Convertible And Combined Patents (Class 294/51)
  • Publication number: 20110042981
    Abstract: The present device is a tool for manipulating a material, such as snow or ice, resting on a surface. The tool includes an elongated handle, an elongated shaft, and a compound blade. The handle is attached to a proximal end of the elongated shaft and the compound blade is fixed to a distal end of the elongated shaft. The compound blade has a first blade section adapted for shoveling the material and a second blade section adapted for chopping, pushing, and pulling the material. The longitudinal axes of the distal and proximal ends of the elongated shaft are parallel but distally offset, making the tool more ergonomic and effective in use, with either a continuous or discontinuous contour along the elongated shaft. The tool may also be used in a variety of angles and orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy M. Coutu
  • Publication number: 20110042982
    Abstract: The present device is a tool for manipulating a material, such as snow, ice, sand, salt, dirt, gravel, concrete, vegetation, grains, debris and the like, resting on a surface. The tool includes an elongated handle, an elongated shaft, and a compound blade head. The handle is attached to a proximal end of the elongated shaft and the compound blade is fixed to a distal end of the elongated shaft. The tool is capable of pushing and pulling materials when operating either the first tool section or the second tool section. The compound blade head has a first tool section adapted generally for shoveling and digging and a second tool section adapted for chopping and scraping. Tamping, compressing, and leveling is achieved when using the tools in the shoveling/digging position. The structure of the tool is designed to endure the stresses and forces of aggressive and repeated operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy M. Coutu
  • Publication number: 20100308608
    Abstract: A multi-purpose spade includes a central plate, first and second edge plates, and a retreating crescent blade. The central plate is generally concave. The retreating crescent blade is formed along the tip portions of the central plate and the first and second plates. The inner edge portions of the first and second plates are connected to corresponding side portions of the central plate with a predetermined angle so as to form two crest portions on the front surfaces along the side portions of the central plate. The multi-purpose spade may further comprise an extending blade configured to be connected to the retreating crescent blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Hyun C. PARK
  • Publication number: 20100253105
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a fluid-pressure assisted shovel. The fluid-pressure assisted shovel reduces considerably the amount of force applied to the shovel while lifting it during an excavation process, especially during removing soil from deeper excavations. A quick burst of fluid, e.g. compressed air, accelerates the loaded shovel in the desired direction thereby reducing considerably the amount of force applied to the shovel by the digger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Marcel Nowakowski
  • Publication number: 20100156124
    Abstract: A snow and ice shovel comprises a handle shaft with a slot disposed longitudinally along a side therein. An inner shaft telescopically fits within the handle shaft and has an ice chipper disposed on the end. A adjustment mechanism comprises two adjustment pins connected by a detent spring biasing the pins against a plurality of adjustment holes disposed in handle shaft. In use the user raise the ice chipper for use in shoveling snow and then lowers the ice chipper to break up ice. A handle is disposed on a top end of the handle shaft to aid the user in controlling the shovel. An adjustment hook is used to help the user apply the necessary force to move the chipper up and down. In one embodiment, the shovel blade is reinforced with ribs running vertically therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph P. Macri
  • Publication number: 20100102584
    Abstract: A snow removal system is provided that is comprised generally of a handle that is selectively interconnectable to a shaft. The shaft is also interconnectable to either a shovel head or a broom head. The assembly is thus collapsible and easily stored within a vehicle or an automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Michael J. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7703822
    Abstract: A combination rake and shovel tool having handles of which are crossed and pivoted to one another. The rake having a straight head and prongs pointing in the direction of the shovel scoop and being a leaf type rake. The shovel is similar to a snow shovel. The rake and shovel close together to pick up leaves and debris. The device may also be singularly used as a shovel or rake or in combination, additionally the present invention can be placed in a standing position when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Arthur Giacalone
  • Patent number: 7654591
    Abstract: A snow shovel includes a blade, a handle stem, a stabilizer bar, and multiple positions to couple the handle stem to the blade. The blade may include a soft edge and a hard edge. One position is achieved by coupling a taper in the handle stem to the blade at a strap for shoveling snow at the ground level with the hard edge. One position is achieved by coupling the taper in the handle stem to the blade at a folded tab for shoveling snow off a car with the soft edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffery Boyd Marble
  • Publication number: 20090278364
    Abstract: A combination chopstick utensil may comprise a first chopstick member and a second chopstick member. A base may be coupled to each of the first and second chopstick members; wherein the base may include a first transition member. The base may also include a second transition member, wherein the second transition member may be coupled to the first transition member along an interior edge. The first and second transition members may be selectably coupleable. The base may further include a separation facilitation structure between the first and second transition members and configured to facilitate separation of the first and second transition members. The separation facilitation structure may include a groove between the first and second transition members. The combination chopstick utensil may also include a utensil coupled to the base and extending therefrom substantially opposite of the first and second chopstick members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: D. Scott Beckham, Jordan Michael Brown
  • Patent number: 7571945
    Abstract: A portable snow shovel that includes a unique collapsible mechanism. One embodiment of the shovel includes both an expanded and collapsed state. The shovel includes a blade member and an elongated shaft member. The elongated shaft member is slidably engaged to the blade member through a recess that extends through the blade member. The elongated shaft member is able to translate with respect to the blade member between the extended and collapsed states. The collapsed state relates to a configuration in which the elongated shaft member is extended through the recess and over the blade member a particular amount. The extended state relates to a configuration in which the elongated shaft member is extended through the recess and away from the blade member a particular amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ben Walker, David Narajowski, Thomas Laakso, David Mellon, Chad John Whittaker
  • Publication number: 20090183316
    Abstract: A system addressing the problem of storing and supporting outdoor items used while camping without transporting any additional equipment. The system provides a plurality of camp tools that are integral to a shovel, so as to provide the intended function without interfering with the normal usage of the shovel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Eddie J. McGovern
  • Patent number: 7533915
    Abstract: An extender-arm for use in an automobile. The extender-arm includes a handle section, a gripping section, and an extension section connecting the handle section to the gripping section. The handle section includes an actuator for effecting open-and-close movement of a gripper or other device in the gripper section. The handle also includes a socket into which a variety of tools—that may be useful in an automobile or other one environment—may be removably inserted. The extender-arm may include a rechargeable power source for connection with the tools inserted into the socket. The extension section may include an ancillary device such as a cellular phone holding clip, and/or a coin holding structure. Also, a pouch may be provided to store the tools that are removably attachable to the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventors: David B. Johnson, Jeffrey A. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7510225
    Abstract: For conserving bedding material such as wood shavings when cleaning livestock environments such as horse stalls, a lightweight manure fork, specially configured with an open flat working region with relatively short tines, is combined with a highly efficient fan-type blower unit attached to the handle. Delivering air-flow onto the tined working region in short blasts under finger control, the worker simply manipulates the fork in the normal manner to remove the manure; the loose bedding material is blown off the fork and back onto surrounding regions of the stall, thus saving a substantial portion of the usual replenishment costs. The invention thus accomplishes substantial overall cost savings and environmental conservation without requiring special supervision, unusual diligence, effort or skill on the part of the worker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventors: Rosemarie Stinnett, Lee Stein
  • Publication number: 20090056299
    Abstract: An ergonomic yard or garden tool includes a generally straight handle and a head having a working portion and structural supports. The head includes an ergonomic bend angled away from the handle. The bend and the structural supports provide an offset between the working portion and an axis of the handle. The offset may reduce the amount of bending necessary to use the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Harry S. Billado, JR., Jonathan Alan Marks
  • Publication number: 20090045640
    Abstract: A multipurpose earth tool that allows a person to perform a variety of tasks on outdoor vegetation with ease and minimal effort and without the need to change tools to perform a variety of tasks. The multipurpose earth tool includes a handle, a head, a fastening system, and at least one interchangeable tool. The fastening system of the multipurpose earth tool can withstand extreme force and use without breaking, cracking, of splintering. The multipurpose earth tool is easy to store in a variety of positions. The multipurpose earth tool includes a releasable interchangeable tool that a person can remove and replace with optional tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Rudy M. Trinidad, SR.
  • Publication number: 20090021032
    Abstract: A multi-use snow tool is described, which includes a snow fluke and a snow picket that may be combined to function as a snow shovel, or may be used independent of each other as climbing anchors. As one example, the multi-use snow tool includes a snow fluke including a blade body having a base end and a nose end opposite the base end; a snow picket having an elongate shaft including at least a first flange; and a lip assembly located at the base end of the blade body and cooperating with the blade body to define at least a first channel that is adapted to mate with the first flange to detachably couple the snow picket to the snow fluke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: CASCADE ALPINE, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Rathmell, Benjamin Bliesner
  • Patent number: 7406975
    Abstract: A multi-purpose convertible device interchangeably convertible from a shovel mode to an anchor mode, wherein, when in the shovel mode, the convertible device removes earthen material to form an opening, and when in the anchor mode, the earthen material is positioned on a portion of the convertible device to weigh down the convertible device such that the convertible device resists displacement by typically encountered environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Andre Carrier, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080179904
    Abstract: A snow shovel with an internal rod probe including of a connection part disposed to one edge of the shovel; one end of an extension sleeve is movably coupled to the connection portion of the shovel; a movable ice chisel is provided to another end of the extension sleeve; a foldable rod probe is received in the extension sleeve; the rod probe is comprised of multiple pipes and has a cable penetrating therein; and one end of each tube has an smaller outer diameter smaller than that of the other end so to facilitate rigid connection of those tubes when the rod probe is removed out of the extension sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Wen-Sheng Huang
  • Patent number: 7401409
    Abstract: A solid seasoning product in the form of a stick, rod, thread, band or ribbon from 20 mils to 250 mils thick and having a geometry as a shaped mass that enables the product to be inserted into food comprising meat or poultry prior to heating to prepare the food. The product is composed of a binder matrix holding a seasoning or mixture of seasonings. The binder disintegrates during heating of the food to release the seasoning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventors: Nevin C. Jenkins, Martin Fleit
  • Publication number: 20080143128
    Abstract: A manually manipulated shovel-like device for cleaning corrugated floors along the bottom of refrigerated containers and trailers having a blade, an elongate handle extending from the proximal end of the blade, and a plurality of elongate cleaning teeth extending perpendicularly from the opposed distal end of the blade. Each of the cleaning teeth are individually slidably adjustable in both the lateral and the perpendicular directions with respect to the distal edge of the blade to enable the device to clean corrugated floors having unequally spaced apart corrugations of varying depths and widths, joints between sections of corrugated panels, and uncorrugated sections near walls of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Mark J. Kuhns, Lynn Peters
  • Patent number: 7347468
    Abstract: A combined shovel and clearing tool with a shovel and a clearing tool member for being coupled to the shovel. The clearing tool member can be selectively retained in a usage disposition, such as relative to a leading edge of a shovel blade, and in a storage disposition, such as relative to a trailing edge of the shovel blade or relative to a handle of the shovel. The clearing tool member can be retained by, for example, a clip arrangement, an elastic tether, or a rigid arm. Bristles can project from an obverse side of the shovel blade. The handle and the blade can be reconfigurable by, for example, a relative pivoting or a selective coupling of the handle with multiple receiving portions on the blade. A universal clearing tool can be coupled to a standard shovel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Tidcomb
  • Publication number: 20080054659
    Abstract: One embodiment of a shovel with depth measuring increments is an implement that includes increments (1) of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters along a handle (2) and a blade (3). This unique shovel is constructed so that indicia extend along the vertical positioning of the implement from the tip of the blade to the top of the handle. The blade and the handle both have indicia clearly marked. Other embodiments are described and shown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Jason Aaron Boxum
  • Patent number: 7237814
    Abstract: A convertible snow shoveling device includes first and second shovels, each having a substantially planar blade, an elongated handle and a hand grip. At least one male connection part extends from an edge portion of the first shovel blade and at least one female connection part is disposed along an edge portion of the second shovel blade. The at least one female connection part of the second shovel blade is sized and shaped to receive the at least one male connection part of the first shovel blade to releasably couple the first and second shovel blades together and form the convertible shoveling device. A handlebar is provided for releasably coupling the hand grips on the first and second shovels together. The male and female connections together with the handlebar permit the pair of individual snow shovels to be easily converted from a pair of individual snow shovels into a wide blade double handle snow shoveling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Walter A. Handzlik
  • Patent number: 7032941
    Abstract: A tool includes different tool heads, and an angularly adjustable handle. The angular adjustability allows better ergonomic body posture during use, thus reducing stress and injury, and also allows multiple functions for each tool. The handle comfortably receives a user's hand, with the user's thumb or forefinger located at a release button. The release button is spring-biased and includes teeth that inter-engage with teeth on the tool head to latchingly hold a selected angular position. A resilient cover encases the handle and the release button, preventing dirt from entering the button area to prevent jamming. The covering slips onto the handle and includes an annular lip that stretches over an end surface to retain the covering on the handle. The cultivator includes tines that, by adjusting an angle of the handle, extend in a direction parallel the handle but offset therefrom, or that extend at an angle to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: William R. Heneveld
  • Patent number: 6948208
    Abstract: This is a combination shovel and knife device for for campers and survival training. It will be lightweight yet durable and can be folded for easy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Eva Lee Ann Schlenner
  • Patent number: 6869118
    Abstract: An illuminated implement apparatus includes a handle portion and a working member support portion connected to the handle portion. The working member support portion includes a transverse support portion connected to the handle portion and a pair of longitudinal support portions connected perpendicularly to ends of the transverse support portion. First and second working members are connected to the longitudinal support portions. A pair of lamp assemblies are connected to distal ends of the longitudinal support portions. The lamp assemblies direct illumination to a working surface. A switch assembly is housed in the handle portion and controls the lamp assemblies. A battery assembly is housed in the handle portion and powers the lamp assemblies. First and second first heating elements are contained in the respective first and second working members. The first and second working members can be in the form of shovel blades or scoops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Alfreda B. Bradford
  • Patent number: 6824180
    Abstract: A quick connect assembly provides a male portion with a pair of arms defining teeth on their outer surface, and a female portion having a sleeve, defining inward facing teeth corresponding to the outward facing teeth of the male portion. Insertion of a handle upon which the male portion has been secured into the female portion will cause the teeth of the male portion to engage the teeth of the female portion, securing the handle in its desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tomchak
  • Publication number: 20040178646
    Abstract: An apparatus to assist in the collection of debris distributed over the ground. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a hopper and a handle secured to the hopper. The hopper includes a bottom surface with at least one generally flat ground engaging portion. The hopper has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The handle is adapted to facilitate movement of the hopper along the surface area with the bottom surface of the hopper generally contacting the ground such that the leading edge of the hopper is forced into contact with debris distributed over the ground. The debris is then collected and directed into the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald M. Root, Robert W. Panasiuk
  • Publication number: 20040164570
    Abstract: A digger and utility garden tool including a specially shaped head. The specially shaped head can include a head with a serrated blade surface with spaces between protrusions on one edge of the serrated blade surface and/or a “U” shape portion which includes a space in a central portion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Souza
  • Patent number: 6615752
    Abstract: A sowing shovel for sowing seed gradually as the sowing shovel is used. The sowing shovel has a body, an adjusting rod at a bottom of the body, a plate for adjusting the adjusting rod to move reciprocally. The body has a concave shovel portion and a handle. The plate drives the adjusting rod to move forwards and backwards between a handle and a concave shovel portion so that some seeds are placed in the concave shovel portion of the sowing shovel in advance. When the plate is moved to drive the adjusting rod to move backwards, a space is formed for receiving falling seeds. When the user digs soil, seeds can be placed in the soil. Thus the sowing shovel can be operated easily and conveniently only by one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Ching-Long Wang
  • Publication number: 20030146632
    Abstract: A hand tool adapted to mechanically remove material such as snow from surfaces such as automobile exterior body or window glass surfaces includes a longitudinally-extending handle and a head that extends generally transversely to the handle and is secured to one end of the handle. The head includes a forward plow portion that is adapted to move material when the tool is pushed in a direction that is generally parallel to the handle, and includes a rear plow portion that is adapted to move material when the tool is pulled in the opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Tucker J. Marion, Marvin I. Weinberger
  • Patent number: 6575511
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing snow and other accretions from difficult to reach areas of motor vehicles. The apparatus comprises an elongated body having opposing first and second ends. The first end comprises an extension that is angled and laterally flared with respect to the elongated body, and which terminates in a substantially transverse edge. The extension is provided with a pair of sidewalls and a rib that provide rigidity and strength thereto, and whose edges may be used for scraping and chipping. The second end of the apparatus comprises a scoop-shaped body that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongated body and which terminates in a curved edge. The different configurations and orientations of the first and second ends enable the apparatus to easily remove snow and other accretions from such hard to reach areas as fender wells and mud flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Winston R. Hultstrand
  • Patent number: 6568729
    Abstract: According to principles of this invention, a fiber shovel has a scoop assembly including a scoop and elongated pointed members attached to a front of the scoop, with the pointed members including V-shaped teeth formed in sheet metal of the scoop. The V-shaped teeth have side edges extending at angles of over 50° with a plane perpendicular to an elongated handle of the fiber shovel with side edges adjacent to other V-shaped teeth intersecting the side edges thereof to form V-shaped troughs between the V-shaped teeth. Further, a length of each pointed member, from its outer tip to an adjacent trough is at least 5 inches and this length is not less than 30% nor more than 50% of the total length of the scoop in the direction of the elongated handle. In the preferred embodiment there are four pointed members, and in one embodiment the pointed members are formed by the V-shaped teeth with tines extending from outer tips thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Karlus D. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20030094823
    Abstract: An illuminated implement apparatus includes a handle portion and a working member support portion connected to the handle portion. The working member support portion includes a transverse support portion connected to the handle portion and a pair of longitudinal support portions connected perpendicularly to ends of the transverse support portion. First and second working members are connected to the longitudinal support portions. A pair of lamp assemblies are connected to distal ends of the longitudinal support portions. The lamp assemblies direct illumination to a working surface. A switch assembly is housed in the handle portion and controls the lamp assemblies. A battery assembly is housed in the handle portion and powers the lamp assemblies. First and second first heating elements are contained in the respective first and second working members. The first and second working members can be in the form of shovel blades or scoops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Alfreda B. Bradford
  • Patent number: 6513301
    Abstract: A thermal insulation sheet is maneuvered into position, especially in closely confined corners in an attic, by a tool having a prong which is inserted into the sheet, and a pusher surface which contacts the sheet to limit the depth of insertion of the prong, and which guides the sheet while an installer pushes the pusher surface against the sheet while maintaining the prong in the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Snyder, Nancy Snyder
  • Patent number: 6505869
    Abstract: A weeding tool with a combination of attachments integrated with a fulcrum to remove specific types of weeds based on their root structure. The attachments remove weeds whose roots are characterized as lengthy single-type roots, medium-depth bushy-hair type roots and near-surface vine-type roots. A fulcrum slidably attached to the tool handle ergonomically assists the gardener in extracting weeds by limiting angular rotation of the handle. The fulcrum may be used to apply foot pressure in penetrating hard soil. The fulcrum slides on the tool handle with respect to the end of the lifting blade to vary its penetration depth and is used for extracting single-type weed roots at different depths. The multiple-tine rake rotatably attached to the fulcrum is snapped into position and spring-biased to remain in position for extracting weeds having medium-depth bushy roots. The cultivator bar rotatably attached to the fulcrum is snapped into position for near-surface weed removal or general soil tilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Raymond J. Novotny
  • Patent number: 6494514
    Abstract: For conserving bedding material such as wood shavings when cleaning livestock environments such as horse stalls, a manure fork is combined with an air blower directed into the working region of the fork. The air flow is directed to blow the loose bedding material past the fork tines and onto surrounding regions of the stall automatically, while the worker simply works with the fork in the normal manner to remove the manure. The bedding material remains in the stall, thus saving a substantial portion of the usual replenishment costs. The invention thus accomplishes substantial overall cost savings and environmental conservation without requiring special supervision or unusual diligence on the part of the worker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: Rosemarie Stinnett, Lee Stein
  • Patent number: 6463727
    Abstract: A harvester push tool has a concave body portion with broad and flat fingers extending therefrom to facilitate the harvesting of grounded nuts or other items. Grounded nuts or fruit are those that have either naturally fallen to the ground or are on the ground as a result of mechanically shaking the tree during the harvesting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Gerald Samuel Blyth
  • Patent number: 6450557
    Abstract: An object retrieving device for extending the effective reach of the user for picking up and carrying objects located out of the convenient reach of the user, especially in confined spaces. The object retrieving device includes an extendable handle comprised of a plurality of telescopic sections having a collapsed condition and an extended condition, a distal one of the telescopic sections having a free end with a recess extending into the free end and a retrieving attachment removably mountable on the free end of the distal telescopic section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Benjamin R. Martinez
  • Patent number: 6439630
    Abstract: A garden implement system that includes a case for storing and transporting various garden implements needed at various times while gardening. The garden implement system includes a two-part, hingedly connected, foam-lined container; a garden trowel; a number of garden implement heads including a shovel head, a hoe head, and a rake head; and a telescoping handle having a bottom end that is securable to an attachment fitting provided on the shovel head, the hoe head, and the rake head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Delton R. Eatmon
  • Patent number: 6412841
    Abstract: A multi-use cleanup tool system used for providing a portable device that can be utilized as a dustpan or a shovel. The multi-use cleanup tool system includes a scoop, support bracket attached to the scoop, an elongate handle pivotally attached to the support bracket, and a locking fastener attached to the elongate handle and the support bracket for allowing an individual to secure a desired position of the elongate handle with respect to the scoop. The support bracket preferably includes a pair of vertical members having a pair of corresponding slots for slidably receiving the locking fastener. An interiorly threaded locking handle is in threadable engagement with a distal portion of the locking fastener for allowing the individual to selectively secure the position of the elongate handle with respect to the scoop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Handi Products, LLC.
    Inventors: Orlan J. Loraas, Gordon J. Loraas
  • Patent number: 6378153
    Abstract: A shovel blade attachment for a climber's ice axe has a centered slot that can accommodate the head of the ice axe so as to produce a trenching tool. A receiving pocket on the upper surface of the blade attachment secures the head of the ice axe, and a threaded bolt penetrates the pocket to lock the head in place. In an alternative manner of use, the spike extremity of the ice axe may instead engage the blade by way of the receiving pocket and bolt to produce a shovel tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Richey Morgan
  • Patent number: 6338511
    Abstract: A shovel for manual use, comprising a shovel blade having concave and convex faces and defining a longitudinal center-line and having side edges, an upper edge and a forward cutting edge. The shovel blade defines a handle connector receptable having a shovel handle fixed therein. A root cutting blade is fixed to the shovel blade substantially along the longitudinal center-line and projects from the concave face of the shovel blade. A sharpened root cutting edge is defined on the root cutting blade and is oriented toward the forward cutting edge of the shovel blade. The root cutting edge of the central blade preferably defines an intermediate edge recess and forms a slightly inclined sharp edge section for enhancing root cutting action. A pair of side blades are fixed to side edge portions of the shovel blade and are oriented in diverging relation projecting from the convex face of the shovel blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventors: Ormond S. Douglas, William P. Killen
  • Patent number: 6155620
    Abstract: An improved ergonomically efficient tool having two adjustable and lockable bends allowing the handle to be bent to selected angles at each bend. An alternate embodiment includes a telescoping feature between the two bends allowing the handle length to be adjusted to the height of a user. The two bends and the telescoping feature cooperate to minimize a user's need to stoop over to use the tool and make it easier and more ergonomically efficient to use. A coupling feature in a further embodiment allows multiple tool heads to be easily attached to the bendable handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6131971
    Abstract: A foldable spade includes an elongated handle with front and rear end portions opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction, and a biasing member which is disposed proximate to the front end portion, and a blade member with a blade surface wall. A front engaging member is connected to a proximate end of the blade member, and is journalled on the front end portion of the handle about a pivot transverse to the longitudinal direction so as to be rotated between a first position, where the blade surface wall extends forward from the front engaging member along the longitudinal direction, and a second position, where the blade surface wall extends rearward from the front engaging member to be folded over the handle. A rear engaging member is disposed on the front end portion rearwardly of the front engaging member, and is biased by the biasing member to move along the longitudinal direction to engage the front engaging member when the front engaging member is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Kao-San Chen
  • Patent number: 6082795
    Abstract: A leveraged gardening tool device having an elongated body, a hand grip, a forearm receptacle at one end of the elongated body and a gardening tool securing mechanism at the other end of the opposing end of the elongated body for receiving and maintaining the shaft of a small gardening tool. The elongated body has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper and lower portions being separated by an approximate 195.degree. bend in the elongated body. The bend is provided for optimal one-handed use of the gardening tool and results in a decrease in the amount of fatigue traditionally encountered when using a conventional hand-held gardening tool. One embodiment of the invention allows for an assortment of removably engageable gardening tools for use with the gardening tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph C. Fornelli
  • Patent number: 6047651
    Abstract: A hole digger is provided including a post and a hole digging attachment mounted to the post and having a closed bottom face and a tapered periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Orson W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6003915
    Abstract: An improved snow shovel with a telescoping handle comprised of a plurality of tubular elements, the outermost element having a grip at one end and the innermost element having a tip at the opposite end; a detaching blade, and a permanently mountable secondary tip and manually mounting removable basket. With the blade removed, the handle telescopes to a length greater than seven feet thus converting into a singular rod or snow probe used to feel or probe for buried victims in avalanche debris. When the handle is retracted, the blade is attached and the outermost telescoping element extends outwardly to a locked position. This increases leverage when digging to recover avalanche victims. With the blade detached and the handle extended, the secondary tip secures to the primary tip on the innermost element. This allows the snow basket to be mounted. The handle is then adjustable to any one of several positions for use as a spare ski pole when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Paul Douglas Bierman
  • Patent number: 5971653
    Abstract: A tool having a tool handle and a tool head. A connecting member is provided on one end of the tool handle, with the axis of the connecting member extending transverse to the tool handle, and a connector is provided on the non-working end of the tool head. The connector cooperates with the connecting member to connect the tool head to the tool handle. Preferably the tool head is detachably connected to the tool handle. The tool head can be adjustably connected to the tool handle to be able to adjust the angle of the tool head to the tool handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: William Harpell
  • Patent number: 5951077
    Abstract: A multi-tiered shovel includes a generally stepped blade carried by a shaft with a handle. The blade comprises a lower distal portion, relative to user, having a pointed configuration with tapered edges extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom to a juncture between the lower portion and an adjacent medial portion. The medial portion is then defined by the blade edges which extend outwardly and upwardly to a juncture between the medial portion and an adjacent upper proximal portion. The blade edges likewise define the upper portion by extending outwardly and upwardly between the juncture between medial and upper portions and an upper edge of the overall blade. Accordingly, portions of the blade can be urged into the ground when force is applied to the top edge of the blade by a user's foot. Successive forces may thereafter be applied to cause the blade to penetrate the ground to a desired depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Henry Dahill