Abstract: According to an embodiment, a fireplace grate is disclosed. The fireplace grate includes a plurality of cross bars, a plurality of support bars, and a plurality of fasteners. The plurality of support bars and the plurality of cross bars can be nested together in a disassembled configuration. Each fastener is configured to extend through a hole in one of the cross bars and engage a corresponding threaded hole in one of the support bars so that each cross bar can be fastened to the plurality of support bars in an assembled configuration with each cross bar spanning the plurality of support bars. A width of the fireplace grate in the disassembled configuration is less than 50% of a width of the fireplace grate in the assembled configuration.

Abstract: A modular storage system includes a unit body having a first lateral end, a second lateral end opposite the first lateral end, and an upper surface extending between the first and second lateral ends. The unit body includes a first groove formed in the upper surface at the first lateral end and a first groove connector in the first groove. The system includes a tongue piece having a first and second side. Each of the first and second sides of the tongue piece has a shape corresponding to the first groove and a tongue connector configured to releasably engage the first groove connector.

Abstract: A valve for a lid of a fluid vessel includes a valve body having an adapter portion coupling first and second opposite ends of the valve body. The first and second ends are rotatably fixed to each other and have an angle formed therebetween. The adapter portion is configured to be rotatably coupled to the lid about a first axis. The first end of the valve body is configured to be coupled to a button for rotating the first end about the first axis. The valve includes a stopper coupled to the second end of the valve body and configured to cover an opening in the lid. The stopper is configured to be separated from the opening when the first end of the valve body is rotated in a first direction about the first axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing or uninstalling supply lines or retaining nuts. A wrench includes a body having first and second sections rotatably coupled to each other. The body includes a first portion having a plurality of castellations, wherein a plurality of radial slots are formed between lateral surfaces of adjacent castellations, each radial slot being engageable to a wing of a retaining nut, wherein the first portion includes a plurality of first inner surfaces engageable to a first pipe fitting in the closed position. The body includes a second portion spaced away from the first portion, the second portion including a hinge for rotating the first and second sections relative to each other. The body includes a third portion located between the first and second portions, the third portion including a plurality of second inner surfaces engageable to a second pipe fitting in the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locating a midpoint between surfaces is disclosed herein. A laser distance measurer includes a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second side surfaces intersecting the top and bottom surfaces, a first laser and a first sensor disposed along the first side surface, and a second laser and a second sensor disposed along the second side surface. The laser distance measurer includes a processor disposed in the housing configured to determine a first distance from the laser distance measurer to the first surface, determine a second distance from the laser distance measurer to the second surface, and indicate a position of the laser distance measurer relative to the midpoint between the first and second surfaces based on the first and second distances.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating water meter valves is disclosed herein. A water meter tool includes a body extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end. The body includes a water meter valve key at the first end and a hole formed through the body between the first and second ends, where a center line of the hole is in a transverse plane of the body. The water meter tool includes a movable cross arm disposed through the hole, where the movable cross arm extends along a longitudinal axis from a first arm end to a second arm end, and where the movable cross arm includes a first box key proximate the first arm end.

Abstract: A retractable knife includes a handle and a utility blade having a first side and a second side. The retractable knife further includes a blade holder comprising a first plate and a second plate configured to cover at least a portion of said first and second sides of said utility blade, and for supporting said utility blade. The blade holder may be telescopically movable relative to said handle between an extended position and a retracted position, and wherein the blade holder extends out from the handle in said extended position. A blade release member may be mounted on the blade holder.

Abstract: A retractable knife includes an elongate handle and a blade holder slidingly mounted within the handle for sliding movements between a retracted position and an extended position. The blade holder is configured for receiving. A manually operable blade lock is formed on the holder and including a release member rotatably mounted on the blade holder. The release member having a first portion projecting beyond the handle and positioned to be actuated by a finger of a user while holding the handle. A second portion is movable with the first portion between a locking position in which the second portion is received with a notch of a blade and a releasing position in which the second position is removed from the blade notch to a position outside the notch of the blade. A spring normally rotates the release member to move the second portion to the locking position.