Abstract: The Cleaning Industry has long needed a tool like the Janitor Tweezers to pick-up and remove unsanitary items from Toilet Bowls, Urinals, Floors, etc. The design allow the user to quickly close and store the unit, taking up little or no space. It can be carried in pockets, on Vacuums Cleaners, Cleaning carts, Dust Mop Handles for the many daily Cleaning Duties performed. It eliminate the individual from putting their hands directly on unsanitary items. Helps to reduce stress and strain of the body by reducing total stooping, bending to pick-up items.

Abstract: The invention provides 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 sldidable 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: An apparatus is disclosed including a first device which includes a first stick having a first tip, a second device which includes a second stick having a second tip, and a third device which includes a first hollow tube in which a spring is located. The first and second devices may be connected to the third device so that the first and second sticks can pivot with respect to the third device. In a rest state, the spring causes the first stick to be separated from the second stick so that the first tip and the second tip do not contact each other. The first stick and the second stick can be pressed together into a compressed state, so that the first and second sticks pivot with respect to the third device, the spring is compressed by the first and second devices, and the first and second tips come into contact with each other.

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: The present invention describes a utensil for retrieving contents from a container.

Abstract: A barbecue tongs is provided wherein the arms are yieldingly outwardly biased. The tongs incorporate an arm pivot limiter for each of outward pivotal movement and inward pivotal movement as well as an arm lock that holds the arms in an almost fully jaws closed configuration for convenient storage. The tongs utilize a slidable U-shaped sleeve at the rear end which can have either one of two positions selected by a user. In one position, the arm lock is operational while in the second position the outward pivot limiter is operational.

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 wafer boat and boat handle are designed for automatic interlocking engagement and release upon manipulation by a user. The boat includes a side rail with a lip for engagement within a slot formed in the handle, and a handle cam activating contact surface for contacting a gripping block member of the handle. The handle includes at least one boat holding block with a boat lip holding slot therewithin. The handle also includes at least one boat gripping block that is rotatably engaged with the holding block, and which includes a frontwardly projecting rail gripping flange. When the boat lip is brought into the holding block slot, the gripping block rotates and the flange is brought over the top of the rail. The boat rail is thereby held between the slot and the flange of the handle, such that the boat may be lifted and moved.

Abstract: A masonry step lifter has a first and a second jaw. Each of the jaws has (a) a tong adapted to subjacently support the masonry step, and (b) an upper and a lower arm. The upper arms overlap to an adjustable extent, as do the lower arms. The lower arms are releasably interlockable. The first jaw has a support leg with a lower portion attached to the proximal end of the tong for the first jaw. The support leg has an upper portion attached to the arms of the first jaw. The upper portion is inwardly set back to provide over the tong of the first jaw clearance for other overhanging masonry steps. The arms of the first and the second jaw are sized to avoid overhanging the upper portion of the support leg. The jaws can straddle the masonry step before being brought together in order to insert the tongs under the masonry step, and lift the masonry step. Using the jaws, the masonry step is laid on one of the horizontal surfaces of a stepped foundation.

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 tool for gripping the rim of flowerpots, or objects having similar shapes, includes a gripping plate which can swivel 90° from a stowable position to a locked position for use when objects are to be picked up.

Abstract: A manually operated manhole cover lifter comprising two substantially linear members connected by a pivot in the form of scissors or tongs. The lower end of each member has a hook adapted for engaging a cover recess and the upper end has a handle for manual engagement. The hook angles are selected together with the pivot to hook distance to provide secure engagement of the cover when the hooks are inserted into cover apertures. The tool may be used by one or two people standing in an upright position to lift and move a cover from, or place a cover on, a manhole.

Abstract: A carrying device used by an individual to manually carry large panels of material in a vertical position. The carrying device includes an upper curved member that includes parallel first and second gripping members. Attached to the upper curved member is a hand grip. The upper curved member is aligned perpendicularly to the first and second gripping member and the first and second gripping members are sufficiently spaced apart so that when the upper curved member is placed over the upper horizontal edge or a vertical edge on a panel and an upper force is extended on the hand grip, the first and second gripping members rotate and bind against the panel so that the panel may be carried. An optional extension arm is provided that pivotally attaches to the handle so that the device may be used to lift panels when users are standing above and a distance from the panel.

Abstract: A barbecue tongs is provided wherein the arms are yieldingly outwardly biased. The tongs incorporate an arm pivot limiter for each of outward pivotal movement and inward pivotal movement as well as an arm lock that holds the arms in an almost fully jaws closed configuration for convenient storage. The tongs utilize a slidable U-shaped sleeve at the rear end which can have either one of two positions selected by a user. In one position, the arm lock is operational while in the second position the outward pivot limiter is operational.

Abstract: A positioning structure for grill tongs. The positioning structure includes a lever plate positioned over the intersection of the tong bodies that are capable of levering. Two tongs bodies are located on opposite sides of the connection portion and are formed with notches each at top and bottom sides. The grill tongs structure can move the lever, thus making two sides of lever plate capable of being fitted in the notches of the tong body ends so that the two tong bodies can operate. The lever plate can be put in a middle position so that two sides of the lever plate will be blocked by the middle portion of the tong body ends, making them unable to be opened.

Abstract: A disc handling tool includes a housing and first and second arms which are pivotally mounted to the housing in spaced relation to each other. A first gripper is located adjacent a distal end of the first arm. A second gripper is located adjacent a distal end of the second arm. The first and second grippers fit about a peripheral edge of an associated disc with the grippers being tangential to the peripheral edge of the associated disc. A locking member is provided for locking at least one of the first and second arms in one end position in relation to the housing.

Abstract: A guard for preventing the vandalism of the vault and vault door of a pay telephone, comprising a plurality of rigid segments. Each rigid segment includes an attachment end and a free end, defining a perpendicular distance therebetween. Each of the rigid segments is attached at its attachment end to the lower housing of the pay telephone immediately adjacent and substantially surrounding the vault door. In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of rigid segments comprise one integral rigid member. The guard changes the leverage point of the pry bar of a vandal so as to prohibit such vandal from forceably removing the vault door. The leverage point is changed from proximate the vault door to the free end of a rigid segment or integral rigid member.

Abstract: A disc handling tool includes a housing and first and second arms which are pivotally mounted to the housing in spaced relation to each other. A first gripper is located adjacent a distal end of the first arm. A second gripper is located adjacent a distal end of the second arm. The first and second grippers fit about a peripheral edge of an associated disc with the grippers being tangential to the peripheral edge of the associated disc. A locking member is provided for locking at least one of the first and second arms in one end position in relation to the housing.

Abstract: A barbecue tongs is provided wherein the arms are yieldingly outwardly biased. The tongs incorporate an arm pivot limiter for each of outward pivotal movement and inward pivotal movement as well as an arm lock that holds the arms in an almost fully jaws closed configuration for convenient storage. The tongs utilize a slidable U-shaped sleeve at the rear end which can have either one of two positions selected by a user. In one position, the arm lock is operational while in the second position the outward pivot limiter is operational.

Abstract: A hand tool for gripping and moving building materials includes a linkage having a grip at a first end. A plate having a gripping face is pivotally attached to a second end of the linkage. A generally U-shaped bracket is pivotally attached to the linkage adjacent to the plate and extends beyond the second end of the linkage so that a gripping face thereof is disposed generally opposite the plate gripping face. Upon inserting a building material between the plate and bracket gripping faces and lifting the linkage upwardly, the plate and bracket pivot so that the gripping faces firmly contact and grip opposite sides of the building material for transport.

Abstract: A battery carrier comprises a handle having first and second ends threadably receiving, respectively, first and second threaded ends of first and second threaded rod members, the first threaded end and the second reverse threaded end being in opposed relation and defining an axis whereby rotation of a connecting member controls the spacing of handle members and attached battery gripping members; each of the gripping members includes an inwardly extending flange having an equal dimension transverse to the axis and extending equally in opposite directions from the axis of the handle by a distance at least two times greater than the width of first and second plate members.

Abstract: A compact and convenient chopstick system includes a first elongate member having a proximal end and a distal food engagement end, the member further having an outer lateral surface and an inner lateral surface comprising engagement means at the distal end. At the proximal end of the inner surface is a male journal surface including a transverse pivot channel and a transverse rotation-limit surface, and a U-shaped channel within a distal side of the journal surface of the inner lateral surface. The utensil further includes a second elongate member having a proximal end and a distal food engagement end, the member further having an outer surface and an inner surface comprising engagement means at the distal end and a female journal surface, complemental to the male journal surface of the first elongate member, including a transverse pivot channel co-linear with the channel of the male surface, and a transverse rotation limit surface complemental to the rotational limit surface of the first elongate member.

Abstract: A device and method for gripping a handrail or other object having a top and a bottom surface. The device includes a handle for gripping by a user. A fixed member is coupled to the handle for engaging one of the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail, and a movable member is movably coupled to the handle for engaging the other of the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail. An actuator coupled to the handle controls the movement of the movable member, the actuator allowing for repositioning and locking of the device with respect to the handrail. When the device is locked with respect to the handrail the fixed member and movable member engage the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail such that a force tangential to the handrail can be applied to the handle without the device sliding on the handrail.

Abstract: A holding wrench includes a body having a first arm plate having a first end and a second end, and a second arm plate having a first end pivoted on the mediate portion of the first arm plate. A first holding assembly includes two first holding members each having a first end secured on the second end of the first arm plate and the second arm plate respectively, and a second end defining a snap recess. A second holding assembly includes two second holding members each having a threaded post selectively screwed into the first arm plate and the second arm plate respectively, thereby selectively securing the two second holding members to the first arm plate and the second arm plate respectively. The threaded post has a first end provided with an enlarged head, and a second end formed with an insertion stub.

Abstract: A barbecue tongs is provided wherein the arms are yieldingly outwardly biased. The tongs incorporate an arm pivot limiter for each of outward pivotal movement and inward pivotal movement as well as an arm lock that holds the arms in an almost fully jaws closed configuration for convenient storage. The tongs utilize a slidable U-shaped sleeve at the rear end which can have either one of two positions selected by a user. In one position, the arm lock is operational while in the second position the outward pivot limiter is operational.

Abstract: A hand hold connecting member having first and second ends threadably receiving respectively the first and second threaded and remove ends of the first and second threaded rod members, said first handle threaded end and said second handle reverse threaded end being in opposed relation whereby rotation of the connecting member controls the spacing of the handle members and attached grip members; each of said grip members including the inwardly extending flanges thereof having an equal dimension transverse to the axis and extending equally in opposite directions from the axis by a distance at least two times greater than the width of the first and second plate members whereby attachment of the carrier onto a rimmed battery enables positioning of the extending flanges underneath sections of a rim around the peripheral top of the battery.

Abstract: A lifting handle temporarily attaches to the water jacket of a plug-in liquid cooled IOT to facilitate installation, replacement, or removal of the IOT. The lifting handle includes two gripping surfaces that conform to the surface of the water jacket of a plug-in liquid cooled IOT. The gripping surfaces are hinged at their rear ends and clamped with a toggle clamp at the front ends. The gripping surfaces may be shaped to provide convenient handling during installation, replacement, or removal.

Abstract: A barbecue cooking tool with a pair of hand holdable implements. The implements are configured so as to be capable to firmly hold an entire rack of ribs therebetween during a barbecue grilling process without the ribs separating and falling apart. The tool also includes a clasping mechanism for holding the implements together about the ribs. In one embodiment, the implements of the barbecue cooking tool are separable from one another during normal use and include a first implement and an second implement. Both of the implements have spaced apart rods. The spaced apart rods of the first implement are connected by a connecting rod at one end and by a raised portion on the other end. The spaced rods of the second implement are connected by rounded portions at both ends thereof. The clasping mechanism includes one rounded end of the second implement inserted beneath the raised portion of the first implement.

Abstract: A grasping tool for a corner of a box or carton includes a pair of plates joined at a hinge element which is spring loaded to cause the plates to return to a rest position. A lever is fixed to each plate such that the levers may separate the plates about the hinge axis against the load of the spring of the hinge. Each plate includes tangs which will penetrate the outer skin of a carton to which the grasping tool is to be temporarily fixed.

Abstract: An exercise support bar is disclosed having two hand grips rotatably connected to opposing sides of a means for removably securing a dumbbell, wherein the dumbbell rotates freely between the two hand grips. By allowing the dumbbell to rotate, the dumbbell maintains a natural position, i.e., a vertical position, during an exercise session. The preferred means for removably securing a dumbbell is a support block having a channel passing from the top side of the support block to the bottom side and having an opening through a front side of the support block. A T-shaped channel door is pivotally connected to the support block as a means for removably locking the channel. The channel door pivots between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A cover lifting device with inwardly turned handles capable of forming a hand hold when engaged to manipulate and remove covers of various weights and sizes. The device comprises a pair of lever arms which are pivotally connected and having inwardly turned handles to form a hand hold when engaging and removing covers. The notched ends of the jaws of the device generally facilitate engaging covers that require unthreading before removing.

Abstract: A device for lifting a water bottle for easy lifting and transportation of a water bottle which is otherwise awkward to carry. The device for lifting a water bottle includes a pair of bars. Each of the bars is elongate and has a first end and a second end. Each of the bars has a generally planar side. The first ends of the bars are hingedly coupled together. The bars are positioned such that the planar side of the first of the bars is abuttable against the planar side of the second of the bars to define a closed position. Each of the planar sides has a depression therein. Each of the depressions is positioned generally midway between the first and second ends of the bars. The depressions each generally have a semi-circular shape. A circular bore is defined between the bars by the depressions when the bars are in the closed position. The circular bore is adapted to receive the neck of a water bottle.

Abstract: A convenient force saving pincer comprising at least a handle unit, a spring leaf, a clamping unit and two pivotal connecting units, wherein, the handle unit is formed from a spring leaf in a wave form with two ends thereof connected with the front ends of two grasping stems; the clamping unit is formed by pivotal connecting pivot ends of the two clamping stems provided pivotally each with a clamping sheet; the two pivotal connecting units are composed each of a receiving sleeve which pivotally connect with a slide sleeve. The receiving and the slide sleeves can be freely adjusted for positioning on the clamping stems and the grasping stems respectively.

Abstract: A lifting device for use in lifting round, square and rectangular objects such as manhole covers and castings and maintenance and road drains as well as irregularly shaped objects. The device includes pivotally connected arms operating in an opposed lever fashion. The upper end of each arm has a handle with hand grips for use by a pair of operators each standing on an opposite side of the object to be lifted. Gripping pads are articulated to the lower end of each arm such that lifting on the hand grips causes the gripping pads to be forced towards each other thereby clamping onto the object to be lifted. Increasing the lifting force increases the clamping force. The upper arms may alternatively or also include a hook or eye member for attachment to a cable or the like when an object is too heavy to be lifted by two operators. In this case a crane or boom truck is used to raise and move the object.

Abstract: Dual layered hand grip coverings made of synthetic rubber by ejection molding and a link universally applicable to all hand tools are disclosed. The inner coverings are made of a hard material, while the outer coverings are made of a soft materials. The inner coverings are clad in the outer coverings directly at the time ejection molding process is carried out. A link is provided for the hand tool with its one end hinged to the inner covering of one hand grip, and the other end hinged to the inner covering of the opposite hand grip so that the hand tool may be conveniently put aside when not in use. Moreover, the two coverings are formed of differently colored materials so that purposely exposed portions of the inner coverings exhibit a strong color contrast with the outer coverings and a distinct identification marking.

Abstract: A carrying assembly for carrying and/or transporting planar objects is disclosed. The carrying assembly includes a handle with a cross member, a support member and a support assembly which secures a planar object within the carrying assembly.

Abstract: A pair of food tongs (1) comprises two legs (2, 3) of the tongs each forming a gripper portion (21, 31) and a stalk portion (22, 32), which in the end portion of the stalk portions (22, 32) facing away from the gripper portion are pivotally mounted at each other so as to be relatively movable about a transverse axis (Q) in a stop-limited way and are spring-loaded in the opening sense of the gripper portions (21, 31). To obtain a pair of tongs which is functionally reliable, easy to clean and economic to produce, the two legs (2, 3) of the tongs made of plastics have meshing hinge flaps (4, 5) with bearing lugs (41) on the one hand and bearing pins (51) snapping into the bearing lugs (41) on the other hand, and at least at one leg (2) of the tongs in the vicinity of the stalk portion a spring tongue (6) is molded, which projects towards the other leg (3) of the tongs at an acute angle.

Abstract: Hairdressing tongs have a pair of arms extending from handles. Each arm has a heating pad affixed thereto. The handles have opposed openings. A central element is positioned between the handles and fitted within the openings such that the central element is slidable toward the handles. The central element has guide openings. Springs are positioned in the guide openings for biasing apart the handles. The springs enable hand pressure to move the handles and arms together from a completely open position to a completely closed position and, in absence of the hand pressure, to maintain the handles and arms in relatively parallel configuration, biased against stops of the central element.

Abstract: A pair of extension bars join together in forming a tubular clamp having a raised wall surface, with the extension bars having angularly adjustable stirrups through which the arms of the user pass in grasping onto a pair of handle members, with one extension bar having a spring actuated finger pull to latch onto the raised wall in closing the tubular clamp in coupling to a weight bar, or in separating the tubular clamp when proceeding to couple to a different weight bar. The distance from the handle member to the clamp affords a lever action to increase resistance range without increasing any weight being exercised with, as well as working muscle at lower ranges of motion.

Abstract: A tongs provides a set of opposing feet with pointed toes so as to securely grip unfired ware such as ceramic or clay pots and the like. Two feet on one side move in opposition to a single foot on the opposing side of the device and are drawn together by the biasing spring. An upwardly directed, hook like handle is used to hold and manipulate the tongs and to hang the tongs and greenware during drying.

Abstract: An adjustable handle cover for use on at least one of two handles of a hand tool relatively displaceable in a given direction to allow the two handles to accommodate a range of hand spans. The one handle has an outer surface facing away from the other handle, and the adjustable handle cover includes a first end, a second end, and outer peripheral surface between the two ends, and an elongated passageway extending eccentrically with respect to the peripheral surface into the cover from the first end toward the second end. The passageway is shaped to selectively receive the one handle in a first or a second orientation, and the peripheral surface is at a first distance from the outer surface when in the first orientation, and at a second distance from the outer surface when in the second orientation.

Abstract: A panel member carrier system for allowing a single person to easily transport one or more panel members. The inventive device includes a support member having a lower portion and an upper portion, an arm member adjustably attached to the upper portion, an engaging structure pivotally attached to the upper portion, and a lower handle pivotally attached to the lower portion and mechanically connected to the engaging structure by a connecting member. A piece of gripping is attached to the interior portion of the arm member facing the engaging structure for engaging the one or more panel members. The engaging structure includes a face plate, a brace attached to the face plate and a pair of pivot members pivotally attached between the brace and the upper portion. The connecting member is attached to the lower handle and the brace with a spring connected to the connecting member.

Abstract: A set of locking tongs comprising a first arm and a second arm each comprising a hinge end and a grasping end. Hinge members are provided for pivotably connecting the first and second arms together at the hinge ends, so that the arms can pivot between an open position and closed position. Spring members are included for biasing the arms in an open position. The locking member comprises a captured pin attached to the first arm and an aperture member attached to the second arm. The captured pin has a pin that moves under the effects of gravity within a contained range of motion, limited by a bracket. The second arm has an aperture located on a surface. When the tongs are held in an attitude such that gravity can act upon the pin, the pin will engage the aperture and prevent the tongs from opening. The outward force applied by the spring acts to retain the pin in its locked position through frictional forces thus resisting opening.

Abstract: Locking tongs (10) have an upper arm (12) and a lower arm (14) pivotally mounted to each other for grasping items, such as food. A pivot pin (24) extends through aligned openings (27) in side flange extensions (20, 22) of arms (12 and 14) to connect arms (12 and 14) for pivotal movement. Torsion spring (28) urges arms (12, 14) apart. A channel-shape slidable locking member (32) has side flanges (36) with transversely aligned slots (40) therein receiving pin (24). Hook (39) has a hook portion (42) which may be easily gripped for sliding movement of channel-shaped locking member (32) between a locked position of arms (12, 14) shown in FIG. 1 and an open position of arms (12,14) shown in FIG. 4. Hook (39) is also utilized for hanging tongs (10) in a vertical position from a wall or rack.

Abstract: A gripping tool for gripping a suspension assembly component of a disc drive includes a first planar gripping member connected to a second planar gripping member. The first and second planar gripping members each have respective first and second gripping surfaces that share common respective edges with respective first and second non-gripping surfaces. The first and second non-gripping surfaces having larger surface areas than the first and second gripping surfaces, respectively.

Abstract: A hand gripping apparatus useful for securely holding and moving objects that are difficult or unhandy to grasp, hold and move by hand. The apparatus has two hinged or pivotally moveable jaws with handles which when squeezed together by hand securely grasp a belt between the jaws. One end of the belt is connected to the apparatus, the other end is wrapped around the object and extending the belt through the jaws where it is held when the handles are pressed together.

Abstract: The invention provides tongs for manually grasping items having two elongate tong members pivotally joined together with a hinge pin. The tong members pivot between an open position and a closed position, each member having a forward grasping end, a hinged portion adjacent and projecting rearward of the hinge pin, and an inner channel extending forwardly and rearwardly from the hinge pin. A novel bow spring has two arms each sliding in the channels between a forward position engaging the channels forward of the hinge pin, and a rearward position engaging the channels in the hinged portion adjacent the hinge pin. The spring resiliently biases the tong members to the open position when the bow spring is in the forward position, and retains the tong members in the closed position when the bow spring is in the rearward position.

Abstract: The Tile Holder, Spacer, and Setter; and Table is an apparatus used for tiling floors. The apparatus holds tiles, spaces them adjacent tiles, and sets them to a consistent depth. The apparatus allows the user to stand erect without putting stress on their knees and back throughout. The invention also includes a table that is to be used along with the apparatus. The table makes adding adhesive to floor tiles easier and cleaner.

Abstract: An extraction tool for extracting a module that is detachably connected to a mounting substrate includes a fixed plate that is vertically supported over the module to be extracted. A movable plate is arranged below the fixed plate and a screw is inserted in central openings in each of the fixed and movable plates. A pair of vertically extending side panels are connected at one edge by a hinge to opposite sides of the movable plate. The opposite edge of the respective side panels are used to grip the module to be extracted. A spring biases the side panels inwardly. A rotatable handle is arranged above the fixed plate and is connected to the screw. Lateral rotation of the handle causes a corresponding axial rotation of the screw for moving the movable plate in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A handle for a SMIF pod having a handle member with two arms, connected by a crosspiece, and two attachment members, connected respectively to the free ends of the arms, that are attached to two existing handles on the side of a SMIF pod, and wherein the arms are arranged at an angle of about 20.degree. outwardly from the plane of the side of the SMIF pod, and at an angle in the range from 15-45.degree., preferably about 40.degree., upwardly from the plane of the attachment means, so that the handle member, which may be of plastic, can be gripped in such a way that a technician's wrists may be kept straight while lifting the pod and reorienting it during handling, and the handle is compatible for use with existing SMIF pods without requiring their modification.