Extendable dual handle shaft

In a device having an useful length and comprising an elongated member, a first, fixed grasping handle associated with the elongated member for holding or manipulation of the device, a second, extendable grasping handle and an extension member that is operatively associated with the elongated member, with the extension member capable of positioning the second grasping handle in any one of a number of positions spaced a distance away from the first grasping handle to elongate the useful length of the device, including an inoperative position and a number of operative positions, wherein, when the second grasping handle is fixed in an operative position, a first user can grasp the first grasping handle and a second user can grasp the second grasping handle;

• and wherein the second grasping handle, when in the inoperative position, is either attached to the first grasping handle, located at least partially or fully within the first grasping handle, or at least partially or fully receives the first grasping handle therein, the improvements comprising a twist locking mechanism for adjustably and fixedly positioning the second grasping handle on the extension member which mechanism is engaged by twisting the second grasping handle with respect to the elongated member, and a second handle releasing mechanism comprising a biasing member which provides a force to urge the extension member towards an operative position, a locking member that locks the biasing member in an inoperative position, and an engagement member that releases the locking member when the second grasping handle is to moved to an operative position.

An umbrella having an extendable length and comprising a canopy, an elongated member and a first, fixed grasping handle associated therewith for holding or manipulation of the umbrella, and a second, movable grasping handle and extension member that is operatively associated with the elongated member, with the extension member capable of adjustably and fixedly positioning the second grasping handle in any one of a number of positions spaced a distance away from the first grasping handle to extend the length of the device, including an inoperative position and a number of operative positions, wherein the second grasping handle is adjustably and fixedly positioned on the extension member by a twist locking mechanism which is engaged by twisting the second grasping handle with respect to the elongated member, wherein, when the second grasping handle is fixed in an operative position, a first user can grasp the first grasping handle and a second user can grasp the second grasping handle, wherein the canopy or second grasping handle, or both can be deployed from an end of the elongated member opposite the first grasping handle upon engagement of a deployment member associated with one of the first or second handles, wherein the deployment member is a button or dial located on a side or bottom surface of the second handle which acts in combination with a biasing member to separate the second grasping handle from the first grasping handle.