Abstract: A hand-operated tool includes a tool head having a central longitudinal axis, a handle extending from the tool head, a connector securing the handle to the tool head, and a central step at an upper end of the tool head and at the central longitudinal axis. A length of the handle is preferably adjustable. The handle preferably includes a handle portion forming a triangle shaped closed loop and has an upper section extending perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the handle portion and lower sections angularly extending from ends of the upper section to the central longitudinal axis of the handle portion. The connector preferably includes a pair of laterally spaced apart and parallel lower portions having lower ends secured to the tool head, a central portion connecting the lower portions, and an upper portion centrally connected to the central portion and the handle.

Abstract: A device for removing material from a surface includes a blade, an auger positioned in close proximity to a front side of the blade and operably mounted on an axle for rotary motion relative to the blade whereby material accumulating at the front side of the blade during movement of the blade over the surface is transversely moved from the front side of the blade to a side of the device by the rotary motion of the auger, and a handle operably connected to the blade for directing the blade and the auger over the surface. The auger has a passage receiving the axle. The auger is preferably rotatable relative to the axle and the axle is preferably rotatable relative to the blade. Preferably, the auger is molded of plastic and the passage is free of a molding draft.

Abstract: A stackable cart upon which another cart can be stacked thereon includes a tray, a handle connected to the tray, and a plurality of wheels rotatably secured to the tray. The tray is configured to at least partially receive a handle of the another cart when the another cart is stacked on the stackable cart. The handle is configured to at least partially receive a plurality of wheels of the another cart when the another cart is stacked on the stackable cart. A plurality of the carts can be stored vertically with the carts oriented in alternating opposed directions. The carts are preferably nested together in a compact manner. In some disclosed embodiments the handle is a handle movable between an extended position and a retracted position and/or the cart includes a stand movable between a stowed position and an extended position.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a handle part and a tool part includes a plug and a socket. The plug has a main portion, an end portion, and a notched portion between the main portion and the end portion. The socket has a proximal base end, a body portion, and a locking member. The body portion extends from the base end and has an axial, plug receiving bore that opens through a distal end of the body portion. The locking member is positioned between the base end and the plug receiving bore. The locking member includes a leaf spring cantilevered axially on one side of the body portion of the socket. The leaf spring supports a latch bar that engages the notched portion of the plug when the plug is inserted through the open end of the plug receiving bore. The latch bar is spaced from the leaf spring so that the end portion of the plug passes between the latch bar and the leaf spring when the plug is inserted through the open end of the plug receiving bore.

Abstract: A reinforced implement such as a shovel is described having increased strength and resistance to deformation and/or fracture, especially in the area where the socket engaging the handle and blade are joined. Advantageously, the blade, socket, and reinforcement are formed from a single unitary piece of material having essentially uniform thickness.