초록 ▼

A lifting aid attachment for a conventional snow shovel or like tool features an elongate lever arm pivotally attached to the shovel handle, the opposite end of said lever arm terminating in a curved fork, spanned by a foot-engaging cross-bar. The curved fork serves as a fulcrum for the application

A lifting aid attachment for a conventional snow shovel or like tool features an elongate lever arm pivotally attached to the shovel handle, the opposite end of said lever arm terminating in a curved fork, spanned by a foot-engaging cross-bar. The curved fork serves as a fulcrum for the application of downward foot pressure by the user on the cross-bar, which combined with a rearward pull on the shovel handle enables a smooth and comparatively effortless raising of the loaded shovel to hip level, substantially free of the high stresses on the back, upper body and arms that accompany the use of conventional shovels. At the top of the lift the lever arm is suitably biased to support the raised load stably in a "cradled" position, requiring minimal effort by the user, prior to disposal of the load. Where desired an additional leg may be pivotally attached to the free end of the shovel handle, and enable the hand-free tabling of the raised load. Variations of the invention are suitable for use with lifting poles and other long-handled tools.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A lifting tool comprising:a) a shaft,b) load-bearing means secured to one end of the shaft,c) a lever arm having an upper end and a lower end and extending downward from the shaft to the vicinity of the ground when said load-bearing means rests on the ground and the free

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A lifting tool comprising:a) a shaft,b) load-bearing means secured to one end of the shaft,c) a lever arm having an upper end and a lower end and extending downward from the shaft to the vicinity of the ground when said load-bearing means rests on the ground and the free end of the shaft is approximately waist-high, the lower end of said lever arm terminating in an arcuate ground-contacting fulcrum spanned by a foot-engaging means positioned on the side of said ground-contacting fulcrum opposite the upper end of said lever arm, andd) means for pivotally attaching the upper end of the lever arm to the shaft at a point between the midpoint of the shaft and the load-bearing means.