Special Engaging Feature Patents (Class 254/131)
  • Patent number: 8118281
    Abstract: A tire lifting assembly includes a support base with an upper section and a pair of legs attached to and extending downwardly from the upper section. A pole is elongated and has a first end and a second end. A bracket includes a central member and a pair of arms that are attached to opposite ends of the central member. The arms extend in a same direction with respect to each other. The first end of the pole is attached to the central member and is equally spaced from the arms. The pole extends away from the central member in an opposite direction with respect to the arms. A tire support is attached to and extends between the arms. A tire is positionable on the tire support and lifted when the pole is positioned on the base support and the second end of the pole is moved downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Enos F. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20120032125
    Abstract: A device for handling a rotor blade of a wind turbine is provided. The device includes a frame which defines an inner space for at least partially accommodating the rotor blade. The device further includes a blade support which is arranged in the inner space and mounted to the frame, and a first lever arm. The first lever arm is pivotably mounted to the frame and includes a retaining end arranged in the inner space and an actuator end which is movable to rotate the first lever arm so that the rotor blade is retained between the blade support and the retaining end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Sebastien DIAZ DE CORCUERA, Lars DAVIDEIT, Christoph LAMMEN
  • Patent number: 8096527
    Abstract: An extension rod for a jack arm comprises a connecting rod having a first joint and a second joint formed at the respective ends of the connecting rod. A first locking hole and a second locking hole are formed in the first and second joints, respectively. The extension rod also comprises a lockup mechanism comprising an elastic body configured to connect to either the first joint or the connecting rod and a lockup bolt formed on the elastic body, and configured to engage the first locking hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xu Naijiang, Ge Zhenhong, Matthew Ryan Harmon, Jainpin Cai, Yaoxin Zhang
  • Patent number: 8074947
    Abstract: A reconfigurable garden tool caddy device that is adapted for mounting to the handle portion of a long-handled garden tool, so as to provide the so equipped garden tool with two primary configurations of operation, namely: (i) a self-standing configuration, wherein its stand portion is arranged at a first angle with respect to the handle portion of the long-handled garden tool and supports the garden tool in an upright position at a second angle formed with respect to the ground surface of the garden; and (ii) a transport-work configuration, wherein the stand portion is disposed closely adjacent the handle portion of the garden tool and is releasably retained by a stand retainer structure so that the adapted garden tool can be transported between the garden and a tool shed or like shelter where garden tools are kept from the natural elements when not being used to work the soil of a garden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventors: James J. Cella, Steven G. Hansen
  • Patent number: 8033526
    Abstract: A land clearing device that is sized and configured to be attached to a small earth moving machine, such as a skid loader. The land clearing device has a pusher assembly with telescopically extendable actuator arms that are operated by a control unit accessible from the interior of the earthmoving machine. When the actuator arms are extended, the forward end of the pusher assembly applies lateral force on a trunk of a tree, pushing the tree until uprooted. The pusher assembly is supported by a pair of upright legs that rest on the ground and provide stability to the pusher assembly, which cantilevered from the upright legs. A Y-shaped grabber assembly has a front hook that partially encircles and holds the tree below the location of contact with the pusher assembly. A mounting assembly is secured to the pusher assembly and the grabber assembly by a common securing rod about which the pusher assembly and the grabber assembly can pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Vincent A. Molino
  • Patent number: 8025269
    Abstract: A chamber lid lifting apparatus operable to lift a chamber lid of a semiconductor processing chamber is provided. The chamber lid lifting apparatus includes a handle. The handle includes a short end and a long end that together form a lever. The short end is operable to be temporarily coupled to a lid pivot point of the chamber lid. The long end is operable to transfer an applied force to the short end. The transferred force is operable to lift the chamber lid at the lid pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Roger P. Sarver
  • Patent number: 8020835
    Abstract: The present invention provides for electronic module insertion and removal such as when high insertion/extraction forces are exerted in small spaces. To secure or unsecure the module a frame is mounted to a cabinet housing the high insertion module. The frame includes a lever assembly that fixedly rotates about an axle attached at each end to a hub. The hub is allowed to rotate to one or more fixed angular positions that move the lever proximity relative to the front surface of the high insertion module. Applying a pressure to the lever rotates the lever until the module is either secured or unsecured from its cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff A. Bulow, Stephen G. Race, Budd S. Honda
  • Patent number: 8002322
    Abstract: A multi-use snow tool is described, which includes a snow fluke and a snow picket that may be combined to function as a snow shovel, or may be used independent of each other as climbing anchors. As one example, the multi-use snow tool includes a snow fluke including a blade body having a base end and a nose end opposite the base end; a snow picket having an elongate shaft including at least a first flange; and a lip assembly located at the base end of the blade body and cooperating with the blade body to define at least a first channel that is adapted to mate with the first flange to detachably couple the snow picket to the snow fluke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Cascade Alpine, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Rathmell, Benjamin Bliesner
  • Patent number: 7997558
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus which removably attaches to the front tubular bumper of a go-kart, allowing a person lifting the front of the go-kart to lift more easily and without excessive bending of the back. The lifting apparatus has a handle member, and a bumper engagement structure which depends from the handle member. The bumper engagement structure is configured to removably attach to the parallel-oriented upper tube and lower tube which make up the front bumper of the go-kart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Scott Miller
  • Patent number: 7996971
    Abstract: One embodiment of a seal removal tool may include a handle, a seal grasping member, and a biasing member. The handle may have an end with a curved surface to roll back a seal. The seal grasping member may be adapted to move from an open extended position into a closed position in order to grasp and secure a seal. The biasing member may bias the seal grasping member towards the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael M. Newton
  • Publication number: 20110167605
    Abstract: System(s), method(s), and device(s) that facilitate efficient removal of a nut(s) from a wheel stud or bolt are presented. A nut removal facilitator device comprises a first arm with a holder component, wherein the first arm is attached to a lever component and a second arm, which includes a force applicator component. A socket of a wrench is placed on a desired nut, with the wrench handle portion near the socket held within the holder component and an end portion of the wrench handle in contact with the force applicator component. A force can be received at the top portion of the lever component is leveraged based on the length of the lever component. The leveraged force is transferred to the force applicator component which applies the transferred force to the wrench handle to move the handle and socket in the desired direction to loosen and remove the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: B & H WORLDWIDE, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Ritorto, JR., Christopher Robert Lattanzio
  • Patent number: 7971329
    Abstract: A disclosed pin removal tool includes an elongate shank with a lift member extending orthogonally from a shank first end and a cylindrical shaft extending orthogonally from a shank second end, and also orthogonal to the lift member. The lift member has a blunt end fork with a pair of tongs forming a channel therebetween opening at a lift member distal end away from the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: John Brohard
  • Publication number: 20110155979
    Abstract: A prying tool suitable for staple removal includes an elongate shaft with prying member disposed at one or both ends, (each) having a flat section terminating in a serrated, distal edge, and forming an integral fulcrum between the shaft and the serrated edge. The distal edge consists of parallel, wedge-like teeth, separated by rounded notches, each tooth tapering along its length to a sharp point at the tip, which is rounded across its width. The taper may be achieved via a forward beveled surface on the top face of the tooth. The width of the tooth may also taper from the bottom to the top face, with the top edges rounded and/or beveled. The configuration allows a tooth to engage a staple, then gradually straighten and lift it by distributing upward force evenly thereto, reducing staple breakage, and the rounded notches prevent the staple legs from lodging in the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Jason Sindt
  • Publication number: 20110133140
    Abstract: A manhole cover extractor that pulls and lifts weighty horizontal items such as manhole covers and handhold enclosure covers that are lifted perpendicular from one side and pulled from the original position, removed and on same plane able to lift and move cover back to the original setting or simply move cover as to not create a tripping hazard; the tool consists of a T-bar which gives the necessary fulcrum for effortless removal and management of cumbersome manhole covers, the T-bar is comprised with handles to control the load. A polypropylene strap which is doubled back with reinforced cross stitching and J-hook which engages the object(s) listed and the aforementioned polypropylene strap is docked to the T-bar handle. Pneumatic all-terrain tires that are attached to an axle that is secured to the T-bar handle through the A-frame of the dolly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Alan Byron Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7950470
    Abstract: A mechanical fence post driver for attachment to a lift arm of a standard front-loader which includes a mounting plate, guide tube, and roller latch assembly. The guide tube receives a tee or other fence post inserted therein such that it contacts the mounting plate. The fence post is held in place by a roller latch assembly which compresses the post against the rearward side of the guide tube. Insertion of the fence post into the ground is accomplished by lowering the lift arm while the post is held within the guide cylinder. A rotation plate assembly may be positioned between the mounting plate and guide cylinder to provide a convenient mechanism to rotate the guide cylinder in relation to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Jimmy Glenn Reid
  • Publication number: 20110073817
    Abstract: A wheel ornament installation tool includes a supporting portion and a rotatable portion rotatably coupled to the supporting portion. The rotatable portion is configured to apply a force against a wheel ornament during rotation of the rotatable portion. The supporting portion is configured to engage a stationary object to support the rotatable portion during application of the force against the wheel ornament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: David P. Branik
  • Publication number: 20110041584
    Abstract: An apparatus for aligning and leveling an associated vehicle door having an elongated member, a head member attached to said elongated member adapted to engage a vehicle door lock recess, a support member extending downwardly from said elongated member towards a vehicle door and a support plate attached to said support member adapted to rest on said vehicle door. The apparatus is designed to aid in the leveling and aligning processes of a vehicle door after assembly of the vehicle. The elongated member may include a series of bends to improve the ergonomic efficiency of the vehicle door leveler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Kiefer, JR., Patrick S. Mckinney, Jose Gonzalez, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110016684
    Abstract: A special tool used in a control arm of vehicles comprises a rod to be held by hand formed in an elongated stick shape and including a lower end having a retaining portion to abut against a bottom side of the control arm, and between the rod and the retaining portion being defined a support portion; a suspending seat including a lateral slot secured at a side thereof to engage with the support portion; an engaging member connected to the suspending seat so as to hook the control arm of vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Chen Jun Fan
  • Publication number: 20110016688
    Abstract: A tool for manipulating an article includes an operative portion. The operative portion includes a convex surface defined by a first curved segment extending substantially from a first end having a radius greater than at least one further subsequent curved segment, and a concave surface opposite the convex surface. In use, one of the convex and concave surfaces is engageable with an article and the other of the convex and concave surfaces is engageable with a work-piece such that the convex and concave surfaces are cooperable to establish a fulcrum point between the work-piece and the other surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Townsend
  • Publication number: 20110017964
    Abstract: Embodiments of a mechanical tool for railcar maintenance are disclosed, which are most suitable for handling heavy components during undercarriage operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Joe David Sanders
  • Patent number: 7861434
    Abstract: A post sleeve installation device includes a standing structure, a structure coupled to the standing structure and configured to support a post sleeve below the standing structure, and a mechanism configured to enable selective translation of the support structure in three axes and rotation around a vertical axis. Locks are provided to lock the post sleeve at a selected position and orientation relative to the standing structure. A beam extending from one installation device to another measures or controls the relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of associated post sleeves, and related data is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 7837177
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a manually operated post handling assembly including a main body, a post driver that is integral with or connected to the main body and a post extractor being adapted to move between a deployed position and a stowed position within the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Peter John McNeill
  • Publication number: 20100288985
    Abstract: A pivot lift assembly (100) is disclosed for use with commercial mowers (12) for lifting front portions of the mowers (12) for purposes of maintenance. The pivot lift assembly (100) includes a universal bracket assembly (102) and mower bracket assembly (124) mounted to the mower (12). A pivot arm assembly (180) is pivotably mounted to a pivot base (160). The pivot arm assembly (180) includes an arcuate lift arm (182) and pivot pin (196). By movement of the mower (12), the pivot pin (196) can be made to releasably engage the universal bracket assembly (102) so as to cause the front end of the mower (12) to lift upwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Timothy A. Steensma
  • Patent number: 7819387
    Abstract: A stand structure includes a stand having two side walls; and two actuation mechanisms comprising an assembly for lifting and pushing the stand and a link pivotably interconnecting the assembly for lifting and pushing the stand and either side wall, and a bent member having a handle, the bent member being adapted to pivotably interconnect the assembly for lifting and pushing the stand and either side wall. Pivoting the handle in a first direction will lift the stand a first predetermined distance and push the stand a second predetermined distance. The invention can increase a space below the stand significantly so as to effectively dissipate heat when a notebook computer placed upon the stand is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Chio Lin Ou
  • Patent number: 7810789
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a generally rectangular base with two longitudinal containment lips and two semi-arcuate lips on the front and rear for the containment and display of motorcycles or similar vehicles. The apparatus is uniquely suited to hold and display motorcycles or similar vehicles in an aesthetically pleasing manner while also containing and fluid leaks or spillage that may occur during the storage or display. A pair of adjustable stands holding the vehicle. Each stand can be selectively raised and fixed in a vertical position and adjusted to hold the vehicle. The stands can be lowered to the surface when not in use or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Tom Clark
  • Publication number: 20100224842
    Abstract: A landing jack lift has an upright lever portion which is pivotally attached to a base plate. A lifting arm is pivotally connected to the upright along the lower portion of the upright lever. A lifting plate is pivotally disposed on an end of the lifting arm and removably fits under a landing jack foot while in use. A pin pulling arm is pivotally disposed above the lifting arm on the upright lever portion and selectively retains the locking pin on the landing jack to allow the landing jack to move. The lifting arm is constrained to not pivot past around 90 degrees from the upright lever. In use the user is not required to bend over while raising and lowering the landing jack. A handle is provided on the upper portion of the upright lever to aid the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: William Hebert
  • Publication number: 20100213425
    Abstract: A post removal device (10), including a support (11), and a lever (12) which is rotatable about a fulcrum (13). The lever (12) extends on either side of the fulcrum (13) to define a first portion (14) and a second portion (15), whereby downward movement of the first portion (14) results in upward movement of the second portion (15). The second portion (15) is connected to a gripping arrangement (19) which includes a pair of post grippers (23), which are movable during rotation of the lever (12), from an open condition to a gripping condition. The extent of rotational movement of the lever (12) is sufficient for the grippers (23) to move from the open condition to the gripping condition and for the gripping arrangement (19) to be lifted with the grippers (23) in the gripping condition for lifting a post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Graeme Davis
  • Publication number: 20100213424
    Abstract: An apparatus for releasably attaching a pushing tool to one work piece such that a pushing force can be applied to a second work piece and allow alignment of the two work pieces for joining the work pieces together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Gerald L. Dasbach, Will Harris
  • Publication number: 20100207082
    Abstract: A tool includes a handle and a prying device pivotally connected to the handle and positionable at various pivoting positions with respect to the handle. The prying device is engagable with an item to be pried and the handle is utilized as a lever to extract the item efficiently. The tool also includes a clamping device adjustably positionable on the handle, and the clamping device and prying device are cooperatable to hold an item therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Mou-Tang LIOU
  • Patent number: 7762529
    Abstract: An universal tool for unlatching a locking pin on a gooseneck ball hitch comprises an arm supported on a support leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Raymond C. Scott
  • Publication number: 20100180986
    Abstract: A board straightening tool able to provide the force to straighten bent boards by simultaneously maintaining a grasping connection to both the joist being used to support the straightening device and the board being fastened to that joist, and maintaining a clearance between the straightening tool and board for the use of an Install the fastening device on the same joist that the tool is using for support is required to obtain the straightest installed boards possible and to maintain the maximum straightness of the deck board after the straightening device is released. The grasping pins are constructed either from a knurled metal for more grasp power or have a smooth surface providing for a reduction of marring of the joist. The tool also provides the force required to maintain consistently spaced gaps between the boards for a more desirable appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: R & B MARKETING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert J. Pelc, JR.
  • Patent number: 7726713
    Abstract: A multi-use tool having a generally “J” shaped hook structure which has a top portion, a middle shank portion attached to the top portion, and a curved bottom portion attached to the middle shank portion. The top portion has a loop portion to which a rope, life-line or escape line can be fastened. The curved bottom portion extends to a beveled tip. The multi-use tool also has a protruding member that extends from the curved bottom portion and has a substantially flat top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph A. Oleksia
  • Patent number: 7717452
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tool to help move and connect a tractor trailer dolly to the lead trailer in a safe, easy and efficient manner. The dolly jockey is a bar about three feet long with lips at the bottom to connect to the safety chain mounting ring on the rear of trailers. The bar has one or more hooks that connect to a chain with a hook at the end. The chain is connected between the dolly and the bar. The bar is used as a pry bar to pull the trailer towards the lead trailer. The bar can also be used to pry the front of the dolly from side to side in order to line it up with the lead trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Glen Edward Cook
  • Publication number: 20100108962
    Abstract: A hand tool for lifting and separating objects. The hand tool includes a body member and a handle member. The body member includes a shaft member having a linear configuration, a neck member, and an elongated member. The shaft member includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the shaft member is tapered into a planar surface. The neck member extends obtusely from the second end portion of the shaft member. The neck member includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion such that the proximal end portion of the neck member merges with the second end portion of the shaft member. The elongated member extends from the distal end portion of the neck member, such that, the elongated member is substantially parallel to the shaft member. The handle member is configured on the elongated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Melvin Spracklen
  • Patent number: 7690627
    Abstract: A pulling tool for grabbing and pulling material from underneath structural elements. The tool has a handle, the handle having a main body portion and having one flat end portion bent from one end of the body portion. A thin, narrow, claw member is attached to the free end of the one end portion and extends across and past both sides of the one end portion to form a claw on each side of the handle at one end of the handle. Each claw is tapered to a straight end edge which edge is transverse to the end portion. Each claw has a narrow v-shaped material receiving slot extending inwardly from the straight end edge to allow the claw to grab the material being removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: William Harpell
  • Publication number: 20100065796
    Abstract: A tool for temporarily lifting and supporting reinforcing mesh above an underlying surface includes an elongate rod that can be held at a first end and which has a portion at a second end opposing the first end. The elongate rod, which can engage under an element of mesh, is mounted on a base member for turning on the underlying surface with a rotary movement of the elongate rod, so that movement of the elongate rod acts to lift the element of mesh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Crowe
  • Patent number: 7673848
    Abstract: A pry bar sliding fulcrum assembly having a fulcrum and saddle which slidably mates with a conventional prybar and which provides a greater force onto a work material than the conventional prybar alone. The pry bar sliding fulcrum assembly easily and quickly slides away from the work material when a conventional prybar function is desired and slides toward the work material when an enhanced application force or greater prybar end displacement is required. The assembly uniquely mates with or is held with the prybar end whereby the assembly retains a static position relative to the prybar during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Wynn Provines
  • Publication number: 20100043219
    Abstract: A daughter card extractor tool is disclosed and may include a handle that defines a proximal end and a distal end. Further, the daughter card extractor tool may include a daughter card engagement assembly that may extend from the distal end of the handle. The daughter card extractor tool is movable between a first position in which the daughter card engagement assembly is partially engaged with a daughter card and the daughter card is engaged with a motherboard, a second position in which the daughter card extractor tool is fully engaged with the daughter card and the daughter card remains engaged with the motherboard, and a third position in which the daughter card engagement assembly remains fully engaged with the daughter card and the daughter card is at least partially disengaged from the motherboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Hinh NGUYEN
  • Publication number: 20100044657
    Abstract: The present invention is a tool which provides a method for lifting. The tool has an adjustable handle member configured to be grasped by a user, joined to a lifting arm which is configured to engage an object to be lifted. The handle member and the lifting arm are rigidly connected at a vertex and form an obtuse angle there between. Further, the tool has an adjustable pedestal with a rocker base near the vertex, which allows forward and backward displacement of the tool during the raising and lowering an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Lifting Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Patrick, Daniel J. Colcombe
  • Patent number: 7658369
    Abstract: A post pulling device includes a tower having first and second side members, each side member having a plurality of receiving slots. Each receiving slot of the first side member corresponds to a respective receiving slot of the second side member. The post pulling device includes a rigid bar having opposed first and second ends, opposed first and second sides, and first and second pivoting members extending from the first and second sides, respectively. The first and second pivoting members are respectively receivable in corresponding receiving slots of the first and second side members. An end plate and a lanyard are included for coupling a post to the first end of the rigid bar. A hitch element may be coupled to the tower for selectively coupling the tower to a vehicle hitch. The rigid bar may be telescopic with structures for maintaining the rigid bar at a selected length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Matthew B Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20100012907
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus may include a base frame, an upper plate and a plurality of support arms engaged with the base frame and the upper plate. The support arms may include first and second support arms adjustably engaged with the upper plate and third and fourth support arms adjustably engaged with the base frame. An exemplary embodiment may also include a power source connected to an engagement member, where the power source can be adapted to manipulate the engagement member and the engagement member can engage the plurality of support arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: K&L Supply Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Yeo (Joseph) B. Lee
  • Patent number: 7648123
    Abstract: The collapsible pump jack includes a pole formed from a plurality of pipe segments having swaged ends that telescope into one another. An M-shaped base supports the pole in an upright position. A ratcheting chain hoist has a hook for attaching the hoist atop the pole. The chain has another hook for attachment to the vehicle being lifted out of a rut in the snow or other terrain. The base is foldable from an M-shape pole mounting position to a rectangular tube storage position to surround the pole segments for storage and transport. The collapsible pump jack provides a lightweight, compact, portable accessory for lifting an end of a snowmobile, ATV, or other off-road vehicle to extricate the vehicle when it is stuck in snow or rugged terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Peter E Gagnon
  • Patent number: 7628382
    Abstract: A tool head member being a nail extractor or molding remover having a striking surface on the end opposite the nail extractor/molding remover end or a pry bar, any of the foregoing tool head members being indexably coupled to a handle member. The indexable tool head allows the user to lockably index the tool head into a more desirable position for removing nails or molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Charles Cole
  • Patent number: 7624966
    Abstract: There is disclosed a manual assist for opening a window, door or other mechanism that slides in a preset track. The manual assist comprises an elongated, preferably contoured handle; a wedge near one end of the handle; and a base pivotally mounted to the handle near the wedge end. Preferably, this manual assist may be hung near a window using a Velcro® strip pair, aperture or hook when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventors: Kerrick R. Dando, Neal R. Dando, M. Jonell Kerkhoff
  • Patent number: 7618020
    Abstract: An adjustable fulcrum for use with a pry bar to provide the pry bar with leverage to lift or move an object. A tool for lifting or moving an object including a pry bar with a fulcrum member. The fulcrum member has a body with slots in the sidewall of the body. The slots extend part of the length of the body of the fulcrum member between the ends of the body parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fulcrum member. One (1) end of the slots is open to allow for easily mounting the fulcrum member on the pry bar. The fulcrum member is mounted on the pry bar so that the pry bar extends through two (2) of the slots of the fulcrum member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Michael L. Del Favero
  • Publication number: 20090256123
    Abstract: A compact and sturdy stationary stand for a motorbike which is capable of being used as both a rear axle stand and a center-mount stand. The stand can be inserted into the rear axle and the motorbike can simply be rocked back onto the stand to lock the bike in an upright position. The motorbike remains in a fixed upright position, and the chain can be removed or lubricated with ease. When used as a center-mount stand, the motorbike simply rests or balances on the stand, and the motorbike can be positioned such that one wheel is always on the ground, allowing the other wheel (elevated) to be worked on or removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Darby Bernard Heck
  • Patent number: 7600305
    Abstract: A seal pulling tool includes an elongate shaft extending from a manual grip handle. The shaft is bent and includes a seal gripping hook at its outer end and an adjustable fulcrum support post slidably mounted and laterally projecting from the shaft intermediate the handle and hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Randall J. Ploeger, Robert S. Westbrook
  • Publication number: 20090230369
    Abstract: A tool for removal of a center cover of a wheel rim includes a first and second opposite hook ends connected by a cylindrical rod center section. Each of the hook ends is differently sized, although the ends are generally mirror image configurations of one another and each includes first and second curved sections joined to an extended flat, planar section with an end prong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Lisle Corporation
    Inventor: Scotty R. Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20090200528
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include a jack stand. The stand may include one or more of: a housing, elongated support, engagement element, engagement element receiver, and a modulator. The housing may be adapted for receiving the elongated support. The elongated support may be configured for being associated with the housing, and may include one or more, e.g., a plurality of engagement element receivers. The plurality of receivers may be positioned sequentially along a length of the support and may be configured for receiving a portion an engagement element. The engagement element, therefore, may be adapted for removably engaging the engagement element receivers in sequential fashion, wherein the sequential engagement of the engagement element receivers by the engagement element causes the elongated support to move. The modulator may be associated to the engagement element and configured for modulating the engagement of the engagement element with the plurality of receivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Wesley James Tom
  • Publication number: 20090173651
    Abstract: The sheet metal pry hooks are pry hooks having a hook end oriented in a manner to allow gripping and bending of an automotive sheet metal panel(s) in almost any situation encountered in the repair of such panel(s). As presently contemplated, the pry hooks will be made available either individually or as a kit of three pry hooks having different configurations of the hook, including at least one hook having the hook member offset from the longitudinal axis of the shank of the tool. The kit allows a user to have at hand a complete array of hooks needed for bending and orienting sheet metal panels in almost any repair situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Robert J. Griffis