Abstract: The present invention is a one-piece hand-held gardening tool comprising a rigid, high strength tool portion to be used as an implement in gardening activities and a rigid, high strength annular handle portion to be manually grasped when the tool portion is used as an implement in gardening activities. The handle portion and the tool portion are molded integrally together from a molten material which provides the rigid, high strength tool portion and the rigid, high strength annular handle portion with suitable strength and rigidity for use in gardening activities when solidified. The handle portion has a hollow cavity surrounded by an annular, outer wall. The hollow cavity is formed in the handle portion by injecting pressurized gas into the molten material from which the rigid, high strength tool portion and the rigid, high strength annular handle portion are integrally molded before the solidification thereof.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing telescoping tool handle is disclosed having a larger diameter proximal portion and a smaller diameter distal portion. An internal spring in the handle portions is compressed when the handle portions telescope towards each other upon shock being applied to the tool handle. Guide mechanisms in the handle portion limit the extent of sliding motion between the handle portion and prevent relative motion of the handle portions. One or more wipers in the handle portion wipes away any snow, water or debris on the distal portion which could potentially enter the spring area. The spring may be located within the proximal portion or the distal portion of the tool handle.

Abstract: A telescoping snow tool can be conveniently retracted for compact storage in vehicles and can be easily extended for use in shoveling and removing snow or ice. The comfortable telescoping snow tool can have an outer composite shaft with a manually grippable, thermally insulating sleeve that encloses a tubular metal core into which slides an inner shaft. The inner shaft can comprise a metal tube with a protective coating. The telescoping snow tool can have a handgrip and a blade, such as a lightweight plastic snow shovel blade.

Abstract: A kit for assembling a tool and the resulting tool which includes a shaft member, a blade member and a locking clip member securing the shaft member to the blade member. The shaft has an orifice extending into its periphery toward a lower end thereof. The blade member has an aperture for receiving the lower end of the shaft member. The blade member has a first orifice extending therethrough and a second orifice which registers with the orifice in the shaft member when the shaft member is inserted fully into the blade member. The locking clip member is non-resiliently deformable and has a first end which may be bent to lodge the clip in the first orifice of the blade member. The locking clip member has a second end, opposite the first end, for insertion through the orifice of the shaft member and the second orifice of the blade member to lock the blade member to the shaft member. A method for assembling the kit is also provided.

Abstract: A spade consists of a blade and a handle. The blade has an elongated shank. The handle is composed of a fastening tube and a casing for covering the fastening tube. The fastening tube has an axial hole in which the shank of the blade is securely located. The fastening tube is provided in the outer wall thereof with a plurality of ribs for retaining the casing.

Abstract: A transition piece for use on tools of the type having a tool head with a socket to receive a tool handle. The transition piece includes a hollow cylindrical body and an annular skirt extending from the cylindrical body and encircling the body to define a recess for receiving the end of a tool head socket. A lower portion of the body is provided with slots to define a split end, and such insertion of a tool handle through the transition piece causes the split end to be biased radially outwardly into engagement with the tool head socket. In addition, the transition piece provides a smooth visual transition between the handle and the socket.

Abstract: A levered shovel for moving snow that includes a blade for carrying the snow, a shaft that extends from the blade, a wheel assembly for contacting a horizontal surface and which depends from the shaft, and a handle assembly for gripping by the user and which is disposed on the rearmost end of the shaft. The wheel assembly comprises either an axle fork, an axle rotatively mounted to the axle fork, and a pair of wheels attached to the axle or an inverted T-shaped member with its transverse portion serving as its axle to which a pair of wheel are rotatively attached. The handle assembly comprises a lower transverse member for gripping by the hands of the user and extends laterally from both sides of the rearmost end of the shaft and an extender for elevating the point at which the user grips the handle assembly for users with limited bending posture.

Abstract: A new tool handle mount for attaching an elongate handle to a tool. The inventive device includes an elongate tubular member having inner and outer surfaces, proximal and distal ends, and a plurality of side walls extending between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the tubular member is coupled to a tool head. The inner surface of the tubular member defines an interior space of the tubular member. The distal end of the tubular member has an opening into the interior space. The opening of the distal end is adapted for inserting an end of an elongate handle therethrough into the interior space of the tubular member. A fastening device is provided for holding a handle inserted into interior space of the tubular member to the tubular member.

Abstract: A shovel having a rotatable foot pedal at the top edge of the scoop on each side of the point where the handle joins the scoop. When rotated forward, when the pedal is pressed down, the point of the scoop is directed straight down. When the pedal is rotated back, when the pedal is pressed down, the point of the scoop is forced forward. In addition, detachable handles of various types may be interchanged and the scoop of the shovel may have different edge configurations, including various sized teeth in the edge of the scoop to assist in cutting roots and other material that the shovel might encounter.

Abstract: A shovel of the type comprising a blade and a shank having at least one longitudinal axis, the improvement comprising: at least one sleeve coaxially and slidably received upon the shank; a first member integrally connected to the shank between the blade and the sleeve(s); a second member integrally connected to the sleeve(s) and being longitudinally and manually movable with the sleeve(s) in a direction away from or toward the first member so that the second member can be moved to a position longitudinally separated from the first member and then moved toward the first member so as to impact the first member and impart a force to the blade.

Abstract: An impact shovel is provided comprising a lower extent and an upper extent. The upper extent is in slidable communication with the lower extent such that the upper extent may be extended and retracted with respect thereto. Further provided is a handle coupled to the upper extent. A shovel blade is coupled to the lower extent.

Abstract: A versatile combo snow tool is provided to easily push and lift snow. The convenient multi-user, combo snow tool has a special curved blade which is rounder than a conventional snow shovel but shallower than a conventional snow pusher. The combo snow tool has a comfortable ribbed handle assembly to facilitate better gripping of the snow tool. The handle assembly can have an extruded handle with a fluted plastic sleeve and a metal core. Desirably, the handle assembly also has a special ribbed handgrip to further enhance gripping of the combo snow tool.

Abstract: A child's snow tool is provided for children to easily shovel and lift snow. The lightweight child's snow tool has a flexible plastic handle assembly and snow blade. Desirably, the handle assembly has a special ribbed child's handgrip to further enhance gripping of the child's snow tool.

Abstract: An improved graduated tool handle for providing ready measurement of selected regions of a work area. Improved graduated tool handle (10) is readily adaptable for use with various implements such as rakes, shovels, and post-hole diggers. Improved tool handle (10) is graduated to indicate increments of feet, inches and fractions of an inch. Indicia (26) is provided to identify values in feet and further indicia (28) can provide ready reference to one half foot (1/2') dimensions. Markings (20), (22) and (24) are readily visible on any side of improved tool handle (10), and indicia (26) and (28) are provided on the front and rear sides of improved tool handle (10). A band marker (45) is provided so as to allow ready reference of a desired distance measurement. Markings (22) and (24) and indicia (26) and (28) can be inscribed in improved tool handle (10) in any assorted manner and in the preferred embodiment, are printed or painted a high visibility color in stark contrast from the color of the handle.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing telescoping tool handle is disclosed having tubular, larger diameter proximal and a smaller diameter distal portions. An internal spring between the handle portions is compressed when the handle portions telescope toward each other. Guide mechanism in the handle portions limits the extent of sliding motion between the handle portions and prevents relative rotation of the handle portions. One or more wipers in the handle portion wipes away any snow, water or debris on the distal portion which could potentially enter the spring area.

Abstract: An improved ergonomically efficient implement handle having two joints allowing the handle to be bent to selected angles at each joint and a telescoping feature between the two joints allowing the handle length to be adjusted to the height of the user. The two bendable joints and the telescoping feature cooperate to minimize the user's need to stoop over to use a blade or other implement and make it easier and more ergonomically efficient to work with the blade or other implement. A coupling feature allows multiple implements such as a blade or fork to be easily attached to the handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat resistant ergonomic cookware that incorporates a handle which utilizes a lever principal to distribute the weight from the cookware to the underside of the forearm, is equipped with an upright handle grip, and is angled so as to facilitate an increase range of pouring motion.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a handle for a hand tool, resin-coated fibers are pultruded to form an elongate, substantially hollow fiber-resin composite rod having a first end for attachment to a tool head. A glass filament is wound about a longitudinal axis of the composite rod adjacent to the rod's first end, after which an encasement over the filament is molded onto the rod. For increased strength, the filament may be first coated with a thermo-setting resin and, after wrapping the filament about the rod, the resin is cured prior to the molding step. The resultant tool handle, particularly useful in applications with, for example, lopping shears, may be very lightweight and yet exhibit superior strength characteristics in comparison with standard composite handles manufactured in a pultrusion manufacturing process.

Abstract: A multi-function hand tool includes a handle assembly (20) comprising a plurality of handle segments (22, 32, 42) selectively connectible end to end to provide a handle having a length appropriate for the function to be performed. The handle assembly further includes a counterweight (52), a D-type handle (62), and various adaptors (72, 82, 92) whereby the handle assembly may be configured to the performance of a specific function. The multi-function hand tool further comprises a plurality of tool heads (100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 190, 200, 210) which are selectively engageable with the handle assembly to configure the multi-function hand tool to the performance of a desired function.

Abstract: An extendable shovel tool including a shovel blade member. The shovel blade member has a rear end with a handle member projecting therefrom. The handle member has an opening and at least three holes proportionately spaced along the length. A tubular member is sized for positioning within the handle member and is capable of increasing and decreasing the operable length of the handle member. Lastly, a button, that is retractable, is mounted within the tubular member for locking the tubular member within the handle member.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a method and device for removing dirt and other debris from an open trench. The invention includes a tool with an elongated handle and a blade attached thereto. The blade is cantilevered from the support to allow positioning of dirt and other debris thereon. The combination creates an elongated shovel with a substantially flat bottom edge, so as to conform to the bottom of the trench. The handle and blade make a slightly acute angle one to another, with the center of gravity of the combination being below the handle when the handle is in a substantially vertical position and the placement of debris on the blade making little if any movement of that center of gravity. This method allows the user to stand directly over an open trench and remove soil with the tool with minimal displacement of the weight of the combination from the body of the user. This minimal displacement results in minimizing lower back stress while performing the task.

Abstract: An adjustable snowplow designed to remove snow and other materials from various surfaces by pushing the snowplow along the surface. The adjustable snowplow has a handle attached to twin, mirror imaged, curved, blades which are adjustably joined to each other at their respective inner end to form a unitary plow blade. The width or footprint of the plow can be adjusted by angling the blades closer or further from each other to plow a narrower or wider path depending on the task at hand. The symmetry of the blades about the length of the attached handle causes snow and other materials pushed by the plow to be distributed equally to either side of the plow.

Abstract: An improved ice chipper having a plastic blade holder with outwardly propagating reinforced ribs holds a flex resistant blade of minimal thickness. A shaft of the ice chipper can be constructed of a low cost steel pipe covered with a polyethylene sleeve with knurled grip surfaces. The sleeve conforms to the pipe diameter upon application of heat during manufacture. A one-piece handle is attached to the free end of the shaft.

Abstract: A tool handle for a tool including an upper hand-grip end, a lower tool mounting end, and a plurality of substantially straight handle portions serially coupled together between the upper and lower ends. Adjacent ones of the handle portions are obliquely inclined relative to each other and alternate ones of the handle portions lie in planes which are parallel to each other.

Abstract: A utility handle for use with a plurality of implements. The handle includes a shaft portion and a handle portion, the handle portion including a plurality of grip portions. The grip portions positioned such that the user may grasp the handle in a variety of comfortable and ergonomic positions to relieve stress and fatigue occurring during use.

Abstract: An improved spade-type hand tool incorporates an easily operated impact member which is slidably received on the upper end of the tool handle for acceleration by gravity to generate an impactive force for increasing the efficiency of the tool for chopping ice, roots, hard soil, etc. Attached to the tool's spade-type blade is an inclined-ramp component that serves (a) to lift, separate, and break up material into which the blade is driven, and (b) to increase the effectiveness of the spade tool when it is used for prying or as a lifting wedge.

Abstract: A handle and post assembly with a plurality of attachments including a straight post with an elongated cylindrical configuration having a first lower end with a threaded periphery and a second upper end including a bore formed coaxially therein with a threaded inner surface. Further provided is a plurality of attachments each with a bore formed coaxially therein with a threaded inner surface for releasably engaging the threaded first end of the post. The attachments include a digging attachment, a raking attachment, and a sweeping attachment. Further provided is a handle with a T-shaped configuration having a straight horizontally oriented bar and a short vertically oriented bar integrally coupled at the first end thereof to a central extent of the horizontally oriented bar. The vertically oriented bar further has a second end with a threaded periphery for releasably engaging the threaded bore of the second end of the post.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a hand tool includes the steps of assembling a tool handle to a molded composite handle adapter to form a tool handle assembly, and attaching the assembly to a tool head utilizing removable fasteners. The tool handle assembly is formed by utilizing a portion of the tool handle as an insert in the mold for the handle adapter. A handle receiving socket is formed during the molding process around the inserted end of the tool handle shaft, to securely fasten the tool handle to the handle adapter. The handle adapter has an enlarged base that is seated on a platform of the tool head. Threaded fasteners, such as machine screws, are received within the handle adapter and locked in place to attach a tool handle assembly to the tool head. A shim may be disposed between the tool head and the handle adapter to facilitate use of the tool handle assembly with a number of different tool heads.

Abstract: A multipurpose work-saving and ergonomically designed gardening tool useful for transplanting seedlings and other gardening tasks. A creased metal blade has a faceted cutting edge with straight sides. A cylindrical handle supports the flat end of the blade with fasteners.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing telescoping tool handle is disclosed having tubular, larger diameter proximal and a smaller diameter distal portions. An internal spring between the handle portions is compressed when the handle portions telescope toward each other. Guide mechanism in the handle portions limits the extent of sliding motion between the handle portions and prevents relative rotation of the handle portions. One or more wipers in the handle portion wipes away any snow, water or debris on the distal portion which could potentially enter the spring area.

Abstract: A rake system is provided which includes a pair of rake-like arm extensions, each having a multi-tine rake head mounted on an improved ergonomic handle. The handle employs an extension shaft which attaches to the rake head, and a grip shaft which projects from the extension shaft at an acute angle so as to define an angled user handhold. A forearm brace extends between the extension shaft and grip shaft, the forearm brace being configured to engage the back side of the user's forearm so as to oppose pivot of the rake head about the user handhold when debris is picked up. The extension and grip shafts preferably are configured to run substantially parallel to one another in a leverage region which extends from corresponding alignment bends of the shafts to the handle's proximal end.

Abstract: A two piece shovel mounted on a vehicle such as snowmobile. A mounting cover extends over part of the vehicle's transmission and serves to support the shovel head and its attached upper handle section and the lower separated handle section. Cover prongs may engage holes in the handle sections along with several fasteners to provide this support. The shovel's head also overlaps and protects part of the vehicle's transmission. A series of holes in the upper handle section serve as receptors for a spring biased pin located on the lower handle section. By selectively engaging these holes with the pin, the total assembled handle length may be adjusted. Additional features include a lower handle compartment for emergency items and inscribed emergency procedures on the shovel head's back.

Abstract: A folding shovel with a two part concave scoop hinged at the center wherein the scoop can be folded in half wherein the handle slides into the hinge and forms the hinge pin and wherein the handle is comprised of two sections, slidingly coupled to each other so that the top section can be removed from the bottom section to allow for compact storage of the entire unit. The top section, when removed, can be attached to a receptacle on the scoop to provide a storage receptacle to allow storing the entire shovel by hanging.

Abstract: A ditch shovel is disclosed with a total weight between 9 and 15 pounds. The weight of the shovel allows the user to develop significant downward momentum to penetrate more deeply into the ground and dislodge more compacted earth.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a shovel includes the steps of stamping a substantially flat shovel blade from sheet metal stock, attaching a molded composite handle adapter to the shovel blade, and fastening a tool handle to the handle adapter. The resultant shovel includes a shovel blade having a platform on an upper surface thereof and a foot tread extending the width of a rear edge of the blade, and a handle securely fixed to the blade via the handle adapter. The handle adapter has an enlarged base at a first end thereof seated on the platform of the blade, a handle receiving socket at a second end thereof, and an angular intermediate portion. A connecting stud has a first end embedded in the intermediate portion of the handle adapter, and a second end which extends into the handle receiving socket. The tool handle has an end secured within the handle receiving socket such that the second end of the connecting stud is embedded therein.

Abstract: A threaded connector is disclosed for attaching a handle to a tool head, such as a rake or a broom. The threaded connector may include a central cap or plug and a plurality of opposed wings extending radially outwardly therefrom. The wings are in the form of hollow partial cylinders and are hingeably attached to the cap. The cap is positioned on the end of the handle and the wings are folded downwardly and inwardly to engage the handle. Each wing includes partial thread segments that register to form a full thread when the wings are folded together. The full thread has a shallow taper such that tightening of the connector within a mating socket in a tool head causes the connector to bind or wedge itself into the socket. To provide additional resistance to loosening a locking ring has longitudinal mortices which key into aligned rabbets in the connector and in the socket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible snow scoop in which the tubular portions (3, 4) of the handle partly slide within each other, and the handle can be folded on the scoop body (1) by means of a locking mechanism (5).

Abstract: The present invention is a hand-held trowel for digging and carrying standard sized personal hygiene products. The trowel comprises a blade assembly having a blade suitable for digging. The blade has a digging end and a handle end. A handle assembly is connected to the blade, and in preferred embodiments includes a substantially semi-cylindrical lower portion mounted to the blade assembly. In addition, a substantially semi-cylindrical upper portion is hingedly connected to the lower portion with the upper and lower portions defining a substantially cylindrical compartment which has a length equal to at least the length of a standard-sized piece of toilet tissue.

Abstract: A retrofittable reinforcing tubular sleeve that is operable to reinforce a variety of long-handled implements. The sleeve is slid over the free end of the handle and toward the implement head to establish a snug fit between the wall of the sleeve bore and the neck of the implement head. A reinforcing spine extends lengthwise along the exterior of the sleeve. The sleeve is positioned on the handle such that the spine extends adjacent the aft side of the implement handle.

Abstract: A shovelling tool has a flexible portion at the base of the handle that helps prevent the risk of injury when shovelling by absorbing the initial shock when digging or by adjusting gradually to a different load when shovelling. This tool, which is preferably telescopic, is particularly useful for removing snow and ice.

Abstract: A one-piece injection molded tool handle having a body with a tang end for attaching to a tool and a handle end with a D-handle molded to the body. The body has a hollow defined by an inside generally frustoconical surface extending from the tang end outwardly to the handle end and diverges outwardly at an angle of about 1/2.degree.. The outside surface of the body is defined by a first outside generally frustoconical surface extending from the tang end and diverges downwardly and outwardly at an angle of about 3/4.degree. toward the handle end. A second outside surface extends from the first frustoconical outside surface to the handle end and diverges outwardly at an angle of about 1/4 degree. The frustoconical surfaces result in the wall of the handle being thickest at an intermediate part of the handle. A cylindrical tool receiving extension is integrally attached to the tang end of the handle body.

Abstract: A weeding or garden tool with a handle fitting comfortably in the palm and supported by the middle, fore and index fingers. The tool further includes one or more tines extending forwardly from the handle and a support on the tines for receiving the middle fingers so that the tines, in effect, form extensions of the outstretched hands.

Abstract: A roofer's ripping spade is fabricated by inserting an end of a tool handle into a handle receiving socket of a tool head having a blade and a back-side cavity in the blade. A molded composite block including a fulcrum portion and a frog portion is positioned adjacent to a lower surface of the blade such that the fulcrum portion extends away from a lower surface of the blade and the frog portion is situated within and configured to fill the back-side cavity. Attachment rivets extend through aligned apertures in the fulcrum portion of the composite block and the blade to fasten the composite block to the blade. A tang element has a first end secured to the frog portion of the composite block, and a second end secured to the tool handle, to interconnect the frog portion of the composite block with the end of the tool handle inserted into the handle receiving socket of the tool head.

Abstract: A combined traction mat, shovel and utility device which is adapted to be stored inside a vehicle and to be used in a variety of vehicle related emergency situations. The device has a substantially flat and elongated body. The body is divided into a first gripping section located at the rearward end of the body, a second gripping section located at the frontal end of the body and an intermediate section located between the first gripping section and the second gripping section. A corrugated pattern is formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the first and second gripping sections. A central open-top channel extends longitudinally across the body of the device. A handle is formed in the first gripping section by an aperture extending therethrough. The intermediate section forms a relatively elongated and short shaft which can also be used as a handle.

Abstract: A weeding or garden tool with a handle fitting comfortably in the palm and supported by the middle, fore and index fingers. The tool further includes one or more tines extending forwardly from the handle and a support on the tines for receiving the middle fingers so that the tines, in effect, form extensions of the outstretched hands.

Abstract: A composite tool handle includes one or more load-bearing jackets surrounding a core of lightweight or reinforcing material. The interface between the core and the jacket is corrugated to increase the flexural strength of the tool handle while minimizing weight. The composite tool handle is manufactured by pultrusion wherein the core having a corrugated outer surface is fed through a pultrusion die tube. Resin coated fibers are channeled into the space between the core and the die tube for compression and heating to form a fiber-resin jacket having an internal surface conforming to the shape of the core for key-lock engagement therewith. The outer surface of the fiber-resin jacket can be formed with a corrugated or other discontinuous surface shape by placing one or more external mold members into the space between the resin coated fibers and the die tube for pultrusion therewith through the die tube, and for separation from the fiber-resin jacket upon exiting the die tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved snow shovel having a graphite in-laid polyethylene blade with outwardly propagating reinforced ribs providing a flex resistant blade of minimal thickness. A shaft of the shovel is constructed of a low cost steel pipe covered with a polyethylene sleeve with knurled grip surfaces. The sleeve conforms to the pipe diameter upon application of heat during manufacture. A one-piece handle is attached to the free end the shaft. For storage purposes a cutout is provided on a top edge of each shovel allowing nesting of similarly shaped shovels. A straight blade shovel and a pusher type shovel are two embodiments disclosed herein.

Abstract: The universal replacement handle of this invention may be used with a variety of tools such as shovels having a handle-receiving socket. The handle comprises a handle member having a tool coupling section at one end thereof and a hand-grasping section extending outwardly from the tool coupling section. The tool coupling section includes a plurality of socket adaptors effective to cause the handle to fit the handle-receiving sockets of a variety of shovels selected from the group consisting of a handle back shovel with a shoulder, a Razorback.RTM. open back shovel, a lock socket shovel, a solid socket closedback shovel with a shoulder, and a solid shank closedback shovel without a shoulder. The tool coupling section includes first and second adaptor mounting sections for carrying respective first and second adaptor mechanisms having removable segments designed to adapt the handle to a particular handle-receiving socket.

Abstract: A two-handed scoop apparatus for filling conventional sandbags comprises an elongate rigid scoop having a generally semicircular transverse cross section defining an open upper region and open longitudinal end regions and first and second similar, inverted U-shaped, elongate handles, lower end regions of which are pivotally attached to opposing side regions of the scoop so that each handle straddles the open upper region of the scoop, the first and second handles being attached to the scoop in a longitudinally spaced apart relationship near ends thereof. A transverse cross brace is attached across each handle and a clip is fixed to each cross brace for detachably attaching an open end of a conventional sandbag to either end of the scoop so that when the scoop apparatus is moved in a direction away from the sandbag to scoop up sand or other material to fill the sandbag, the sandbag is moved along with the scoop apparatus.

Abstract: A cushioned gripping device is provided for attachment to the elongated handle of a tool. It includes a pad of foam-like resilient material dimensioned to substantially encircle the handle of the tool and to extend along a substantial length of the handle. The pad can be mounted by means of a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive material in which instance, a releasable backing sheet may overlie the layer of adhesive material. A resilient sheet of rubber-like material may overlie the pad to extend the life of the foam-like material. In another instance, the device may be attached by means of hook and loop material. In another embodiment, the device may have a contoured outer surface to improve the ability of a person to maintain a grip. Also, the device may be tubular and cut longitudinally for reception on the handle of the tool. Yet again, the device may be generally planar and rectangular, having a width dimension generally equal to the outer periphery of the handle.