Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for securely gripping objects or panels having cross sections, including heavy objects such as granite slabs to be used as counter tops, or lighter objects such as doors or windows, in order to facilitate lifting, moving, transporting, installing and/or storage thereof. A pair of jaws are provided between a rotatable turnbuckle and ratchet assembly which opens or closes the jaws around an object. The ratchet may be used to impart fine rotation to the turnbuckle in one direction to apply pressure to the jaws to firmly engage an object. Reversing the ratchet and rotating the turnbuckle in an opposite direction allows the object to be released. A handle on the ratchet facilitates lifting and moving the object gripped between the jaws.

Abstract: A system for feeding molten metal provided by a feeding component to a receiving component. The system comprises a launder circuit having an upstream end and a downstream end and a flow path fluidly connecting the upstream end to the downstream end, wherein the feeding component feeds the launder circuit with molten metal at the upstream end and the launder circuit feeds molten metal to the receiving component at the downstream end. The system also comprises a feed tilting mechanism located at the upstream end for tilting the feeding component between a holding angle for holding molten metal in the feeding component and a feeding angle for feeding molten metal to the launder circuit, a feeding scale for measuring weight of molten metal contained in the feeding component and generating weight signals accordingly; and a controller.

Abstract: A device and method for lifting a hollow bodied block includes an elongated body having a top end and a bottom end with a handle attached to the top end. A first arm rigidly extends from the elongated body in a substantially perpendicular direction and is configured to engage an inner surface of the block. A second arm is pivotally attached to the bottom end of the elongated body in a substantially opposite direction to that of the first arm. Upon exerting a lifting force on the handle of the lifter, the second arm rotates relative to the elongated body, forming a desired angle with the first arm and creating an outward force sufficient to grip and lift the block.

Abstract: A scoop with a spring action handle comprising a half spherical shaped bottom cup, a funnel shaped top lid having a broad base with a lip to fit over the flat mouth of the bottom cup and an opening at the narrow top end of the lid to dispense ground coffee scooped into the bottom cup. The spring action handle is comprised of an alligator clip front end attached to the bottom cup and the top lid, a pair of hand clasp structures that when flexed together with a single hand separates the bottom cup from the top lid so that ground coffee can be scooped into the bottom cup. When the hand clasp structures are released, the lip of the top lid, covers the mouth of the bottom cup to create a tight seal between the two sections to prevent spillage of the coffee.

Abstract: A carrying device for attaching to and aiding the carrying and placement of corrugated pipe. A handle is attached to a spine having a curved grip with raised surfaces attached to each opposing end of the spine. Each of the curved grips has an open portion facing each other configured to hold a corrugated pipe. Attachments may be attached to the carrying device. A perpendicular handle may be attached providing easier carrying. Stabilizing legs may be attached providing stability when placed on the ground. A telescoping handle may be attached providing remote attachment. Carrying large cumbersome corrugated pipe is made secure and easy.

Abstract: Right angle clamping pliers include a four-bar linkage clamping mechanism coupled to opposing pairs of clamping arms. Any of a variety of detachable clamping members can be attached to each clamping arm. Some clamping members orient the parts being joined. For example, right angle clamping members orient edges and curved C-shaped clamping members orient tubes, pipes and other cylindrical parts. Different types of clamping members can be used in a single configuration to accommodate a wide variety of parts to be joined.

Abstract: A device and system that can be used to assist actuation of a buckle release is disclosed. A device can include a first arm and a second arm joined by a U-shaped connecting portion. The device can also include a button contact feature. The device can be inserted over a buckle with the button contact feature over a buckle release button, and the device used to assist engagement of the buckle release button by a person operating the device. A system can include a device and various additional features or accessories.

Abstract: A pair of tongs, comprises: first and second arms, each arm having a gripping end and a pivot end. A hinge pivotably joins the first and second arms at the pivot ends thereof. A spring is coupled to each of the first and second arms, the spring being biased to urge the first and second arms apart, from a first, closed position, to a second, open, position. A releasable lock locks the first and second arms in the closed position, the releasable lock being operable by a single hand of a user.

Abstract: A light is disposed on a blade of a nail clipper and covered by a light housing. The housing is dimensioned and configured to the cutting edge of the blade of the nail clipper. The housing clears the cutting edge of the blade so as not to obstruct the cutting action of the blades in the clipper. Light emitted from the light housing is focused on a pet's nail intended to be cut due, in part, to the fact that the housing corresponds in shape to the cutting edge of the blade. The housing may be made of light diffusing material that also allows light to illuminate a pet's nail. The illuminated nail clipper allows a user to cut a pet's nail regardless of the position or angle of the nail and protects the users eyes from the direct exposure to the lighting source in the light housing.

Abstract: A latching removable can handle includes an elongated handle, a lower retainer structure to engage a lower rim of a can, and an upper attachment mechanism to releasably engage an upper rim of the can and including latch member mounting structure. The attachment mechanism includes a single latch member directly engaged with the mounting structure which and movable between a released position and a latched position. The attachment mechanism may include a lock member movable between an unlocked position and a locked position in which it retains the latch member in its latched position.

Abstract: Enhanced tongs are disclosed for holding and controlling a cooked or raw fruit or vegetable for peeling. The enhanced tongs include a pair of tong arms joined at a spring-biased pivot such that a gripping end of each tong arm faces a gripping end of the other tong arm. A set of gripping spikes located at the distal end of each tong arm projects inward towards the opposing set of gripping spikes. Each gripping spike can fully penetrate a fruit or vegetable without splitting the fruit or vegetable. The gripping spikes cooperate to hold a fruit or vegetable securely using a small portion of the fruit or vegetable so that the remaining majority of the fruit or vegetable surface can be peeled in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A pipe carrying device for effectively gripping and transporting a pipe between a pair of users. The pipe includes a pair of elongated rods extending along a rod axis and a bend defined by the rod extending downwardly away from the rod axis. The rods are pivotally coupled at an outboard hinge located at the bend. The hinge includes a hinge axis round which the rods are configured to pivot. Each rod further includes at least one associated hemispheric clamp, the clamps forming a cylinder when the device is in a gripping position. The cylinder has a clamp axis extending parallel to the hinge axis and perpendicular to the rod axis. The device is biased towards the gripping position via the upward rotation of the rods, urging the clamps towards each other for securely holding and carrying the pipe within the cylinder when oriented therein.

Abstract: A panel gripping and lifting device (100) having a clamping assembly (105) having a handle assembly (162) rotatably interrelated with a spaced apart opposing jaw assembly (107) by a cam assembly (149). Jaws of the opposing jaw assembly (107) have a planar jaw inner surface (116); when the spacing between the jaws is increased, the planar jaws are fitted on either side of a panel; when the spacing between the jaws is lessened the planar jaws contact surfaces of the panel exerting a gripping force against the panel. When gripping forces are exerted against the panel the handle assembly (162) enables the lifting and moving of the panel such as seated multipane window (220) window frame (200) having an outwardly extending nail fin (210) or a sheet metal panel. An alternative embodiment has opposing jaws rotating in the same plane and separated by jaw spacing.

Abstract: A PV panel carrier includes a plurality of elongate members joined by connecting members to form a frame. Each of the connecting members includes a support surface for supporting a portion of a PV panel thereon. Each of the connectors includes a fastening strap extending over the support surface, wherein at least two of the fastening straps are movable between an open position wherein they do not extend over the support surface and a closed position wherein they extend over the support surface to retain a PV panel in the carrier.

Abstract: A device for holding and carrying a vise includes a block, a handle rigidly coupled to the block, and an engagement element on the block which is configured to be engaged by a vise so as to form an engagement assembly, which in response to the vise being clamped onto the device, prevents the block from slipping from the vise.

Abstract: A handheld golf tee marker transport device including a handle with an adjustable grasping mechanism at the base is provided. The adjustable grasping mechanism can be used to lift and position a plurality of golf tee marker geometries. The device eliminates the need for a user to bend over to pick up a tee marker or to place a tee marker on a tee box.

Abstract: A tool for lifting and carrying wood of a two opposing pointed arm pivoted construction. A drive handle extends from one arm and an offset carrying handle extends from the other arm. Each arm has a curved free end portion terminating in a wood engagement point. The arms are pivoted together at their distal ends with an arm stop extending therebetween preventing the arms from closing completely. The arms respective end engagement points provide for opposing wood end engagement to grip and hold a single log or firewood piece securely therebetween for lifting and carrying until select release by the user.

Abstract: Tongs for manipulating shish-kebob on a barbeque grill, the tongs having two arms, the two arms being in parallel relationship at an insulated handle end which includes the pivot point at one end, the arms diverging at the opposing end of the handle end, to form two opposing spaced apart arms having kebob engaging ends, each end having an aperture there through, the apertures engaging the ends of the skewer, the tongs then being compressed so that the kebob engaging ends engage the outer food items on the skewer preventing their rotation so that the kebob may be either flipped for even cooking on the opposing side, or removed from the grill for consumption without endangering the fingers of the user.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a removable lifting and transporting pan handle that is used to lift and transport individual food pans, sometimes called chafing dishes or steam pans, as commonly used in restaurants. In performing these functions it does four things: it provides a sharp edge on the front of two lifting claws to wedge and slide between the food pan lip and the warming well to facilitate the food pan's removal from the well, it provides a mechanism to secure the food pan lid to the food pan to minimize food leakage and heat dissipation during transport, it provides a lifting/transporting handle that is clamped to the food pan for lifting and/or transporting the food pan and lid combination and it provides a mechanism for releasing the food pan and lid combination once transport is complete. It can be used on food pans that are full of food, partially full of food or empty.

Abstract: A pair of tongs having two arms including a pivotal engagement therebetween with a pin. Each arm includes a jaw displaced from the pivotal engagement. A locking sleeve includes a channel therethrough with opposed tracks to receive the pin. Stops limit movement of the locking sleeve on the arms. A closure at the end of the channel includes a cup engageable with the locking sleeve. The stop at the distal end of the channel includes an opening therethrough conterminous with the channel. Each arm also includes an outer profile curved inwardly toward the pivotal engagement across which the locking sleeve slides. The pivotal engagement includes oblong holes in the arms with a resilient element biasing the arms apart.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a tool for handling storage media in carriers, the tool comprising: a tool body; a first jaw to engage a first side of the storage media in carrier; a second jaw to engage a second opposed side of the storage media in carrier; wherein at least the second jaw is pivotally mounted on the main body so as to be movable between a first position in which the jaw is positioned so as to enable a disk drive in carrier to be freely moved into an engagement position with the tool and a second position in which the jaw engages the disk drive carrier so as to releasably lock the disk drive in carrier to the tool.

Abstract: A system and method for lifting heavy bags is presented. A heavy bag lifting apparatus includes a handle, a first grabber device, a second grabber device and a plurality of cross-member devices. Each of the first and second grabber devices has a plurality of pin structures. The first grabber device is pivotally connected to the second grabber device. The cross-member devices pivotally connect the first grabber device and second grabber device together. The plurality of cross-member devices are also pivotally connected to the handle. The first grabber device, the second grabber device and plurality of cross-member device are arranged so that pin structures on the first grabber device and the pin structures on the second grabber device are pushed together in proportion to an amount of weight being lifted by the heavy bag lifter apparatus.

Abstract: A lifting device for RC cars including a first support wire having an upper section, a first side section, and a second side section. A brace is medially disposed between a first bend and a second bend of each of the first and second side sections. An L-shaped support is disposed on each of the first and second side sections. The lifting device also includes a hinge medially disposed upon the upper section. An elongated hook and a second support wire are disposed on the hinge. A C-shaped loop is medially disposed upon the upper section. The device is configured to engage with and support the weight of one of each of a variety of differently shaped RC cars and RC car remote controls.

Abstract: A detachable handle for a child's sippy cup. The sippy cup includes a cup portion and a lid portion coupled to the cup portion. The lid portion includes a drinking spout having apertures. The detachable handle includes a ring portion that engages the lid and/or the cup portion, and a pair of grasping portions that extend axially and radially away from the ring portion. Hook portions are radially aligned with, and extend axially opposite the grasping portions, and are engageable with an upper surface of the lid portion. Moving the grasping portions radially inwardly causes the hook portions to move radially outwardly for disengagement from the upper surface and removal of the handle from the sippy cup.

Abstract: A system and method for lifting heavy bags is presented. A heavy bag lifting apparatus includes a handle, a first grabber device, a second grabber device and a plurality of cross-member devices. Each of the first and second grabber devices has a plurality of pin structures. The first grabber device is pivotally connected to the second grabber device. The cross-member devices pivotally connect the first grabber device and second grabber device together. The plurality of cross-member devices are also pivotally connected to the handle. The first grabber device, the second grabber device and plurality of cross-member device are arranged so that pin structures on the first grabber device and the pin structures on the second grabber device are pushed together in proportion to an amount of weight being lifted by the heavy bag lifter apparatus.

Abstract: A ladder carrying handle has first and second bodies, each having an elongated portion and first and second arm portions extending from the elongated portion. The first and second arm portions each has a first portion extending at an angle from the elongated portion and a second portion extending at an angle with respect to the first portion, and a hook portion extending from a distal end of the second portion. The first and second bodies extend through a handle.

Abstract: A lace tightening apparatus including a handle and a gripping platform. The gripping platform is adapted to travel up into the interior of the handle upon a compression force being applied thereto. An anvil is rigidly attached to the handle projecting downward from the underside. One or more springs are disposed within the interior, with the first end of the spring anchored to the handle within the interior and the second end connected to the gripping portion. A stylus is attached to the gripping portion having a post and an L-shaped portion including a lip. The lip is exposed outside of the anvil and projects downward away from the anvil. Therefore, when the compression force is applied to the gripping platform, the lip travels upward toward the bottom surface of the anvil such that a lace can be pinched between the lip and the bottom surface.

Abstract: A filter removing tool for aiding with removing an air filter from a housing, such as a furnace. The filter removing tool generally includes a pair of handles, each having a linkage portion extending therefrom. The respective linkage portions cross each other and are interconnected via a pivot pin so that the handles may be opened or closed. A first arm extends from the first linkage portion and a second arm extends from the second linkage portion, each of the arms including a gripping member, at their respective distal ends. Each gripping member includes an inwardly-extending flange which is adapted to grasp the outer frame of a filter to aid its removal from a housing.

Abstract: A merchandising grapple is disclosed for removing retail items such as beverage cans, bottles, boxes, and the like from shipping containers in groups and placing them in groups on display shelves within a retail establishment. The grapple has spaced features that receive and hold the items in groups of several items and may have a handle for gripping the grapple and a slip joint for adjusting a width of the grapple. A method includes stocking display shelves by removing items in groups from shipping containers and placing them in groups on display shelves.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of tongs are disclosed herein having a locking feature disposed upon an arm thereof.

Abstract: A manhole cover lifting device has an elongated member which extends a length between a first end and a second end. A handle is connected to the first end and a scraping hook is connected to the second end. An adjustable member slides along the elongated member between a first stop and a second stop. A carriage hook is adjustably connected to the adjustable member.

Abstract: Tongs including a pair of elongated arms coupled together to move between a generally compressed configuration and a generally expanded configuration. The tongs further include a locking mechanism having a frame, a lock member and a spring to bias the lock member away from the frame. The lock member being movably coupled to the frame to move between a first position in which the lock member allows movement of the arms to the expanded configuration and a second position in which the lock member prevents movement of the arms beyond an intermediate configuration between the expanded and compressed configurations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locking arrangement having a first wall defining a first surface and a second wall defining a second surface, with the first and second surfaces abutting each other; a mechanism for locking the first wall against the second wall; and a movable member. The first wall and the second wall are configured to define an enclosed channel for accommodating the movable member such that the movable member is slidable within the channel, and wherein the locking arrangement may assume one of two configurations, in that in one of the two configurations said walls are prevented from moving relative to each other by the movable member and in the other configuration said walls and hence the arms extended therefrom are movable relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a locking arrangement having a first member and a second member, each having a front end and a rear end and with the first member and the second member connected together at a first pivot axis, a front portion, a rear portion and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a lever and a guide. The arrangement is configured to assume one of two configurations in that in a first configuration the lever is engaged in a first position due to orientation of the arrangement such that the first arm and the second arm are locked against each other, or in a second configuration in which the lever having been disengaged from the first position, or engaging or engaged in the second position, due to orientation of the apparatus such that the first arm and the second arm are movable relative to each other.

Abstract: A merchandising grapple is disclosed for removing retail items such as beverage cans, bottles, boxes, and the like from shipping containers in groups and placing them in groups on display shelves within a retail establishment. The grapple has spaced features that receive and hold the items in groups of several items and may have a handle for gripping the grapple and a slip joint for adjusting a width of the grapple. A method includes stocking display shelves by removing items in groups from shipping containers and placing them in groups on display shelves.

Abstract: The manual lifting device has a first and second arms, pivotally connected to each other, each having a downward projection from a distal end thereof, extending generally vertically when in use. A handle is mounted on one of the arms, extending generally over the center of gravity of the device. Positioning the device so that the downward projections loosely contact edges of an object to be lifted, and then lifting the handle, causes the arms to pivot downwardly relative to each other, thereby causing the downward projections to rotate inwardly to grasp the object. Alternatively, there is a central handle, and the two arms pivot downwardly from opposite ends of the handle.

Abstract: Canvas stretching locking pliers having upper and lower lateral plates disposed on the jaws thereof with the upper lateral plate having a plurality of pointed prongs for crimping the canvas and the lower lateral plate having corresponding prong apertures for receiving the prongs and canvas therein. A fulcrum extension is provided on the lower lateral plate for placement against the stretcher bar wherein lowering the articulating arms of said locking pliers pulls the canvas in a regulated manner without overstretching.

Abstract: A cooking device is provided with a pair of length adjustable grilling tongs. One of the pair of tongs is pivotably mounted for outward and inward movement in relation to an opposing tong. The pivotably mounted tong includes an outwardly biasing spring for separating the opposing tongs. Each tong is slidably connected within a hollow channeled handle which allows a gripping end of the tongs to extend and retract in relation to the handles while remaining rigid. The pivotable movement of the handle and tong may be locked to allow a user to selectively close the tongs for storage.

Abstract: A pair of spring-biased pivoting levers is provided with a pair of flexible elastic grips. Each grip is contoured to conform to the surface of a jar and to elastically deform around a jar as a user squeezes the levers together. Each grip can be formed with an arcuate groove for receiving an annular rib commonly formed on canning jars.

Abstract: A holding apparatus has: a first sleeve having a first arm and a first handle; a second sleeve having a second arm and a second handle; a coupling element that couples together the first and second sleeves about an axis of rotation, with an overlap between the first and second arms upon sufficient rotation of the second sleeve about the axis of rotation towards a closed position of the holding apparatus; an adjustable receiving structure formed of inwardly oriented receiving surfaces of the first and second arms and configured to receive and retain an object upon sufficient rotation of the second sleeve about the axis of rotation towards the closed position; a quick release mechanism; and an adjustable sizing element configured to be in releasable engagement with the quick release mechanism that releasably maintains an adjustable size of the adjustable receiving structure.

Abstract: A gripping device for gripping sheet material. The gripping device comprises a frame structure and a first gripping member connected thereto. A second gripping member is rotatable mounted to the frame structure. The second gripping member is rotatable between an open position and a closed position for providing a gripping force acting on an object disposed between the first gripping member and the second gripping member. A disengaging mechanism is connected to the second gripping member for moving the second gripping member from the closed position to the open position by providing pushing action acting on the second gripping member.

Abstract: Kitchen tongs have two arms, each having a hinge end with a handle portion and a grasping end. A spring at pivotally joined hinge ends biases the grasping ends away from each other in open position. A support member on each arm intermediate the handle portion and the grasping end is located such that the weight between the hinge end and the support member is greater than the weight between the grasping end and the support member. The support members extend from the arms sufficiently to cause the grasping ends to be elevated above a horizontal planar support surface when the hinge ends and the support members are resting on the support surface so that the tongs may rest upon a planar support surface without contaminating the support surface or the grasping ends. A sliding element moves between two magnets for locking and unlocking tongs with one hand.

Abstract: A pair of tongs in combination with a basting apparatus and an optional sharpened edge that can be used as a knife for cutting into food to check for degree of cooking. Also a container for use as a holder of a tool, such as a pair of tongs with a basting apparatus, for applying a spreadable basting material (e.g., sauce) held in the container. The container provides a stable support of the tool, such as the pair of tongs, to prevent cross contamination of working surfaces and basting material on the basting apparatus, while at the same time providing a holder from which the tongs/baster efficiently can be retrieved for use.

Abstract: A tool for picking up and carrying cut fireplace logs comprises a somewhat stiff but flexible handle approximately equal in length to the length of the firewood logs and that has hooks replaceably attached to opposed ends of the handle, the hooks having a pointed end arranged to penetrate into the end surfaces of a log when a lifting force is applied to the handle.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a locking arrangement having a first wall defining a surface and a second wall defining a surface with the surfaces abutting each other. The first wall is provided with a first bulge defining a first elongate groove facing a first direction and the second wall is provided with a second bulge defining a second elongate groove facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the grooves are positioned to define a channel in which a ball bearing is movable there across. The first groove has a substantially same width there across and the second groove has a narrower end and a wider end, the locking arrangement is adapted to, depending on the orientation of the channel, assume a first configuration in which the ball bearing is positioned at one end of the channel or a second configuration in which the ball bearing is positioned at the opposite end of the channel.

Abstract: A hand held device is disclosed which may be manipulated with a single hand of the user to engage, transport and release a piece of sod. Curved sod penetration members are pivotally displaced to enter and to leave the piece of sod from opposing directions. This pivotal displacement of the curved penetration portions of the sod penetration members act to minimize any disturbance to the piece of sod which might damage the piece of sod. A dual handle arrangement provides of easy use of the device. An upper handle is utilized to place the device and for the device to engage the piece of sod while a lower handle is then utilized to transport the device with the piece of sod attached thereto with a shifting of hand position from the lower handle to the upper handle causing release of the piece of sod from the device.

Abstract: The food utensil is a scissor-like eating utensil that permits a user to retrieve snack foods from a container. The utensil comprises a pair of blades pivoted to each other. The blades have respective handles at one end and terminate with respective planar-configured forks at the other end. The dimensions of the blades, handles and forks are designed to enhance retrieval of snack foods from containers in a sanitary manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for manually transporting cartons or reels of goods include a support structure that includes a horizontal support member having first and second components, first and second vertical support members, and first and second bushings attached to the vertical support members for insertion into arbor holes in a reel or carton. Additionally, the apparatus includes a handle affixed to the support structure. In an alternate embodiment, one or more stabilization members prevent the carton from rotating as the contents of the carton are removed.

Abstract: A device for transporting an urn vault is provided comprising a pair of spaced, parallel A-shaped frames, each having a pair of frame members pivotally joined at their upper end. The apex of each frame is joined to the apex of the other frame by an upper connecting member, and the lower ends of each frame member are connected to the lower end of one of the frame members of the other frame by a lower connecting member. A notch engaging member is located on the lower end of each frame member to engage and be received in notches defined in the edges of opposed vertical surfaces of the urn vault. A tension spring is connected between the frame member of each frame intermediate their upper and lower ends to draw the lower ends of each frame member together.

Abstract: A food serving utensil is provided for grasping food. The utensil includes two concave, bowl-shaped members oriented relative to each other to define a cavity. The bowl-shaped members are rotatably coupled at a hinge to allow opening and closing of the cavity using a single hand. The hinge is preferably made of a resilient material and extends over the bowl-shaped members to provide a gripping surface for operation. A lock is provided to lock the bowl-shaped members in a partially closed position. The locked position enables the food serving utensil to be easily stored in limited spaces such as a kitchen drawer. The lock is also preferably designed such that utensil will not open inadvertently while stored. The lock is released by pushing the bowl-shaped members toward each other, preferably in a specific location on the bow-shaped members. A method for making the utensil is provided.