Abstract: Hand tools having a hand guard for protecting a user's working hand. In one embodiment, the hand tool may be a hand rake that includes a rake body having a proximal end and an opposite distal end and including a handle portion and a rake portion. The handle portion may extend from the proximal end of the rake body and include a finger opening configured to receive a user's fingers therethrough. The rake portion may extend from the distal end of the rake body to the handle portion and include a plurality of tines. A hand guard may be attached to the rake body and positioned over a top surface of the handle portion and may include a plurality of walls defining an interior space configured to receive the user's hand therein. In other embodiments, the hand tool may be a grabber or a paint roller.

Abstract: An engagement assembly, adapted to securely engage an orifice of an article. The engagement assembly includes a plurality of elongate fingers which are transversely movable relative to each other, each finger having an end flange thereon. The engagement assembly has an insertion position, wherein said fingers are contracted together, such that said flanges are adapted to be inserted through said orifice of said article; and, an engaged position, wherein said fingers are flared outwards relative to said insertion position, such that said flanges are adapted to thereby prevent withdrawal of said assembly from said orifice.

Abstract: The present invention is a lifting apparatus that includes a master wedge bar, a slave wedge bar, a cam lug and a handle. The master wedge bar and slave wedge bar are configured to be placed in a drilled core in an object to be lifted. The cam lug is pivotally coupled to the master wedge bar and drivingly engages with the slave wedge bar such that upward force applied to a lift end of the cam lug drives the slave wedge downward. The master wedge bar and the slave wedge bar generate an outward force upon the core wall of the object upon the downward movement of the slave wedge bar relative to the master wedge bar such that the apparatus engages the core wall and secures itself in it by friction. A handle is configured to disengage the apparatus from the core wall when lifted upward.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tongs having a body in which an operation rod is inserted into a hollow hole thereof and a handle fitted to one side of the body while being penetrably formed, at one side thereof, with a slot, includes a vertical flange provided at one side end of the operation rod so as to radially extend, a fixed lever which is penetrably formed, at a central region thereof, with a through hole, the fixed lever being integrally constituted, at one side thereof, with the handle while protruding outward at the other side thereof, and an operation lever which is hinged-fixed, at an intermediate portion thereof, to the fixed lever, the operation lever including an upper operation lever provided, at one side thereof, outward of the handle and a lower operation lever provided, at the other side thereof.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a grasping and lifting device for moving a plurality of different-sized containers. The device contains a set of clamps which securely attach to a plurality of different-sized containers and allow them to be quickly lifted and relocated by an operator. A toggle device may also be used to hold the clamps in the open position for added security and efficiency. A hoisting device with a translating mechanism provides lift and motion assistance to the operator so that the risk of repetitive motion injury is reduced.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a grasping and lifting device for moving a plurality of different-sized containers. The dimensions of the grasping device do not have to be adjusted prior to engaging a container which allows an operator to move a variety of different-sized containers in a short period of time. A hoisting device with a counter weight provides lift and motion assistance to the operator so that the risk of repetitive motion injury is reduced.

Abstract: A method of suspending a vehicle rear suspension assembly. The method employs at least one carrier device for facilitating the suspended support of the vehicle rear suspension assembly. The device includes a pair of rotatably coupled members having support legs that are passed at least partially through an existing opening in the vehicle rear suspension assembly. Projections extending from the support legs subsequently engage the vehicle rear suspension assembly structure, thereby providing support for the vehicle rear suspension assembly once suspended. A suspension element such as a cable or chain is coupled to the device and to a lifting mechanism, overhead conveyor, etc., for suspending the vehicle rear suspension assembly.

Abstract: A carrier device for facilitating the suspended support of a vehicle rear suspension assembly. The device includes a pair of rotatably coupled members having support legs that are adapted to pass at least partially through an existing opening in the vehicle rear suspension assembly. Projections extending from the support legs subsequently engage the vehicle rear suspension assembly structure adjacent the opening, thereby providing support for the vehicle rear suspension assembly once suspended. A suspension element such as a cable or chain is coupled to the device and to a lifting mechanism, overhead conveyor, etc., for suspending the vehicle rear suspension assembly.

Abstract: A suspended lifting apparatus for grasping and releasing unwieldy objects. As the apparatus is raised, a hinged mechanism causes the weight of the object being lifted to draw extendable lever arms of the apparatus inward, thereby gripping the object. An articulating scooping mechanism at the bottom of the lever arms helps to grip or cradle the object as it is lifted, ensuring that it maintains a firm grip on the object. An offset mechanism is used to move the lever arms into an open position and hold them in that position before lifting, until the apparatus is in the proper position.

Abstract: An improved design that would allow one workman to easily elevate a heavy concrete tie to the base of the rail and hold it in position while tie is connected to the rail with retainer clips. Improvements are made in the handle design that allow the workman to remain in a more upright position at the time the tie comes in contact with the rail. Also added is a safety grip ring near the upper end of the handle. Design improvements are also made at the foot end of the handle unit. At this point the improved tool design will allow more leverage to be applyed to the tie and a varity of hook devises to be used on lower end of tool, depending on what type of concrete tie is to be used.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect tank lifting brace which lifts a tank from an overhang of it's top lid or cover. The brace includes a crossbar, preferably adjustable, with pivotal end clamps at opposite ends of the crossbar. A pair of clamp pivoting assemblies are provided. Each clamp pivoting assembly pivots a respective one of the pivotal end clamps between an open position and a closed position and biases the pivotal end clamp to an open position for quick connection and disconnection. Pivoting is accomplished using an actuating rod parallel to the crossbar and coupled to the pair of pivoting assemblies. Articulation of the actuating rod effectuates, in unison, pivoting of each pair of pivot arms via the pivoting assemblies to a closed position. The pivoting assemblies generally utilize a push to close and pull to open motions.

Abstract: A cradle for placing a support in a mine. The cradle includes a housing for holding the mine support. The cradle includes an arm mechanism rotatably attached to the housing which has an open position that allows the support to enter the housing and a closed position which prevents the support from leaving the housing. The cradle includes an attachment mechanism connected to the housing for rotatably attaching the housing to a platform of a mechanism for moving the mine support. The attachment mechanism maintains the housing in the horizontal position or a vertical position. A method for placing a support in a mine. The method includes the steps of moving a support from a platform to a cradle. Then there is the step of rotating the cradle until the support is in a vertical position relative to ground. Next there is the step of placing the support on the ground. Then there is the step of separating the support from the cradle. Next there is the step of tensioning the support with the mine roof.

Abstract: A pipe lifting apparatus and method utilizes gripper arms (A) having upwardly diverging links (B) pivotally connected to an upwardly extending operator member (C) for receiving a lifting attachment and for moving a stirrup (D) from side to side to lock and unlock stops (E) for fixing the gripper arms and in unlocked position for a next pipe lifting operation. Auxiliary gripping members (F) are provided in opposed relation on each of the gripper arms for adjusting the effective gripping action afforded by the gripping arms to accommodate multiple size pipes.

Abstract: A pipe lifter with lockable and releasable scissors grip structure, for laying large pipes. The apparatus includes a solid stabilizing plate over cooperating tongs, the base of the plate being capable of rotating about an axis parallel to the central axis of the pipe. The pipe lifter has reinforced linkage members, and multiple ribs between tong pairs, as well as multiple sets of cooperating tong pairs; thus the lifter is capable of withstanding tremendous torsional forces while safely navigating the piping into even very narrow trenches. The device includes a one-piece handle/latch assembly that a helper may operate safely, i.e., while maintaining a distance from any potential pinch points.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping and weight-dependent clamping of workpieces, bar guides and the like that are to be held or moved relative to a location, particularly in connection with a hand-guided handling device that has a control switch. The apparatus includes a carrying frame to which are linked upper hinge-bolt pairs for respective superimposed pairs of parallel rods, which are detachably attached by pairs of lower hinge-bolts to a connection piece for gripping elements. A pair of struts, each of which is linked to one lower hinge-bolt, is jointly attached in articulated fashion to a control bolt centrally adjustable between the rods in a guide slot on the carrying frame.

Abstract: There is provided a gripping device with lifting arms mounted for relative rotational movement on a slider and having free ends spaced from each other and adapted to receive a load there-between. An arm link assembly coupled to the arms is movable between a gripping position and a release position to respectively close the arms to grip a load and to separate the arms to receive a load. An over-center clamp is incorporated into the device to move the arm link assembly between the gripping position and release position and to hold the arm link assembly in the release position for the arms to receive a load.

Abstract: A device for handling railroad timber, including ties, bridge timbers, crossing planks, and bundles of ties and timbers, which comprises spaced-apart pivotally mounted gripping members or jaws for engaging longitudinally along the timber, actuating levers connected to the jaws, and a lifting harness for connecting the device to a lifting machine, such as a crane, wherein the lifting harness is connected to the actuating levers and when raised applies a force to the actuating levers and the gripping members to tightly engage the timber so it can be lifted, moved or repositioned.

Abstract: A game dragging device for attaching to a fallen game animal to thereby facilitate the dragging of the animal, the game dragging device including a pair of tongs for securing to the animal, the pair of tongs including a first tong member and a second tong member, each of the first and second tong members having a proximate end and a distal end, the first and second tong members being pivotally attached together at a point between the proximate and distal ends thereof, a pair of cables, one end of each of the pair of cables being attached to one each of the proximate ends of the first and second tong members, each of the distal ends of the first and second tong members preferably having a V-shaped edge portion provided thereon, each of the first and second tong members being at least partially S-shaped, a ring member encircling both of the pair of cables, the ring member being slidable along the pair of cables to a point adjacent the pair of tongs, and a pair of grips, one each of the pair of grips being attac

Abstract: Disclosed is an auxiliary conveyance apparatus for conveying a body to be conveyed very easily in case of emergency including intermediate parts of a pair of arm members, each having a gripping portion and an operating lever on both the ends, respectively, being turnably pivoted, and the arm members being urged by elastic member so that the gripping portions are brought close to each other. An operating member is slidably attached to the operating levers, and the pair of the operating levers are opened and closed according to the distance from the gripping portions, and cooperatively with this closing and opening of the operating levers, the gripping force in the gripping portions is controlled.

Abstract: According to the invention, the device comprises clamping elements hinged in a housing provided with a cut-out and a control system formed by a group of levers which are connected with a hoisting line. Besides, one of the levers is hinged to the housing and the other levers, to the clamping elements.

Abstract: A device for moving objects about the inside of a closed container includes a grasping mechanism for grasping and releasing objects and an operating mechanism for operating the grasping mechanism and for moving the grasping mechanism about the inside of the container. The operating mechanism includes a pair of arm bodies each of which slidably move through a wall in the container along a linear pathway. As a result of the linear movement of the arm bodies, close tolerance seals can be used to seal the opening sufficiently to allow sliding movement without significantly disturbing the atomspheric and temperature conditions in the container. At least one of the arm bodies is composed of a pair of arm body portions, each portion having a surface slidable with respect to the other portion. The outer ends of the arm bodies positioned outside of the container are suitably coupled to a driver for moving the arm bodies along a linear pathway.

Abstract: A novel hydraulic tool used to cut cables, rods, bars and the like or crimp various items such as cable connectors and which is operated manually and with ease by a single man. The improved cable cutting hydraulic tool comprises dual manually held handles which centrally receive and exhaust the operating pressurized hydraulic fluid, a safety trigger assembly which prevents the inadvertent closing of the cutting or crimping jaws, and an operating trigger assembly, a control valve which directs and redirects the flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure, and a piston cylinder assembly which relatively reciprocates to displace operating rods which in turn causes the cutting jaws to close and open by rotation about a pivot pin.

Abstract: The tool assembly includes a pliers comprising two pivotally connected elongate members each having a handle portion and a jaw portion. The jaw portion has an arcuate section with an elongate groove on the inside thereof facing a like groove in the opposing jaw portion whereby the arcuate sections can readily grip a tear drop shaped wire spring clip for mounting the clip to a grid member of a false ceiling. Also the tool assembly includes two L shaped arms which are adapted to be attached to each other by two fasteners and to a pivot fastener of the pliers. The upper end of each arm has a cushion for engaging a false ceiling tile to move the same upwardly to facilitate insertion of the wire clip on a grid member. The tool assembly further includes an adapter connectable between the pliers and a pole whereby one can manipulate a sleeve on the pole to operate the pliers.

Abstract: A device and a method for repositioning loads carried on slip sheets in restricted space locations. The device comprises a pair of elongated gripping members, a plurality of vice devices operatively engaged with the gripping members to move the gripping members between open and locked positions, and system for pulling the gripping members transversely to their elongated axis. According to the method, a slip sheet is positioned and clamped between the gripping members and is then pulled. Preferably, a pulley for changing the direction of an applied pulling force will be employed.

Abstract: First and second opposite side pairs of laterally spaced upstanding tong arms defining open sided recesses opening toward each other are provided. The tong arms include upper and lower ends and structure is provided pivotally connecting the upper base ends of the tong arms together for relative swinging of the lower ends of the tong arms toward and away from each other. A downwardly opening generally C-shaped spring handle including remote handle ends is provided and structure pivotally attaches each handle end to a corresponding pair of laterally spaced tong arms intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof for angular displacement of the handle ends relative to the arms about parallel horizontal axes disposed at generally right angles relative to the directions in which the tong arms open, the C-shaped spring handle being disposed in a plane generally paralleling the planes in which the tong arms swing relative to each other.