Hand-hook Type Patents (Class 294/26)
  • Patent number: 11286114
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a carrier device. A device may include a handle and at least one attachment device coupled to the handle. The at least one attachment device may be configured to couple to a solar module, wherein each attachment device includes at least one of a channel for receiving a portion of a frame of the solar module and a clamp for securing the solar module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Vivint Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Spurgeon McCall, Willard MacDonald, Kunio Hasebe, Roger L. Jungerman
  • Patent number: 11161064
    Abstract: A removal system is provided with a separating element for separating contaminants contained in a fluid and with a removal aid for removing the separating element from a housing. The separating element has an end disk arranged at an end face of the separating element. The end disk has a central recess. The removal aid has a grip section and at least two locking fingers. The locking fingers extend along a center axis of the removal aid away from the grip section. Each locking finger has a hook element that serves for engaging behind the end disk of the separating element radially outside of an end disk area that delimits in radial outward direction immediately the central recess. A removal aid for such a removal system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Wildermuth, Frank Pflueger, Guenter Jokschas
  • Patent number: 10900179
    Abstract: A device for lifting and handling steel ties (sleepers) or similar shape ties by the use of one of their top surface holes. The device comprises a straight or angled shape working end to which, on one side, is affixed more or less angularly, an engagement member bearing a recessed area like a notch both inserting and tilting thus locking themselves into aforementioned tie hole so the whole working end can now perform a plurality of operations (lifting, pulling, pushing, rotating and flipping) on the tie being installed or replaced on a railway bed. The other side of the working end is coupled to a straight or angled elongated member, with or without a handle, for manual operations. Alternatively the said other side of working end can be affixed to a variety of coupling member for further integration into a machine for assisted operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventor: Alain Cousineau
  • Patent number: 10463032
    Abstract: Hybrid fish thumper-scale devices. A hybrid fish thumper-scale device includes a barrel configured to stun a fish by striking the fish with the barrel, a handle rigidly coupled to the barrel and configured to be gripped by a user, and a weighing scale configured to provide an indication of the weight of the fish. The weighing scale includes a fixed portion rigidly coupled to the handle and a mobile portion elastically coupled to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: Dale M. Cordell
  • Patent number: 10238027
    Abstract: A tool for preventing a lawnmower blade from rotating while the blade is attached to a lawnmower. The tool includes an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposing second end. A first and second hook extend from the first end of the shaft, wherein the first hook is disposed in a first direction and the second hook is disposed in a second direction. The first direction opposes the second direction and the first hook is offset from the second hook, such that there is a space between the first and second hook. The space between the hooks allows for a lawnmower blade to be received therebetween. The second end of the elongated shaft can be grasped by a user in order to manipulate the placement of the hooks relative to the lawnmower blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Gregory Handley
  • Patent number: 9862081
    Abstract: A rebuild tool for a motorcycle fuel tank quick connect fuel tank fitting has a mandrel tool with at least one post extending from a body portion. The post has an internal bore and an axial groove. A generally cylindrical bushing has an internal bore enabling the bushing to be disposed on the at least one post. The bushing forms an axial slit. At least one O-ring capture hook may be installed onto the mandrel tool within the axial groove and locked into place by rotating the bushing on the post. The assembled mandrel tool including the bushing and the O-ring hook is dimensioned to be inserted into the fuel tank fitting for removing at least one of the O-rings. A sleeve element has a bore enabling the sleeve element to be disposed on the post, and a stem element has an enlarged head and a reduced diameter stem section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MCAVEY VENTURES LLC
    Inventor: Michael McAvey
  • Patent number: 9510580
    Abstract: A fish handling and weighing system that generally includes a handle having a lower end and an upper end, length indicia attached to the side of the handle, an upper connector attached to the upper end of the handle for connecting to a scale device, and a hook attached to the lower end of the handle for engaging a fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Jason S. Crummy
  • Patent number: 9345319
    Abstract: A cable management apparatus configured to be secured to a desk or similar structure wherein the cable management apparatus is operable to provide support and routing for a plurality of electronic cables. The cable management apparatus further includes a support plate. The support plate includes an outer surface having a plurality of hooks extending outward and upward therefrom. A support member is provide that is planar in manner and being manufactured from a flexible material. The support member is square in shape and includes an upper edge and a lower edge. A first group of apertures are present along the upper edge and a second group of apertures are proximate the lower edge of the support member. The support member is configured to have a plurality of openings arranged in a consistent pattern to allow a user to independently route one cable in an alternate direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Carolina Heuel
  • Patent number: 9327392
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft having a first end comprising a beveled surface. A second end of the shaft includes a gripping member. The apparatus additionally includes a channel formed on the beveled surface, wherein the channel comprises an opening, and wherein the opening traverses the beveled surface at a constant vertical position relative to an angle of the beveled surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: US2 DESIGNS, LLC
    Inventors: Glenn P. Reyna, Darren Eason
  • Patent number: 9215955
    Abstract: A puller, preferably made of bent metal wire, for removing pickles and the like from a jar in which the pickles are tightly packed is preferably made of bent wire, has a handle end, a hook end, and a shank connecting them. The hook of the puller faces in generally the same lateral direction relative to the shank axis as does the handle. And the hook has a jog, comprising two portions which are differently angled relative to the plane in which lies the handle of the puller; and outer portion angles upwardly in the shank-direction where lies the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Gregory Zlotnick
  • Patent number: 9114932
    Abstract: A carrying device for carrying materials, such as plywood and the like. The device includes a frame configured for receiving sheet material to be carried; a mount pivotally mounted to the frame to enable the mount to pivot relative to the frame; and a compression handle pivotally mounted to the mount, the compression handle including a handle graspable by a hand of a user and a compression member contactable with a face of the sheet material to be carried. The mount is pivotal relative to the frame, as well as having a handle that is pivotally mounted to the mount. This combination facilitates use of the carrying device with either the left or the right hand of the user, and also enables a desired attitude of the sheet material to be carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Eric L. Majni
  • Publication number: 20150130198
    Abstract: A flipping hook apparatus for allowing a user to reduce the number of cooking utensils needed for a given job, eliminating food dropping, moving a user's hand further away from a heating element while manipulating food, minimizing arm and wrist twisting while manipulating food, and more safely lower food onto cooking surfaces. The flipping hook apparatus comprises a hook member having an elongated shaft and a hook portion permanently attached to an elongated handle. The hook portion is defined by a 90 degree bend in the elongated shaft, followed by a 1 inch diameter roll in a 150 to 160 degree angle. It is contemplated that the hook member is constructed out of stainless steel and the handle is constructed out of wood having up to three coats of polyurethane so as to seal and protect the wood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Teddy Croom
  • Patent number: 8915529
    Abstract: A static and length adjustable device for aiding a user in removing dissimilar items from a bed of a truck without any modification to the device to remove the dissimilar items. The device includes a pole, a head, length-adjusting apparatus, and attaching apparatus. The pole has a length. The head extends from the pole, and together therewith, are for aiding the user in removing the dissimilar items from the bed of the truck without any modification to the device to remove the dissimilar items. The length-adjusting apparatus is operatively connected to, and selectively adjusts the length of, the pole, and is for facilitating aiding the user in removing the dissimilar items from the bed of the truck without any modification to the device to remove the dissimilar items. The attaching apparatus replaceably attaches the head to the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Edward Arthur Bond
  • Patent number: 8888152
    Abstract: A hook assembly that assists a person in engaging the handle of a pull cord from a gasoline engine. The hook assembly engages the handle with a hooked plate. The hooked plate has a curved section that forms a catch trough that directly engages and holds the handle of the pull cord. A cord slot is disposed within the curved section of the hooked plate. The cord slot extends into the catch trough. This divides the hooked plate into two curved fingers on either side of the cord slot. A wrist band is wrapped around the wrist of a user. The hooked plate is joined to the wrist band with a pivoting connection. The pivoting connection enables the hooked plate to be selectively positioned between a deployed position and a stored configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Coakley
  • Patent number: 8851540
    Abstract: A grill grate removal device lifts and removes grates from a grill in order to clean the grill grates. The device includes a main body. A lifting member is coupled to the main body and is configured to lift grates from a grill. The lifting member has a first portion coupled to and positioned perpendicular relative to a second portion wherein the second portion is configured for positioning perpendicularly between adjacently positioned grates such that a top end of the second portion abuts a bottom edge of the grates wherein upward force on the grates permits removal of the grates from the grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Brent S. Gaulke
  • Publication number: 20140239657
    Abstract: A component extraction device for a pneumatic carrier employs a hooking mechanism to select and dislodge a wedged carrier within a pneumatic tube assembly. The hooking mechanism is activated by springs when the carrier contacts the integral locking hinge thus enabling the hook to select the carrier in order for extraction from the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Calvin Charles Gorham, II
  • Patent number: 8813414
    Abstract: An elongated handle has a pointed fish hook rotatably affixed to one end of the handle, the hook having two operating dispositions, a first disposition wherein the hook is open for gaffing purposes and a second disposition wherein the hook folded back against the handle to block the hook point for safety. A mechanism releasably secures the hook at either disposition. A button actuated mechanism releases the hook from either disposition so that the hook can be moved from one operating disposition to the other. Preferably the gaff further includes a bias for urging the hook toward its open, gaffing disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: J. R. Jones Company
    Inventors: Todd A. Jones, Albert Cascia
  • Patent number: 8801060
    Abstract: A carry-assist apparatus for moving heavy, cumbersome objects. The apparatus has a handle segment, an adjustable shaft segment and a hook segment, each segment of which is configured and dimensioned to permit the assembly of a spatially variable carry-assist apparatus. The hook segment is formed with a bottom having a bottom end to which optional nubs may be secured to provide positive, secure engagement to the object being lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas H. Smith, Richard Edgerly
  • Patent number: 8757692
    Abstract: A gripping element of a bag for pharmaceutical products is provided with two gripping devices adapted to withhold two opposite edges of the bag itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: AEA, S.r.l.
    Inventors: Simone Giampieri, Federico Ricavi
  • Patent number: 8702139
    Abstract: A game engaging device securely engages game to facilitate dragging the game from one location to a desired second location. The device includes a shaft having a first end and a second end. A handle is rotatably coupled to the first end of the shaft and a hook is coupled to and extends from the second end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Vance A. Hurrell
  • Patent number: 8556310
    Abstract: A grill hook device for lifting a cooking surface grate from a charcoal grill or grill pit is provided. The cooking surface grate has a plurality of cross bars with the cross bars having a top surface and a bottom surface. The grill hook device comprises a center shaft having a first end and a second end. A handle is mounted to the first end of the center shaft. An anchor member extends from the center shaft between the first end and the second end of the center shaft. A hook mechanism is formed at the second end of the center shaft for receiving at least one of the cross bars for the cooking surface grate. Upon positioning at least one of the cross bars within the hook mechanism, the hook mechanism contacting the bottom surface of the at least one cross bar, and the anchor member against the top surface of the cross bars, the cooking surface grate is liftable from the grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Ron Nabors
  • Patent number: 8556314
    Abstract: A log lifting facilitating assembly for includes a first member having a first end and a second end. A spike is attached to the first member adjacent to the first end and is orthogonal to the first member. The spike extends in a first direction relative to the first member. A second member is attached to the second end of the first member and extends in the first direction from the first member further than the spike. A strike plate is attached to the first member. The strike plate is positioned on the first member opposite of the spike. The spike is configured to be driven into an end of a log to facilitate moving of the log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Robert K. Kettell
  • Patent number: 8544921
    Abstract: A gripping element of a bag for pharmaceutical products is provided with two gripping devices adapted to withhold two opposite edges of the bag itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: AEA S.r.l.
    Inventors: Simone Giampieri, Federico Ricavi
  • Publication number: 20130199011
    Abstract: A one-piece board level shielding element with a top cover peel panel is secured to a circuit board to shield and provide access to a shielded component. The shielding element is formed with a top having a peel line to facilitate removal of the peel panel with a peel tool. Once the repair is completed, a new cover is put on to the remaining side-walls to reestablish the shielding. The shield top cover is formed with a peel tool insertion slot and an adjacent peel start slot. The peel panel is removed by a peel tool having a peel hook mounted to a cylindrical peel key that is inserted into the insertion slot and hooks the cover at the peel start slot. Upon rotating the peel key away from the peel start slot, the peel panel is easily removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: A.K. STAMPING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: A.K. Stamping Company, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8474891
    Abstract: A tool is disclosed herein for facilitating the opening and closing of mail bags, money bags, tool bags, and other large bags for carrying heavy loads utilizing large zippers. For instance, mail bags have a large zipper closure. Mail workers open and close these zippers dozens of times a day. Frequently, the zippers are hard to operate. Sometimes, the zipper handle may be missing. In both of these cases, a tool of some sort would facilitate the opening and closing of the bag. The present invention provides a zipper pull tool comprising a handle with a hook disposed at a selected optimal angle with a wedge shaped distal end and an eyelet or loop disposed at the other end. The handle is economically designed to provide good grip yet not require the user to squeeze the handle minimizing risk of injury to the wrist due to repetitive motions. The hook is disposed at such an angle as to provide optimum ease for hooking to the zipper or zipper handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Sandra B Shields
  • Patent number: 8469339
    Abstract: A push/pull tag line includes an elongated rigid member having a first end and a second end located opposite the first end. A flexible member is coupled to the elongated rigid member and extends from the first end of the elongated rigid member. A load connector is coupled to the second end of the elongated rigid member. The tag line may be coupled to a load using the load connector. A pushing force may then be applied to the rigid member that is directed towards the load, and the rigid member will transmit the pushing force to the load to allow precise positioned of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Billy Pugh Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Liberato, Paul Liberato
  • Publication number: 20130104363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for threading a seatbelt through a child's car seat. The threading device is light weight, and thus easy to use one-handed and consists of a handle, an elongated body, and a hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Joan Allen
  • Patent number: 8430438
    Abstract: The Skimmer Basket Cleaning Rod is a dual purpose tool for both removing the skimmer plate of a pool skimmer and removal of the skimmer basket to avoid the dangers of human contact with the contents of the skimmer basket and to alleviate any bending over and kneeling on a cement surface, ending the risk of injury to back and knees. The Skimmer Basket Cleaning Rod consists of a solid aluminum rod with a handle on one end and a universal catch on the other end. The catch is designed for removing the skimmer plate through insertion into the skimmer plate hole located at its center while the opposite end is an ergonomically designed handle for ease of retrieving the skimmer plate and the skimmer basket. The Skimmer Basket Cleaning Rod is a one piece extraction devise designed to accommodate all skimmer plates and skimmer baskets for above-ground and in-ground pool skimmers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Murphy
  • Patent number: 8308209
    Abstract: A system comprising a handle having a gripping end and a working end. The system also comprising a filter engagement tool. The filter engagement tool is coupled to the handle. The filter engagement tool has a filter engagement means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher W. Bibow, Richard Valley
  • Publication number: 20120248802
    Abstract: A removable ladder handle allows a user to carry a ladder comfortably with one hand or a shoulder strap. The removable ladder handle has a bar, one or more compression springs and one or more spring clips that have a concave downward shape. A middle section of each spring clip is coupled to the bar. The compression springs are coupled to the bar facing downward. Both end sections of each spring clip have inside hooks that face inward and upward. The spring clips and inside hooks are configured to fit over one of the side rails of a ladder and snap on to inner edges of the side rail when the removable ladder handle is engaged to the ladder by a user pushing the removable ladder handle down onto the side rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Aaron Curtis Dowler, Joseph Kenneth Jones
  • Patent number: 8262147
    Abstract: An implement (10) for moving a box (48) within a pickup box (42) is disclosed. The implement (10) includes an elongated body (12) having a hooking section (22). A head (28) is associated with an end of this hooking section (22). The head (28) may be disposed within a groove (46) associated with the bed (43) of the pickup box (42), and may be slid along this groove (46) until positioned under the box (48). The implement (10) can then be rotated to engage the head (28) with the underside of the box (48). A user may then pull on the implement (10) to in turn pull the box (48) along the bed (43) of the pickup box (42). The hooking section (22) of the implement may also be disposed behind a box (48) to pull the box (48) to a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Paul H. Boyum
  • Patent number: 8162361
    Abstract: A fire poker is provided which is comprised of an elongate shaft, a handle at one end of the shaft and a longitudinal hook member near the second end of the shaft. The shaft has a bend located at a position between the handle and the hook member. Alternatively, the shaft may have a plurality of bends located at positions between the handle and the hook member. The plurality of bends divides the shaft into a plurality of sections, and the section of the shaft that contacts the hook member is preferably in the same plane as the section that contacts the handle. The at least one bend in the shaft of the fire poker provides for a device that is more comfortable to wield, is better from an ergonomic perspective and allows for considerably easier manipulation of the fuel of a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Dale Biddington
  • Patent number: 8157283
    Abstract: The fifth wheel release tool apparatus has a cable having a cable first end spaced apart from a cable second end, a handle affixed to the cable first end. a pulley moveably disposed on the cable, the pulley entrapped on the cable, a first hook connected to the pulley, a second hook affixed to the cable second end, whereby the first hook is removably hooked to a release handle of a fifth wheel, the second hook removably hooked to any desired fixed object, allowing a user to pull the release handle by way of pulling the apparatus handle. The flexible cable allows a user to operate the apparatus from any angle or position and thereby further allows latch release in what may be crowded conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Curtis R. Cook
  • Patent number: 8141920
    Abstract: A gripper includes a housing defining an interior area and having a work surface, the work surface defining an opening to the interior area. The gripper includes a pair of outer stationary plates in the interior area that are fixed to the housing, each having a plurality of linear first hooks extending away from the work surface. The first hooks are angled parallel to one another and toward a housing first end. An inner plate is positioned in the interior area between the outer plates and includes linear second hooks extending away from the work surface. The second hooks are angled parallel to one another and opposite the first hooks. The inner plate is movable between a grip configuration and a release configuration. An actuator causes the inner plate to selectively move toward a housing second end to the grip configuration and toward the first end to the release configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Accel Pak, Incorporated
    Inventors: Bradley A. Butler, Jack E. Beauchamp
  • Publication number: 20120049856
    Abstract: A pin test assistant device includes a shaft and a hook. The shaft is made of strong lightweight material that is easily formed into a shaft, and the hook is made of material that resists heat. If a pin on an integrated circuit (IC) chip needs to be tested, the hook is positioned against the underside of the pin, then a heating device is used to heat the pin for softening the pin. After the pin is softened, the hook is used to bend the pin up to for a test of the pin. After the test, the hook is used to press the pin back into an original position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: GUO-YI CHEN, BO TIAN
  • Publication number: 20120015127
    Abstract: A one-piece board level shielding element with a top cover peel panel is secured to a circuit board to shield and provide access to a shielded component. The shielding element is formed with a top having a peel line to facilitate removal of the peel panel with a peel tool. Once the repair is completed, a new cover is put on to the remaining side-walls to reestablish the shielding. The shield top cover is formed with a peel tool insertion slot and an adjacent peel start slot. The peel panel is removed by a peel tool having a peel hook mounted to a cylindrical peel key that is inserted into the insertion slot and hooks the cover at the peel start slot. Upon rotating the peel key away from the peel start slot, the peel panel is easily removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: A.K. STAMPING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Arthur Kurz, Mark Andrews, Michael Schneider
  • Patent number: 8091934
    Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer maintenance apparatus (10) includes an elongate tubular handle (12) having a hook end (14) and an opposed sealing end (16). The sealing end includes a sealing structure such as a spherical ball (116) defining a sealing surface effective to seal a skimmer suction port to prevent a flow of water through the skimmer suction port. The hook end supports a metal wire hook (32) which extends from the handle and which is adapted to lift a debris collection basket, a skimmer diverter or a skimmer lid present at the skimmer. The apparatus is also useful for safely probing the skimmer for animals or insects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Wallace Criley Bair
  • Patent number: 8047589
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for performing tasks during maintaining filtered swimming pools and spas. The apparatus can perform a number of such maintenance tasks simultaneously, without having to kneel down, and comprises a number of individual tools for performing such tasks. The apparatus includes tools and elements for: (a) extracting skimmer covers, (b) lifting skimmer baskets, (c) grabbing a automatic cleaner hose, (d) snatching a pool thermometer line, (e) obtaining water samples, (f) confirming a depth of 18 inches to take a water sample, (g) securing a water chemical test strip for submersion into the water, (h) brushing the walls and sides of pools, (i) grasping and retaining a vacuum hose, (j) clenching and holding onto solid chemical tablets and sticks, and (k) removing leaves and debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Paul J. Trainor
  • Patent number: 8033776
    Abstract: A slide which slides along a retainer attached to the bed of a pickup truck. The slide has a rearward end proximate the tail gate and a forward end proximate the cab of the truck. The rearward end preferably has gripping features allowing a user to easily grasp the slide and pull it rearward within the fixed retainer. The slide's forward end has an upstanding foot which engages cargo within the bed and propels it toward the tailgate. Two or more such devices can be installed in parallel and used simultaneously to unload cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Vandorn Calhoun
  • Publication number: 20110162766
    Abstract: A device for extracting a card such as a credit card from a wallet. The device may comprise a pulling hook formed from relatively thin material, a handle for grasping, and a strap connecting the handle to the pulling hook. The handle may be configured as a T-handle. The strap may bear adhesive to discourage the card from sliding along the length of the strap. The device may have a pushing hook opening in a direction opposite that of the pulling hook, such that the card may be inserted between and engage the pushing hook and the pulling hook and be entrapped therebetween. The hook may have sufficient overall length to project outside a pocket into which the card has been stored and in which the card is fully contained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Kathie Paulsen
  • Patent number: 7938464
    Abstract: A manually manipulated assistive device for facilitating opening and closing a door by a handicapped person, especially one in a wheelchair. An elongated slender body preferably formed of a single transparent rigid plastic rod has a straight central portion, a hook formed at one end like a shepherd's hook and a hand or finger grasping handle at another end of the rod. The hook is adapted for snug snapping engagement over a neck area of a doorknob and, thereafter, for loose swinging supported movement relative to the doorknob. The rod has a length sufficient for the device to be held and pivoted on the hook about the neck area into a generally horizontal position by user grasping the handle to open or close the door. A retaining clip attached to the door at a height above the floor similar to that of the doorknob holds the device in a generally horizontal orientation stored ready for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Earl A. Hielm
  • Patent number: 7896414
    Abstract: An ergonomic meat hook is provided in which the hook portion is not directed between the fingers of the user and is provided with a safety and rest strap to secure the hook to the user's arm or wrist opposite the hook portion to thereby reduce weight which must be supported by the user's fingers. Such strap is arranged to be quickly detached in an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Randy P. Brigham
  • Publication number: 20100320784
    Abstract: A hollow shaft barbeque tool is described. The tool includes a hollow shaft cylindrically tapering from a first end to a second end. The first end has a first diameter and the second end has a second diameter such that the second diameter is less than the first diameter, thereby creating the tapering form. A grip is attached with the first end of the hollow shaft to allow a user to grasp the tool. A tip receiver is press fit in the second end of the hollow shaft, with a solid turning tip press fit into the tip receiver. Thus, a user can use the turning tip to grasp and turn a piece of meat food while barbequing the meat food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: James Rosenbaum
  • Publication number: 20100303602
    Abstract: The Skimmer Basket Cleaning Rod is a dual purpose tool for both removing the skimmer plate of a pool skimmer and removal of the skimmer basket to avoid the dangers of human contact with the contents of the skimmer basket and to alleviate any bending over and kneeling on a cement surface, ending the risk of injury to back and knees. The Skimmer Basket Cleaning Rod consists of a solid aluminum rod with a handle on one end and a universal catch on the other end. The catch is designed for removing the skimmer plate through insertion into the skimmer plate hole located at its center while the opposite end is an ergonomically designed handle for ease of retrieving the skimmer plate and the skimmer basket. The Skimmer Basket Cleaning Rod is a one piece extraction devise designed to accommodate all skimmer plates and skimmer baskets for above-ground and in-ground pool skimmers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Murphy
  • Patent number: 7780211
    Abstract: A pick-up truck tailgate lifter having dual hooks for gripping the bottom of the rear of the tailgate and lifting straps affixed thereto and running to the inside of the tailgate ending in a handle. One embodiment has a roll-up handle so the straps and handle fit through the space between the bed and the tailgate. The other routes the straps over the rear face of the tailgate, through a top cap and around a reversing post in the inside of the tailgate so that when lifting pressure is applied to the handle, the straps tighten the lifting hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: James Francois Leggett
  • Patent number: 7780210
    Abstract: An implement (10) for moving a box (48) within a pickup box (42) is disclosed. The implement (10) includes an elongated body (12) having a hooking section (22). A head (28) is associated with an end of this hooking section (22). The head (28) may be disposed within a groove (46) associated with the bed (43) of the pickup box (42), and may be slid along this groove (46) until positioned under the box (48). The implement (10) can then be rotated to engage the head (28) with the underside of the box (48). A user may then pull on the implement (10) to in turn pull the box (48) along the bed (43) of the pickup box (42). The hooking section (22) of the implement may also be disposed behind a box (48) to pull the box (48) to a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Paul H. Boyum
  • Patent number: 7726713
    Abstract: A multi-use tool having a generally “J” shaped hook structure which has a top portion, a middle shank portion attached to the top portion, and a curved bottom portion attached to the middle shank portion. The top portion has a loop portion to which a rope, life-line or escape line can be fastened. The curved bottom portion extends to a beveled tip. The multi-use tool also has a protruding member that extends from the curved bottom portion and has a substantially flat top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph A. Oleksia
  • Patent number: 7725969
    Abstract: A novel tool and process, primarily useful for assisting ice climbers in creating a “V-thread” anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Ian Andrew Osteyee
  • Patent number: 7699368
    Abstract: A hose manipulator according to the present invention includes an elongate shaft having upper and lower ends and extending between about 3 feet and about 5 feet in length. The hose manipulator also includes a handle at the shaft upper end, the handle having a portion extending generally perpendicular to the shaft. A hook is positioned at the shaft lower end and extends between about 150 degrees and about 180 degrees and includes a diameter between about 3 inches and about 6 inches. The hook and the perpendicular handle portion are generally coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: John S. Nicol
  • Patent number: 7673912
    Abstract: A truck cargo-moving tool combines an elongated extendable arm having at least two telescopically connected rigid coaxial tubes and a substantially rigid head having two faces, at least one substantially flat edge, a blunt heel, and an arcuate toe curved toward the axis of the extendable arm. The extendable arm is attached generally perpendicular to the head proximal the heel in order to form a tool useful for moving items resting on a long horizontal surface. There is at least one locking mechanism attached or built into the extendable arm for securing the coaxial tubes at a desired operating arm length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Chris C. Breininger