Abstract: An adjustable garden tool apparatus having a pair of independently adjustable telescoping handle members 20 which are selectively and pivotally connected to one another at a variety of locations 27. At least one of the handle members 20 is provided with a fluid delivery system 60 and the bottoms of the handle members 20 are adapted to receive a plurality of diverse tool head elements 80.

Abstract: This apparatus is a tongs-like device for remotely scooping up cargo and personnel, comprising two identical elongated members pivoted at a selected distance from the device's top with a pivot pin. The lower portions are curved and vertical with cushions attached to their inner surfaces to enable the apparatus to hold either cargo or a person securely in place.Each inner lower surface has an inflatable pillow with a perforated spongy cushion attached to it and removable for replacement. The cushions' perforations enable a snatched person to breathe easily, thus avoiding any possibility of suffocation, while being hoisted upwards by hoist equipment. A sturdy net is fastened to the shoulders of the lower portions and draped for the person to sit on. In another technique a pliable plastic sheet, having pie-shaped triangular cuts, allows a person to pass through in one direction but not in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A gripping device or the like, particularly for gripping hot pans. First and second movable members are formed by molding with structural plastic material. One of the members has a pivot post extending laterally and defining a pivot axis. The other movable member has a tubular pivot member, arranged for a close fit reception over the pivot post to pivotally join the two movable members. At least one pivot post and the tubular pivot member is integral with a movable member. The pivot post has an annular groove, and the tubular pivot member includes a plurality of integral, resilient locking tabs having portions projecting radially inward at a shallow angle to the pivot axis. The two movable members are assembled by forcing the tubular pivot member over the pivot post. The locking tabs are resiliently displaced outwardly during the assembly, and snap into place in the annular groove to positively lock the two parts together.

Abstract: A gripping device or the like, particularly for gripping hot pans. First and second movable members are formed by molding with structural plastic material. One of the members has an integral pivot post extending laterally and defining a pivot axis. The other movable member has an integral tubular pivot member, arranged for a close fit reception over the pivot post to pivotally join the two movable members. The pivot post has an annular groove, and the tubular pivot member includes a plurality of integral, resilient locking tabs having portions projecting radially inward at a shallow angle to the pivot axis. The two movable members are assembled by forcing the tubular pivot member over the pivot post. The locking tabs are resiliently displaced outwardly during the assembly, and snap into place in the annular groove to positively lock the two parts together.

Abstract: A device (10) remotely retrieves articles (12). The device includes a scissor mechanism(14) having a pair of cross members (22) rotatably connected to one another. The cross members define a first pair of ends and a second pair of ends opposite the first pair of ends. The first ends are urged to a position spaced apart from one another when the second ends are urged to a position spaced apart from one another. Conversely, the first ends are urged to a position proximate one another when the second ends are urged to a position proximate one another. Opposing jaws (16) connect to the first ends. A connection mechanism (14) connects the second ends of the scissor mechanism to one another. The connection mechanism is foldable for urging the second ends to a position proximate one another when tension is applied to the connection mechanism. A latch mechanism (20) connects to the scissor mechanism and removably connects to the connection mechanism for preventing the connection mechanism from folding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a garbage disposal viewer (10) capable of being inserted into garbage disposal cylinder of a garbage disposal positioned within a sink, the garbage disposal viewer (10) functioning to allow a user to view a garbage disposal grinder, the garbage disposal viewer (10) having a viewer (12) which further has: a viewer ring top (12A) having a viewer ring opening (12E) therein and therethrough, a viewer ring bottom (12B) having a similar shape and size of the viewer ring top (12A), the viewer ring bottom (12B) further having viewer ring opening (12E) therein and therethrough, a viewer ring side (12C) circumventionally positioned around and between the viewer ring top (12B) and viewer ring bottom (12B), and a viewer cylinder (12D) extending outwardly from and securely fastened to the viewer ring bottom (12B), the viewer cylinder (12D) having sufficient length to extend beyond and thereby depress a garbage disposal deflector (18B), the viewer cylinder (12D) further comprises an outside

Abstract: A gripping tool of the pliers type for removing an inking plug from an ink container including a pair of pivotally connected handle members being connected by a pivot pin; and a pair of opposed semi-circular shaped jaws rigidly attached to the pair of handle members, respectively; such that each of the jaws forms an arc of between 90.degree. and 180.degree..

Abstract: The grapple comprises left and right frame members hinged together at a main hinge, and left and right arms hinged together at the main hinge and having outer portions cooperating with a supporting cable. The grapple has left and right fingers to grasp a load, each finger being hinged to a respective frame member and connected to a respective arm. The grapple also includes a latching mechanism which cooperates with the fingers and arms to partially control angular relationship between the finger and the respective arm for actuation of the grapple. The latching mechanism is remotely controllable by an operator to release the load, and then requires re-setting to enable the grapple to grasp a subsequent load. The grapple is supported by a single cable extending from the arms to a helicopter and, prior to grasping a load, is positioned on the ground to straddle the load.

Abstract: A tong-like eating utensil has gripping portions on each piece of the tong for gripping large pieces of food such as chicken pieces. The gripping portions have posts extending into the space between the gripping portions to hold the food more securely and two aligned plates which can be pressed together to grip smaller pieces of food. Optionally, the utensil includes cutting members extending from the ends of the tongs which can be used to cut food.

Abstract: A grapple paricularly adapted for use with a helicopter is able to control heavy loads and to latch onto such loads, or release the same, by remote control from the helicopter. Shock absorbing features serve to minimize the effects of such loads on helicopter operation. The weight of the arms and frame in one embodiment provide the necessary latching action, while in other embodiments the latching system is operated hydraulically, either separately as to each arm/frame pairs or by use of a single hydraulic control for both arm/frame pairs. A hydraulic pressure sensitive device is provided to adapt the amount of shock absorption to the magnitude of the load. Spring assistance to the load-grasping process is also incorporated into the device.

Abstract: Cooking tong apparatus for handling food items on a grill, the cooking tong apparatus having first and second jaws disposed in opposing gripping engagement, wherein the jaws open and close in a vertical direction and each jaw has a plurality of tines that are properly spaced apart and sized to fit between standard cross-members of a grill. The cooking tong apparatus has first and second handles which lie in a substantially horizontal plane, allowing a user to operate the cooking tong apparatus in a manner which is most comfortable for the user's hand and wrist.

Abstract: An aquarium tool kit includes handles, extension members and a plurality of implements including a sponge, scraper, net, rock pickers, brush, scoops, and pinchers. The handles includes a pivotally interconnected handle members which form tongs, and a substantially straight handle member. The extension members are used to adjust the length and angularity of the handles. The handles, extension members and implements have coupling members thereon which permit ready attachment of any implement directly to the handles or to an extension member. The tool kit therefore allows the various implements to be used with a handle for performing any specific function thereby allowing structuring, maintenance, and restructuring of aquariums regardless of size or shape.

Abstract: A grapple particularly adapted for use with a helicopter is able to control heavy loads and to latch onto such loads, or release the same, by remote control from the helicopter. Shock absorbing features serve to minimize the effects of such loads on helicopter operation. The weight of the arms and frame in one embodiment provide the necessary latching action, while in other embodiments the latching system is operated hydraulically, either separately as to each arm/frame pairs or by use of a single hydraulic control for both arm/frame pairs. A hydraulic pressure sensitive device is provided to adapt the amount of shock absorption to the magnitude of the load. Spring assistance to the load-grasping process is also incorporated into the device.

Abstract: A holder retains a plurality of dental instruments used in a single dental procedure together in a separate group during cleaning and prior to sterilization. The holder includes first and second pivotally connected, opposed tong members, each formed of a handle portion and a jaw lever portion. Each jaw lever portion includes a cross arm extending laterally from the handle portion and terminating in a pair of arcuate shaped jaws at outer ends of each cross arm. The jaws in one tong member concavely oppose the jaws in the opposite tong member to form the closed opening between the jaws when the first and second tong members are moved to one of a plurality of separate closed positions.

Abstract: A gripper tool for facilitating the handling of framing lumber of two inches by four or more inches cross-section used as studs and joists, includes a pair of pivotally joined levers having longer arms at one side of the pivot constituting handles and shorter arms at the other side of the pivot. A first of the shorter arms has a portion which extends from the pivot and at its end has a right angularly extending jaw adapted to engage one side of a lumber member, and the other shorter arm, which is pivotable relative to the first, has a jaw engageable with the opposite side of the lumber member. A thin plate affixed to the extending portion of the first shorter arm extends equidistantly to either side for providing ears adapted to temporarily support on an adjoining lumber member an end of a lumber member to which the jaws are releasably clamped. An optional spring, pivotably attached to the flat plate, is shaped and dimensioned to lock the clamped tool onto an abutting lumber member of the same thickness.

Abstract: A probe for detecting and handling objects that are hidden from sight or from which it is desirable to insulate the user from direct contact includes pivotally coupled elements with jaw and handle portions. The jaw portions are preferably angled with respect to the handle portions to facilitate insertions into pockets of search subjects' clothing, and the elements are preferably formed of composite materials with high vibration transmissivity.

Abstract: A food handling spatula-tongs which provides a means of picking up food and expressing excess oil or fat from the food prior to serving. The spatula-tongs are comprised of a pair of pivotally connected members with flat food compressing members mounted to one end of each of the pair of pivotally connected members. Each of the food compressing members is provided with apertures which are not aligned with apertures in the other compressing member. Both rectangular and pie (triangular) shaped compressing members are utilized to adapt the tongs maximally to various types of foods, including pizza pie. The compressing plates may be interchangeably and removably mounted to the tongs. The upper plate is pivotally mounted to the tongs to provide maximum compressing force for various types of foods.

Abstract: Tongs have two arms pivoted together. A finger extends at an angle from one end of each arm. The tongs are used to remove a filter from a hood above a grill. A frame on the filter in the hood is engaged by the tips of the fingers when the fingers are extended. Then the filter with the frame is pulled from the hood.

Abstract: First and second legs are pivotally mounted in a scissor-like relationship about an adjustable pivot axle, wherein an outermost end of the legs have cooperative first and second jaws having facing mirror image surfaces arranged to secure aluminum cans.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for grasping objects. It is particularly useful for grasping objects on the ground with the user in a standing position. The apparatus has particular utility in picking up animal droppings. it consists of two long arms with long, rigid handles and shorter, resilient shanks that cross and are pivotally connected to one another where they cross. Adjacent the pivot, each shank carries an object grasping head. When the heads are in engagement and the shanks are undeformed, the handles diverge so that the handles can be brought together to provide considerable force for grasping a thin-walled object such as a can, bag or the like. When the handles are brought together, they may be held in place using a loop of thong on one of the handles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a grapple tongs device for mounting to the three-point hitch of the type found on agricultural tractors. The apparatus of this invention comprises a three-point hitch mounting, a grapple boom extending from the hitch mounting, a grapple tongs device suspended from the outer end of the grapple boom, and means for orienting the grapple tongs. The means for orienting the grapple tongs preferably also is employed to open the grapple tongs, the tongs preferably being of the gravity-closing type.

Abstract: A device for handling railroad timber, including ties, bridge timbers, crossing planks, and bundles of ties and timbers, which comprises spaced-apart pivotally mounted gripping members or jaws for engaging longitudinally along the timber, actuating levers connected to the jaws, and a lifting harness for connecting the device to a lifting machine, such as a crane, wherein the lifting harness is connected to the actuating levers and when raised applies a force to the actuating levers and the gripping members to tightly engage the timber so it can be lifted, moved or repositioned.

Abstract: The invention is a tea bag or coffee bag squeezer that uses a pair of flat, opposed perforated plates in connection with a pair of pivotally mounted arms that pivot the plates together. The plates are of substantially flat construction and preferable made of perforated stainless steel.

Abstract: A game dragging device for attaching to a fallen game animal to thereby facilitate the dragging of the animal, the game dragging device including a pair of tongs for securing to the animal, the pair of tongs including a first tong member and a second tong member, each of the first and second tong members having a proximate end and a distal end, the first and second tong members being pivotally attached together at a point between the proximate and distal ends thereof, a pair of cables, one end of each of the pair of cables being attached to one each of the proximate ends of the first and second tong members, each of the distal ends of the first and second tong members preferably having a V-shaped edge portion provided thereon, each of the first and second tong members being at least partially S-shaped, a ring member encircling both of the pair of cables, the ring member being slidable along the pair of cables to a point adjacent the pair of tongs, and a pair of grips, one each of the pair of grips being attac

Abstract: A new and improved grabber apparatus includes first and second clamping arms having clamping fingers, a pivot for the clamping arms permitting them to move back and forth from a clamping to a non-clamping orientation, a spring for biasing the clamping arms in a closed orientation, a trigger for retaining the clamping arms in an open orientation, and idler bars connected to the clamping arms. A flexible cord is connected to the idler arms. A person, such as a hunter, who is in an elevated location, such as on a platform in a tree, can lower the grabber apparatus with the flexible cord using an unwinding and winding device. When the clamping arms are above and near an object to be clamped, they are lowered so that the trigger contacts a solid object near the object to be clamped, within the range of the clamping arms in the open position.

Abstract: A candle snuffing apparatus and method are disclosed in the form of tongs having wettable snuffing surfaces and means for wetting the snuffing surfaces. Operation of the tongs upon a candle flame extinguishes the flame and simultaneously cools the wick, preventing smoking of the wick.

Abstract: A clamp device for transferring a construction material capable of eliminating manual handling of the construction material prior to transferring of the construction material, leading to labor saving. First and second brackets are connected to each other through a joint and a second bracket is engaged with a clamp. The first bracket is suitably mounted on an arm of a civil engineering machine such as a hydraulic shovel and the second bracket is provided with guide slits, in which shafts or pins of the clamp are engagedly fitted.

Abstract: This apparatus is a tongs-like device for automatically loading and unloading containerized cargo, comprising two elongated member pivoted at a selected distance from the device's top with a pivot pin. Its lower portions are vertical to enable it to hold a containerized load in place. Its weight distribution between its upper and lower portions is such that its lower portions will separate automatically at touchdown. The inside surfaces of its lower portions may have teeth for securely grabbing onto the load. Extension springs may be added between upper and lower portions to aid in helping the device to automatically disengage the load. Horizontal hammerheads provided near its top receive all or most of the horizontal stresses imposed on the apparatus, reducing the amount of pressure against the sides of the containerized load. The apparatus is then modified using inflated pillows to include the rescue of personnel as well as for loads of various sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A device for picking-up and removing animal excrement and the like has a pair of elongated tong members pivotally connected together intermediate their ends. Each of the tong members have a loop handle portion at its rear end, an intermediate shank portion and a jaw portion at its front end. The device is used with or without a conventional plastic bag. The jaw portions of the tongs are inserted into the open end of the plastic bag and the jaw portions are then pivoted away from each until they contact the sides of the plastic bag. The end of the plastic bag is then pushed into the space between the jaw portions to form a chamber for receiving animal excrement. The front end of the jaw portions is then positioned over the animal excrement and the jaw portions are pivoted to a closed position in which the respective side walls of the top jaw member and the respective side walls of the bottom jaw portion are interlocked together so that the plastic bag can be captured between them.

Abstract: A device for the gathering and lifting of debris. A first blade disposed on a first pivot arm is pivotally connected to a second blade disposed on a second pivot arm. The blades are movable between an open position and a closed position. Each pivot arm includes a vertical lower extension, a middle elongated arm secured to the lower extension at a lower elbow, and an upper extension secured to the middle arm by an upper elbow. the upper elbow is grasped by the hand of the user, whereupon the upper extension will be located under and in contact with the forearm of the user. When the device is in its closed position, the rearward lower edges of the blades contact one another, while a gap is formed between the forward lower edges of the blades. The device is free standing when in the open position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auxiliary conveyance apparatus for conveying a body to be conveyed very easily in case of emergency including intermediate parts of a pair of arm members, each having a gripping portion and an operating lever on both the ends, respectively, being turnably pivoted, and the arm members being urged by elastic member so that the gripping portions are brought close to each other. An operating member is slidably attached to the operating levers, and the pair of the operating levers are opened and closed according to the distance from the gripping portions, and cooperatively with this closing and opening of the operating levers, the gripping force in the gripping portions is controlled.

Abstract: Tongs for handling food items upon a grill in which the food gripping plates of the tongs are displaced laterally as well as apart when open to enable the user of the tongs to see the food item as it is being gripped by the tongs. The tongs plates each include a pair of serrated teeth defining slots. The teeth formed by the slots engage the food item as the plates are positioned in a food-gripping orientation relative to one another to restrict movement of the food item relative to the tongs.

Abstract: This improved cable-scooping hook device is capable of automatically loading and unloading cargo, used for transporting suspended cargo. It comprises two relatively flat members, pivoted by a pin near their mid-section and weighted on top to help force its lower portions to separate when the cargo is lowered onto a platform and the hoist cable tension is reduced. Its lower mating ends or jaws are protected from high compressive stresses by inwardly protruding hammers. To prevent the hook device from tipping over upon touchdown, at least one swivable tubular support member staddles the device. For secure suspended cargo retention, its lower portions may have an integrated electromagnet producing lines of force when energized to keep its jaws engaged. The weights on top can be reduced using springs to counter the closing torque about the pivot pin, to enable the device's lower portions to disengage automatically.

Abstract: An apparatus including pivoted arms relatively movable together, including a first arm and a second arm and a pivot axle positioned to secure each arm in a cross pivoted configuration, wherein the first arm includes a first jaw and the second arm includes a second jaw, each formed with a resilient face. Each arm includes an upper respective first and second link, each pivoted rearwardly to each respective first and second arm and pivoted at their forward terminal ends relative to one another securing a support ring, with the support ring including support linkage mounting the arms to a lifting member. The arms include medial linkage, including a third and fourth link to align the linkage relative to one another, with the third link including an abutment flange to prevent over-centering of the third link relative to the fourth link. The jaws are formed with replaceable faces including a "C" shaped jaw support slidably receiving a support web mounted at a lower terminal end of each arm.

Abstract: An improved tong-type clamp is described which includes a cam pivotally attached to one of the clamping members. The cam is detachable so that the cam can be removed. Then the clamp can be opened to any desired extent (e.g., to allow the clamping jaw to be extended around an enlarged portion of an object to be clamped), after which the cam can be attached to the clamping member again.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a sheet of glass contemplates a first support element, having a flat, circular support surface with a diameter of between approximately 0.125 inch and 0.25 inch, and a second support element, having a sharp support edge. The support elements are themselves supported such that the first and second support elements are urged toward each other. By this arrangement, the flat support surface of the first support element is brough into contact with a first side of a sheet of glass, and the sharp support edge of the second support element is brough into contact with a second side of a sheet of glass. A pair of stop elements are provided on the support elements for limiting the movement of the first and second support elements, such that when the glass is heated, the sharp support edge will dig into the surface of the glass only to a predetermined depth of approximately between 0.005 inch and 0.020 inch.

Abstract: The device comprises a rod (20) on which is mounted a means (22, 24, 25) for the support and displacement of a work tool which is movable in an axial direction of the rod (20) and in two directions perpendicular to this axial direction. The tool comprises tongs consisting of two arms which are articulated together about a spindle fixed on the means (22, 24, 25) for support and displacement in a direction parallel to the axis of the rod (20). The tongs comprise end jaws which are capable of gripping a fuel rod. The gripping of the tongs is controlled remotely and the positioning of these tongs on a fuel rod to be removed is checked by means of a video camera (26).

Abstract: A pair of concentric cylindrical members are arranged for relative sliding movement with the lower end of the inner member being formed with outwardly projecting flexible blades. The blades are adapted to displace rubber guard elements covering a sink opening when the pair of members are received in a disposal unit, or in a sink opening without a disposal unit. The flexible blades are normally held against their outward projection when contained within the outer member, but upon sliding movement of the inner member axially relative to the outer member, will flex radially outward so as to maximumly displace the rubber guards. The resulting displacement establishes an improved unobstructed central passageway in communication with the disposal unit grinding hopper, whereby undesired foreign matter therein may be withdrawn with the use of elongated, slenderized tongs.

Abstract: This is a cable-scooping cargo hook device, pivoted near its center and weighted on top to help force its lower portions to automatically separate upon touchdown on a platform to discharge its load cable. By having the device sit on one of its jaws, the device can be made to avoid rescooping a discharged cable, in its simplest version. Also to assist in discharging its load cable are two inwardly protruding extensions with hammerheads, located above the pivot pin. These hammerheads have magnets of like polarity facing each other to produce a repulsive force and cause the device's jaws to open immediately when the hoist cables slacken, a feature to assist in the jaws straddling and scooping up a load cable. Also an electromagnet to perform the same function as the permanent magnets is described. Then a technique involving additional electromagnets enables the device not only to discharge a loaded cable while suspended, but also to improve its automatic loading ability.

Abstract: This invention deals with a portable lifter of the kind designed to fit around the balled earth and root system or bagged earth and root system of a shrub or a tree. The device of the instant invention is fabricated from light-weight metal such as aluminum or very light steel. It is believed by the inventor herein that this device is most useful in tree and shrub nurserys to allow the transportation of such trees and shrubs.

Abstract: An annular member received in a disposal unit displaces rubber guard members covering the sink opening while establishing an unobstructed central passageway in communication with the grinding hopper of the disposal unit. Lights supported on a lower portion of the annular member illuminate the interior of the disposal unit, which interior is accessed through the annular member central passageway by elongated and slenderized tongs for grasping and removing undesired foreign matter within the disposal unit.

Abstract: Food handling tongs include opposed upper and lower plates mounted for pivotal movement between opened and closed positions. The upper plate is provided with a plurality of circular apertures surrounded by upwardly facing frusto conical portions. The lower plate is provided with a plurality of similar apertures, each surrounded by downwardly facing frusto conical portions. In use, a grease or fat containing food, such as a hamburger patty, is pressed between the upper and lower plates, causing the fat and grease to be squeezed out of the food and be directed out through the apertures in the upper and lower plates. This reduces the fat contents of the food, providing a healthier diet. A pair of drip pan attachments may optionally be utilized with the upper and lower plates to collect the extracted fat and grease.

Abstract: A pallet puller apparatus has a pair of jaws which are pivotally connected in a scissors-like fashion, with one of the jaws moving between a pair of body sections of the second jaw. On the first end of each jaw is a clamp portion having a plurality of teeth extending a predetermined distance beyond the interior wall of the jaw. The teeth grasp the pallet when the first ends of the jaws are moved toward each other. On the second end of each jaw is a force applicator which includes a mounting pin for the second end of a jaw in an arcuate slot built into the body portion of the force applicator. The second jaw has a pair of body sections through which the pin in the slot passes. When the force applicator is pulled, the second end of the second jaw travels in the slot, causing the jaws to come together. The more force that is used to pull on the force applicator, the stronger the jaws grip the pallet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mooring device for more quickly, safely and securely mooring a boat to a stationary object. The device includes first and second opposed, inwardly curving arms forming a jaw portion and a handle portion extending from each of the arms. The arms are coupled by a fastener located adjacent the handle portions. A resilient member couples the arms intermediate the fastener and the other end of the jaw portion to hold the jaw portion in a normally closed position while yielding to allow the jaw portion to open when the handle portions are drawn together. A tie-line extends from the first arm, to the second arm, through the first handle portion and to the boat to be secured.

Abstract: A self-tightening clamp is described in which two clamping members are pivotally attached to each other intermediate their ends and include arms terminating in clamping jaws. An elongated pull bar having first and second ends is pivotally attached to one of the arms of the clamp. When the first end of the pull bar is pulled in an outward direction the second end of the pull bar is biased against one of the handles of the clamp to force the clamping jaws towards each other. The clamp may also include a cam on one of the arms for locking the jaws in a closed position. The clamp can be secured to a workpiece and pulled in any desired direction.

Abstract: Gripper, whose tongs are formed by two oscillating jaws, is distinguished by the fact that, on the one hand, these jaws are solid in rotation with two shafts rotating in bearings carried by a frame solid with the rod of a jack and, on the other hand, the rotation of this shaft is caused by the angular movement of a maneuvering part connecting each shaft to a stationary part.

Abstract: In this printing machine, which is of the type comprising a horizontal printing station and, in vertical alignment with the latter, an exchange station, there are two transfer arms which are disposed at 90.degree. relative to each other, one on each side of a rotation axis inclined at 45.degree. which is common to them, in a plane containing the latter, and which occupy alternately a vertical position at the exchange station and a horizontal position at the printing station, and the holding means equipping each of these transfer arms for grasping an object to be printed comprises at least one clamp the two branches of which are each provided at their free end with a jaw adapted to encircle at least partially, in conjunction with the jaw of the other one, an object of this kind.

Abstract: This tongslike device for automatically loading and unloading materials, such as dirt or soil, sand, gravel, vegetables, fruit and leaves and even containerized loads, comprises two elongated members, pivoted approximately midway with a pivot pin. The lower portions of the device are flared to enable it to hold more material or larger size containerized loads. Its weight distribution between its upper and lower portions is such that its lower portions will separate automatically at touch down. The ends of its lower portions or jaws may be serrated and sharpened to enable it to dig into the ground or other material for loading. In one version, the device is capable of scooping up a load cable automatically because of the shape of its jaws. The size and shape of its lower portions determine the material or size and shape of the load capable of being scooped up.

Abstract: A tool for lifting and carrying an automotive battery and the like consists of a pair of identical sheet metal stampings in the form of L-shaped levers, pivotally joined for scissor-like action and interconnected by a carrying strap. The levers are generally planar and include a plurality of gripping teeth in a convexly curved configuration at the inner confronting faces of the L-shaped ends to provide variable spacing of the opposed operative teeth. The strap is a semi-rigid plastic and biases the levers to a partly closed position.

Abstract: A completely enclosed filter housing capable of storing a plurality of filters therein and a combination cover and an extractor for the stored filters includes a housing and a form fitted cover to seal the housing. An extractor mechanism utilizing cooperating arms is affixed within the cover opening and extends above and below the cover into the housing where semi-adhesive resilient members disposed on one pair of distal ends comes in contact with the stored filters which are urged upwardly by a second resilient member. By applying pressure to the upwardly extending arms the filter is engaged by the semi-adhesive resilient member, and by removing the housing cover a single filter is removed.