Abstract: An improvement to a shovel used while grading or cleaning out the area adjacent to a previously constructed surface such as a curb and gutter adjacent to a road bed comprising a guide for fixing the depth the shovel blade can penetrate the soil, aggregate, or other debris adjacent to the previously constructed surface so that when the shovel is moved parallel to the structure when the guide is located on top of the structure the debris is cleared away. The guide is rotatably and slidably connected to the handle of the shovel so that: (a) the guide can be located any where along the shovel handle to set the distance the guide is above the shovel blade's lower end and (b) the guide can be located on either side of the shovel blade.

Abstract: A grade marker having a flag or feather made of a bundle of stiff, resilient strands, a wood peg, and at least one staple within which the feather is located. The feather is located within at least one staple. The staple is driven into the side of the peg or stake.

Abstract: A golf swing muscle strengthener and swing developer device having a suitable structural member attached to a golf handle. The member may be curved or made up of L shaped members that are clamped to the handle. If L shaped members are used, they are slidably connected to each other. Weights suspend from the member so that they are directly below the golfer's grip. If a curved member is used, a means for adjusting weights is provided so as to locate the weights properly. The weights are suspended from the member by a single member or a member made up of the two parts: two members that permit one to telescopically slide into the other. There is no restraint of the weights at their upper end so that when they move a noise and vibration are observable; however, as the user becomes acquainted with the feel of a correct swing, an upper restraint may be added. If the noise or vibration are not easily observable, a light or sound generating device or a combination of both may be provided.

Abstract: A shovel having a bottom portion with a surface edge adjacent to a surface to be scraped, top portion, one side portion at an acute internal angle with the surface edge at one end of the shovel and one side edge at an oblique internal angle with the surface edge on the other side. The side portion is located against a curb to direct the path of the shovel as well as to prevent material wedging between the shovel and the curb. The top portion has a means for preventing material for rolling over its top. A handle is attached to the shovel at an acute internal angle so that the user walks directly behind the shovel so as to maximize the transfer of energy for the removal of material. The bottom, top and side portions may be removably connected to the shovel blade so that they can be rotated to expose new wearing surfaces. The shovel may be rotated approximately 90 degrees and the same gutter may be scraped; or, without rotating the shovel, the user may cross to gutter on the other side of the road and scrape it.

Abstract: A stake driver having a first rod that has at least one solid end for driving a stake. The other end may be pointed. A second larger diameter rod is slidably insertable over the first rod. One of the open ends of the second rod is located over a stake. Then the first rod is moved upward to allow the stake to be encircled by the open end of the second rod. The end of the second rod may be slotted to accomodate a rectangular stake or marker fastened to the top of the stake. With one hand grasping the second rod, the other hand lifts the first rod and then releases it so that the first rod can free fall and drive the stake into the soil. If additional force is required to drive the pointed end of the first rod into the soil, a third rod is slid onto the second rod and screwably connected to it.

Abstract: A portable and disposal litter collector for scooping up pet feces or other similar litter. The collector includes a hooded shovel. The shovel blade may be constructed with holes in its bottom to allow particles equal to or smaller than the hole size to escape. Connected to the shovel handle is a moisture impregnable flexible cover. The cover is draped back over the handle and the user's hand to avoid user contamination. After the litter is scooped up, the sleeve is draped back over the hooded shovel and drawn close so that the litter cannot fall out as it is taken to the nearest receptacle for disposal.

Abstract: An apparatus for stopping the flow of gas under pressure from a relief valve comprises an elongated tube which fits around a flue secured to a tank. The apparatus has means for maintaining the tube in this position. An elongated rod is extended through the tube and secured into a load-transferring position so that it rests on the pressure valve assembly, thus preventing the assembly from opening.The method for sealing off a leaky safety valve has a first step of placing a tube over a flue for a safety valve. This tube has a bar adjustably secured within and generally coaxial with it. The bar is lowered until it sits on the valve head so as to restrain the valve from leaking.