Abstract: A rod handling device includes a pivot rod, first clamp assembly pivotingly coupled to the pivot rod, a second clamp assembly pivotingly coupled to the pivot rod, and at least one locking assembly configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. While in the locked position the locking assembly prevents rotation between the first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly. The rod handling device also includes a biasing member coupled to the pivot rod, the biasing member being configured to urge the locking assembly toward the locked position.

Abstract: A clamp includes a pivot, a first lever, a second lever, and two stretched resilient members. The first and second levers are pivotally coupled to each other via the pivot. Each of the first and second levers includes a first handle and, a second handle arranged at opposite sides of the pivot. Each of the first and second levers includes a first jaw member arranged on a distal end of the second handle thereof and a second jaw member arranged on a distal end of the first handle. One of the stretched resilient members is interconnected between the first handle of the first lever and the second handle of the second lever, and the other of the stretched resilient member being interconnected between the second handle of the first lever and the first handle of the second lever.

Abstract: A tongs for manually grasping items has two elongate tong arms pivotally joined together with a pair of magnet members. The arms pivot between an open position when the magnet members are joined together and a closed position when the magnet members are separated. A user can easily break the connection of the magnet members and separate the two arms, making it easier to store and clean the tongs.

Abstract: Serving tongs that include handles are movable with respect to each other. The serving tongs include a cutting mechanism, a scooping mechanism, and a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A kitchen utensil includes a handle having a dipping utensil at one end and a gripping surface at a second end thereof. The dipping utensil includes a frame member defining an opening. A tong member is engaged to the handle and is rotatable with respect to the handle between open and closed positions. The tong includes an actuation lever at one end and a gripping surface on a second end, whereby the gripping surfaces of the handle and tong may cooperate to hold an item placed therebetween.

Abstract: An easy package lifting tool designed to allow a user to manually lift a package with one hand directly over the package's center of gravity that uses the weight of the package to exert inward directed forces by two gripping jaws on opposing sides of the package. The tool includes two pads pivotally attached to the distal ends of two main arms. The two main arms cross and are pivotally attached together vertically above the center axis of a line that extends between the two pads. Attached to the proximal end of the first main arm is a secondary arm. Pivotally attached to the proximal end of the second main arm is a lift arm. The distal end of the lift arm is pivotally attached to the secondary arm. Formed on the proximal end of the lift arm is a curved handle section. The location of the second pivot point between the secondary arm and the lift arm is offset from the first pivot point and the center axis of the two grippingpads.

Abstract: A paperboard lifting device can be mounted to a plate, support form, work surface or other member of a material conveyance system. When a sheet or web of material travels over the paperboard lifting device, it can provide a margin of elevation or lift to the sheet or web. The sheet or web can therefore be elevated above edges, holes, or other obstructions in the pathway that could jam or snag the delivery of the material.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for empowering a toddler or person with a disability to eat whole foods, such as sandwiches, pizza, waffles, burritos, etc. more efficiently than without the aid of the apparatus, which apparatus has two body units, each having surfaces capable of holding a food product between them, and a compression component operationally connected to the two body units that controls the amount of force exerted by the surfaces on the food product when the food product is between the surfaces, at least two handles on the device, which handles project from the body unit, and are adapted to be held by a pair of hands, and an area on each body unit, which permit compression of these areas to move apart the surfaces.

Abstract: Rain gutter and downspout cleaning tongs. The rain gutter cleaning tongs include a pair of arms, each having a distal portion and a proximal portion that are arranged at obtuse angles relative to each other. A gripping head is located at a distal end of the distal portion of each arm. The proximal arm portions are pivotally attached to each other and are spring loaded to bias their gripping surfaces away from each other. Optionally, a guide is attached to one of the arms for guiding the two arms relative to each other during operation.

Abstract: A reusable microplate kit for use in the life sciences industry includes a microplate and a removable lid. The microplate includes a sample area with a plurality of individual wells and a hollow outer frame formed around the sample area, the frame being shaped to include a plurality of openings in its top surface. The lid includes a plate, a plurality of latches formed on the underside of the plate and a compressible gasket affixed to the underside of the plate. In use, the lid is mounted on the microplate by inserting each latch through a corresponding opening until the latch snaps into engagement with the frame. In this manner, the plate and gasket together serve to seal off each well from the outside environment. The microplate kit additionally includes a tool for disengaging the lid from the microplate and thereby assist in their separation.

Abstract: A wheeled, fuel hose lift tool adapted to lift successive sections of a fuel hose to drain residual fuel from the hose as a user moves along the extended direction of the fuel hose. The tool includes a hose support wheel, an elongate, adjustable tube and a handle.

Abstract: A wire insertion tool for a push-in wire connector has a frame and a slide assembly mounted for reciprocating motion on the frame. The frame includes a carriage on which a push-in wire connector is mounted. The slide assembly carries a wire holder which mounts an electric wire opposite the wire connector. An actuator extends to advance the slide assembly and carry a wire in the holder in a direction parallel to the axis of the wire. Advancement of the wire holder inserts the wire into the connector. The wire holder is then released and the slide assembly is retracted to prepare for the next insertion cycle.

Abstract: A device composed of a handle together with a clamp system that incorporates to virtually any mobile table. Once it is firmly adapted to a mobile table, it will allow its operation by its handles, providing a good grip, improving control of the table and maneuverability. It allows transportation of standard mobile tables in an ergonomically correct posture.

Abstract: A pair of serving tongs (10) comprises two tong limbs (12, 14) which are connected to each other in a manner such that they can pivot relative to each other about a pivot axis (15) and are designed at their front ends (12a, 14a) for grasping food products, a spring (18) in order to prestress the tong limbs (12, 14) into an open position of the pair of serving tongs (10), and a locking mechanism (20) in order to lock the tong limbs (12, 14) counter to the prestress of the spring (18) in a closed position of the pair of serving tongs (10). In this case, the first tong limb (12) comprises an elongated hole (22) in which a locking pin (24) is moveably guided, and a locking cam (26) is provided on the second tong limb (14) and, in the locked closed position of the pair of serving tongs (10), comes into contact with the locking pin (24).

Abstract: A pair of tongs of the type used in the kitchen and elsewhere has hingedly connecting arms that are biased apart by a spring. The spring is releasably connected to one arm and abuts against the second arm. The arms and spring can be fully separated from each other to facilitate cleaning and reassembly.

Abstract: A lifting device (102) inc1uding a handle (16) and at least two pivotably connected frame members (104) adapted to pivot between a first, open, configuration (02) and a second, closed, configuration (03), wherein at least a portion of inner walls of the at least two frame members (104) form a gripping surface, which gripping surface is adapted to lie substantially parallel with side walls of an article to be lifted (01) when in the second, closed, configuration (03).

Abstract: Food service tongs and a mold and method for making them, the tongs having first and second arms connected to a fulcrum end, and first and second grasping ends on the arms disposed in a mutually opposing and spaced-apart relationship and moveable in a common plane to a closed position for grasping food there between, and a transverse bridge disposed proximate to the fulcrum end and extending from the first arm to the second arm, with a longitudinal rib extending from the transverse bridge to the fulcrum end, the flow path through the longitudinal rib section of the mold resulting in reduction or displacement of fault lines caused by abutting flow fronts during mold filling. Articles of the invention can be coated with a thin metallic layer to impart a metal-like appearance to these articles.

Abstract: Illuminated tongs include a pair of arm members joined together at a hinged end for relative moment to grasp an object such as a translucent confectionary item. A battery compartment is connected to at least one of the arm members, and a spring is mounted in the battery compartment to bias the tongs to an open position. A light source is hidden within one of the arm members adjacent the grasping end. A switch member, associated with the battery compartment, is automatically closed when the grasping end is moved to grasp a confectionary member whereby light will glow from the interior of the confectionary member.

Abstract: A tong unit is used to grasp plants located in a pond. The tong unit includes two crossed arms each of which has an arcuate plant pot engaging portion on a distal end, a hand grip near a proximal end, an forearm rest near the hand grip and an elbow pad on the distal end. The crossed arms are manipulated in the manner of tongs to grasp and release curved plant pots.

Abstract: Tongs for handling food. The tongs comprise a pair of tong members pivotally connected together and biased away from each other to define an opening angle therebetween. The tongs also comprise an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the opening angle to a desired opening angle in a range of opening angles. The adjustment mechanism may comprise a manually operable actuator rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the tongs for adjusting the opening angle to a desired opening angle in the range of opening angles. Each of the tong members comprises a handle portion and a food-handling portion. The food-handling portion of each of the tong members may have a removable element.

Abstract: A pair of locking kitchen tongs for use in handling food items and the like is disclosed. The tongs have a pair of rigid steel arms each having a workpiece engaging or grasping end, a body portion and a pivot end from which the arms are pivotally connected together. The grasping ends are preferably scalloped along one edge, for handling relatively large items, and serrated (i.e., fine-toothed) along another edge, for handling of smaller or fine items. A bulbous, tear-shaped body made from a rigid, non-metal material encapsulates the pivot ends of the two arms as they are pivotally connected together to permit movement between an open position and a closed position. Also within and coupled to the encapsulating body is a sliding locking plate. The locking plate has a body defining a slot which allows the locking plate to slide between a locked position, maintaining the arms in their closed position, and an unlocked position, allowing them free pivoting movement.

Abstract: A sewer hose support handle provides for easy storage and manual transport of a standard foldable sewer hose support as are popular among recreational vehicle owners. The flexible handle is formed from plastic and includes a biased longitudinal member having parallel ends. Each of the handle ends includes a flange which can be positioned below the terminal sections of the sewer hose support. A grip affixed to the longitudinal member allows the combination sewer hose support and handle to be easily lifted and carried.

Abstract: Tongs for handling food. The tongs comprise a pair of tong members pivotally connected together and biased away from each other to define an opening angle therebetween. The tongs also comprise an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the opening angle to a desired opening angle in a range of opening angles. The adjustment mechanism may comprise a manually operable actuator rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the tongs for adjusting the opening angle to a desired opening angle in the range of opening angles. Each of the tong members comprises a handle portion and a food-handling portion. The food-handling portion of each of the tong members may have a removable element.

Abstract: A silicone coated kitchen tong, which can be used as either a cooking utensil, mixing tool, or food service tool, is disclosed. There is disclosed herein an improved kitchen utensil, such as tongs, comprising a first arm and a second arm, each arm comprising a grasping end, a body, and a pivot end, wherein the first and second arms are pivotally connected to one another at their respective pivot ends, the grasping end of each arm comprising a head made of a flexible core material and at least a substantial portion of the head being covered by a flexible outer material.

Abstract: A pair of serving tongs (10) comprises two tong limbs (12, 14) which are connected to each other in a manner such that they can pivot relative to each other about a pivot axis (15) and are designed at their front ends (12a, 14a) for grasping food products, a spring (18) in order to prestress the tong limbs (12, 14) into an open position of the pair of serving tongs (10), and a locking mechanism (20) in order to lock the tong limbs (12, 14) counter to the prestress of the spring (18) in a closed position of the pair of serving tongs (10). In this case, the first tong limb (12) comprises an elongated hole (22) in which a locking pin (24) is moveably guided, and a locking cam (26) is provided on the second tong limb (14) and, in the locked closed position of the pair of serving tongs (10), comes into contact with the locking pin (24).

Abstract: A locking utensil is provided. The utensil has a pair of pivoting spring-loaded arms each having a forward functional end and a rear attachment end. The utensil includes a locking assembly, featuring an eccentrically shaped cam disposed in a channel between the arms. One side of the cam has a projecting shoulder dimensioned to frictionally engage an inside surface of the channel when the shoulder side of the cam is rocked into contact with the inside surface. The cam can releasably retain the arms closed to lock them. An actuator tab that extends out of the channel is used to rock the cam into and out of locking engagement.

Abstract: Lockable tongs are provided having a pair of elongate tong members joined at a hinge point for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position for grasping an item, each elongate member defining a U-shaped channel comprising a forward portion and a rearward portion projecting in opposite directions from the hinge point and a locking mechanism, disposed for rotation about a longitudinal axis extending between the elongate members and configured to rotate between an unlocking position and a locking position which releasably locks the elongate members in the closed position, the locking mechanism being disposed within the U-shaped channel between the rearward portions of the elongate members.

Abstract: A first tong member includes a first 4-joint linkage, in which both pairs of opposite rods are substantially equal, in length, to each other; a second tong member likewise includes a second 4-joint linkage, in which both pairs of opposite rods are substantially equal; and the first and second linkages have one of the foregoing rods in common. The first linkage has a first arm extended from the rod opposite to the common rod, and the second linkage likewise has a second arm extended from the rod opposite to the common rod, so that when respective actuating tails of the first and second tong members are operated in an arcuate manner, an opening width in the article-seizing area is configured to be capable of being adjusted, while the first and second extended arms in a substantially parallel relationship with each other maintain a substantially constant distance defined in between.

Abstract: A wing holder is described that includes a pair of arms that are connected by a joint. The joint provides a flexible hinge for the movement of the arms between a first and second position for the seizing and engagement of appetizers, hors d'oeuvres, and other courses that include food pieces such as chicken wings and ribs. Jaws are positioned on the distal ends of the arms that include a distal first row of teeth and a second proximal row of teeth. The distal first row of teeth defines a notch for the retention of the food pieces during the eating process. The second row of teeth also engages and assists in the retention of the food pieces in the wing holder.

Abstract: A tool is provided for minimizing operator bending while lifting an elongated circular object, such as pipe. With one hand, the operator manipulates a slidable pin while grasping the tool handle. The slidable pin allows pivotable second grapple to move outward from the tool for positioning about the object, and, once the object encounters a trigger, to return the pivotable grapple toward the tool and secure the grapple in a position across from the first grapple, the first and second grapples being shaped to closely receive the object and hold the object between the grapples. A biasing element forces the slidable pin toward the pivotable grapple, the grapple being configured to receive the pin and be held in a position opposite the first grapple.

Abstract: Adjustable tongs include a slidably movable adjustment plate with a plurality of spaced notches that act in cooperation with a tab at the proximal end of the tong arm to selectively limit the spacing between the tong jaws. The notches are longitudinally spaced along the outer edges of the adjustment plate and become progressively deeper from one end of the plate to the other. An elongated longitudinal slot in the plate engages the pivot pin connecting the pair of arms which allows longitudinal movement of the plate to one of a number of selected positions where the tabs of the tong arms engage one of the sets of laterally aligned notches. Engagement of the tab with a selected one of the sets of notches allows a corresponding selected spacing between the jaws. The deeper the notch, the greater the allowed spacing between the jaws.

Abstract: The CST is ergonomically designed to facilitate in the cooking, handling, and serving of hot and cold food. It's created for simplifying the procedure of cooking and serving all in one element. The top part of the tongs has a rectangular curved-in spoon structure (24) on one side and a wide curved-in fork structure (26) on the other. The tongs consist of a comfortable, applicable handle (22) that is made of stainless steel, with an elongated oval shaped grip (34) nearly half way toward the middle wrapped around the handle (22) with a silver or gold ring (36) at the top and bottom of the grip (34). The grip (34) comes in all different colors including, gold, silver, ivory or pearl. The handle (22) toward the bottom is U-shaped. The head (38), handle (40), and the oval shaped grip (42) are also shaped into one element with the right and left side of the grip (42) extending outwardly. The entire tongs are made of stainless steel, rubber, plastic, carbon, or silicone.

Abstract: An adjustable carrying device (12) includes a pair of gripping members (14, 16) in a slip joint pivot connection having a handle assembly (36) and gripping plates (20a, 20b) for grasping and handling an object. A pivotally activated/deactivated locking mechanism includes a plurality of evenly spaced teeth (66) within a guide track (54) and a cross member (76) biased between lock and unlock positions by a pair of torsion springs (74a, 74b). A pair of levers (22a, 22b) moved in unison by handle assembly (36) activate and deactivate the locking mechanism. While in unlock position a pair of coil tension springs (84) assist in the single handed adjustment of the gripping plates against the object's opposed surfaces. A subsequent upward pivotal motion of handle assembly (36) activates the locking mechanism, forcing gripping plates (20a, 20b) towards each other, firmly gripping the object prior to its lift.

Abstract: An adjustable clamping tong including a moveable pivoting clamping plate mechanism; a fixed clamping plate mechanism; and a guide mechanism for guiding the moveable pivoting clamping plate mechanism at a distal end of the guide mechanism and for fixing the fixed clamping plate mechanism at a proximal end of the guide mechanism, wherein the moveable pivoting clamping plate mechanism moves co-axially along the guide mechanism and pivots in multiple directions relative to the guide mechanism. An adjustable clamping tong including a pivoting clamping plate mechanism; a fixed clamping plate mechanism; and a spacing mechanism for spacing the pivoting clamping plate mechanism at a distal end of the spacing mechanism from the fixed clamping plate mechanism at a proximal end of the spacing mechanism, wherein the spacing mechanism includes an adjusting mechanism and the pivoting clamping plate mechanism axially pivots along the spacing mechanism.

Abstract: A device for use in lifting an air conditioning compressor from an air conditioning unit for servicing or replacement of the compressor. The lifting device is also useful for setting a replacement compressor back into place in an air conditioning unit. It simplifies the task of lifting the compressor by allowing the lifting to be performed at a height that reduces risk of bodily injury and thereby allows the task to be more easily performed. The device is usable by either a single person or by two people if the weight of the particular compressor calls for two people.

Abstract: A gripping device for handling heavy, dense articles made from organic materials formed into bricks, fired at high temperatures in kilns and for movement of the bricks from a storage area to a location for installation in a driveway, roadway, or the like to endure the wear and tear of pedestrian and vehicular traffic that moves thereover. The gripping device includes a base member, an associated telescopic member and a handle operable to clasp together a vertical row of stacked bricks into a secure assembly and thereafter maintain the assembly in a locked position as a worker carries the assembly from a storage area to a place of installation. The device includes a release mechanism operable to quickly disengage the stacked bricks at any desired location on a work site.

Abstract: An adjustable spanner wrench for various spanner head work piece having different size holes where various spanner driver element are able to be stored on the arms of the wrench itself, instead of being stored somewhere else in a separate container where they can be easily lost or misplaced.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a pastry item, includes a container member for at least partially containing a pastry item, e.g., a cookie. The container member is dimensioned and configured for insertion into a vessel containing a liquid therein. The container member includes at least one support surface and has at least one aperture extending through the one support surface, whereupon at least partial insertion of the container member within the vessel, the liquid passes through the one aperture to contact the pastry item contained therein. The apparatus may also include a handle member depending from the container member. The handle member is dimensioned for grasping engagement by the user to facilitate insertion and manipulation of the container member within the vessel.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tongs having a first tong member that includes a grasping end and a hinge end, and a second tong member that includes a grasping end and a hinge end. The first and the second tong members are pivotally connected to one another by a first pin at their hinge ends. A cam is slidably disposed between the first and the second tong member hinge ends. The cam includes a first transverse slot and a second transverse slot having a plurality of incremental and adjacent support surfaces. The first pin extends through the first transverse slot and limits the slidable movement of the cam. A second pin is attached to the second tong member hinge end and extends through the second transverse slot and is adapted to rest against the plurality of incremental support surfaces.

Abstract: A device for the lifting and positioning of a turkey or other food products such as roast, or ham, which is adapted to easily and safely lift the food product to and from a conventional cooking pot. The device generally comprises first and second clamping elements which are interconnected via a disengagable hinge in order to provide a clamping action to the food product being lifted. The disengagable hinge provides enhanced utility by allowing for individual placement of each of the first and second clamping mechanisms around the sides of the food product as well as for the relatively dense storage of the device when not in use. A novel handle is also disclosed that is ergonomically designed to enable transferring of the squeezing action of the hands of a user to the clamping action of the first and second clamping elements.

Abstract: A lifting device includes a pair of gripping jaws pivotally coupled together at one end with a pivot axle, to allow the gripping jaws to be rotated relative to each other, two locking members secured to the gripping jaws respectively, and a latching device for latching the locking members together, to secure the gripping jaws together at selected angular positions. The gripping jaws each may include two or more arms each having a prong or a bar for engaging with and for lifting objects. One of the locking members includes a finger having a number of teeth, and the other latching device includes a pivotal latch to selectively latch the locking members together.

Abstract: A stake removal tool, in one embodiment, includes a link bar (105, 405), a first handle (110, 410) and a second handle (120, 420) coupled to the link bar, a first gripper (130) attached to the first handle, and a second gripper (140) attached to the second handle. Each of the first and second grippers comprise a first surface (231, 241) and a second surface (232, 242) spaced apart by a circumferential face (233, 243), and at least one circumferential ridge (234, 244) protruding from and extending circumferentially along at least a portion of the circumferential face. The at least one circumferential ridge is substantially parallel to the first and second surfaces. In another embodiment, the first and second handles include integral gripping surfaces (539, 549).

Abstract: A lighted barbecue tong allowing a person who is grilling outdoors to see at night comprising a tongs having an elongated handle portion comprising interconnected rolled steel arms and heat proof grips mounted on the arms. Each arm ends in a flared scalloped end and a switch activated flashlight is mounted in a clip assembly mounted on the elongated handle portion of the barbecue tong.

Abstract: A low cost manual container lifting and placement unit operable by two people is disclosed which allows clamping, lifting and release of containers in a simple manner. The unit is made in two clamp jaw halves and each is connected to a rod that extends out to form handles on each side. The halves are connected by linking plates which allow rotation between the two halves causing the clamp halves to converge to grip a container of interest and diverge to release the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a firm grip to the lip of a fish includes a pair of pincers. The device has two handles each comprised of at least one ring to which digits may be inserted. One of the two handles has a ring that may rotate about a pivot point. The device has a locking mechanism that allows it to be held in a closed position.

Abstract: A lift as a personal tool used manually to lift portions of a fuel hose successively, equipped to slide along the fuel hose as a user walks erect as the user moves along the fuel hose progressively causing residual fuel in the fuel hose to drain out the hose distal end, away from the fuel truck. The lift includes a handle adapted for grasping by its user separated from a fuel hose support by a bar depending from the handle forming a C-shape with an open portion opposite the bar and a trough opposite the handle. A roller disposed to roll on the hose support has a radially extending flange on each roller end maintaining the fuel hose central on the roller. In use, the user walks in erect posture from the truck along the fuel hose with the lift hanging from the user's downwardly extending arm. As the hose leads to the ground and before the hose reaches the ground, the hose moves into the lift trough engaging the hose at a hose engagement level several inches above the ground.

Abstract: Tongs for operations with one hand have a pair of arms hinged at one end. A spring biases the second, grasping ends apart. When the arms are closed, magnetic elements on the inner aspects of the arms together to hold the arms closed and locked. To unlock the arms without the use of another hand or other accessories, a finger or thumb of the holding hand is inserted between the arms, forcing the magnetic elements apart enough to release their hold. A mechanism is provided for inactivating the magnetic lock mechanism when desired.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for gripping and pulling an archery arrow shaft without damage to the arrow from a target or other object in which the arrow is partially embedded. The apparatus uses gripping pads and levers to grip and to pull the shaft of the arrow from the target or other object.

Abstract: A device for gripping a hose includes an annular collar having an inner diameter large enough to slidably receive the hose there through and first and second gripping members pivotally mounted at diametrically opposite positions on the collar. Each of the gripping members has an elongate leg portion and a perpendicularly oriented foot portion pivotally mounted to the collar. The lower surfaces of the foot portions have ripples with crests spaced a distance apart equal to the spacings between adjacent ridges of the spiral on the hose to be retained.

Abstract: A device for maneuvering cylinders having first and second semi-circular lifting members hingedly connected to one another by first and second hinge members. The lifting members are urged toward one another and the cylinder to frictionally secure the lifting members against the cylinder for maneuvering of the cylinder. First and second free ends of the first lifting member are maintained in a spaced apart relationship relative to first and second free ends of the second lifting member corresponding to a desired gap distance, and the first and second hinge members of each lifting member each define a hinge point located a desired hinge distance vertically spaced from free edges of each of the lifting members, such that the ratio of the gap distance to the hinge distance is at least about 1.25.