Abstract: A tool for allowing an operator of a tractor/trailer vehicle to perform routine non-driving duties associated with the operation of such tractor/trailer vehicles. The tool comprises an elongate central portion, a handle portion, a hook portion, and a prying portion. The hook portion is used to displace a fifth wheel pin of the tractor/trailer vehicle to disconnect the tractor from the trailer. The prying portion is used to loosen sticky hydraulic landing gear of such vehicles. The central portion may be tapped against the tires of the tractor/trailer vehicle to check the air pressure thereof. Reflective material may be formed on the tool.

Abstract: The combination of a fluid operated cleaner, to be directed into a conduit to remove obstructions in a passageway defined by the conduit, and a manipulator. The conduit cleaner has a frame which has a connector for a fluid supply conduit. The manipulator is connected to the conduit so that the manipulator and fluid supply conduit can be used together to reposition the conduit cleaner at a location remote therefrom. Between the manipulator and the fluid supply line, the user is given substantial flexibility in reorienting the conduit cleaner to allow it to be introduced to the entryway of a remotely located conduit.

Abstract: A bulb grasping unit for an elongated cylindrical fluorescent bulb is rigidly mounted on an elongated handle to facilitate replacement of fluorescent bulbs supported by two prongs on the bulb ends en resiliently mounted tubular contacts in out of reach fixtures. The bulb grasping unit is integrally formed from plastic and defines a generally semi-cylindrical recess which is resiliently radially expandable to snap into engagement with the fluorescent bulb. When one bulb prong is inserted in one tubular contact, upward movement of the other end of the bulb by the bulb grasping unit engages a cam on the end of the bulb grasping unit with a cam surface on the fixture to axially shift the other prong into alignment with the other tubular contact.

Abstract: A pin puller, comprising a spring, a clamp, and a handle, which is used to pull the pins on the sliding tandem of a semitrailer. The pin puller may also be provided with a guard and a wire which has a flag on one end. When the pins are pulled, the flag will stick out so that the driver can see the flag emerge beyond the side of the semitrailer.

Abstract: An extendible-retractable device, which is made up of a number of interconnected members and to which a suitable tool may be attached. The device makes it possible to continually change the position of the tool as a task is being performed. The device includes members which are attached to each other through flexible cables so that relatively small movements of a handle or similar device in the hand of the user results is relatively large extension or retraction movements of the farthest member which carries the tool.

Abstract: An extendible-retractable device, which is made up of a number of interconnected members and to which a suitable tool may be attached. The device makes it possible to continually change the position of the tool as a task is being performed. The device includes members which are attached to each other through flexible cables so that relatively small movements of a handle or similar device in the hand of the user results is relatively large extension or retraction movements of the farthest member which carries the tool.

Abstract: A ball and socket arrangement for aiding the handicapped or persons having limited reach or mobility and including one of a plurality of socket elements secured to an object which is to be moved and which is engageable by means of a manually grippable wand including an elongated handle having a ball at one end which is adapted to engage the socket to apply either a pulling or a pushing force thereto and wherein the angle and orientation of the sockets varies depending upon the object to which the socket is attached and which may be, for example, a drawer, door, slidable shelf, or the like.

Abstract: Using a hook, the cable which, in non-emergency circumstances is used to unlatch an auto hood, is engaged and pulled to release the hood so that a fire fighter has access preparatory to extinguishing an auto engine fire, more safely and more effectively than the heretofore method requiring a forceful prying open of the auto hood.

Abstract: This improved cable-scooping hook device with upper and lower portions and with a pivot pin and hubs is better able to snatch and scoop up a load cable than previous designs. Its tongs-like configuration can have a combination of magnetic hammerheads, weights on top and an extension spring to help force its lower portions, including jaws, to separate, when suspended cargo makes a touchdown onto a platform. To ensure that the load cable is snatched, a bar magnet is suspended from one or both hubs of the pivot pin. A ferrous metal load cable is attracted by the suspended magnet and held in place until the device's jaws close, as a load is lifted by the hoist cables. A person holding a long pole with a hook on its end guides the device to the load cable's location. When the hook reaches the load cable, attached to a load, the device is lowered to make contact with it, whereupon the cable is quickly snatched and scooped up, aided by the magnet's attraction.

Abstract: A rope retriever device for passing a rope around an object, such as for mooring a boat. The device has a U-shaped member and a pivoting member that functions to pass a rope behind an object and back to the user. The end of a rope is held in a rope holder on one end of the U-shaped member. The rope is laced across the mouth of the U, around a pin on the pivoting member, then back to the user. The rope retriever can be activated by pushing the device against an object or, alternatively, by manually pulling on the free end of the rope. Tension in the rope causes the pivoting member to pivot across the mouth of the U until a spring clip on the end of the pivoting member clips onto the end of the rope. When the device is withdrawn, the pivoting member passes the rope around behind the object and back to the user. The device can be mounted on the end of a long pole or attached to the end of the handle on a boat hook so that it can be used for passing a rope around objects that are out of reach.

Abstract: An implement is described for cleaning the gutters of a building wherein the implement is operated by pulling in a left-to-right or right-to-left scraping and scooping motion by a person standing on the ground. The implement comprises a longitudinal channel body, an inverted "U" shaped connecting bracket, an elongated handle and a pivot connection attaching the bracket to the handle. In the preferred embodiment, a remotely engagable locking feature is provided for the pivot connection and a separate pivotal member with integral end plate is specified to close either end of the channel body thereby forming a scoop.

Abstract: A surgical ligaturing and restraining device for small animals comprises an elongated tubular body member (10) having a noose (28) at the front end (18) operable from the rear end (12) of the body. The body front end is fitted with a cap (20) with two holes (22) (24) through its face. The noose is formed by a flexible and elastic cable (26), one end (25) of the cable is looped around passing through the holes in the cap. Said cable end (25) is attached to the cable itself around cable middle portion by attachment means (30). The cable runs through the inside of the body and emerges substantially from the body rear end (12). The body rear end has two short longitudinally extending slots (14) (16), each slot has one extremity open to the rear end. The slots are diametrically opposite each other, dividing the tubular body into two sides (32) (34). One side (32) is made shorter than the opposite side (34 ), so as to facilitate the locking action. The device is applied by placing the noose around an object.

Abstract: An arrangement for attaching ceiling anchors to ceiling rails, including a bifurcated support which is attachable to an elongated pole. The support is engagable with an installment head which is bifurcated to define a carrying space for ceiling anchors. The installment head is adapted to keep anchors from slipping off of the head as it is moved relative to a ceiling rail.

Abstract: A pick-up for handicraft items and accessories consists of a stick having an adhering member on one end of the stick. The adhering member may be hook material of hook and loop fasteners, or it may be adhesive of the type that remains tacky. The stick may have a ring to be supported by a person's finger, or may be long enough to be grasped by the hand. A kit for the pick-ups includes a bottle of the adhesive and several sticks. The package for the kit has a cradle to hold a stick when not in use, and provides a base for the bottle of adhesive.

Abstract: An elongate shaft has a support plate cooperative with bifurcated legs to secure a can therebetween, with the legs operative through an actuator handle mounted at an upper end of the shaft structure to include a pistol handle having a cable directed throughout the shaft to effect selective movement of the legs permitting the grasping of a workpiece between the legs.

Abstract: Apparatus for grasping circular knobs which may be attached to drawers or doors of cabinets or the like including a generally dome-shaped grasping element having a handle attached thereto and extending outwardly therefrom. The internal surface of the generally dome-shaped element includes a series of internal shoulders of various diameters for the purpose of grasping knobs of various sizes so that the handicapped person may more easily manipulate the drawer or door to which the knob is attached.

Abstract: A tool for connecting or disconnecting a loadbreak reducing tap plug, comprising a shaft having a first end adapted for engagement with an end of the loadbreak reducing tap plug and a second end connected to a torque release means, an insulating boot mounted on the shaft, the torque release means having first and second components which release at a predetermined torque, the second shaft engaging the second component, a handle affixed to the first component of the torque release means, such that when a torque that is less than the predetermined torque is applied to the handle, the torque is transmitted through the components to the shaft, whereby the torque is transmitted to the element of the loadbreak reducing tap plug, while a torque that is greater than the predetermined torque is not transmitted through the components, but causes the first component to rotate relative to the second component.

Abstract: A device for attaching materials to remote bodies, such as tree limbs or overhead wires is disclosed. The device has an elongated body with a first and second end. A clamping system capable of slidably affixing a fastener and attached material is attached to the elongated body first end. A method for attaching materials to remote bodies also is disclosed.

Abstract: A fish retaining device consisting of an elongate support having a first end and a second end. A transverse brace member is secured to the first end of the elongate support for suspending the elongate support in an opening made through ice for ice fishing such that the second end of the elongate support extends toward a bottom of the ice opening. A frame is secured to the second end of the elongate support. The frame has a central passage and extends substantially perpendicular to the elongate support. The frame substantially fills the ice opening such that there is no room for a fish to pass between the frame and the ice opening. A one-way gate is pivotally mounted to the frame. The gate pivots toward the first end of the elongate support such that clearance is provided for the passage of a fish through the central passage of the frame into the ice opening.

Abstract: A device and process for handling headed fasteners to facilitate insertion into a workpiece opening includes a hollow tube and telescoping plunger arrangement, the tube containing the fastener or fasteners which are extended one at a time through a tube slot upon movement to a collapsed position of the device. The fastener is spring gripped by its head in the process of being laterally extended through the slot, and is fully ejected from the device as the device is longitudinally moved in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A tricycle push stick for attachment to a tricycle frame for pushing or pulling, the device having an elongated member with a handle mounted at one end and a releasable attachment member mounted at the other end wherein the releasable attachment member is in the form of an opening and an angular slot cooperating with the opening to allow the frame of a tricycle into the opening at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A tool is provided for projecting the tool between rows of various components such as canned goods, and the like mounted upon shelving to properly space such rows for use and display and thereby minimize time and row positioning. The tool includes a fixed blade mounted to a handle, with the blade including an arcuate upper and lower surface of a forward planar end. The tool optionally may include adapter blades to provide varying thickness of the adapter blade enhanced blade structure to vary the aforenoted row spacings.

Abstract: An attachment for releasably gripping a hook at one end of a winch cable to facilitate coupling of the hook to a boat that is to be pulled from a body of water onto a trailer has a body provided with a hook-accommodating slot in one side thereof and a groove in the opposite side thereof for accommodating an elongated support. The slot is tapered and has side walls between which the hook may be wedged.

Abstract: A tool for use when releasing the kin pin from a fifth wheel coupling mechanism used for coupling a trailer to a tractor vehicle by pulling upon a handle so that the handle moves in a linear direction from a lock position to a release position includes a pair of telescoping shafts and a hook affixed to one end of one of the shafts. The shafts are telescopically movable between a retracted condition and an extended condition, and the hook is sized to be hooked about the handle of the coupling mechanism.

Abstract: An elongated clamp for holding an object, having a hollow elongated body, a grip fixed with one end of the body, a C-shaped trigger pivotally fixed on the body near the grip, a swingable L-shaped arm having one end pivotally fixed near the other end of the body, a rope stretched between the trigger and the arm and extending along in the body to wind on two roller wheels fixed on the body, the trigger being pulled back manually to pull back the rope, which then pulls the arm to swing toward the body to hold an object between a rugged surface in an end portion of the arm and a rugged surface in a support block fixed in an end portion of the body.

Abstract: A manual pole handling tool which comprises an insulating fiberglass rod handle that is attached to a chain load binder by means of a handle sleeve and a swivel component. One end of the sleeve receives the fiberglass handle and the sleeve's opposite end is pivotally connected at one end of the swivel so that the handle can rotate at least 180 degrees in the swivel. A bolt or other pin member connects the swivel's opposite end to the load binder so that the swivel can rotate 360 degrees around the pin member. When the load binder is tightened around the pole, the swivel will permit the rod handle to rotate right, left, up or down so that pulling or pushing forces can be applied to the pole in various directions.

Abstract: A snap-hook (34) is set into a hook channel portion (68, 70, 72) of a hook holder (40). The hook holder (40) is secured to one end of an elongated handle (38). A holding arm (76) is pivotally (by bolt 84) attached to the hook holder (40) and holding arm (76) includes a hook (86) which engages (at 88) the snap finger (48) of the hook (34). A finger (90) extends from hook holder (40) into the eye (44) of the snap-hook (34). A user (U) picks up the handle (38) distal the hook holder (40) and uses the handle (38) to move the hook (34) into engagement with a bow eye (28) or the like. Contact of the bow eye (28) and the snap finger (48) moves the holding arm (76) out of holding engagement with the snap finger (48). The bow eye (28) enters into the hook throat (52). The hook (34) becomes engaged with the bow eye (28). The hook (34) also becomes free from the holding arm (76). This allows easy movement of the hook holder (40) away from the hook (34).

Abstract: A multi-purpose hook-up head for attaching a variety of different hook-up assemblies to a hovering helicopter. The multi-purpose hook-up head includes a pair of spaced apart upper grip members each including a plurality of grip plates which are arranged to accept a variety of hook-up assemblies including metal apex shackles, metal apex rings and web rings of different sizes. The hook-up head is grounded through a hollow, insulated pole which serves as a handle to perform cargo hook-up operations.

Abstract: A fish roping device, having a relatively U-shaped spring member with two arms, a rigid handle connected to the base section of the U-shaped spring member, a first arcuate member having a first end and a second end, the first arcuate member being pivotably connected near its second end to one arm of the spring member, a second arcuate member having a first end and a second end, the second arcuate member being pivotably connected near its second end to another arm of the spring member, a hinge for connecting together the second ends of the first and second arcuate members so that the arcuate members pivot relative to one another, the first and second arcuate members being movable between an open position in which the arms of the U-shaped member are pushed apart from a rest position, and a closed position which is entered when an impact is imparted on the hinge so that the arms of the U-shaped spring member return to the rest position, a rope having one end releasably connected to the first end of the first arc

Abstract: Medical instruments are provided having end effectors and end effector actuator apparatus which are rotatable relative to the end effectors. The instruments generally include a tube which is typically coupled to the end effectors via a clevis around which the end effectors pivot, a push rod extending through the tube and coupled to the end effectors, an actuator apparatus engaging the tube and the push rod and imparting reciprocal axial motion to the push rod relative to the tube, and end effectors. The actuator apparatus includes a sleeve, spring, handle, and lever arm. The sleeve is movable along the longitudinal axis of the tube against a biasing force of the spring, but is restrained from rotating about the tube. The sleeve has a locking element on its proximal end. The handle surrounds and rotatably engages the proximal end of the tube and has a locking element on its distal end which mates with the locking element of the sleeve and disengages therewith when the sleeve is advanced along the tube.

Abstract: A pole for effecting the manual movement of a load of vertically stacked units, such as bottle cases, comprises two telescopically related body members having a grasping element at one exposed end for engaging the lower portion of the stacked load and a transverse handle, mounted on the other exposed end of the telescoped body members and rotatable about the axis of the telescoped body members.

Abstract: A janitorial implement for cleaning toilets, urinals and the like, and having a device for grasping soiled objects, the brush comprising a hollow handle device for operatively handling the brush, the handle device having an outer side wall and a hollow interior and having a slot to its outer side wall to the hollow interior, the handle device having a first end and a second end a pair of cooperating grasping device extending from the first end the grasping device being integrally connected to a handle extension device, the handle extension device being slidably mounted within the hollow interior an operating device connected to the extension device and extending through the slot for moving the extension device into an out of the hollow handle device spreading device operatively positioned at the second end, the spreading device including a spreader bar for enlarging the distance between the pair of grasping device when the extension device is moved outwardly from the hollow interior the spreading device inclu

Abstract: The present invention relates to a utility handle for lifting, lowering, supporting and maneuvering articles. The device comprises a generally S-shaped handle including a front portion that is engageable with the article and a handgrip member to be grasped by the hand of the user and further including a rear portion that is engageable with the forearm of the user. The utility handle substantially transfers the load of any attached article from the user's wrist to his forearm, and through the elbow joint, to the user's upper arm muscles to facilitate handling of the article.

Abstract: A soil removal tool is provided for removing radioactive soil, rock and other debris from the bottom of an excavation, while permitting the operator to be located outside of a containment for that excavation. The tool includes a fixed jaw, secured to one end of an elongate pipe, which cooperates with a movable jaw pivotably mounted on the pipe. Movement of the movable jaw is controlled by a pneumatic cylinder mounted on the pipe. The actuator rod of the pneumatic cylinder is connected to a collar which is slidably mounted on the pipe and forms part of the pivotable mounting assembly for the movable jaw. Air is supplied to the pneumatic cylinder through a handle connected to the pipe, under the control of an actuator valve mounted on the handle, to provide movement of the movable jaw.

Abstract: A weed puller has a head mounted on one end of an elongate stem and a handle on the other end. The head has four blades with pick-up arms that normally extend vertically downwardly from the head. The pick-up arms may be pressed into the ground around a weed and then an actuator lever on the handle pulled to draw the ends of the pick-up arms together to grip a weed under the ground so it can be pulled.

Abstract: A platform, which has an elongate handle fixed thereto, has a pivotable limb coupled thereto to move an end of the limb away from, and into clamping engagement with the platform. An actuator is slidably secured to the platform by a trackway, and it has one end of a link captive in a diagonal slot formed in traverse of the actuator. The other end of the link penetrates the platform and is pivotably coupled to the limb. Slidable translation of the actuator along the platform causes the limb to pivot, to open a space between the platform and the limb, in which to insert an end or edge of a garment, and translation of the actuator in an opposite direction causes the limb to close toward the platform to clamp the garment securely thereto.

Abstract: An extended-handle lighter including an elongated handle, a socket at one end of the handle for receiving a butane lighter, an actuator mounted at the other end of the handle, and a linkage extending between the actuator and the lighter for selectively causing the lighter to produce a flame. The linkage can either be a flexible cable or a rigid rod.

Abstract: An elongate coaxially aligned body includes an actuator rod reciprocatably mounted therethrough, with a handle mounted to a rear distal end of the rod exteriorly of the body, with a strap member mounted to a forward distal end of the actuator rod for sliding projection of the strap through the foward distal end of the body to permit sliding adjustment of an associated noose defined by the strap forward end mounted to the body. A modification of the invention includes the body including a flea powder compartment mounted within the body to coat the strap with flea powder and to further include a locking arrangement to latch the actuator rod within the body as required.

Abstract: A portable device for the hand operation of an accelerator foot pedal of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The device is comprised of a handle, an adjustable, telescoping control rod and a cane tip assembly which provides for a flexible attachment to couple the control rod to the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving an individual. The apparatus includes a fitting attached to one end of a pole. The fitting is shaped and dimensioned to engage an individual's clothing by being pressed against the clothing and rotated.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist a user in tying a boat to a cleat or rail. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a line having a loop and a pair of spreaders which are independently, slidably mounted thereon. Each spreader has a connection recess to receive an end portion of one of a pair of spaced-apart spreader arms. The spreader arms are attached to one end of an elongated shaft and the other end of the shaft is for grasping by the user. The spreaders hold the loop in an open position for easy placement around the cleat and when the handle is pulled by the user in a direction away from the cleat with a predetermined separation force, with the loop in place around the cleat, the spreaders separate from the spreader arms and the loop is free to assume a closed position around the cleat for tying the boat to the cleat. In an alternative embodiment, the line has a pair of spliced end portions, each of which is fixedly attached to one of the spreaders.

Abstract: An extension rod assembly for manually positioning a tool head in contact with a work surface comprises an extension rod, a pivotable tool head, and a control linkage for locking the tool head in a selected angular position relative to the extension rod. The control linkage comprises an elongate connecting member which extends through the rod, a manually operable handle at the control end of the rod, and a clutch mechanism which is operated by the handle. The clutch has a first position in which it is disengaged from the connecting member, and a second position in which it is frictionally engaged to the connecting member in order to exert a linearly-directed force on the connecting member so as to actuate a locking assembly which locks the tool head in position. In the disengaged position, the clutch permits linear movement of the connecting member past the clutch and handle as tubular portions of the extension rod are telescoped to a desired length.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for connecting and disconnecting an unenergized electrical line relative to an energized electrical line. It includes first and second connector devices, each including an electrically non-conductive member having a manipulatable hook positioned at one end. A fuse is electrically connected between the first and second connector hooks for electrically disconnecting the first connector hook from the second connector hook in the event of an excessive current demand through the connector hooks. A remotely operable switch is eletrically connected between the first and second connector hooks for electrically connecting and disconnecting the first connector hook relative to the second connector hook.

Abstract: A telescopic support is provided which is used to hold a laser scanner to scan bar codes on labels on paper rolls at normally inaccessible heights. The support includes a basket for receiving the scanner, legs to stabilize the support against the paper roll during the scanning process, and a manually operative lever to activate the scanner from floor level.

Abstract: A girth hitch is secured about an object by a girth hitching mechanism hag a rotatable actuator gate which displaces a latch gate that has a parrot hook that loosely supports a portion of a closed girth loop. A latch ring joined to the girth loop by a latch ring bite is engaged by the parrot hook when the latch gate and actuator gate are rotatably displaced as the object enters the throat of a fork which supports the latch gate, actuator gate and latch ring. After the parrot hook engages the latch ring and the latch gate is rotated in the opposite direction by the object to disengage the latch ring, the girth loop is pulled from its loose support on the parrot hook into a girth hitch configuration about the object to enable its recovery via an attached lift line.

Abstract: A device is provided for setting a golf ball and an operably associated tee in the ground at a desired location with the operating golfer in a standing position. The device is provided with a pair of articulated jaw assemblies at the lower end portion of an elongated tubular shaft, and a handle jaw-operating lever at the upper end portion of the shaft. Manual squeezing of the lever longitudinally moves an actuation rod within the shaft causing opposed links associated with the rod to pivotably move each jaw assembly outwardly. The respective jaw assemblies coact to hold a golf ball and tee yet are releasable therefrom after the tee has been inserted into the ground as desired. Optionally, a pair of device- associated, retractable, ground penetrating spikes can be utilized to facilitate ball and tee positioning.

Abstract: A skimmer for removal of debris suspended in a clogged bore includes a handle having a strainer basket assembly at one end and a wrist loop at the other end. The strainer basket assembly includes a hinge block to which more than one strainer basket portion is pivotally attached. Each strainer basket portion is foramenated and attached to the hinge block in a manner such that when the strainer basket assembly is inserted into a clogged bore the strainer basket portions pivot to a closed position and when the strainer basket is withdrawn from the clogged bore the strainer basket portions are pivoted to an open position to catch and remove debris. In different embodiments of the invention there are weights and stops incorporated to facilitate pivoting of the strainer basket portions to the open position.

Abstract: A tool (b 10) for handling fiber optic connectors (46) in narrow spaces features a thin collet tube (34) tapered at its end (42), and a pintle (32) axially movable within the collet tube (34) with a generally axially oriented grasping surface (52) at its end (40). The taper of the tube (34) forces the grasping surface (52) toward the inside wall (48) of the collet tube (34) when the pintle (32) is extended through the tube (34). The tang (44) of a fiber optic connected (46) is grasped between the grasping surface (52) and the collet tube wall (48). The tip (56) of the collet tube (34) is inclined to prevent damage to the optical fiber (54). By slotting the collet tube tip (b 60), transversely extending workpieces (62) may also be grasped.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for grasping and lifting a lid having a handle is disclosed. The apparatus is particularly directed to use with Dutch ovens and includes two elongated rods conjoined together, one rod being adjustably coupled with the other rod, and each rod having a handle for grasping formed at one end. One rod has a hook formed at the end thereof opposite the handle, and the other rod has three leg members attached to the end thereof opposite the handle. As the user grasps the handles of the two rods in his hand and brings the handles together, the hook engaged to the handle of the lid raises the lid slightly until the lid contacts the three leg members. The lid is thereby securely held between the hook and the leg members and is prevented from wobbling. The invention facilitates the lifting of a lid from a Dutch oven, the lid typically being loaded with the hot coals, and stabilizes the lid so that coals and ashes therefrom do not fall into the Dutch oven containing food.