Abstract: A tool for picking up and releasing washers which uses a retractable rod member that is insertable into the washer and directs jets of pressurized air alternately onto the bottom surface of the washer to cause the latter to be picked up and onto the top surface of the washer to cause the latter to be released.

Abstract: A hand-held filter separating device for separating a single coffee filter from a dish-shaped nested stack of filters such as those used in drip brewing coffee makers. The device eliminates the frustrating and time consuming act of trying to separate a single coffee filter by its edges using the fingers. The device is held in one hand and pressed against the surface of a filter with its adhesive surface exposed and withdrawn, easily separating that filter from the rest of the stack. Then it can simply be dropped inside the stack of filters after use because of its convenient size. The device is a combination of an adhesive portion, handle and a means of covering the adhesive portion, made up of two plastic injected pieces or even a less costly material, depending on the alternative used.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting and transporting a unitary load, such as a material containing container, comprises transport apparatus, such as a truck provided with gripping members for lifting one end of the load from a surface, and a separate auxiliary device provided with wheels for carrying the opposite end of the load during transport. The apparatus includes a control for directing the movement of the auxiliary device to the opposite end of the load. The auxiliary device includes apparatus for gripping and then lifting the opposite end of the load for subsequent transport thereof. The auxiliary device may be arranged to move over the top of the load to the opposite end thereof for lifting the same from the surface for subsequent transport of the load.

Abstract: A latch assembly for releasably securing an article in the form of a canister within a container housing. The assembly includes a cam pivotally mounted on the housing wall and biased into the housing interior. The cam is urged into a disabled position by the canister as it enters the housing and a latch release plate maintains the cam disabled when the canister is properly seated in the housing. Upon displacement of the release plate, the cam snaps into latching engagement against the canister for securing the same within the housing.

Abstract: This device for picking up separately selected slack articles from a heap of articles disposed in a container comprises a movable handling arm adapted to be lowered into the container for picking up the selected article, for example a textile, just as it is or wrapped in a plasticizer film bag, and a pair of wheels rotatably mounted to the lower end of the handling arm and driven by suitable means. The handling arm is lowered into the container and then the wheels are caused to rotate in opposite directions in order to nip one article at a time therebetween. Finally, the arm is lifted off the container and the wheels are separated for releasing the article. The device is intended more particularly for use in the mail order trade.

Abstract: A safety grip handle for use with a hose of the type employed to direct a stream or spray of steam, hot water, chemicals, or the like, at an object or work area. The handle acts to position the hand, and the body, of an operator away from the nozzle of the hose and the hose itself.

Abstract: A scoop for gathering leaves, cut grass, or debris in disposable bags provides a walled scoop having an interior bore which communicates with two open end portions. One of the end portions is used to receive leaves such as by raking, for example, while the other end portion attaches to a flexible, disposable bag such as a plastic bag or the like. The scoop has a generally flat lower surface which is adapted to contact the ground as during the transfer of leaves, cut grass, and/or debris into the scoop. A scoop handle is affixed to the upper surface of the scoop so that pressure can be applied to the scoop during loading. A bracket is positioned on the upper surface of the scoop adjacent the handle and extending toward the open end portion of the scoop which is receptive of the plastic disposable bag. A flexible strap having end portions with hooks can encircle the scoop after a plastic bag has been assembled about one open end of the scoop. The flexible strap has hooks on its end portions.

Abstract: The invention involves a swivel eyebolt of the type which relies on a threaded stud to anchor a bonnet and accompanying ring to a load allowing the bonnet 360.degree. or rotation. Of special consequence is the structure which features a bushing applied around the exposed part of the stud and held in place by the head of the stud so that a flange on the bushing engages the load. The bonnet in turn is clamped rotatably on the bushing so that the bonnet in fact rotates about the bushing as well as about the stud.

Abstract: A leaf caddy for holding and transporting lawn debris when in use for storage in a minimum of space when not in use comprising: an upper rim of lightweight, strong, flexible material, the rim comprising a pair of first and second thin, flexible rods, each rod having a first end and a second end and an initial, linear configuration, and connectors joining the ends of the rods, each said connector comprising two connector halves and a hinging member located peripherally outwardly of the rods, the connector halves, the hinging member and the rods being arranged such that when the connector halves being rotated relative to the rods to form a circular configuration, the resilience of the rods locking the hinging member to prevent any rotation, and when the connector halves being rotated relative to the rods to a collapsible condition, the resilience of the flexible rods returning the rods to their initial linear configuration, a fabric bowl connected to the rim.

Abstract: A lifting device adapted to lift an object, such as a metal block, having a threaded socket for engagement of a lifting device. The lifting device comprises a ring, to which is rotatably mounted a hub having three outwardly extending threaded studs of different sizes. The appropriate stud, having a diameter matching that of the socket of the object to be lifted, can be moved into the lifting position for threaded engagement with the socket.

Abstract: A support collar for a trash bag holds the disposable trash bag in an open condition by supporting the entire open end of the bag. The support collar is assembled from a collapsible flat shape to form a generally rectangular open ended support that is placed within the open end of a trash bag, the support collar having fastening configuration for detachably securing the trash bag thereto.

Abstract: A semi-flexible gripping aid is provided whereby a person with a manual or digital disability, such as an arthritis victim, can grasp a large, semi-flexible body which in turn captures a thin instrument such as a knife or fork, pen or pencil, or toothbrush. The semi-flexible body in its preferred form is hinged to define two half shells which clamshell together around the handle of a knife or fork or the like, there being predefined channels along the meeting plane of the half shells in which the instrument is captured. For those having insufficient manual and digital dexterity to grip even the large body of the gripping aid, a strap is provided which passes behind the palm to secure the body to the hand, making the aid usable even though the hand is virtually totally immobilized, or is missing fingers.

Abstract: A device capable of use with a golf shoe for removal of a golf ball from the ground and placement thereof on a tee by a handicapped golfer having the inability to manually remove the ball from the ground and manually placing the ball on a tee.

Abstract: A gripping device having, generally, a U shape and provided with opposing legs; one leg having a cutout to accommodate the object to be gripped; the other leg having means for directing jets of gas towards its opposing leg to maintain the object to be gripped in place.

Abstract: Fireplace tongs comprising a pair of levers connected to one another between their respective ends by means of a first pivot in the manner of scissors, this first pivot defining on one side thereof operating arms and on the other side thereof extensions of the operating arms. One of the extensions constitutes a first jaw for the tongs while a second jaw, similar to the first jaw, is pivotally mounted at one of its ends to the end of the other extension away from the first pivot. A connecting link is provided of which the ends are pivotally mounted on the jaws respectively on one side and on the other side of the first and of the second pivot and adjacent thereto, whereby closing in of the arms causes tightening of the jaws and, alternatively, spreading apart of the operating arms causes loosening of the jaws.

Abstract: A log handling device is provided capable of picking up logs to be thrust end first into wood stoves or sideways into fireplaces. The invention contemplates optionally usable members wherein the basic device has spaced prongs on a carrier bar to handle logs for placing endwise into wood stoves. A transversely attachable device has spaced prongs to handle logs for feeding broadside into fireplaces. While the two combinations of elements could be permanently secured, versatility is effected by ready assembly or disassembly, depending upon the needs of users having a wood stove or a fireplace, or both. Thus, a person having only a wood stove need purchase only the basic device. A further embodiment has a permanent assembly convertible by a change in relative orientation of certain elements for feeding wood stoves or fireplaces. The same pair of spaced prongs for either function is utilized.

Abstract: A log handling tool having an elongated barrel, a shaft reciprocally disposed within the barrel and having a spring steel tine member secured to the outer ends thereof, prong members secured to the barrel for cooperating with the tine to engage the outer periphery of the log, a ratchet and spring urged pawl assembly cooperating between the shaft and barrel for securing a shaft in selected longitudinal positions within the barrel, a spring urged latch member engageable with the ratchet for selective increments of longitudinal movement of the shaft, a trigger operably connected with the latch member for actuation thereof, a release mechanism engageable with the pawl for selective releasing of the engagement thereof with the ratchet, a first handle member secured to one end of the barrel and extending outwardly therefrom at an angle, and a second handle secured to the barrel substantially centrally disposed between the opposite ends thereof for cooperating with the first handle to provide an efficient balance of

Abstract: A device is disclosed for loading firewood into woodburning stoves and the like which has a pair of opposed arms with pivotably joined horizontal portions and vertical portions connected thereto having dogs on the ends thereof for gripping the firewood. A handle is secured to the horizontal portion of one of the arms and has a V-shaped member attached at its apex to the handle for maintaining the piece of firewood aligned with the handle during transport.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing and installing hot refractory bricks, particularly in the checkerwork structures of the regenerators employed in glass melting furnaces, the apparatus having a manually operable, selectively actuatable claw mechanism mounted on one end of an elongated support member for gripping and moving the bricks individually at a remote location. The claw mechanism is operated by a power cylinder mounted on the other end of the elongated support member, the cylinder being manually controlled by an operator who also manipulates the support member to move a grasped brick to a desired position. A cooling medium, such as air or the like, may be employed for cooling the claw mechanism.

Abstract: A log-handling device includes an elongated tubular member and a relatively longer member extending through a passage in the tubular member. Each member has a handle and a jaw, and the members are spring loaded relative to each other to urge the jaws together. The apparatus itself thus exerts the folding force on the object to be carried. The spring is adjustable so as to permit the holding force to be varied.

Abstract: A wheeled platform provides a storage space for logs below an elevated track supported on standards rising from the platform. A trolley device movable along the track supports an easily adjustable log gripping and release device which is utilized to place logs in a fireplace or in the fire box of a stove or furnace. The user of the crane need not place the logs by hand, thus avoiding the possibility of being burned.

Abstract: A unitized convenient and durable log lifter includes coaxial tube and rod members with the tube slotted longitudinally from one end to receive and guide a projecting jaw carried by the rod member which is freely movable axially of the tube throughout the length of the slot while being constrained against rotation. Coacting jaws are carried by a crosshead on the end of the tube having the slot and parallel transverse handles on the tube and rod provide easy manipulation of the device.

Abstract: An elongated tubular arm of non-circular internal and external cross-sectional shape is provided and has a first elongated transverse jaw carried thereby and projecting outwardly of one side of the arm. The jaw defines a transverse non-circular opening in one end closely slidably receiving the arm therethrough for longitudinal shifting of the jaw along the arm. An elongated operator of non-circular cross-sectional shape is slidingly telescoped in the arm and a first end of the operator projects outwardly of the corresponding end of the arm. A second elongated transverse jaw has one end supported from the operator first end and projects outwardly of the side thereof corresponding to the aforementioned side of the arm in opposition to the first jaw.

Abstract: A locking tong apparatus for securely grasping variable size fireplace or furnace fuel includes a fixed gripper element on one end of an elongate arm and an opposed gripper element on a tubular carrying member coupled on the arm. The two gripper elements define a jaw for holding the fuel, the size of the jaw opening being adjustable by manually sliding the tubular carrying member along the length of the arm. A lever operated, clinch lock is provided on the carrying member to retain the fuel load between the gripper elements following manual adjustment of the jaw opening. In use the lever is oriented below the arm of the locking tong in the hand of the operator to enable the weight of the fuel load to help deflect the lever and more securely lock the jaw.

Abstract: A wheeled platform provides a storage space for logs below an elevated track supported on standards rising from the platform. A trolley device movable along the track supports an easily adjustable log gripping and release device which is utilized to place logs in a fireplace or in the fire box of a stove or furnace. The user of the crane need not place the logs by hand, thus avoiding the possibility of being burned.

Abstract: Implement for manipulating and carrying fire logs or the like and comprising inner jaws pivotally interconnected to a long handle near its load end, an actuating lever connected to the handle's other end, and a wire or cable connecting the actuating lever to the inner jaws. An outer jaw opposes and is pivotally connected between the inner jaws. A broken back linkage, located between the pivotal connections, connects the load end of the handle to the outer jaw. A spring normally maintains the broken back linkage in a non-broken attitude and the inner and outer jaws relatively open, in the absence of a fire log or the like between them. The broken back linkage is put into a broken condition and the jaws are closed to grasp the fire log when the actuating lever is actuated. The weight of the lifted article maintains the broken condition of the broken back linkage, and the relatively closed relation of the jaws around the article, even though the actuating lever is released.

Abstract: A device constructed in one solid piece for scraping, directing and tamping garbage to and through flexible splash guards leading into an electric garbage disposal unit in a kitchen sink includes a cylindrically shaped main tamper body, a continuous ridge extending from the external surfaces of the main tamper body and bisecting these surfaces to form three distinct ridge sections, and a cylindrically shaped handle attached to the main tamper body and of a smaller diameter. A portion of the main tamper body and the ridge taper toward the handle.