Abstract: A manually operated scooping device for moving bulk items such as snow that includes a foot operated lifting mechanism that causes the scoop to pivot forward to eject the contents of the scoop, the scoop configured to gather and push the bulk items along a surface area until it reaches a dumping area, at which point a user may use the lifting mechanism to pivot the scoop and dump the materials.

Abstract: A light-weight shovel for use in varied conditions, which include, for example, sand, soil, snow, gravel, and loose solids of varying kinds. A shovel blade is connected to a first end of a hollow shaft and a hollow handle is connected to a second end of the hollow shaft. In one embodiment, the front side of the shaft is smooth and the rear side is a hollow rectangular shaped channel with rounded edges extending substantially into the blade on the first end and completely into the D-shaped handle in the second end. The hollow channel is reinforced by geometrical structural inlays or ribbing that extends through the entirety of the shovel's handle, shaft, blade's stem, and at least partially into the blade itself.

Abstract: A tool handle apparatus and methods of use, for slinging or casting contents therefrom, the tool includes a spade having a spade neck extending from a first spade end, a spade handle having a first handle end a midsection, and a second handle end, said first handle end connected to said spade neck, a spring having a first spring end and a second spring end, said first spring end affixed to said midsection and said second spring end connected to said second handle end, and a looped strap connected to said second handle end and, thus, functions to assist a user in slinging or casting contents therefrom.

Abstract: A manhole cover lifting tool is disclosed. The tool comprises an elongate body and a shaft which is arranged to slide relative the body. The tool further comprises coupling means for slidably coupling a proximal region of the shaft with the body and means disposed at a distal region of the shaft for detachably coupling the shaft with a manhole cover, such that the shaft is restricted to slide through a pre-defined range along the body.

Abstract: A hand tool assembly generally comprising a handle and a tool head combined by a connector. The handle has a first end and a second end. The connector has a first end and a second end. The first end of the connector is combined with the second end of the handle. The second end of the connector is combined with the head of a tool by inserting the connector into a socket/opening in the tool's head. The second end of the connector is flexible thereby allowing it to conform to the shape of the socket regardless of whether the socket is straight or curved. A rigid tube insert is positioned a short distance into the handle second end and extends a short distance outward from the handle second end. Adhesives, fasteners, internal hooks, or other commonly known methods of securing an object within an outer sheath or covering may be used to help secure the components together.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to an improved extendable and rotatable shovel for use in various applications such as the shoveling of snow. Users can modify the shovel to accommodate their stature and personal preferences. The shovel is selectively rotatable and extendable, so as to be capable of a range of acute driving positions, such that a user can position the handle on or at the shoulder of the user in an upright driving position.

Abstract: A hand tool assembly generally comprising a handle and a tool head combined by a connector. The handle has a first end and a second end. The connector has a first end and a second end. The first end of the connector is combined with the second end of the handle. The second end of the connector is combined with the head of a tool by inserting the connector into a socket/opening in the tool's head. The second end of the connector is flexible thereby allowing it to conform to the shape of the socket regardless of whether the socket is straight or curved. A rigid tube insert is positioned a short distance into the handle second end and extends a short distance outward from the handle second end. Adhesives or fasteners may be used to help secure the components together.

Abstract: A rotary extension rod includes an outer tube, an inner tube received in the outer tube, a rotatable assembly having a knob, a fixing seat and a link, and a positioning ring deposited on the fixing seat. The knob is rotatably deposited at one end of the outer tube. The fixing seat is received in the outer tube and fixed to one end of the inner tube. The link is between the knob and the fixing seat, and has two opposite first radially raised portions. The positioning ring has two opposite second radially raised portions. By rotating the knob, the first radially raised portions are posed to abut against or depart from the second radially raised portions, so that the positioning ring radially deforms to press against or release the outer tube, in turn allowing the length of the extension rod to be adjusted.

Abstract: The fluid section of an air operated double diaphragm pump 10 consists of two fluid housings 12, an inlet manifold 14, and an outlet manifold 16. The housings are to be made in two parts. The preferred frame 18 material is glass fiber reinforced with polypropylene that is overmolded into final shape with an encapsulating material 20. The frame 18 is designed so that the encapsulating material 20 can flow from one side to the other allowing for a mechanical lock between the top surface 22 and the bottom so as not to rely on chemical adhesion between the two materials.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a snow shovel system with an extended and collapsed state. The system includes a blade member, handle, lower shaft member, and upper shaft member. One end of the lower shaft member is coupled to the blade member and the other is slidably coupled with the upper shaft member. A first end of the upper shaft member is coupled to a handle and the second end is slidably coupled with the lower shaft member. The slidable coupling between the lower and upper shaft members includes an extended state and a collapsed state in which the handle is separated from the blade member a greater distance in the extended state. The collapsed state includes translating a portion of the lower shaft member beyond the first end of the upper shaft member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for filling a bag are provided. The apparatus includes a shovel with an elongate shovel arm, a shovel mouth positioned at a distal end of the shovel arm, and a shovel handle positioned at a proximal end of the shovel arm. The shovel mouth collects and directs fill material into the bag. The shovel handle is inserted into an opening of the bag and grasped by a user toward a bottom portion of the bag and from outside the bag. The apparatus includes an elongate arm rotatably coupled to the shovel arm at a pivot point and extending distally at an angle away from the shovel arm. The elongate arm rotates between an insertion configuration, in which the apparatus has a low profile for easy insertion into a bag, and an operable configuration to hold the bag open during filling.

Abstract: The provided process creates a stamped tubular form with integral bracket by feeding a metal strip with a first thickness into a stamping tool containing a plurality of stations. Material is removed from the metal strip, leaving behind a tubular blank with an integral bracket. The tubular blank is formed by a forming station into a U-shaped form containing walls. The walls are closed in a closure station into a tubular shape wherein the edges of the walls are abutted and compressed, forming a tubular form which increases the metal thickness. This invention includes products formed by this process.

Abstract: An offset weight bar is provided which operates with the lifter's neuro-fascial connections to increase muscle activation and recruitment of muscle groups. The offset weight bar includes a grip portion that is shaped in accordance with the neuro-fascial connections in the lifter's hands and arms. The offset weight bar also offsets the weight of the bar from the lifter's palm to a point out along the lifter's unfolded fingers. The shape of the offset weight bar operates with the offset of the weight from the palm to increase the lifter's muscle activation and muscle group recruitment in accordance with the lifter's neuro-fascial physiology.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several examples of an adapter for a modular tool system. The adapter in one form comprising: a handle attachment device fixed to a shovel head; the handle attachment device removably attached to a coupler which is fixed to one longitudinal end of an elongate handle; the elongate handle having a longitudinal axis wherein the coupler is in line with the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal axis of the handle; an offset arm having a first end fixed to the handle attachment device, the offset arm extending from the handle attachment device and extending to a second end removably coupled to the elongate handle at a point longitudinally distal of the coupler; and wherein the offset arm extends from the handle attachment device at a vertical offset distance from the longitudinal axis of the elongate handle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a pair of shaft portions each comprising a handle slidably coupled to a base. Each handle includes a first impact surface and each base includes a second impact surface. The handles are slidable relative to the bases such that the first impact surfaces of the handles impact the second impact surfaces of respective bases. The apparatus also includes a pair of blades each coupled to the base of a respective one of the shaft portions to form respective halves of the apparatus. Further, the apparatus includes a pivot connection that pivotally couples the halves together at a location between the bases and blades of the respective halves such that movement of the handles away from each other moves the blades toward each other, and movement of the handles toward each other moves the blades away from each other.

Abstract: A shovel device for digging in ground or other material is provided. The shovel device comprises a handle having a first end and a second end. A blade having an attachment end and a digging edge opposite the attachment end is provided with the attachment end secured to the second end of the handle. A plurality of teeth is secured to the digging edge of the blade and extending beyond the digging edge of the blade. During digging operations, the teeth contact the ground or other material prior to the digging edge of the blade contacting the ground or other material.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible shovel that can be carried within a backpack without becoming caught on the backpack or other items stored in the backpack is provided. The shovel has hollow tubular handle, a spade frame assembly, a t-handle, and a fabric spade sheath that can be assembled to form a shovel suitable for digging. When not being used, the spade frame, the t-handle, and the fabric spade sheath are completely stored within the hollow tubular handle for easy carrying and storage.

Abstract: A shovel comprising an elongate handle having two ends, a first section, a second section aligned with and spaced from the first section, a third section connected between the first section and the second section, the elongate handle forming an intermediate grip opening in a first direction; a shovel head connected to one end of the elongate handle. An embodiment of the present invention includes a blade having a concave surface having a surface area and opening in a second direction generally opposite the first direction, and a convex surface opposing the concave surface. In this alternative embodiment, the blade has a plurality of holes extending between the concave surface and the convex surface; and wherein the ratio of the size of all of the openings to the surface area of the concave surface is twenty-five percent.

Abstract: An auxiliary handle includes an auxiliary shaft, a joint bracket, and a joint clamp. The auxiliary shaft extends along an auxiliary axis and has two ends. The joint bracket has a bracket axis which is substantially perpendicular to the auxiliary axis, and one end of the auxiliary shaft is rotatably connected to the joint bracket for rotation about the bracket axis. The joint clamp has a joint axis which is substantially perpendicular to the bracket axis, and the joint bracket is rotatably connected to the joint clamp for rotation about the joint axis.

Abstract: An industrial long handled tool component system is provided having interchangeable tool heads, connectors, handles and grips. The novel connector system provides a polygonal locking bar concentric with a round outer reinforcing collar both engaged by a material connector insert and separated by plastic isolations seals. The novel connector promotes connection integrity and prevents joint movement. An alternate embodiment provides a connector system without the collar to save weight and manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A multifunction lawn and garden device includes a generally flat base member having a plurality of upward radiating walls extending therefrom. A slanted edge is disposed along the front side of the base member, and an aperture is formed within the center of the base member. A generally T-shaped handle is positioned above the center of the base member and is secured to each of the back and side walls, and a removable insert member having a complementary shape as the aperture is provided.

Abstract: A handle assembly is disclosed for tools such as shovels and the like having a primary handle and an auxiliary handle. The primary handle includes first and second legs, each of which has a first end that is securable to a tool head such that the first and second legs extend outwardly from the tool head in generally parallel relation to one another. A primary grip or handlebar extends between the legs at the ends opposite the tool head. The auxiliary handle is slideably connected to the first and second legs so as to be moveable toward and away from the primary grip. The auxiliary handle is removeably connectable to the legs and may be stored in a generally planar alignment between the legs to facilitate stacking or the auxiliary handle may be shaped to facilitate nesting of adjacent auxiliary handles of stacked handle assemblies.

Abstract: A one-piece garden tool, and process for manufacturing a one-piece garden tool such as a shovel, in which the head of the garden tool and its rod are made from two pieces of plastic. The head further contains a joint portion into which the rod is inserted and axial force and rotational speed are applied with sufficient force to create friction that melts a layer of the rod and joint so the plastic of each mixes. The rod and head are then cooled, and the plastics merge into a single one-piece plastic garden tool. Alternately, ultrasonic waves may be used to melt the rod and joint layers.

Abstract: An ergonomically-configured handle for tools such as cleaning devices and, more particularly, to a handle for a broom or mop (for example) is formed with curved end terminations to reduce back strain and provide ease of use. A first curved end termination is attached to a tool head (such as a brush, rake head or the like) via an elbow joint. A straight section of handle is then attached to the first curved end termination, where a second curved end termination is then attached to the opposite end of the straight section. A handle grip may be disposed over the termination of the second curved end termination.

Abstract: An industrial long handled tool component system is provided having interchangeable tool heads, connectors, handles and grips. The novel connector system provides a polygonal locking bar concentric with a round outer reinforcing collar both engaged by a material connector insert and separated by plastic isolations seals. The novel connector promotes connection integrity and prevents joint movement. An alternate embodiment provides a connector system without the collar to save weight and manufacturing cost.

Abstract: An implement including:-a shaft;-a plug;-a tool portion, the implement characterised in that the plug is received and retained at one end of the shaft and wherein the plug and/or the tool portion are adapted to engage with one another.

Abstract: A dual grip handled shovel for clearing a surface is disclosed. The shovel comprises a grip handle having a front grip attached to a rear grip by way of a central portion. A tool handle includes a front truss pair attached to a first end of the central portion and a rear truss pair attached to a second end of the central portion. A tool head includes a leading edge and a lagging edge which is operatively attached to the front truss pair and rear truss pair. The central portion, the tool handle and the lagging edge of the tool head are attached in a way to form a tetrahedron which distributes the load evenly to provide an ease of use to a user. The front truss pair and the rear truss pair distribute the load evenly between the grip handle and the tool head thereby balancing the load dynamically.

Abstract: An implement comprises a first member, at least a second member secured at one end of the first member; and at least one piece of material overlapping a junction between the first member and the second member. The implement is made by securing the second member at one end of the first member; and overlapping the junction between the first member and the second member with a piece of material smoothing a surface at the junction.

Abstract: A bag holder is provided for holding a bag in an open position to facilitate collection of debris in the bag. The bag holder includes a rigid frame assembly having an outer frame and an inner frame. The outer frame has a perimeter wall. The inner frame is sized to nest within the perimeter wall of the outer frame. Thus, the frame assembly is configured for securing a bag between the outer frame and the inner frame such that the frame assembly holds the bag in an open position. A handle is coupled to and extends from the outer frame to facilitate manipulation of the open bag to a desired location using the handle. Debris may then be scooped or swept into the open bag.

Abstract: A fastener is disclosed. The fastener includes a housing, wherein the housing forms a housing cavity, wherein the housing cavity includes at least one recess; a cage at least partially disposed in said housing cavity, wherein an outer surface of the cage is spaced apart from an inner surface of the housing that forms the housing cavity, wherein the cage defines a cage cavity, and a plurality of passages aligned with said at least one recess; a plurality of retaining members at least partially retained within said plurality of passages; and a plunger at least partially disposed in said cage cavity, wherein said plunger is at least partially movable within said cage cavity between a first position to cause said one or more retaining members to be displaced radially outwardly thereby mechanically coupling said housing to said cage, and a second position to allow said one or more retaining members to be displaced radially inwardly thereby allowing said housing to be uncoupled from said cage.

Abstract: A handle attachment mountable to an elongated shaft of a tool such as a shovel or rake is disclosed. The handle includes a contiguous, elliptical shaped elongated body including a first hook having fastening means configured to removably connect the handle attachment to the elongated shaft, a first elongated section mountable at an acute angle to the shaft, a second elongated section contiguously connected to the first elongated section and configured to mount substantially parallel with the shaft, a third elongated section contiguously connected to the second elongated section, and a second hook contiguously connected to the third elongated section and having a second fastening means configured to removably connect the handle attachment to the elongated shaft. The first and second fastening means are configured to enable lateral and rotational movement about the elongated shaft.

Abstract: A construction-grade hand tool has interchangeable tool heads that can withstand significant impact, pulling, and twisting forces. The tool heads may include a shovel, a rake, a hoe, a bow saw, a broom, a fork, pruning shears, and other construction and fire fighting tool heads. A tool head adapter securely connects these tool work heads to a handle which may be a telescoping handle. The tool head adapter is connected to the tool head in a manner that provides a strong, impact-resistant connection between the adapter and the tool head. The handle may include a shock absorber structure. The adapter is configured to be securely and tightly received by a clamping and/or quick-release receptacle on the end of the handle.

Abstract: A tool useful for measuring the shortest distance from a point in space to an imaginary line having any inclination and in the same vertical plane as the point. An embodiment requires a form of contact with only a single point on the line, uses an inclinometer, may use a length measuring system, and performs a trigonometric calculation to report data related to the shortest distance. Variants include integration of an inclinometer with a form of length measurement device. One embodiment integrates a manually powered excavation, fill and/or grading implement such as a shovel with an inclinometer attached to or imbedded in the shovel handle. Trigonometric functions of incline angles and length measurements report data related to the shortest distance in general, and in particular to ongoing depth of manual excavations, cuts or fills relative to a desired slope or grade.

Abstract: Handles allow hand tools, implements or other utensils to operate within their arc of natural use, motion and attack without requiring extension, flexion, radial deviation, or ulnar deviation of the wrist from the neutral plane of the forearm. The preferred embodiments further include a grip shaped to increase the effectiveness of the tool and minimize antagonism between muscles and tendons of the wrist, forearm and upper arm, while maximizing the effectiveness of the gripping force delivered to it by the user. Maintaining the wrist and forearm in a neutral position increases a tool user's potential strength by increasing the synergy between large muscles of the forearm and upper arm and shoulders. It also decreases compression of the tendons and nerves in the carpal tunnel and between the wrist and forearm.

Abstract: A post hole digger includes a pair of blades that face one another, a pair of shaft handles attached to the blades, and a pivot member that pivotally couples the shaft handles together. A pair of gripping handles are attached to, and are generally perpendicular to, the shaft handles, which provides a second gripping location for the user and enhances the ability to thrust and rotate the tool in the ground. The blades are off-set by at least ¼ inch from each other in order to improve a user's ability to rotate the post hole digger and remove soil from the hole. The blades include an angled distal edge, which has a leading edge portion, an intermediate edge portion and a trailing edge portion. The leading edge extends downwardly further than the intermediate portion, which in turn extends downwardly further than the trailing edge portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shovel attachment that is designed to reduce the stress incurred on an operator's muscles, back, joints, spine, and heart during shoveling. The shovel attachment is designed to attach a second handle to a shovel so that an operator may distribute the weight of a shoveled load between both handles and therefore reduce the stress incurred while shoveling. The attachment includes an auxiliary handle having two ends, a first flexible member wherein a portion of the first flexible member extends from both ends of the auxiliary handle, a length adjusting means attached to the free ends of the first flexible members, and a second flexible member that is attached to each length adjusting means and where each end extends to a different coupling member for coupling each end of the second flexible members to either end of the leading edge of a shovel blade.

Abstract: A system addressing the problem of storing and supporting outdoor items used while camping without transporting any additional equipment. The system provides a plurality of camp tools that are integral to a shovel, so as to provide the intended function without interfering with the normal usage of the shovel.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to supporting a user's arm in order for the user to utilize a maintenance tool with one hand. The support wraps around the user's arm keeping the apparatus stable while in use and allowing the user to derive more power from the user's arm. A handle for the user to grasp ensures the maintenance tool does not slip up and down or rotate about the user's arm. The apparatus enables the user to simply “sweep” their arm to perform various tasks, based upon a chosen maintenance tool. The arm support extends down from the handle portion, with a maintenance tool at the end. The apparatus is extendable such that it is comfortable for different users based on their weight, weight or other factors.

Abstract: A quick connect tool assembly including a tool head having a socket therein, and an elongated pole for insertion into the socket tool head to lock the tool head and the pole together. The assembly includes a detent fixed to an end of the pole and teeth projecting into the interior of the socket on the tool head, such that the teeth engage the tool head detent to lock the pole to the tool head.

Abstract: A garden tool wherein the leading edge of the tool head has a leading edge coated with a hardness enhancing material.

Abstract: A plant transplanting apparatus includes a pair of hand spade assemblies each having a post with a top end and a bottom end and a blade that has a top edge and a bottom edge. The top edge is attached to the bottom end of the post and a grip is attached to the top end of the post. A coupling assembly releasably couples the hand spade assemblies together. The coupling assembly engages the posts to allow the first sides of the blades to be pivoted toward or away from each other. The coupling assembly is adjustable to allow a space between the spade assemblies to be selectively adjusted. The blades are extended into soil on either side of a plant and the blades are pivoted toward each other to lift the plant from the soil to allow the plant to be transplanted.

Abstract: A hole digging device comprising a shaft having a crossbar perpendicularly attached; a push rod parallel to the shaft; a circular base on the second end of the push rod and a handle on the first end of the push rod, wherein the handle, push rod, and base can altogether move between an up position and a down position; two braces attached to the shaft on opposing sides; two digging blades pivotally attached to the braces, wherein the digging blades can pivot between an engaged position or a disengaged position; two blade shafts parallel to the central shaft, wherein the digging blades are pivotally attached to the blade shafts; two grasping loops pivotally attached to the crossbar opposite each other and moveable between an up position and a down position; wherein the grasping loops are biased in the down position caused by springs.

Abstract: A long-handled shovel includes a head having a blade and a socket and an elongate handle member partially extending into the socket of the head. The handle member is a tube. A rod partially extends into the handle member and partially extends into the socket to provide resilient flexing between the head and the handle member when prying forces are applied thereto. A collar encircles the socket to limit outward expansion of the socket. A continuous outer layer of plastic material is molded over the entire length of the handle member and at least partially molded over the socket and the collar. The outer layer provides added strength by extending over the joint between the handle member and the socket.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shovel. The shovel may include a handle and a pivotable bracket for securing the handle to the shovel blade. The handle may include a horizontal crossbar grip portion and two vertical grip portions generally perpendicular to at least one of the crossbar grip portion and a longitudinally extending portion of the handle extending to a blade of the shovel. The shovel is suitable for moving and removing a variety of materials, including snow.

Abstract: A post hole digger includes a pair of blades that face one another, a pair of shaft handles attached to said blades, and a pivot member that pivotally couples said shaft handles together. A pair of gripping handles are attached to, and are generally perpendicular to, the shaft handles, which provides a second gripping location for the user and enhances the ability to thrust and rotate the tool in the ground. The blades are off-set by at least ¼ inch from each other in order to improve a user's ability to rotate the post hold digger and remove soil from the hole. The blades include an angled distal edge, which has a leading edge portion, an intermediate edge portion and a trailing edge portion. The leading edge extends downwardly further than the intermediate portion, which in turn extends downwardly further than the trailing edge portion.

Abstract: a) A frame having a handle, an upright post extending therefrom having a slide stop on an upper portion, a lower and upper slide on a central portion, a lever having a central portion hinged to the frame having a rearwardly extending end, and a forwardly extending slide lift end, attached and configured through a slide lift to lift the lower slide when the rearwardly extending end is depressed; b) a shovel having a bottom snow carrying portion and an upright back portion; c) a lower shovel arm having one end hinged to a lower portion of the upright back portion of the shovel, and the other opposite end hingably connected to the upper slide; d) an upper shovel portion projecting/dumping linkage, having an upper shovel arm having one end hinged to an upper portion of the upright back portion of the shovel and having the other end hingably connected to an upper end of a pivoting arm, the other end hingably connected to the lower slide and a central portion pivotably pinned to a central portion of the lower shove

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight shovel with a large scoop type blade, a plastic coated metal handle and a compact shock absorbing cartridge located between the distal end of the metal handle and a D-shaped handgrip so as to not interfere with the operation of the shovel.

Abstract: An implement comprising a first member, at least a second member secured at one end of the first member; and at least one piece of material overlapping a junction between the first member and the second member. The implement is made by securing the second member at one end of the first member; and overlapping the junction between the first member and the second member with a piece of material smoothing a surface at the junction.

Abstract: The snow shovel described herein allows maximum efficiency by using the natural mechanical advantage of placing the load on a specially configured shovel head. The shovel has the ability to push snow (like a snowplow) and also to lift and dump, maximizing the use of the ground as a point of leverage.

Abstract: A compact hand tool comprising an operating portion terminating in a collar and a handle portion adapted to be received within the collar. The handle portion is operable to be securely retained in a first position where the hand tool may be used to perform its normal function as determined by the operating portion. The handle portion is slidably movable to a second position where the handle portion overlays the operating portion to facilitate storage of the hand tool. The hand tool is made of a substantially light-weight material.