formed into a V-shaped body. The first elongated section is terminally connected to a first shaft end of the support shaft. The second elongated section is terminally connected to a second shaft end of the support shaft. The first and second elongated sections are terminally connected to each other by the bend section, opposite the support shaft. The first shaft end is concentrically mounted with an extension tube of the floor cleaning apparatus. The second shaft end is adjacently connected with the handle that engages with the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Inventor: Peter J. Ziamandanis
  • Patent number: 11220134
    Abstract: A modular tire lifting assembly includes a yoke that has a pair of arms which are spaced apart from each other such that t a vehicle tire can be positioned between the pair of arms. The yoke is comprised of a plurality of modular sections such that the yoke can be disassembled for storage in a vehicle. A first handle and a second handle are provided and either can be removably attachable to the yoke. Either the first handle or the second handle angles upwardly from the yoke when removably attached to the yoke thereby facilitating the yoke to lift the vehicle tire when either the first handle or the second handle is urged downwardly. Additionally, the second handle has a length that is less than a length of the first handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Inventors: Ronald Hall, Anthony Willis
  • Patent number: 10842062
    Abstract: An improved, spring biased auxiliary handle for a shovel that is based on an elongated flat spring is presented. It will reduce back pain strain and injury, cardiovascular strain, fatigue and shoveling time, relative to the same task performed without the assistance of said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Howard Rosenshine
  • Patent number: 10440871
    Abstract: Material moving devices include ergonomic improvements that reduce extraneous work required and lessen strain experienced by users. Material moving devices include a head for receiving material to be moved and a first elongated handle with a grip at the far end for gripping by a first hand of a user. A second handle is coupled to the head for gripping by a second hand of the user. The second handle can be pivotably coupled to the head in a location or locations generally longitudinally aligned with the expected location of the center of mass of the head when loaded with material to be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Hal P. Greenberger
  • Patent number: 9943953
    Abstract: A universal second handle for attachment to tool members including shovels, brooms, rakes, and pitchforks, that is easily placed on a handle thereof to increase flexibility and leverage for performing various operations by providing the ability to use the tool member with hands on two separate handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Keith Fritz
  • Patent number: 9918429
    Abstract: An ergonomic trimmer handle that is attachable along the main shaft housing of a grass trimmer The trimmer handle includes a lateral bar that provides ease of handling and operational support that reduces the pain and fatigue associated with long term usage of a grass trimmer The trimmer handle includes an ergonomic hand grip and universal clamping plates for attaching the trimmer handle to a trimmer
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: John T. Di Lallo
  • Patent number: 9844213
    Abstract: Handles, apparatus devices, and methods for clamping and using an extra handle onto fishing rods that provides enhanced leverage while holding the existing elongated handle on the rod between clamps on the extra handle, as well as being used for carrying the rod before and after it is being used. The extra handle has bent member between two clamp ends with an inner generally wide flat smooth face, and lower and upper smooth perimeter edge surfaces, that provide a comfortable surface against the back of the hand of the fisherman and helps provide leverage to the fisherman while fishing with the rod and carrying the rod before and after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Eric Olsen
  • Patent number: 9775272
    Abstract: An auxiliary handle accessory attaches to a shovel's handle-shaft via a folding “clamshell” type clamp, with an intermediate stem member attached to the clamp, and a grip handle screwed into this intermediate stem member, completing the assembly. The intermediate stem member has a ball-knob at the bottom that becomes entirely enclosed by half-sphere “cups” in each of the clamshell clamp halves. When these clamshell-halves close together, they form a simple yet robust socket around the ball, and comprise a ball-and-socket joint. Advantageously, the clamshell-clamp halves are bolted together, insuring a strong and robust connection. This design accommodates the “to-and-fro” motion in the vertical axis during shoveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: John S. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 9662779
    Abstract: An ergonomic counter-balanced handled tool that is ergonomic and counter-balanced includes a tube that is angled proximate to a midpoint of the tube defining a lower section and an upper section of the tube. The lower section extends transversely from the upper section. A counterweight is slidably coupled to the upper section proximate to a first end of the tube. The counterweight is positionable at a user-selected distance from the first end. A tool is reversibly couplable to a second end of the tube. A harness is couplable to the upper section of the tube, such that the harness is configured to position around a user's shoulder. The counterweight is positioned to extend from the first end of the tube such that the tool and a respective load positioned at the second end are substantially balanced relative to the harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: David Yancey
  • Patent number: 9498877
    Abstract: A shovel with changeable ends and mirrored handle described herein has two circular handle regions. Each circular handle region has a lateral handle, and halfway between the distance from each circular handle region to the other is an exterior handle which rises from the plane of the circular handle regions and can be used to increase torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Dell Henry
  • Patent number: 9491896
    Abstract: An improved shovel with two handles for reducing the strain on a user's lower back. This two handled shovel provides a shovel with an extension arm that may rotate along the pole of the shovel and may lay flush against the pole in a locked position when not in use. The extension arm provides the additional handle, which may also rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Adam J. Hagen
  • Patent number: 9333639
    Abstract: A dual handled utility apparatus, such as a shovel, is provided. The utility apparatus includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end. A first handle is affixed to the first end, and a utility head is affixed to the second end. The present invention further includes a secondary shaft. The secondary shaft includes a first end and a second end. The second end of the secondary shaft is affixed to the elongated shaft in about the middle between the first end and the second end of the elongated shaft. A second handle may be affixed to the first end of the secondary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: ERGIESHOVEL, LLC
    Inventor: Ralph Thresher
  • Patent number: 9326437
    Abstract: A shovel and ergonomic second-handle for a shovel are disclosed. The shovel includes a scoop; a shaft having first and second end portions, the first end portion being secured to the scoop; a main handle at the second end portion of the shaft; and a second handle positioned relatively closer to the first end portion of the shaft than to the second end portion of the shaft, the second handle including a grip, and the second handle being positioned such that a line extending through a longitudinal axis of the grip intersects the shaft. The grip is disposed at an angle ? relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: KREGER-HANSON, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Hanson, Geoffrey Hanson
  • Patent number: 9163372
    Abstract: A three-handled snow shovel is disclosed. The shovel includes a first shaft having upper and lower ends defining a longitudinal axis, a shovel blade having top and bottom edges, a concave front side and a convex rear side, a first handle at the upper end of the first shaft defining a first axis, the first handle having a first grip, the first grip capable of rotating about the first axis, a second handle assembly comprising a second shaft and a second grip, wherein the first and second shafts are selectively connected using a first hook and a first eye component and pivotally connected using a second eye component of the second shaft secured to a third eye component secured to the first shaft, and a third shaft connected to the second shaft at a substantially 90-degree angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis Elston
  • Patent number: 9149925
    Abstract: An ergonomic tool handle is designed for “one-handed” use by incorporating a hand grip and a forearm support in a compact arrangement. The tool handle includes a longitudinal shaft with a vertical hand grip formed at one end and a forearm support at the opposing end. The hand grip is essentially U-shaped and oriented such that the “U” is upside-down and attached to the longitudinal shaft at two separate locations (the “top” ends of each leg of the “U”). The forearm support takes the form of an enlarged support area (with respect to the diameter of the shaft) and in one embodiment is V-shaped (with a cross-member attached between the legs of the “V”). Preferably, various tool implements may be removably attached to the longitudinal shaft of the handle (e.g., screw-on, locking pin, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Stephen Van Valin
  • Patent number: 8939484
    Abstract: Described is a multi-handled tool that is ergonomically designed to maximize the efficiency of the tool by the use of a handle, optionally rotating, affixed to the shaft of the tool. The rotating handle may be rotated and locked into any desired position so the user can adjust the tool to create maximum efficiency. In addition, a footstep is optionally provided above the tool that allows for a greater digging force. A combination of the first, top handle with the ergonomically spaced handle placement that is completely adjustable combined with the footstep above the head of the tool provides for a tool that is much more efficient than the standard tools used today.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Bosse Tools LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Walden, Ronald Johnson, Steven Escobar
  • Patent number: 8893355
    Abstract: A handle for use with and/or for releasably coupling to an implement. The handle may include: a handgrip, an arm operatively coupled to the handgrip, and a collar operatively coupled to the arm remote from the handgrip. The collar may be configured to releasably receive a shaft of the implement. The collar may comprise two substantially opposing collar portions defining a shaft pathway, wherein the collar portions are displaced axially along the shaft pathway to form a keyway sized to receive the shaft when the shaft and the shaft pathway are substantially orthogonal to each other. A set of handles may also be provided, with one handle having a shorter arm length than the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Marlon Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Kenneth Longley, Anne Margaret Longley
  • Patent number: 8894112
    Abstract: An attachment to a shovel having a shovel head and a handle is provided, converting the shovel into a tool for collecting debris. The attachment has a clamping head and a pivot arm shorter than the shovel handle, and a pivot for attaching the attachment to the shovel handle. The attachment is movable between a closed position when the shovel head and the clamping head are juxtaposed face to face forming a tunnel therebetween, and an open position when the shovel head and the clamping head are spaced apart. In operation, the clamping head is moved into an open position to collect debris, and then moved into a closed position towards the shovel head to secure the debris, followed by rotating the tool by 90° plus an offset angle, thereby causing the clamping head to open under its weight and the debris to fall through the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Gordon Lee
  • Publication number: 20140217760
    Abstract: Described is a multi-handled tool that is ergonomically designed to maximize the efficiency of the tool by the use of a handle, optionally rotating, affixed to the shaft of the tool. The rotating handle may be rotated and locked into any desired position so the user can adjust the tool to create maximum efficiency. In addition, a footstep is optionally provided above the tool that allows for a greater digging force. A combination of the first, top handle with the ergonomically spaced handle placement that is completely adjustable combined with the footstep above the head of the tool provides for a tool that is much more efficient than the standard tools used today.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Bosse Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Walden, Ronald Johnson, Steven Escobar
  • Patent number: 8757688
    Abstract: An auxiliary handle includes an auxiliary shaft, a joint bracket, and a joint clamp. The auxiliary shaft extends along an auxiliary axis and has two ends. The joint bracket has a bracket axis which is substantially perpendicular to the auxiliary axis, and one end of the auxiliary shaft is rotatably connected to the joint bracket for rotation about the bracket axis. The joint clamp has a joint axis which is substantially perpendicular to the bracket axis, and the joint bracket is rotatably connected to the joint clamp for rotation about the joint axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Riordan Hajek
  • Publication number: 20140159401
    Abstract: An auxiliary handle includes an auxiliary shaft, a joint bracket, and a joint clamp. The auxiliary shaft extends along an auxiliary axis and has two ends. The joint bracket has a bracket axis which is substantially perpendicular to the auxiliary axis, and one end of the auxiliary shaft is rotatably connected to the joint bracket for rotation about the bracket axis. The joint clamp has a joint axis which is substantially perpendicular to the bracket axis, and the joint bracket is rotatably connected to the joint clamp for rotation about the joint axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Riordan Hajek
  • Patent number: 8740272
    Abstract: Described is a multi-handled tool that is ergonomically designed to maximize the efficiency of the tool by the use of a handle, optionally rotating, affixed to the shaft of the tool. The rotating handle may be rotated and locked into any desired position so the user can adjust the tool to create maximum efficiency. In addition, a footstep is optionally provided above the tool that allows for a greater digging force. A combination of the first, top handle with the ergonomically spaced handle placement that is completely adjustable combined with the footstep above the head of the tool provides for a tool that is much more efficient than the standard tools used today.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Bosse Tools LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Walden, Ronald Johnson, Steven Escobar
  • Publication number: 20140132015
    Abstract: An attachment to a conventional snow shovel functions as an auxiliary handle and as a connector to a second snow shovel. When oriented substantially perpendicular to the shovel blade, the attachment functions as an auxiliary handle. The attachment connects to the shovel near the intersection of 1) the blade and neck and 2) the neck and handle. In this embodiment, the auxiliary handle functions as a cradle in which to rotate the shovel to dump snow more easily. The attachment may also be used to combine two shovels to form a plow. The attachment connects to a first shovel at the same two points as in the first configuration. In the same way, another attachment connects to the neck of a second shovel. The two attachments connect to each other at a third attachment point along the body of the attachments, creating a plow formed by the adjacent shovel blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Breanna L. Stachowski
  • Patent number: 8714607
    Abstract: A hand shovel assembly facilitates emptying of the shovel with minimal lifting. The assembly includes a shaft having an upper end and a lower end. A pan is coupled to the lower end of the shaft. The pan has a bottom wall, a back wall which extends upwardly from the bottom wall, and a pair of side walls coupled to and extending forwardly from opposite ends of the back wall defining an interior space of the pan. An upper wall is coupled to the pan over the bottom wall. A motivator is coupled to the pan between the bottom wall and the upper wall. The motivator selectively urges the upper wall away from the bottom wall wherein the upper wall is configured to urge material in the interior space of the pan out of the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Lionel A. Suber
  • Patent number: 8641111
    Abstract: An attachment to a shovel having a shovel head and a handle is provided, converting the shovel into a tool for collecting debris. The attachment has a clamping head and a pivot arm shorter than the shovel handle, and a pivot for attaching the attachment to the shovel handle. The attachment is movable between a closed position when the shovel head and the clamping head are juxtaposed face to face forming a tunnel therebetween, and an open position when the shovel head and the clamping head are spaced apart. In operation, the clamping head is moved into an open position to collect debris, and then moved into a closed position towards the shovel head to secure the debris, followed by rotating the tool by 90° plus an offset angle, thereby causing the clamping head to open under its weight and the debris to fall through the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Gordon Lee
  • Patent number: 8616597
    Abstract: A handle assembly is disclosed for tools such as shovels and the like having a primary handle and an auxiliary handle. The primary handle includes first and second legs, each of which has a first end that is securable to a tool head such that the first and second legs extend outwardly from the tool head in generally parallel relation to one another. A primary grip or handlebar extends between the legs at the ends opposite the tool head. The auxiliary handle is slideably connected to the first and second legs so as to be moveable toward and away from the primary grip. The auxiliary handle is removeably connectable to the legs and may be stored in a generally planar alignment between the legs to facilitate stacking or the auxiliary handle may be shaped to facilitate nesting of adjacent auxiliary handles of stacked handle assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Nicolay Family Enterprises, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Guerra
  • Publication number: 20130193700
    Abstract: Described is a multi-handled tool that is ergonomically designed to maximize the efficiency of the tool by the use of a handle, optionally rotating, affixed to the shaft of the tool. The rotating handle may be rotated and locked into any desired position so the user can adjust the tool to create maximum efficiency. In addition, a footstep is optionally provided above the tool that allows for a greater digging force. A combination of the first, top handle with the ergonomically spaced handle placement that is completely adjustable combined with the footstep above the head of the tool provides for a tool that is much more efficient than the standard tools used today.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen Walden
  • Patent number: 8491024
    Abstract: A dual grip handled shovel for clearing a surface is disclosed. The shovel comprises a grip handle having a front grip attached to a rear grip by way of a central portion. A tool handle includes a front truss pair attached to a first end of the central portion and a rear truss pair attached to a second end of the central portion. A tool head includes a leading edge and a lagging edge which is operatively attached to the front truss pair and rear truss pair. The central portion, the tool handle and the lagging edge of the tool head are attached in a way to form a tetrahedron which distributes the load evenly to provide an ease of use to a user. The front truss pair and the rear truss pair distribute the load evenly between the grip handle and the tool head thereby balancing the load dynamically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Brian W. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8182007
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shovel attachment that is designed to reduce the stress incurred on an operator's muscles, back, joints, spine, and heart during shoveling. The shovel attachment is designed to attach a second handle to a shovel so that an operator may distribute the weight of a shoveled load between both handles and therefore reduce the stress incurred while shoveling. The attachment includes an auxiliary handle having two ends, a first flexible member wherein a portion of the first flexible member extends from both ends of the auxiliary handle, a length adjuster that is attached to the free ends of the first flexible members, and a second flexible member that is attached to each length adjuster and where each end extends to a different coupling member for coupling each end of the second flexible members to either end of the leading edge of a shovel blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Fisher
  • Patent number: 8166677
    Abstract: A manual snow plow with ergonomic features comprises a snow scoop, two (2) articulating struts extending upward from the scoop and two (2) hinged rounded braces placed against a user's shoulders during use. The struts are provided with cross bracing which provide size adjustability and stability to the plow. A set of position adjustable hand grips extend from each strut in a rearward fashion to control the device during use. A pair of casters provided on a rear of the snow scoop allows the device to ride over cracks and other uneven surface variations. The snow plow becomes an extension of the user's body and thus enables the user to use the force of their entire body to move snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas L. Woyak
  • Patent number: 8070198
    Abstract: An article removal apparatus and method for the removal of debris from a surface by a user without physical bending, twisting, or strain. The article removal apparatus includes a blade, a structure for pivotal movement, a primary extension, and a secondary extension. The blade includes a first side, a second side, and a lengthwise axis. The structure for pivotal movement includes a pivotal axis adjacent to the second side. The primary extension includes a primary longitudinal axis, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is adjacent to the second side. The secondary extension includes a secondary longitudinal axis, a pivotal end portion, and an opposing end portion. The pivotal end portion is adjacent to the structure for pivotal movement. A user grasps the primary and secondary extensions, one in each hand selecting the angle between them and plows the debris from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick Richard Burke
  • Patent number: 8038192
    Abstract: An ice scoop is disclosed and has a scoop section and a handle section. The scoop section includes a bottom with a forward end, a rear end, and opposed side edges, two opposed side walls extending up from the side edges of the bottom, and a back wall connecting the side walls and connected to the rear end of the bottom. A scoop cavity is defined within the scoop section. The handle section extends rearward from the back wall and has two elongate, opposed, and spaced apart rails. First and second grips extend laterally between the two rails. The first grip is spaced from the back wall. The second grip is spaced from the first grip further from the back wall. The handle section is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the bottom and angles upward away from the back. The handle has an offset step formed in the side rails. The forward end is a reinforced edge. The scoop has a hand shield at the back wall and spaced from the first grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher J. Claypool, Jason Ernest Begin
  • Publication number: 20110175382
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shovel attachment that is designed to reduce the stress incurred on an operator's muscles, back, joints, spine, and heart during shoveling. The shovel attachment is designed to attach a second handle to a shovel so that an operator may distribute the weight of a shoveled load between both handles and therefore reduce the stress incurred while shoveling. The attachment includes an auxiliary handle having two ends, a first flexible member wherein a portion of the first flexible member extends from both ends of the auxiliary handle, a length adjusting means attached to the free ends of the first flexible members, and a second flexible member that is attached to each length adjusting means and where each end extends to a different coupling member for coupling each end of the second flexible members to either end of the leading edge of a shovel blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Fisher
  • Patent number: 7971914
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: James M. Pladson
  • Publication number: 20110049920
    Abstract: A handle assembly is disclosed for tools such as shovels and the like having a primary handle and an auxiliary handle. The primary handle includes first and second legs, each of which has a first end which is securable to a tool head such that the first and second legs extend outwardly from the tool head in generally parallel relation to one another. A primary grip or handlebar extends between the legs at the ends opposite the tool head. The auxiliary handle is slidably connected to said first and second legs so as to be moveable toward and away from the primary grip. The auxiliary handle is removably connectable to the legs and may be stored in a generally planar alignment between the legs to facilitate stacking or the auxiliary handle may be shaped to facilitate nesting of adjacent auxiliary handles of stacked handle assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: NICOLAY FAMILY ENTERPRISES, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Guerra, Kent R. Erickson
  • Patent number: 7866720
    Abstract: A shovel is provided having a scoop, a shaft coupled to the scoop, a handle coupled to the shaft, and an aperture within the center of its scoop. The aperture in the scoop is configured and positioned to provide an auxiliary handle for a user to grasp in addition to the shovel handle coupled to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Remco Products Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Haws, David L. Garrison
  • Publication number: 20100320785
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an auxiliary handle for a shovel, spade and other ground working tools. The auxiliary handle has a relatively long elongate portion that enables a person to comfortably grip the handle relatively close to the implement end while reducing stress on the person's back and providing better leverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: John Garry Trott
  • Publication number: 20100109358
    Abstract: An article removal apparatus and method for the removal of debris from a surface by a user without physical bending, twisting, or strain. The article removal apparatus includes a blade, a structure for pivotal movement, a primary extension, and a secondary extension. The blade includes a first side, a second side, and a lengthwise axis. The structure for pivotal movement includes a pivotal axis adjacent to the second side. The primary extension includes a primary longitudinal axis, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is adjacent to the second side. The secondary extension includes a secondary longitudinal axis, a pivotal end portion, and an opposing end portion. The pivotal end portion is adjacent to the structure for pivotal movement. A user grasps the primary and secondary extensions, one in each hand selecting the angle between them and plows the debris from the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick Richard Burke
  • Patent number: 7681933
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shovel. The shovel may include a handle and a pivotable bracket for securing the handle to the shovel blade. The handle may include a horizontal crossbar grip portion and two vertical grip portions generally perpendicular to at least one of the crossbar grip portion and a longitudinally extending portion of the handle extending to a blade of the shovel. The shovel is suitable for moving and removing a variety of materials, including snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Curtis J. Chesness
  • Patent number: 7658422
    Abstract: A gardening tool includes a shaft having a first end and a second end. A ground working instrument is positioned at the second end of the shaft. A generally T-shaped bifurcated handle is positioned at the first end of the shaft. The handle has two co-planar branches with extremities which are adapted for gripping to facilitate two handed use. The handle is sloped at an angle relative to the shaft. The handle has a recessed crotch portion where the branches meet the shaft. The crotch portion is adapted for gripping to facilitate one handed use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Carr
  • Publication number: 20080315602
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shovel. The shovel may include a handle and a pivotable bracket for securing the handle to the shovel blade. The handle may include a horizontal crossbar grip portion and two vertical grip portions generally perpendicular to at least one of the crossbar grip portion and a longitudinally extending portion of the handle extending to a blade of the shovel. The shovel is suitable for moving and removing a variety of materials, including snow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Curtis J. Chesness
  • Publication number: 20080129061
    Abstract: A shovel is provided having an aperture within the center of a scoop configured to be an auxiliary handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew Haws, David L. Garrison
  • Publication number: 20080054660
    Abstract: A double handle shovel that increases the efficiency of the tool in a manner that reduces the risk of injury to the user and increases the ease of use. The first handle is strait and the second handle is turned so that the user's body avoids unnecessary torque. The second handle is perpendicular to the head to allow for more leverage and better side to side manipulation. And the head is offset 40 degrees form the first handle to help maintain proper body alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Alan Wensman
  • Publication number: 20080042458
    Abstract: A device with two handles and a blade a first handle that connects to the blade and a second handle that attaches to the blade at a permanent connection point in front of a load. A process for shoveling snow or moving material that lifts the material, load or snow by simultaneously exerting upward forces on the first handle and the second handle while the load is between the two handles with a load force in the opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Robin Edward Ricket