Abstract: An edible ice cream cone spike with a top supporting and surrounding a scoop of ice cream, and a bottom configured to adhere infinitely many edible treats thereonto. This creates infinitely many flavor and texture combinations.

Abstract: A reamer for use in minimally invasive hip replacement surgical approaches is provided. The reamer spindle includes an offset elongate housing portion that extends from a proximal housing end portion a distal housing end portion. A handle assembly, preferably comprising a durable lightweight material such as carbon fiber that is removably connectable to the housing of the reamer spindle. A reamer head is removably connectable to the distal neck portion and has a surface configured to cut bone.

Abstract: Described is a multi-handled tool that is ergonomically designed to maximize the efficiency of the tool by the use of a handle, optionally rotating, affixed to the shaft of the tool. The rotating handle may be rotated and locked into any desired position so the user can adjust the tool to create maximum efficiency. In addition, a footstep is optionally provided above the tool that allows for a greater digging force. A combination of the first, top handle with the ergonomically spaced handle placement that is completely adjustable combined with the footstep above the head of the tool provides for a tool that is much more efficient than the standard tools used today.

Abstract: Digging and tilling tools with both a central step and an offset shaft are disclosed. The central step allows a user to apply pressure directly over the centerline of the tool head, and the shaft, offset to one side, allows clearance for the knee. The handle on the other end of the shaft may be offset in line with the centerline of the tool head. In some embodiments, the offset shaft may be connected with the tool head by means of connecting members which connect between the shaft and sides of the tool head, leaving a central opening and acting as “stirrups” or guides for the user's foot. In addition to the horizontal offset of the shaft, the tool head may be rearwardly offset from the shaft. Also disclosed are tool heads with tines having L- and T-shaped cross-sections.

Abstract: Described is a multi-handled tool that is ergonomically designed to maximize the efficiency of the tool by the use of a handle, optionally rotating, affixed to the shaft of the tool. The rotating handle may be rotated and locked into any desired position so the user can adjust the tool to create maximum efficiency. In addition, a footstep is optionally provided above the tool that allows for a greater digging force. A combination of the first, top handle with the ergonomically spaced handle placement that is completely adjustable combined with the footstep above the head of the tool provides for a tool that is much more efficient than the standard tools used today.

Abstract: A trench shovel with a tempered steel blade having a width narrower than its length, and typically has a rounded or pointed front edge for penetrating into the earth, and a transition portion that has extending there from a tubular member for attachment of a handle of rectilinear cross section. The tubular member extends from the transition portion at an angle selected to provide a pre-selected function for the trench shovel. An angle of about 90 degrees or more allows the shovel to be forced with the toes or ball of the foot in the direction of the front edge, while an angle of about 120-150 degrees allows the shovel to be forced with the toes or ball of the foot in a manner similar of conventional shovels, typically against a pair of toe pegs secured to the rear portion of the tubular member or transition portion of the trench shovel.

Abstract: An excavation tool having a lever with an end adapted for receiving force from a user's foot, an excavation head mounted to the other end of the lever, and a fulcrum mounted on the lever at the upper end of the excavation head for resting against the soil surface. The excavation tool may also have an excavation head for insertion into the soil with an upper end adapted for receiving a user's foot along the centerline of the excavation head, and a lever fixedly mounted to the excavation head, having an end adapted for receiving force from a user's foot. The excavation tool may have an opening above the upper end of the excavation head for receiving a user's foot on the upper end of the excavation head along the centerline of the excavation head. A fulcrum may be mounted on the lever at the upper end of the excavation head for resting against the soil surface.

Abstract: An improved hand tool is disclosed having an elongated handle member (40) coupled to a tool head (20) and includes a junction (60) between the handle member and a surface of the tool head that defines an elongated interface. A weld (36) is provided along substantially all of the elongated interface so that the tool head is rigidly attached to a lower end of the handle member. A gripping member (80) is coupled to an upper end of the handle member and has a top portion (88) with an arcuate profile coupled to a bottom portion (90) having a substantially U-shaped profile. The tool head includes a blade member formed of a material having a first thickness and integrally formed with a step member having a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improving a shovel-like implement are disclosed. A foot pedal or more than one foot pedal is mounted to or formed upon the blade of the shovel. In different embodiments, the foot pedals may be mounted to the head of the blade, to the side of the blade or to a surface of the blade. In some embodiments a foot pedal is removably attachable to the blade. In some embodiments, there is substantially no relative motion between the foot pedal and the blade. The foot pedal is ideally positioned to maximize the application of force through the foot pedal to the blade in the desired direction. The foot pedal is also ideally dimensioned to minimize injury and soreness to the foot.

Abstract: An improved snow shovel construction (10) (10?) (10?) for a snow shovel blade member (20) having a front face 22 and a rear surface (21) wherein, the snow shovel blade member (20) is connected to a handle member (27) and the improvement includes a foot receiving recess member (30) (40) and (50) operatively associated with the rear surface (21) of the shovel blade member (20) and having a high friction surface (31) (41) and (51) respectively that is engageable by the toe portion of a user's footwear (100).

Abstract: A hand-operated tool includes a tool head having a central longitudinal axis, a handle extending from the tool head, a connector securing the handle to the tool head, and a central step at an upper end of the tool head and at the central longitudinal axis. A length of the handle is preferably adjustable. The handle preferably includes a handle portion forming a triangle shaped closed loop and has an upper section extending perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the handle portion and lower sections angularly extending from ends of the upper section to the central longitudinal axis of the handle portion. The connector preferably includes a pair of laterally spaced apart and parallel lower portions having lower ends secured to the tool head, a central portion connecting the lower portions, and an upper portion centrally connected to the central portion and the handle.

Abstract: A shovel, particularly useful for weeding soil, has a tubular socket with a proximal end having an opening configured to receive a distal end of an elongate handle. The socket has a slot configured to receive a proximal end of a blade at its distal end, the slot. The slot is further configured to receive the blade such that the proximal end of the blade is positioned continuously through the slot without interruption. The shovel further includes a foot step having platform for accommodating a person's foot at the proximal end of the blade. The footstep has a support integral with the platform such that the support contacts the bottom surface of the blade at a location distal from the proximal end to provide support to the blade and the platform.

Abstract: An improved snow shovel construction (10) (10?) (10?) for a snow shovel blade member (20) having a front face 22 and a rear surface (21) wherein, the snow shovel blade member (20) is connected to a handle member (27) and the improvement includes a foot receiving recess member (30) (40) and (50) operatively associated with the rear surface (21) of the shovel blade member (20) and having a high friction surface (31) (41) and (51) respectively that is engageable by the toe portion of a user's footwear (100).

Abstract: A tool leverage attachment for use with digging or lifting tools which includes a saddle with curvilinear end, anchor channel and protruding flange together with Greek letter Pi (TT) shaped driver fulcrum consisting of a pressure bar perpendicularly affixed to protruding legs for enveloping the saddle bolt both of which are fastened together and to tool handle with U-bolt fastener.

Abstract: A snow removal apparatus in the form of a shovel in which a leveraged arrangement is used to lift snow gathered on the shovel blade by lateral movement of such blade while supported by a handle adjustably secured upon the blade and the shovel handle is rested upon an underlying surface while snow is being lifted and moved to a dumping area by leveraged foot movement upon a pivot arm pivoted upon the handle and attached to the blade thus avoiding strain on a shovelers arms and spine while shoveling.

Abstract: A garden and lawn weed extractor tool enables removal of the weed with minimal invasiveness to the soil or turf. The weed extractor tool utilizes a foot-operated depression feature to insert the tool blade into the soil, at an angle to horizontal near the weed root. The user then uses the tool as a lever to pivot the blade relative to the weed root, which loosens the soil around the root and, hence, loosens the weed from the ground so that the weed is removable without carrying with it a large clump of soil. A spring-assisted soil retainer device and self-cleaning mechanism wipes or scrapes the tool blade as the tool is removed from the ground, and, in doing so, retains most of the soil in place at or near its original location. The tool, therefore, tends to prevent disruption to the garden and turf area, leaves each weed-removal site neat and miminally-disturbed, and keeps the tool blade clean for smooth and quick insertion at the next weed-site.

Abstract: A slim-line hand tool trenching system for narrowly penetrating topsoil and creating a trench with a wider bottom and a smaller top opening, with improved vertical handling and providing reduced topsoil damage.

Abstract: A foot plate attachment for a shovel which has a pressure plate that resides on the top of the shovel blade, and has a support piece under the pressure plate. The support may be integrally secured to a shovel at the time the shovel is manufactured, or may be attached to a shovel that did not originally have a plate attached. The foot plate may be attached by welding, screws, rivets or by an adhesive. Alternatively, the foot plate may have tabs extending from a portion of the plate that may be bent under the original foot surface on the shovel to hold the plate in position. the attachment is held in place when secured to the insert.

Abstract: A foot plate attachment for a shovel which has a pressure plate that resides on the top of the shovel blade, and has a support piece under the pressure plate. The support may be integral secured to a shovel at the time the shovel is manufacture, or may be attached to a shovel that did not originally have a plate attached. The foot plate may be attached by welding, screws, rivets or by an adhesive. Alternatively, the foot plate may have tabs extend from a portion of the plate that may be bent under the original foot surface on the shove to hold the plate in position. attachment is held in place when secured to the insert.

Abstract: A foot plate attachment has a pressure plate that resides on the top of the shovel blade, and has a support piece under the pressure plate. The support may be integral with the pressure plate or may be a separate insert piece that is attached in an opening in the foot plate and at least partially resides in the recess or irregular area located at the top center of the blade and below the portion of the blade into which a handle is inserted. The insert may have a screw or bolt that is moved against the shovel in the recess below the handle to hold the foot plate and insert securely in place. Since the foot plate attachment is resting on top of the shovel blade, it cannot move downward, and since the insert is in the recess or has a screw tightened against the shovel, the foot plate attachment is held in place when secured to the insert.

Abstract: A shovel foot plate attachment that includes a left foot plate, a right foot plate, an anti-rotation alignment flange, and a handle connecting member; the left and right foot plates being positioned adjacent to each other with the handle connecting member extending away from the left and right foot plates; the anti-rotation alignment flange extending away from back side edges of the left and right foot plates; the handle connecting member having a receiving channel formed therein for receiving a section of the shovel in a manner such that when the section of the shovel is positioned within the receiving channel the left foot plate is in contact with the left shoulder of the shovel and the right foot plate is in contact with the right shoulder of the shovel.

Abstract: A shovel of the type comprising a blade and a shank having at least one longitudinal axis, the improvement comprising: at least one sleeve coaxially and slidably received upon the shank; a first member integrally connected to the shank between the blade and the sleeve(s); a second member integrally connected to the sleeve(s) and being longitudinally and manually movable with the sleeve(s) in a direction away from or toward the first member so that the second member can be moved to a position longitudinally separated from the first member and then moved toward the first member so as to impact the first member and impart a force to the blade.

Abstract: A shovel having a rotatable foot pedal at the top edge of the scoop on each side of the point where the handle joins the scoop. When rotated forward, when the pedal is pressed down, the point of the scoop is directed straight down. When the pedal is rotated back, when the pedal is pressed down, the point of the scoop is forced forward. In addition, detachable handles of various types may be interchanged and the scoop of the shovel may have different edge configurations, including various sized teeth in the edge of the scoop to assist in cutting roots and other material that the shovel might encounter.

Abstract: A posthole digger has first and second spaced-apart, substantially upright, pivotably attached handles. First and second cooperating scoops extend from respective proximal ends of the handles. The scoops are moveable between a generally open position for penetrating the ground surface, and a generally closed position for excavating. A cleaning attachment includes a stationary hollow sleeve attached adjacent the proximal ends of the handles. An elongate slide rod is received within the sleeve and extends between the handles for sliding vertical movement relative to the handles. An inner scraper is attached to an end of the slide rod, and is positioned between the first and second scoops. A spring engages the slide rod and normally urges the inner scraper upwardly into a storage position adjacent a top end of the scoops. A foot extension is formed with the inner scraper and is depressed by the foot of a user against the force of the spring to move the inner scraper downwardly along the length of the scoops.

Abstract: A device and method for cutting, removing and inserting adjustable depth plugs of square straight edged turf. Square straight edged turf is readily positionable and makes a clean patch where a straight edge must be maintained. The device has a square frame in plan view with the four sides having openings and an open top and bottom. The square frame allows for the storage and easy transport of the square cut turf plugs to the insertion location, while the openings in the frame allow access to the stacked plugs. A cutting edge is provided on the open bottom with adjustable stops positioned near the open bottom. The adjustment of the stops allows the depth or thickness of the turf plug to be varied as needed. Consequently, the plugs can be varied as to depth to be cut. Angle irons comprise the adjustable stops, and the frame may be of welded steel or aluminum.

Abstract: A multi-function hand tool includes a handle assembly (20) comprising a plurality of handle segments (22, 32, 42) selectively connectible end to end to provide a handle having a length appropriate for the function to be performed. The handle assembly further includes a counterweight (52), a D-type handle (62), and various adaptors (72, 82, 92) whereby the handle assembly may be configured to the performance of a specific function. The multi-function hand tool further comprises a plurality of tool heads (100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 190, 200, 210) which are selectively engageable with the handle assembly to configure the multi-function hand tool to the performance of a desired function.

Abstract: A posthole digger includes first and second spaced-apart and substantially upright handles for being gripped by a user at respective free ends. First and second cooperating blades depend from respective proximal ends of the handles. A cleaning attachment is located between the handles for removing accumulated earthen matter from an inside surface of the first and second blades when in the open position. An elongate rod extends between the handles, and is received within a hollow sleeve for sliding vertical movement relative to the sleeve. An inner scraper is attached to an end of the rod, and positioned between the first and second blades for reciprocating vertical movement along the length of the blades in the open position. A coil spring normally urges the inner scraper upwardly into a storage position adjacent to a top end of the blades.

Abstract: An improved post hole digger which comprises a plurality of elongated arm members having a proximal end and a distal end and an inner surface and an outer surface. A sharpened shovel blade is secured to the distal end of each of the elongated arm members, and a hinge pivotally secures the sharpened shovel blades to each other. A detachable top plate assembly is affixed to the proximal end of the elongated arm members and allows a user to strike the improved post hole digger with a weighted object such as a sledge hammer in order to drive the sharpened shovel blades into the ground.

Abstract: The present device relates to a shovel which enables a user to gain an increased amount of leverage. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a handle having a hand hold at one end thereof and an inner connection member at the opposite end thereof. This inner connection member includes both a tubular sleeve component and an arch component. A rectangular planar grip spans the intermediate extent of the arch component. Furthermore, a foot rest spans the intermediate extent of the arch component approximate the closed end. This foot rest includes a surface depression with a number of texture-creating protrusions formed thereon. Furthermore, a blade is secured to the bottom end of the foot rest.

Abstract: A grappling-type shovel including a pair of semicircular blades pivotally secured together by a hinge. The hinge includes a pair of pivot plates extending from the inner surfaces of the blades. The pivot plates are joined together by a pivot pin. A pair of elongated handles are secured at their lower ends to the blades. A foot pedal is pivotally secured to the lower end of one of the handles.

Abstract: An implement for penetrating soil or similar substances. The implement includes a handle having a gripping portion, a socket having a receiving portion, a work engaging portion, and a step having a foot engaging surface to which the user applies force to drive the work engaging portion into the soil. The foot engaging surface of the step is aligned with the natural orientation of the user's foot by positioning the centerline of the gripping portion or the receiving portion substantially normal to the foot engaging surface. Alternatively, where the implement has steps with foot engaging surfaces lying in first and second planes, the centerline of the gripping portion or receiving portion is substantially perpendicular to a line formed by the intersection of the first and second planes.

Abstract: The present invention is a lawn-aerating and weed-pulling apparatus for use in aerating the ground and removing weeds. The apparatus comprises a substantially horizontal foot plate having a first side and a second side. A coring mechanism and a resilient biasing mechanism is secured to the second side of the foot plate. When the resilient biasing mechanism is compressed and then released it urges the foot plate and the coring mechanism which is secured to it in a generally upward direction. Upon exertion of a generally downward force on the foot plate, the resilient biasing mechanism is compressed, allowing the coring mechanism to penetrate the ground. Upon release of the generally downward force on the foot plate, the resilient biasing mechanism urges the foot plate and the coring mechanism which is secured to it upward, away from the ground, thereby removing a core of ground with substantially reduced or diminished effort on the part of the user.

Abstract: A shovel for digging narrow trenches, comprising a handle and a head, the head having at an upper end thereof a shank by which the head is secured to the handle and at a lower end thereof a blade which is slender and elongated and of generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The blade is comprised by a bottom wall and side walls upstanding from the bottom wall. The side walls flare outwardly in the direction of the shank to form wings on opposite sides of the blade. The wings have bent-over portions serving as footrests for pressing the blade into the ground to dig a trench. The wings are so disposed as to bear on shoulders of a trench to serve as fulcra such that when the handle is depressed, the shovel will swing vertically about these fulcra and the blade will be raised. The blade is forwardly concave in a digging direction in a plane perpendicular to its cross section.

Abstract: A foot-operated appliance (20) for a digging tool (500) such as a shovel, spade, trencher or the like includes a longitudinally truncated sleeve (22) contoured to fit partially around the socket (508) of the digging tool (500). A substantially planar pedal (30) is connected to the sleeve (22) and projects outwardly therefrom. A U-bolt (40) and a retaining bar (42) connect the sleeve (22) around the socket (508). Pedal (30) is angled to be substantially perpendicular to the axis (518) of the blade (502) of the digging tool (500).

Abstract: A weeding device includes an elongated shaft, a ground-penetrating tool on one end of the shaft, a pad on the shaft adjacent the tool, and a handle on the other end of the shaft. The user pushes the tool into the ground adjacent a weed and kicks the pad with his foot to force the weed out of the ground.

Abstract: An improved pitchfork is provided which consists of a fork head, with a ferrule extending from an upper end of the fork head. An elongated handle has a first end engaging the ferrule. A hand grip engages a second end of the elongated handle. A structure on the upper end of the fork end is for increasing a support area for a foot of a person, to facilitate a better insertion of the fork head into the soil and other material which it is desired to handle.

Abstract: The cushioning step for the blade of a tool, according to the invention, has an elongated elastomeric member having an axially-extending, blade-engaging, generally L-shaped slot, oriented so that the step may be placed on the top edge of the blade of a tool wherein the blade is positioned in the slot. The slot is located intermediate the opposed side faces of the stop to define opposed saddle portions which rest on the opposed sides of the blade. A generally horizontally-extending portion of the L-shaped slot accommodates the blade-top construction of a forwardly-turned shovel. An inwardly-turned projection is located at the lower portion of the slot for providing a line contact with the front-surface of the blade. The step further includes a pair of axially-extending, clip-receiving openings located on opposite sides of the blade-engaging slot for receiving the legs of a bifurcated clip for securing the step to the blade.

Abstract: A device for holding refuse bags in an open position, the device including a handle and footpad. The handle provides a "dustpan" feature which permits the device to be easily moved about the yard area. The footpad steadies the device while refuse is being inserted into the bag. The device may also be suspended by the handle to resemble a garbage can.

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: A gardening tool has a straight handle and a tool head, such as a spade blade, gardening fork or weeding fork, pivoted to its lower end about a transverse axis, stops limiting the pivotal movement of the tool head in one direction beyond normal working position, aligned with the handle, and in the other direction beyond a second position at an obtuse angle to the handle. A spring biases the tool head to working position and a pedal at the lower part of the tool enables foot pressure to be applied to the tool head. A catch may be provided to hold the tool head releasably in its second position, and the tool head may be interchangeable with others.