Abstract: A post hole digger having a bracket plate, a first shaft assembly and a second shaft assembly, each shaft assembly with a first end and a second end. The first ends of the shaft assemblies are connected to the bracket plate. A pair of handles are pivotally attached to the first ends, and a pair of digging blades are pivotally attached to the second ends of the shaft assemblies. As the handles are rotated with respect to one another, the first shaft assembly moves axially with respect to the second shaft assembly to open and close the digging blades. The shaft assemblies are held in spaced relation to one another during operation of the digger so that the hole has an approximately constant diameter. A detent mechanism is provided for indicating when the digging blades are oriented approximately parallel to one another for insertion into the ground. Extension rods increase the operating length of the shafts to allow digging deeper holes.

Abstract: A post hole digger having a bracket plate, a center shaft and two side shafts, each shaft with a first end and a second end. The first end of the center shaft is mounted to the bracket plate. A pair of digging blades are pivotally attached to the second end of the center shaft, with a blade pivotally attached to the second end of each side shaft. A handle is pivotally attached to the bracket plate and to the first end of each side shaft. As the handles are rotated with respect to one another, the side shafts move axially with respect to the center shaft to open and close the digging blades. The shafts are held approximately parallel and in spaced relation to one another during operation of the digger so that the hole has an approximately constant diameter. A detent mechanism is provided for indicating when the digging blades are oriented approximately parallel to one another for insertion into the ground. Extension rods increase the operating length of the shafts to allow digging deeper holes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compost processing tool having a blade at one end thereof suitable for chopping, cutting and turning compost. The tool also includes a hollow shaft extending from the blade with the shaft having a host of openings through a wall of the shaft with the holes spaced in the length of the shaft. This hollow shaft may be used to provide a lever for the blade used during chopping, cutting and turning of the compost and the shaft also serves as a breather tube when placed in a volume of compost with the shaft partially buried in the compost.

Abstract: A closed back shovel is fabricated by placing a frog within a back-side cavity of a standard open back shovel head. The frog is configured to fill the back-side cavity of the shovel blade. A tang element interconnects the frog and a forward end of a tool handle positioned within a tool receiving socket of the blade, within a handle receiving socket, to secure the tool handle to the shovel head. A process for assembling a closed back shovel includes the steps of securing the tang element to the frog, heating the tang element and placing the frog within the back-side cavity of the shovel blade so that the tang element extends into the handle receiving socket, and aligning a tool handle with the tang element by inserting the handle front end into the handle receiving socket. The tool handle includes a thermoplastic section in proximity into the front end thereof, having an elongate tang receiving channel.

Abstract: An implement handle includes an axially elongated core member having a varying cross-sectional outer dimension, and an outer polymeric shell having axially-oriented substantially-continuous strength members, the outer shell enclosing and being bonded to the core and of substantially uniform thickness. The handle may include a wood core and a bendable portion integral with the shell, the bendable portion being adapted to fit within a handle socket of a tool.

Abstract: A manually operable shovel in which the handle portion includes handle side parts spaced laterally apart to define a space between them in which the user's body may be located, the space being open at its end remote from the blade to allow the user to move into the space. Each side part includes a member adapted to underlie the user's arm from the user's hand to approximately the user's elbow. This permits the user to stand between the side parts with arms overlying the side parts and to apply a lifting force to lift the load in front of the user. The handle side parts then rotate with the arms of the user to provide a lever action and the user can apply a lifting force to the load in proximity to his/her body without bending his/her back. This manner of lifting reduces back strain.

Abstract: Improved materials handling devices for removing materials from surfaces. The devices described herein efficiently and economically remove materials from a surface with little physical effort. Plows for manually removing materials from a surface comprise a first member having a first concave surface oriented in a first direction, a second concave member connected to the first concave member having a second concave surface oriented in a second direction, the second concave member and first concave member being connected at a single area to form a cutting surface, a bracing member connected to the first and second concave members opposite the cutting surface, and a driving member connected to the bracing member for providing driving power to the plow and force which removes the material from the surface.

Abstract: An improved implement including an injection molded thermoplastic handle and an implement head adapted to be placed in the mold in which the handle is to be manufactured in the injection molding process, and in which the implement head is adapted to receive and retain heated thermoplastic material injected under pressure and which the portion for retaining heated thermoplastic material is in communication with the handle, and in which the interface formed between the portion for retaining heated thermoplastic material in the adapted implement head and the thermoplastic material retained thereby forms a bond joining the adapted implement head and the injection molded handle.

Abstract: a mop includes a substantially straight cylindrical shaft having first and second opposite ends. A mop head is secured at the first end of the shaft, and a substantially cylindrical foam rubber first hand grip is received over the first end of the shaft. Two pairs of laterally extending, circumferentially aligned, axially spaced, converging struts extend from diametrically opposed locations on an intermediate portion of the shaft. A bearing member is secured between each pair of struts. A sleeve is mounted for rotation around each of the bearing members. A foam rubber hand grip is secured to each sleeve, providing second and third hand grips disposed at equal axial spacing and lateral offset with respect to the shaft, and mounted for rotation about axes substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The inventive construction facilitates manipulation of the mop head without causing callousing to the hands, or strain to the wrists and forearms of the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ergonomic handle for tools and sporting equipment which reduces discomfort and increases control. The handle comprises an elongated member equipped with a two-membered gripping portion at one end whose two members are disposed at compound angles from the longitudinal axis of the elongated member, corresponding to the natural angles of hand, wrist, and forearm in a pointing posture.

Abstract: A manual implement comprises of a handle which incorporates a lever shaft in one portion and a torque and lever shaft in another, and a novel integral blade, blade support and handle socket. The implement presents a twice offset but linear line of mechanical forces which allows the user to loosen, excavate and relocate a load of material without the concomitant hard physical exertion normally necessary to accomplish these steps by efficiently translating a minimum amount of force and action by the user into effective mechanical force and action by the implement.

Abstract: A snow shovel/scraper comprises a blade in form of a flat sheet of metal which has three transverse bend lines defining a base panel, a narrow scraping edge along the forward edge of the base panel, and a pair of receptacle panels which extend upwardly from the rear edge of the base panel for carrying the snow forwardly. The blade is attached to a handle arrangement in the form of a pair of rails which are adjustable in length. The upper end of each rail includes a shoulder engaging portion having a curved projection at right angles to the rail and at right angles to the scraping edge to fit into the underarm area of the user. In between the upper end and the blade is mounted a crossbar which can be adjusted along the length of the rails and to space the rails at a required spacing. The crossbar has a pair of handles turned downwardly from the rails at either side of the rails for grasping by the hands of the user with the shoulders under the upper curved portions.

Abstract: A combined shovel and utility device useful in performing a variety of functions particularly as associated with a vehicle including during emergency situations such as a snow shovel, a large ice scraper, a wheel traction mat, a work mat, an emergency sign or an emergency sled.

Abstract: A handle and implement head assembly comprising an implement head having a working edge adjacent a substantially planar portion. The assembly further includes a pair of generally longitudinal gripping portions having parallel axes and a connection member that positions the pair of gripping portions on the same side of and substantially equidistant from a central plane which perpendicularly bisects the planar portion and passes through the center of the working edge. At least one of the gripping portions would be positioned outside the plane of the implement.

Abstract: A gardening trowel is provided to permit easy loosening of earth around plants and the like through the utilization of a handle which is substantially offset from the center line of the trowel to simultaneously provide a pushing post and a lever arm such that the heel of the palm is utilized to press the point of the trowel into the earth. This same offset handle is utilized along with an asymmetric trowel blade to permit easy rotation of the blade, such that upon insertion, the trowel may be rotated by the side or heel of the hand due to the lever arm provided by the offset handle, so as to easily rotate the blade even after insertion of the blade into packed, hardened earth.

Abstract: A manually operated implement for performing a variety of tasks when equipped with a removable and replaceable utility device, includes a wheeled chassis having an elongate, longitudinal, chassis structural member extending forwardly and rearwardly in the implement centrally of the width thereof and a transverse chassis structural member rigidly attached to the rearward end of said longitudinal chassis member. A pair of wheels are rotatably mounted at opposite ends, respectively, of the transverse chassis member. A slide member is mounted for sliding movement on the longitudinal chassis member and includes a clamping screw for clamping the slide in an adjusted position along such member. Handle structure, preferably of V-shape, is pivotally secured to the slide member and slopes upwardly and rearwardly with its upper, rearward end bifurcated to provide transversely spaced hand grips.

Abstract: A shovel formed of a blade member, two side members, a handle retaining member, and a handle. In one embodiment, each of the blade member, two side members and handle retaining member is formed as a metal blank, which is stamped, punched and bent to the desired configuration, with the metal blanks of the sides and handle retaining member having formed therein interlocking coacting detenting elements for enabling adjustment of the angle of the handle relative to the blade portion. Welds and a rivet complete the assembly of the shovel. In an alternate embodiment, a single metal blank is used to form the blade and the two side members as a unit, thus avoiding welding or other fastening of the sides to the blade. A foot pressure rest is provided with the blade, with the side members generally parallel and spaced the width of the blade. The handle is attached at an angle which enables effective application of force during use.

Abstract: A manually-operated snow shovel has wheels in front of and behind the blade, to position the blade at an angle between 30 degrees and 35 degrees with the horizontal. An angularly bent handle positions grips at about waist height, to permit a person to roll the shovel on the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A molded plastic collar for use on hand tools of the type having an elongated socket to receive a tool handle includes an outer wall defined by first and second tapered surfaces extending lengthwise respectively from each end of the collar towards the middle thereof to form relatively thin wall portions at each end and a relatively thick wall portion at the interface of the first and second tapered surface. The inner wall of the collar is defined by a first relatively large diameter section and a second section defined by a relatively small diameter section. The interface of the first and second sections define a radially extending flange-like surface. The end of the socket engages the flange-like surface. The relatively large diameter section of the inner wall overlays the outer wall of the socket and the relatively small diameter section of the inner wall overlays the outer wall of the tool handle.

Abstract: An improved snow shovel construction (10) comprising a novel continuous diameter wooden handle unit (11) and a shovel blade unit (12); wherein, the blade unit (12) limits the volume and the weight carrying capacity due to its dimensioning; whereby, the handle unit (11) and the shovel blade unit (12) are capable of being "flexed" backwardly and "flipped" forwardly in the act of shoveling snow or slush (K).

Abstract: A hand tool, such as a shovel, having unique working head or blade and shank elements. The blade includes a dished panel transversely disposed from its longitudinal axis and flaring from rear to working end. The trough of the blade is shallower at its distal or working end than at its rear end at which the shank is secured such as by welding. The shank is of a single-walled tubular construction and includes a cut, pinched, angled end which is welded to the rear of the blade, a buckled, curved portion extending from such securement to a straight portion integrally continuing from such buckled and curved portion, to an expanded hub swedged contiguous to the other end of the shank. A tapered handle fits to and through such hub, secured by a rivet to the shank. A plane of symmetry extends throughout the tool. The invention includes method for forming tool, blade, and shank.

Abstract: This invention involves an adjustable handle and implement head assembly (10), wherein the handle unit (11) of the assembly (10) is provided with a pair of offset and generally parallel hand grip portions (14) and an elongated shaft member (16) attached to the lower hand grip portions (14) and disposed at an angle of approximately 45.degree. thereto; wherein, the handle unit (11) and its associated implement head unit (12) are vertically adjustable relative to one another.

Abstract: An improved snow shovel is disclosed which has a telescoping handle and a detachable blade. Inside the handle is a compression spring which compresses under load or shock from striking an object submerged in the snow and when the shovel is lifted, the spring decompresses and assists in discharging the load.

Abstract: A raised grip shovel has the handlebar with the back grip at one end and a front grip being raised to a level of the back grip during a shovel operation. Such elevation of the front grip can be achieved by curvilinear shape of the handlebar or by various support elements. A front grip position can be adjusted in accordance with a person's particular height, arm length and physical conditions. The angular and spacial relocation of the front grip straightens the posture and increases the digging thrust. The change of the posture alleviates the back stress by shifting the load to the legs and lower back muscles which are significantly stronger than muscles of the upper body.

Abstract: A tool handle comprises a composite structure including a core member having a molded plastic outer coating over the core member. The molded plastic composite structure has a socket end, an intermediate section and a butt end. The socket end includes a substantially circular outside diameter for insertion into a socket portion of the tool on which the handle fits. The intermediate section is oval-shaped in cross-section along substantially the entire length thereof and has a transition portion connecting the circular socket end to the oval-shaped intermediate cross-section. The oval-shaped cross-section is effective to facilitate handling of the tool when the socket end is inserted into the socket portion of the tool. Particular features of the invention are directed to various specifically shaped core members, socket ends and butt ends. Other specific features of the invention are directed to the manner in which the tool handle is connected in a socket portion of a tool or with a shank portion of a tool.

Abstract: A lightweight rod is strengthened by one or more longitudinally extending reinforcing beads of fiber-resin material which are integrally formed with a rod composite jacket during a pultrusion manufacturing process. Specifically, lightweight cores or alternating lightweight and reinforcing cores are introduced into a larger diameter pultrusion die tube. These cores can be provided with a particular shape and/or they can be introduced to the die tube so that the distance between the outer surface of the core and the inner surface of the die tube is non-uniform. Resin coated fibers are channeled into the space between the cores and the die tube where these fibers are compressed and heated to form a cured product. The result is a lightweight rod having longitudinally extending reinforcing beads of fiber-resin composite material where the distance between the lightweight core and the die tube was significantly greater than the average core to die tube distance.

Abstract: A manual snow pusher comprises a resilient rubber blade connected along the base of a hood-like snow diverting member of galvanized metal plate. An elongate handle is pivotally attached to a latch plate at the back of the snow diverting member, allowing the angle of the handle relative to the length of the blade to be adjusted. The handle has a spring loaded pin which can be engaged in any one of a series of holes formed around the arcuate periphery of the latch plate in order to releasably secure the handle in a selected angular position.

Abstract: A handgrip for a crutch having spaced, parallel, generally-vertical anterior and posterior supports, comprising a rigid structure defining a hand supporting surface contoured to accommodate substantially the entire planar surface of the hand and peripherally thereof an integral dependent stiffening flange dimensioned to enable gripping the hand support, the flange being provided with a recess for non-rotatably receiving the anterior support and a bolt for rotatably securing the structure to the posterior and anterior supports to on the one hand secure the structure in a substantially horizontal position for use and on the other hand to permit the structure to be rotated to a generally vertical position for storage.

Abstract: A reinforced tool handle and a method of producing the same are provided by which a hollow fiberglass rod is produced with a solid section integrally formed at predetermined stress points. The tool handle of this invention is formed by alternately feeding sections of a light weight core and a relatively strong solid core into the center of a die tube. The alternate cores are uniformly surrounded by resin coated fibers and pulled through the die tube to form a continuous rod having alternate light weight and strong solid cores. The continuous rod can then be cut as desired to form the reinforced tool handle of the present invention.

Abstract: A pivotable multiple socket for shovels comprising a rotatable socket member to receive the end of a shovel handle, the socket member being in the form of an adapter which itself seats in and is removable from the permanently mounted socket of the shovel blade, in which the rotatable socket member can be rotated to a plurality of different working positions. The rotatable socket member includes a tubular insert to rotatably seat in the permanently mounted socket of the shovel blade, a first tubular socket to receive the end of the shovel handle in axial alignment with the tubular insert of the socket member, and a second tubular socket for receiving the end of the shovel handle which extends at an oblique angle from the longitudinal axis of the tubular insert portion of the socket member. The socket member in accordance with this invention permits positioning the shovel blade at different angles to the shovel handle, both vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: A wheeled snow plow is provided and consists of a tubular frame having a laterally spaced pair of side portions, a rear portion and a V-shaped front portion to form a generally rectangular configuration, three wheel assemblies, one wheel assembly mounted to bottom center of the V-shaped front portion and each of the other two wheel assemblies mounted to bottom center of a respective side portion of the frame, a U-shaped handle connected pivotally to top center of the side portions of the frame so that the U-shaped handle will sit at a vertical angle with respect to the frame when in use, a V-shaped plow blade connected pivotally to the side portions of the frame so that the V-shaped plow blade will face frontwardly and be horizontal to the frame and a device for height adjusting the V-shaped plow blade with respect to the frame allowing for passage over rough and uneven terrain.

Abstract: An improved digging iron for probing for buried high tension lines has for safety an insulative, non-wettable shaft of glaze-finish fibreglass which may additionally have a silicone rubber dielectric coating on it. The shaft has shouldered ends fitting sockets of the chisel shaped digging end and of a circular-section top section with the shoulders abutting the sockets and the ends bottoming in the sockets for support; the top section acts to reinforce the shaft for driving or as an integral hammer mass and serves as a balance for the digging end.

Abstract: Spade with a blade coupled to a preferably hollow handle by means of a bearing pin so as to be pivotable and lockable in various positions, and a handle which at its end facing the blade has a plurality of surfaces extending parallel to the bearing pin, wherein adjacent surfaces include an obtuse angle with one another, and wherein the bearing pin is constructed as an eccentric, and wherein, by rotating the eccentric by means of an actuating member, such as, arm, rotary disk or the like, fixed to the eccentric, the spade blade can be pressed against one of these surfaces.

Abstract: A flexible core is provided for insertion in the handle receiving socket of a tool blade, such as a shovel. This flexible core provides compressive support inside the handle socket to prevent buckling or collapse of the socket when the socket is subjected to high bending stress.

Abstract: A spade with a replacable blade with a tapered neck-socket connection with a spring pin lock. Footrest steps pitched downwardly on the blade to avoid the leg touching the tubular handle and an oversized two-handed tubular D-handle are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a very light weight portable single stage snow remover which is electrically powered, can be operated and manipulated in a sideways swinging fashion in the manner of a broom, can handle normally difficult areas to clean such as steps and patios, can conveniently and easily be used in larger areas such as driveways and sidewalks, and can be pushed forward along the surface to be cleaned without having to swing the unit when forward movement is more desirable than sideward movement. The snow remover comprises a bladed rotor which operates within a housing and is rotated by an electric motor, the blades of the rotor throwing the snow rearwardly and upwardly against a snow collecting and directing wall which projects the snow in the direction desired.

Abstract: A scoop like frame releasably mounts a trailing plastic bag to pick up snow from the earth and transport it. The back of the bag is provided with a drawstring closure mechanism to open the bag for snow deposition after transport. The frame has an associated forwardly extending handle mechanism to aid transport and allow change of frame position between the scooping mode and transporting mode.

Abstract: A device for the removal of snow without stooping, bending, or lifting. The device is constructed as a substantially flat panel arching upwardly at one end. A blade is fixedly attached to the leading edge of this flat panel. Raised side walls provide structural support and increase the volume of snow held. Likewise, a handle is attached for propulsion of the apparatus by a user. A sliding surface on the exterior of the flat panel enables propulsion of the device horizontally across pavement, thus removing the snow without lifting. A smooth surface on the interior of the device enables disposal of accumulated snow by rapidly pushing or "slinging" the device, thereby propelling the snow forward and out of the device.

Abstract: A snow drag in which the snow moving member is a sector of a pneumatic semi-resilient tire carcass extending through an arc of about 120.degree.. A transverse section through the tire carcass is arcuate in shape with the outer edge being used as a snow drag and the interior of the carcass functioning as a scoop for gathering the snow. A handle is rigidly secured to the center of the inner edge of the tire carcass sector and radially extending and arcuate reinforcing members are mounted on the exterior and interior arcuate surfaces. These members are arranged in pairs with rivets interconnecting the two members of each pair and extending through the tire carcass. This arrangement permits the tire carcass to have a certain amount of resiliency while still retaining its overall general shape.

Abstract: A hand-shovel assembly consisting of a metal shovel head and a wooden handle, the head having a socket for receiving the end of the handle which is forced into the upper open end of the socket and is retained therein without the use of rivets, screws, or other fasteners. The handle end is retained in the socket by means of a set or cured adhesive which is inserted in a viscous state into the open lower socket end and, while still viscous, is forced around the inserted end of the handle by means of a plug of wood driven into the lower socket end.

Abstract: A collapsible chopping spade comprises a shaft with a tool joint at one end and a handle joint at the other end so that both the tool and the handle can be folded against the shaft. A unitary locking arrangement is provided for securing the handle in either its operative or its folded away position and for securing the tool in either of two operative positions or in its folded away position, the arrangement being such that the handle joint cannot be locked with simultaneously locking the tool joint.

Abstract: A hand grip is slidably disposed on the handle of a tool, of the type normally requiring the use of two hands such as an ax, broom or shovel, for grasping by one of the hands of the user, and for movement between a stop disposed proximate the free end of the handle and a stop, if required, disposed proximate the tool end of the handle. The hand grip is relatively rigid in directions generally parallel to the length of the tool handle; but can be compressible in directions perpendicular to the length of the tool handle to facilitate a non-slidable grasping of the tool handle when required. End pieces compressible in directions parallel to the length of the tool handle may be fitted to each end of the hand grip to absorb shocks which might otherwise be encountered at the extremities of travel of the hand grip.

Abstract: Beach cleaning apparatus that includes a generally U-shaped bracket that opens downwardly, a handle attached to the bracket to manually pull the bracket forwardly, an open mesh bag, fastener mechanism for releasably securing the adjacent parts of the mouth portion of the bag to the bracket, a knife blade extending between the legs of the bracket and a retainer bar secured to the bracket and knife blade for retaining the lower edge portion of the mouth of the bag therebetween. The mesh of the bag is of a size to permit passage of sand and small stones therethrough, but retain larger objects within the bag.

Abstract: A flexible core is provided for insertion in the handle receiving socket of a tool blade, such as a shovel. This flexible core provides compressive support inside the handle socket to prevent buckling or collapse of the socket when the socket is subjected to high bending stress.

Abstract: A pivotable multiple socket for shovels comprising a rotatable socket member to receive the end of a shovel handle, the socket member being in the form of an adapter which itself seats in and is removable from the permanently mounted socket of the shovel blade, in which the rotatable socket member can be rotated to a plurality of different working positions. The rotatable socket member includes a tubular insert to rotatably seat in the permanently mounted socket of the shovel blade, a first tubular socket to receive the end of the shovel handle in axial alignment with the tubular insert of the socket member, and a second tubular socket for receiving the end of the shovel handle which extends at an oblique angle from the longitudinal axis of the tubular insert portion of the socket member. The socket member in accordance with this invention permits positioning the shovel blade at different angles to the shovel handle, both vertically and horizontally.