Abstract: A shovel that has an upper container and a closed lid. The lid is hinged so that once a load of gravel has been dug, the lid can be closed, and the shovel brought to the surface with the load of gravel largely intact. The device has a typical shovel bed onto which side panels have been added. A lid, shaped to fit the shape of the shovel, is attached to the shovel by a hinge. A curved bracket holds a spring that also attached to the lid to ensure the lid closes tightly. The shovel has a handle, as is typical for the standard shovels. However, the invention includes a pivoting handle attached to the straight handle that has a small cable attached. The other end of the cable attaches to the lid. The pivoting handle is used to open and close the lid.

Abstract: An animal waste collection assembly includes a box that has a first half that is hingedly coupled to the second half. The first half is positioned in an open position and the box may collect animal waste. A pair of wheels is provided and each of the wheels is coupled to the box. Thus, the box may be rolled along a support surface. A handle is coupled to the box and the handle may be manipulated. An actuator is coupled to the handle and the actuator may be manipulated. The actuator is mechanically coupled to the first half such that the actuator selectively urges the first half into the open position wherein the second half is configured to receive animal waste.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mucking livestock enclosures and separating bedding material from animal waste are disclosed. Various embodiments are directed toward a mucking device having a scoop portion with a basket connected to a handle and a sliding lid that can be opened and closed by sliding a rotating sleeve along an inner shaft of the handle. The scoop of the mucking device can be inverted by rotating the inner shaft relative to the rotating sleeve, thus causing the basket to be disposed above the lid. Bedding material can be sifted out of the basket while retaining the animal waste. Once a desired amount of bedding material has been separated, the scoop can be opened by sliding the rotating sleeve along the inner shaft to open the lid and thus release the retained animal waste and residual bedding material. Other embodiments are directed toward methods for using the mucking device.