Abstract: A closed back shovel is fabricated by placing a frog within a back-side cavity of a standard open back shovel head. The frog is configured to fill the back-side cavity of the shovel blade. A tang element interconnects the frog and a forward end of a tool handle positioned within a tool receiving socket of the blade, within a handle receiving socket, to secure the tool handle to the shovel head. A process for assembling a closed back shovel includes the steps of securing the tang element to the frog, heating the tang element and placing the frog within the back-side cavity of the shovel blade so that the tang element extends into the handle receiving socket, and aligning a tool handle with the tang element by inserting the handle front end into the handle receiving socket. The tool handle includes a thermoplastic section in proximity into the front end thereof, having an elongate tang receiving channel.

Abstract: A shovel device is arranged to include a shovel blade having first and second ends, including a concave front wall coextensive with a convex rear wall, with spaced parallel ribs extending in a parallel relationship parallel to themselves and to the side walls of the shovel blade, with a mesh screen positioned over the ribs permitting sifting of soil enhancing its aeration during a shoveling procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compost processing tool having a blade at one end thereof suitable for chopping, cutting and turning compost. The tool also includes a hollow shaft extending from the blade with the shaft having a host of openings through a wall of the shaft with the holes spaced in the length of the shaft. This hollow shaft may be used to provide a lever for the blade used during chopping, cutting and turning of the compost and the shaft also serves as a breather tube when placed in a volume of compost with the shaft partially buried in the compost.

Abstract: This peel is made from metal for ease in cleaning and has a wooden handle to provide heat insulation for the user. The peel has a wedge shaped groove extending from one edge through its center formed into its surface. The maximum depth of the groove is at the peel edge and tapers to the peel plane on the opposite end. One end of the wooden handle is sized and shaped to fit within this wedge shaped groove. The groove increases the strength of the plate and also engages and reinforces the handle. The streamlined shape of the wedge makes it easy to insert or remove the peel from under pans or bakery products. The peel has a linear U-shaped integral extension from the groove which partially encloses the handle. This extension provides additional rigidity for the peel and support for the handle. Integral concave shaped fillets from opposite sides of the extension to the plate which lie in the plane of the plate provide further strength for the extension attachment.

Abstract: An implement handle includes an axially elongated core member having a varying cross-sectional outer dimension, and an outer polymeric shell having axially-oriented substantially-continuous strength members, the outer shell enclosing and being bonded to the core and of substantially uniform thickness. The handle may include a wood core and a bendable portion integral with the shell, the bendable portion being adapted to fit within a handle socket of a tool.

Abstract: A pair of hand held scoops are provided for gathering loose material such as leaves, grass cuttings or the like. The scoops are identical in construction and have hand holders whereby the scoops may be used to compress a load of the material between the scoops to be carried to a discharge station. The hand holders may be in the shape of hand receiving pockets which are provided with thumb openings at opposed sides in order that each scoop may be used interchangeably for the left or right hand of the user. Each scoop is constructed of a rigid plate-like member of plastic or the like having at least one straight side which may be employed to the ground in the scoop and gathering operation. Desirably, the scoop may be a rectangular form with the hand holder oriented diagonally to present a straight bottom side toward the ground for efficiency in gathering the loose material and when used alternately between a left hand and right hand different bottom sides are presented to reduce wear.

Abstract: A one-piece leveling device for smoothing and leveling granular materials comprising a rigid flat elongated body having upper and lower portions, each a predetermined configuration, aperture means located in the upper portion of the body for aid in gripping the device by hand, and a plurality of spaced-apart conically-shaped finger elements of a predetermined configuration formed into the lower portion of the body, said finger elements defining a plurality of spaces located between each finger element such that the shape of the spaces is substantially the same as the inverted shape of the finger elements, whereby in use the finger elements extend into the surface of the granular material and, when moved in a forward or backward direction, smooth and level any irregularities in the surface thereof.

Abstract: A manual implement comprises of a handle which incorporates a lever shaft in one portion and a torque and lever shaft in another, and a novel integral blade, blade support and handle socket. The implement presents a twice offset but linear line of mechanical forces which allows the user to loosen, excavate and relocate a load of material without the concomitant hard physical exertion normally necessary to accomplish these steps by efficiently translating a minimum amount of force and action by the user into effective mechanical force and action by the implement.

Abstract: An earth splitting tool comprised of a central shaft, a handle bar, a foot pressure bar and a wedge-shaped blade is disclosed. The blade has two primary trapezoid-shaped faces, two triangular side faces and a rectangular butt face. One primary face in the same plane as a tangent to the surface of the central shaft. The butt face has a width substantially the same as the thickness of the central shaft. The butt face may be perpendicular to the axis of the central shaft, or it may be sloped away from the perpendicular. The length of the butt face may also be substantially the same as the thickness of the central shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for removing a stump from the earth. In particular, the tool includes an elongated rod that is provided with a plate structure about a cutting end of the tool. The plate structure includes a bevelled cutting edge that is effective to cut through soil, rocks and roots that would typically surround and underlie a stump. In use, the tool is driven with a maul or hammer at approximately a 45.degree. angle so as to cut a conical shaped chunk of soil from the earth with the stump and attached roots being held by the chunk of soil or dirt surrounding the same.

Abstract: A snow shovel is disclosed which combines the straight transverse front or leading edge with the shape of a shallow scoop which forms a major part of the front face of the scoop of the shovel. The advantage is in that the shoveled snow tends to accumulate at the center of the scoop thus reducing the spill over the sides of the shovel and also facilitating the manipulation of the shovel filled with snow. The geometry of the handle is designed to facilitate the manipulation of the shovel.

Abstract: A gardening trowel is provided to permit easy loosening of earth around plants and the like through the utilization of a handle which is substantially offset from the center line of the trowel to simultaneously provide a pushing post and a lever arm such that the heel of the palm is utilized to press the point of the trowel into the earth. This same offset handle is utilized along with an asymmetric trowel blade to permit easy rotation of the blade, such that upon insertion, the trowel may be rotated by the side or heel of the hand due to the lever arm provided by the offset handle, so as to easily rotate the blade even after insertion of the blade into packed, hardened earth.

Abstract: A shovel blade comprises a body portion having an elongated socket at its rearward end and a digging portion integral with the socket and extending laterally outwardly and forwardly therefrom. The socket has a predetermined straight portion of longitudinal extent. The digging portion includes peripheral edges having rearward sections extending outwardly from opposite sides of the socket. The rearward sections include a pair of longitudinally extending slots spaced on either side of and substantially adjacent to the socket. The peripheral edge extending laterally outwardly from each slot is bent at a substantial right angle to form a platform step.

Abstract: A manually operated implement for performing a variety of tasks when equipped with a removable and replaceable utility device, includes a wheeled chassis having an elongate, longitudinal, chassis structural member extending forwardly and rearwardly in the implement centrally of the width thereof and a transverse chassis structural member rigidly attached to the rearward end of said longitudinal chassis member. A pair of wheels are rotatably mounted at opposite ends, respectively, of the transverse chassis member. A slide member is mounted for sliding movement on the longitudinal chassis member and includes a clamping screw for clamping the slide in an adjusted position along such member. Handle structure, preferably of V-shape, is pivotally secured to the slide member and slopes upwardly and rearwardly with its upper, rearward end bifurcated to provide transversely spaced hand grips.

Abstract: A shovel formed of a blade member, two side members, a handle retaining member, and a handle. In one embodiment, each of the blade member, two side members and handle retaining member is formed as a metal blank, which is stamped, punched and bent to the desired configuration, with the metal blanks of the sides and handle retaining member having formed therein interlocking coacting detenting elements for enabling adjustment of the angle of the handle relative to the blade portion. Welds and a rivet complete the assembly of the shovel. In an alternate embodiment, a single metal blank is used to form the blade and the two side members as a unit, thus avoiding welding or other fastening of the sides to the blade. A foot pressure rest is provided with the blade, with the side members generally parallel and spaced the width of the blade. The handle is attached at an angle which enables effective application of force during use.

Abstract: This is a compact shovel-like apparatus capable of performing many tasks, including digging, scooping up materials dug, and then enabling one to transport such materials to a chosen site, where the materials would be dumped without straining one's back. The apparatus consists of a removable handle, including bicycle-like handle bars, a round tubular member, and a shovel-head, capable of holding an ample quantity of materials. Runners are an integral part of the shovel-head's underneath to enable one to push the apparatus over suitable terrain, without lifting. For transportation over hard surfaces, like concrete sidewalks and streets, wheels are provided, as an option. In one embodiment the shovel-head is perforated to permit liquids to be discharged, while retaining nonliquid substances. This head's perforated surface may have a resilient plastic overlay to prevent liquids and powdery substances from passing through the holes.

Abstract: A shovel for placer mining for use in the riverbed including a shovel handle, a shovel blade fixedly attached to the handle with four elongated rectangular openings on its surface, a shovel scoop detachably screwed beneath the blade and formed with a concave bottom piece, two side plates and a rear plate with two elongated hexahedral projections all underneath a U-shaped flange having a stepped portion on its rim, a mesh screen placed beneath the blade on the top part of the scoop and forming a flat net enclosed in a U-shaped frame connected with a straight frame, a bottom lining forming the upper surface of the bottom piece and having the same curvature and size as the bottom piece enabling the projections of the scoop to hold a lining frame and therefore allowing the mining portion to mine minerals, namely placer gold.

Abstract: An adjustable double handled shovel in which both handles are composed of grooved, telescopically mated sections for independent relative length adjustment and which are releasibly interconnected by a cross bar that both strengthens the handle assembly and permits adjustment of the relative angle between the two handles. Fasteners received with the grooves secure the mated sections together at the selected length. Adjustable handle grips are also releasibly secured to the ends of both handles by means of telescopic connectors and groove with fasteners for relative rotary movement relative to the handles. The blade portion of the shovel has a sharpened notched portion which engages and cuts obstructions while digging.

Abstract: This invention is a shovel which enables the user to lift loads with ease, and without suffering back strain. The shovel includes an elongated, curved body, having a first handle protruding from the middle of the body, and a shovel blade at one end. A second handle is located at the other end of the body. A strap is attached to the shovel body, so as to fit over the user's shoulder. One end of the strap is connected to the body near the second handle, and the other end of the strap is fastened to the body at a point between the first handle and the blade. The user grasps both handles, using the first handle to define a pivoting axis for the shovel. The lifting is accomplished by pushing down on the second handle, making the shovel pivot about the first handle. Due to the action of the strap, the user's shoulder supports much of the weight of the load. The first handle is preferably rotatable, relative to the shovel body, so as to facilitate the pivoting motion.

Abstract: A common shovel is equipped with a spring activated vibrator. The vibrator is mounted between the handle and the blade. A downward thrust of the handle causes the blade to vibrate. This vibration increases the digging efficiency of the shovel.

Abstract: A hand tool, such as a shovel, having unique working head or blade and shank elements. The blade includes a dished panel transversely disposed from its longitudinal axis and flaring from rear to working end. The trough of the blade is shallower at its distal or working end than at its rear end at which the shank is secured such as by welding. The shank is of a single-walled tubular construction and includes a cut, pinched, angled end which is welded to the rear of the blade, a buckled, curved portion extending from such securement to a straight portion integrally continuing from such buckled and curved portion, to an expanded hub swedged contiguous to the other end of the shank. A tapered handle fits to and through such hub, secured by a rivet to the shank. A plane of symmetry extends throughout the tool. The invention includes method for forming tool, blade, and shank.

Abstract: When dumping grain from a truck box through the tailgate opening, grain lodges in the corners upon each side of the tailgate opening and the operator normally has to stand on the auger or the like in order to reach over the tailgate with a shovel and is therefore at risk due to the danger of slippage with the danger perhaps of coming into contact with the rotating discharge auger assembly. The present device consists of a handle and an arcuately curved rake blade secured at one end with the major portion of the blade extending on one side thereof. This can be engaged within the tailgate opening and reaches into each back corner of the box thus enabling the operator to pull the lodged grain towards the opening readily and easily.

Abstract: A grain scoop molded of a plastic material to provide a socket portion open at its rearward end for the reception of the forward end of an elongated handle therein and a scoop portion integral with the socket portion which extends laterally outwardly and forwardly with respect thereto. The scoop portion is formed by a central corrugation and bottom wall portions on opposite sides thereof each having a coextensive corrugation therein. The scoop portion is defined peripherally by a straight front edge and peripheral edges extending between the front end of the socket portion and the ends of the front edges which are disposed generally in a plane intersecting with the longitudinal extent of the socket portion at an angle of the order of 20.degree. and with the plane of the forward sections of the bottom wall portions at an angle of the order of 161/2.degree.. The corrugations having strengthening ribs therein.

Abstract: An ash separating shovel is provided and consists of a tapered body member that has a diagonal ribbed reticulated middle portion. The body member is folded along two lines with inwardly diagonal ribs of the reticulated middle portion to form side walls and a bottom wall.

Abstract: A spade with a replacable blade with a tapered neck-socket connection with a spring pin lock. Footrest steps pitched downwardly on the blade to avoid the leg touching the tubular handle and an oversized two-handed tubular D-handle are provided.

Abstract: A tool for chopping and scraping ice distinguished by a pair of arcuate portions which extend rearwardly from opposite edges of a straight sided intermediate portion which provides the chopping and scraping function, with the lower edges of the arcuate portions serving to pressurize the ice or mud and to force it forwardly in the direction of the straight sided intermediate portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spade for use in planting seedlings of forest plants, comprising a handle, a shaft, and a blade, the blade being four-sided and substantially planar, having a base edge, two side edges and a tread edge. The base edge and a substantial portion of the two side edges which taper towards the base edge are sharpened. The blade is reinforced by having two raised ribs which are formed by pressing out two raised portions of the blade. These ribs extend along the length of the blade for greater than half the length thereof. An additional rib extends between the two ribs from the point of attachment of the shaft at the thread edge for a distance greater than half the length of the blade and tapering toward the base edge.

Abstract: A retractable rake is shown as in one example for use as a courtesy rake by a golfer at a sand trap, or for light raking chores, in general. The rake has a plurality of projecting tines which diverge outwardly when they are in their extended position. When the rake is not in use, the tines are retractable into the shank of the rake so the rake is compact and may be stored and carried within the golf bag.

Abstract: A clam rake employing side skids having raking teeth extending downward therefore preventing clams from escaping from the basket through the sand.

Abstract: An improved clam shovel for digging razor clams includes a dished shovel blade attached to the lower end of a shovel shaft having a handle at its opposite end. The upper side of the shovel blade is transversely and longitudinally concave. The blade is longitudinally slotted inwardly from the center of its free cutting edge to about mid-length to define a pair of broad laterally spaced tines. The slot tapers inwardly from the blade cutting edge so that its inner closed end is narrower than its outer open end and so that the slot resembles a wedge blocked off and rounded at its narrow end.

Abstract: A motorized shovel comprises a carriage which may be provided with wheels to enable it to negotiate the ground and is formed with an upright pole carrying an arm adapted to overhang the operator. The arm is swingable about a vertical axis to follow the movements of an operator and carries a pneumatic-motor-driven winch drum adapted to pay out and retract a cable depending from the free end of the arm. The cable is anchored to a shovel unit whose handle is provided with a handle bar adapted to be gripped by the operator. Controls on the handle bar regulate the operation of the winch and of a pneumatic vibrator interposed between the handle and the shovel blade. Flexible conduits run along the downwardly extending stretch of the cable to connect the pneumatic controls to the winch.

Abstract: A hand-shovel assembly consisting of a metal shovel head and a wooden handle, the head having a socket for receiving the end of the handle which is forced into the upper open end of the socket and is retained therein without the use of rivets, screws, or other fasteners. The handle end is retained in the socket by means of a set or cured adhesive which is inserted in a viscous state into the open lower socket end and, while still viscous, is forced around the inserted end of the handle by means of a plug of wood driven into the lower socket end.

Abstract: A mechanical shovel comprises a digging tool, two booms and a harness. One of the booms is adapted to be mounted by the harness on and substantially parallel to the back of an operator so that the other boom extends forwardly of the operator. One of the booms supports a winding mechanism having a cable leading along the forwardly extending boom and attached to the handle of the digging tool. The handle of the digging tool is provided with means to activate the winding mechanism so that the shovel may be raised with the minimum of effort on the part of the operator. The combination of the two booms provides a particularly stable arrangement.