Abstract: A hand tool for cutting includes a first handle, a second handle pivotably connected to the first handle, and a cutting head including a fixed first blade and a pivotable second blade to provide cutting action with the first blade. The first and second handles are movable between a fully retracted configuration and a fully extended configuration to selectively adjust the length of the handles. The cutting head is selectively rotatable about a central longitudinal axis and carries the blades upon rotation of the cutting head to move the blades between a plurality of different orientations relative to the first and second handles. The cutting head includes a connector operably connecting the second handle and the second blade so that pivoting motion of the second handle moves the second blade relative to the first blade to provide cutting action therebetween.

Abstract: A bulb planter includes a pair of blade halves cooperating to form a tubular tool head and a molded plastic handle body forming a pair of handles. The blade halves are preferably metal and riveted to the handle body. The handle body forms a living hinge for selectively pivoting the blade halves upon movement of the handles. The blade halves pivot toward and away from each other between a soil plug cutting position and a soil plug releasing position upon movement of the handles. A resilient member biases the blade halves toward the soil plug cutting position. The resilient member is preferably an elastomer ring encircling the blade halves. The handles extend in opposed directions substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis and are manually movable against the bias of the resilient member to move the blade halves to the soil plug release position.

Abstract: A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus support member comprising a base member which has a first edge and a second edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is adapted to contact a support surface such as a driveway or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly for contacting the support surface. One of the wheel assemblies is retractable from a lowered position to a raised position such that when in the raised position, the bottom surface of the base member substantially contacts the support surface. In the lowered position, both wheel assemblies contact the support surface thereby separating or elevating the base member from the support surface. In another embodiment, the invention consists of a similar rollable sports base for supporting a sports apparatus support member wherein one wheel assembly is retractable and comprises a pivoting connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector.

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 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 bulb planter includes a pair of blade halves cooperating to form a tubular tool head and a molded plastic handle body forming a pair of handles. The blade halves are preferably metal and riveted to the handle body. The handle body forms a living hinge for selectively pivoting the blade halves upon movement of the handles. The blade halves pivot toward and away from each other between a soil plug cutting position and a soil plug releasing position upon movement of the handles. A resilient member biases the blade halves toward the soil plug cutting position. The resilient member is preferably an elastomer ring encircling the blade halves. The handles extend in opposed directions substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis and are manually movable against the bias of the resilient member to move the blade halves to the soil plug release position.

Abstract: A hand tool for cutting includes a first handle, a second handle pivotably connected to the first handle, and a cutting head including a fixed first blade and a pivotable second blade to provide cutting action with the first blade. The first and second handles are movable between a fully retracted configuration and a fully extended configuration to selectively adjust the length of the handles. The cutting head is selectively rotatable about a central longitudinal axis and carries the blades upon rotation of the cutting head to move the blades between a plurality of different orientations relative to the first and second handles. The cutting head includes a connector operably connecting the second handle and the second blade so that pivoting motion of the second handle moves the second blade relative to the first blade to provide cutting action therebetween.

Abstract: A hand-operated tool includes a tool head having a plurality of tines, a handle extending from the tool head, and a cutting member secured to the tool head and having a point at a free end. The tool head is pivotably secured to the handle to pivot about a longitudinal axis between a fork configuration and a rake configuration and a lock releasably locks the tool head relative to the handle in each of the fork and rake configurations. The handle includes an arm, a rear grip including a loop handle located at an end of the arm opposite the tool head, and a fore grip including a knob located between the tool head and the rear grip. The rear grip and the fore grip are each secured against rotation about a longitudinal axis of the handle.

Abstract: A lawn and garden hand tool includes a tool head, a handle rearwardly extending from the tool head, and a plastic coating covering at least a portion of the handle. The handle has a generally cylindrical shaped rearward grip and a loop extending in a downward direction and connecting forward and rearward ends of the rearward grip. The handle also has a forward grip spaced apart from the rearward grip and located forward of the rearward grip toward the tool head. The forward grip includes a generally bulb shaped knob extending in a upward and forward direction. The tool head, the rearward grip and the forward member are preferably a unitary one-piece cast aluminum component.

Abstract: A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus support member comprising a base member which has a first edge and a second edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is adapted to contact a support surface such as a driveway or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly for contacting the support surface. One of the wheel assemblies is retractable from a lowered position to a raised position such that when in the raised position, the bottom surface of the base member substantially contacts the support surface. In the lowered position, both wheel assemblies contact the support surface thereby separating or elevating the base member from the support surface. In another embodiment, the invention consists of a similar rollable sports base for supporting a sports apparatus support member wherein one wheel assembly is retractable and comprises a pivoting connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector.

Abstract: A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus support member comprising a base member having a top and bottom surface. The bottom surface contacts a support surface such as a driveway or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly, retractable from a lowered position to a raised position. The wheel assembly includes a pivoting connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector. The wheel bracket includes an axle, at least one wheel, and a handle extending outwardly from the wheel bracket. The handle is used to pivotally rotate the wheel assembly about a transverse axis. When the handle is rotated away from the base member, the wheel assembly is placed in a lowered position whereby the wheel contacts the support surface thus separating the bottom surface of the base member from the support surface.

Abstract: A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus support member comprising a base member which has a first edge and a second edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is adapted to contact a support surface such as a driveway or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly for contacting the support surface. One of the wheel assemblies is retractable from a lowered position to a raised position such that when in the raised position, the bottom surface of the base member substantially contacts the support surface. In the lowered position, both wheel assemblies contact the support surface thereby separating or elevating the base member from the support surface. In another embodiment, the invention consists of a similar rollable sports base for supporting a sports apparatus support member wherein one wheel assembly is retractable and comprises a pivoting connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector.