Abstract: A tape measure is disclosed which includes a housing defining a chamber and having a peripheral wall with an aperture or opening, and an elongated coiled measuring tape blade within the housing chamber. The coiled tape blade typically includes an end with a hook thereon extending outwardly through the aperture and is capable of automatic retraction into the housing. A positive locking mechanism mounted on the peripheral wall for locking the tape blade at a selected position while the tape blade is in an extended position outside the housing, and a temporary braking mechanism mounted on the peripheral wall for controlling the rate of retraction of the extended tape blade into the housing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A utility knife which includes a feature for presenting a user with a replacement blade holder containing replacement blades when the separate halves of the knife body, referred to as handle portions, are opened to expose an interior cavity is disclosed. A pivotable latching lever selectively movable between a latched position and an unlatched position permits the two handle portions to pivot relative to one another about a pivot axis when the lever is in the unlatched position so that the replacement blade holder may be presented to the user. The disclosed utility knife having a replacement blade holder and a latching lever is capable of very economic manufacture, yet is dependable in operation.

Abstract: Tongue and groove pliers include a first member having a slot, and a second member connected to the first member by a pin in the slot. The first member has a plurality of arcuate ribs defining open ended grooves on the side adjacent to the second member. The second member has a tongue on the side facing the first member. The tongue fits in a selected groove to adjust the spacing between opposing jaws on the respective first and second members. The pliers have at least one visual alignment feature to align the tongue with a desired groove. The alignment feature can be readily visible marks indicating locations of the tongue and/or grooves.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a food peeler having a removable blade that includes an end received in a bore of the food peeler handle and a resilient member is mounted adjacent to the end of the blade and allows for the blade to be moved between a centered and offset position so that the blade may be removed and replaced. A tool is provided in order to remove and replace the blade.

Abstract: A hand tool has two crossed members each having a handle and a jaw connected to each other at a pivot point. A leaf spring biases the handles towards an open position. The leaf spring can be selectively engaged or disengaged by the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a food peeler having a removable blade that includes an end received in a bore of the food peeler handle and a resilient member is mounted adjacent to the end of the blade and allows for the blade to be moved between a centered and offset position so that the blade may be removed and replaced. A tool is provided in order to remove and replace the blade.

Abstract: A fluid container includes a body defining a storage compartment, an elongated spout carried by the body and in fluid communication with the storage compartment, and a swivel coupling between the spout on the body accommodating swiveling of the spout relative to the body about an axis extending upwardly from the bottom of the body. The spout may swivel between a pouring position extending away from the body and a storage position disposed closely adjacent to the body. The spout may be of light transmitting material and volume indicia may be formed on the body adjacent to the spout.

Abstract: A mashing tool is provided having a pair of arms attached to a mashing plate and a blade on each arm formed of a flexible resilient material in order to provide for scraping members and mixing members of the mashing tool. A non-scratch, noise-reduction, flexible coating is provided on the majority of the surfaces of the mashing tool and an improved fabrication method is provided thereby.

Abstract: A nail clipper is provided in which the bottom has a projection bumper for positioning fingers of the user, and/or the cutting surfaces are colored as to be distinct from the nail to be clipped, and/or the upper surface of the clipper is configured so as to form saddle over the lower surface.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a jar opener assembly including a torquing tool and a pad which are used in conjunction with each other in order to easily remove a lid from a jar by placing the pad under the jar and attaching the torquing tool so that a cavity having serrated edges abuts against the jar lid in order to apply torque thereto. The torquing tool includes a pad receiving area to which the pad is mounted when not in use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mallet or pounding tool having a cushioning member on a head of the tool adjacent a proximal end of a handle so that a resilient abutment surface and cushioned collar is provided to protect a user's hand during a pounding operation of the tool.

Abstract: A food grater is provided having a grater blade which is removably attached to a base using a latching mechanism to quickly and securely secure the grater blade to the base. The base includes resilient pads thereon to provide for a gripping surface that functions as a handle to easily operate the food grater, including use of a pouring spout formed at an end of the base.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a jar opener assembly including a torquing tool and a pad which are used in conjunction with each other in order to easily remove a lid from a jar by placing the pad under the jar and attaching the torquing tool so that a cavity having serrated edges abuts against the jar lid in order to apply torque thereto. The torquing tool includes a pad receiving area to which the pad is mounted when not in use.

Abstract: A mashing tool is provided having a pair of arms attached to a mashing plate and a blade on each arm formed of a flexible resilient material in order to provide for scraping members and mixing members of the mashing tool. A non-scratch, noise-reduction, flexible coating is provided on the majority of the surfaces of the mashing tool and an improved fabrication method is provided thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a food peeler having a removable blade that includes an end received in a bore of the food peeler handle and a resilient member is mounted adjacent to the end of the blade and allows for the blade to be moved between a centered and offset position so that the blade may be removed and replaced. A tool is provided in order to remove and replace the blade.