Abstract: A blow molded nursery container is disclosed that includes a substantially circular side wall, a closed bottom end, an open top end, and a projecting lip positioned on the outer circumference of the open top end with a radial flange and recessed portion with a substantially hollow cross-section. At least two handles are connected to the container. Each handle includes a flexible member with a portion that is located above and spaced apart from the lip. The spacing of the flexible member permits access by a user's fingers. The flexible member extends through at least two holes in the side wall or flange and is restrained on the opposite side of the side wall or flange from the portion above the lip so as to connect the handle to the container. The two flexible members are preferably secured to one another.

Abstract: A removal sleeve for protecting an external face of a growing container for nursery products, the container having an open top, a bottom and a side wall connecting the top to the bottom. The sleeve is formed from at least one sheet of polymer material and has a tubular, preferably cylindrical shape with upper and lower open ends. The sleeve configured to cover a majority of the side wall of the container between the top and bottom. The sleeve may be tapered and could be stretchable or shrinkable to fit onto the container. The sleeve is at least partially opaque, transparent or translucent. A UV additive or UV blocker may be added to the polymer or disposed on the sleeve to assist in minimizing passage of UV light to the underlying container.

Abstract: A blow molded nursery container is disclosed that includes a substantially circular side wall, a closed bottom end, an open top end, and a projecting lip positioned on the outer circumference of the open top end with a radial flange and recessed portion with a substantially hollow cross-section. At least two handles are connected to the container. Each handle includes a flexible member with a portion that is located above and spaced apart from the lip. The spacing of the flexible member permits access by a user's fingers. The flexible member extends through at least two holes in the side wall or flange and is restrained on the opposite side of the side wall or flange from the portion above the lip so as to connect the handle to the container. The two flexible members are preferably secured to one another.

Abstract: A latch assembly for an excavator dipper of the invention includes a latch bar slot having a first opening, a second opening and a side wall. An annular projection protrudes from the latch bar slot side wall and has an upper surface and a side surface. A latch bar is slidably and removably mounted in the latch bar slot. The latch bar has a first portion, a second portion and a tapered portion located between the first and the second portion. The first portion has a larger cross-sectional area than the second portion. An upper retainer insert assembly is removably carried in the latch bar slot between the first opening and the annular projection.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupling link comprising a first half line and a second half link, each comprising a unitary member with a pair of spaced ears at one end, a tongue at the other end and a central body member which joins the ears and the tongue. Bores in each of the ears of the first and second half links are aligned with a bore formed in the tongue of the opposite half link when the first and second half links are mated to form a coupling link. A link pin is received in the bores formed in the pairs of ears of the two links and in the bore in the tongue of theopposite link. Each link pin is retained in place by a pair of pin keepers each received in a slot formed in one of the ears to close the pin bore in that ear. Each pin keeper includes a tang which projects from one of the slot openings in the ear and is bent out of alignment with the slot opening to retain the keeper within the slot.

Abstract: A snubber for use with a dipper to retard movement of the dipper door toward and away from an opening formed in the dipper. The snubber includes an elastic member and an actuator link. When the door is at a first angle with respect to the dipper, the elastic member is in tension to retard movement of the door toward the dipper. When the door is at a second angle with respect to the dipper, the elastic member is in bending to retard movement of the door away from the dipper. The snubber is inactive when the door is at an angle between the first and second angles.