Abstract: Screening media for screening material includes a main body and a plurality of openings extending through the main body between a contact face and back face. The openings are of a shape of a convex and non-regular polygon, and are arranged in an orientation such that a line through the most proximal vertex of the polygon and parallel to a defined material flow direction divides the most proximal interior angle of the polygon. Such a configuration allows the openings to not easily get pegged and to improve screening performance.

Abstract: A tool comprises a blade operatively connected to a shaft and also comprises a foot plate operatively connected to the blade or the shaft. The tool is adapted for applications including, but not limited to, trenching and edging. In particular, the tool is adapted so the blade can travel forward in an arc without coming completely out of the soil. The blade can be designed to cut through roots up to a limited size.

Abstract: A blade assembly is disclosed. The blade assembly may include a blade having a surface defined between an upper edge and a lower edge of the blade, the lower edge being associated with a cutting edge, and a wear plate attached to the blade. The wear plate may extend along the surface and terminate short of the lower edge. The wear plate may have a plurality of accumulation members.

Abstract: A panning tool is described and comprises a sifting scoop comprising an elongated half sphere of proportional dimensions. The elongated half sphere can be a one-piece main body comprising a floor with a front edge, a left side wall curving upwardly along the floor's left side, a right side wall curving upwardly along the floor's right side, and a back wall curving upwardly from the floor's back side. The left side wall, right side wall, and back wall define a reservoir. The floor extends forwardly from the back side. The panning tool comprises a connection body. The connection body is affixed to an interior face of the sifting scoop. Methods of using the panning tool and manufacturing the sifting scoop are also described.

Abstract: A hole digger is provided. The hole digger includes a first handle assembly and a second handle assembly. The first handle assembly includes a first grip, a first intermediate portion, and a first blade. The first intermediate portion extends between the first grip and the first blade. The second handle assembly including a second grip, a second intermediate portion, and a second blade. The second intermediate portion extends between the second grip and the second blade. The second handle assembly is pivotally coupled to the first handle assembly such that a front surface of the first blade faces a front surface of the second blade. The first blade is not identical to the second blade. At least one stiffener is coupled to at least one of the first or second blades.

Abstract: An animal waste rake or barn stall rake that separates waste from animal bedding such as wood chips or straw. The manure rake or barn stall rake apparatus of the invention includes a shaker assembly that both vibrates and shakes the manure basket of the rake to expeditiously separate the manure from the bedding.

Abstract: A collapsible snow paddle. The paddle includes an elongated handle, a rotatable coupling affixed to one end of the handle, and a generally planar snow remover, the rotatable coupling affixed to a rear surface of the remover so that the remover may be collapsed against the handle for storage and extended transverse to the handle for use. The snow remover may have a scraper edge inclined at an angle relative to the surface of the snow remover for scraping ice and a relatively soft capped edge for removing snow.

Abstract: A snow shovel features a support sled, an inclined load blade having an upwardly and rearwardly tapered shape; and up-turned and in-turned side walls that converge in the tapering direction of the load blade. An up-turned and front-turned rear wall cooperates with the side walls to form a forwardly open pocket at a rear end of the blade. The converging side walls and rear pocket compress the snow as it rides up the load blade, whereupon an increased density of the tightly packed snow encourages gravitationally unloading of the shovel through an avalanching action. In use, the leading edge of the shovel is tilted upward as one approaches an intended dumping area in order to ride up onto remaining fallen snow, during which the collected and densely compacted snow avalanches off the leading edge of the shovel to simultaneously build and climb up a snow heap at the dump area.

Abstract: A spatula (1) having a head (5) with channels (11) that automatically turn or flip food, such as cubed meats, ground beef, vegetables and so forth, when the food travels through the channels. As the head passes through the pieces of food, the pieces of food are forced through the C-shaped channels or grooves located on the opposing side surfaces (8) of the head. The channels are preferably curved having an opening (12) located proximate to a wedge (15) of the head, then extending over a rounded projection (13) and terminating at a rear wall (14) of the head where the food is forced to exit the channels.

Abstract: Digital media products and methods for making them are disclosed. A digital media product can effectively not have any value until purchased and activated at a point-of-sale. In one embodiment, the digital media product is content specific and provided to allow acquisition of a particular collection of digital media assets upon activation. As one example, the collection can pertain to a playlist, album or set of content.

Abstract: There is provided a steel handle shovel comprising a coupling assembly between the head shovel and the handle, which provides a higher resistance in the structure of the shovel to the force and the weight the shovel undergoes under working conditions.

Abstract: The shovel with living hinge is an improved manual snow shovel with a feature that adds efficiency when removing loose material from the surface of sidewalks, driveways, or pavements. The shovel with living hinge is made up of both conventional and unconventional parts that in whole provide benefits unlike other manual shovels. Located within the ribs of the shovel is a living hinge that aids in reducing the manual effort put forth by the user when pitching loose material away from a surface.

Abstract: The asymmetrical head of a shovel incorporates a vertically oriented edge extending upwardly from the tip of the head to a recessed leading edge. The construction of the head permits it to function both as a pivot and as a lever, as well as facilitating the initial penetration of the head in soil.

Abstract: A shovel device for digging in ground or other material is provided. The shovel device comprises a handle having a first end and a second end. A blade having an attachment end and a digging edge opposite the attachment end is provided with the attachment end secured to the second end of the handle. A plurality of teeth is secured to the digging edge of the blade and extending beyond the digging edge of the blade. During digging operations, the teeth contact the ground or other material prior to the digging edge of the blade contacting the ground or other material.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible shovel that can be carried within a backpack without becoming caught on the backpack or other items stored in the backpack is provided. The shovel has hollow tubular handle, a spade frame assembly, a t-handle, and a fabric spade sheath that can be assembled to form a shovel suitable for digging. When not being used, the spade frame, the t-handle, and the fabric spade sheath are completely stored within the hollow tubular handle for easy carrying and storage.

Abstract: A manually operated shovel having a blade and a plurality of tooth members is provided. The tooth members of the shovel provide individual points of contact between the shovel blade and material, such as earth, when the blade of the shovel is pressed into the material. The tooth members provide a mechanical advantage that focuses the pressure applied to the shovel by the operator so as to penetrate material more easily than traditional uniformly bladed shovels.

Abstract: A hand-operable excavation apparatus for detecting buried electrical cable. The hand-operable excavation apparatus comprises of a unitary structure having a handle and an electrically conductive portion. At least one electric field sensor is secured to the electrically conductive portion to monitor electrical fields in proximity to the end of the device during ground breaking for activation of an alerting system when the preset value is greater than a predetermined voltage for notifying the excavator of buried electrical cable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shovel tool implement having an imbedded illumination means and a means for storing an auxiliary light source in its handle. The tool comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal handle end and distal working end, the distal end preferably connecting to a shovel implement, the proximal handle end preferably having a slot in which to store a removable flashlight. At a location along the shaft length is provided an outward projection for housing a light source, power supply and on/off switch. The projection extends outward from the shaft and directs light towards the shovel working end, while the backside of the projection includes a removable cover for replacement of batteries and light source elements. The projection is situated such that normal handling of the shovel is not impeded, while the directed light allows a user to visualize a given work area in a low light environment.

Abstract: A gardening apparatus for manipulating soil and/or cutting plants is disclosed, which comprises an implement being made of at least one rigid material, such as steel or plastic, at least one copper rich material coving at least one working surface area of the implement, and a plurality of metal metal alloy buttons containing desired metal elements being fixed on the implement, wherein during an intended use of the gardening apparatus abrasions between the gardening apparatus and the soil and/or plants cause particles of both the at least one copper rich material and plurality of metal metal alloy buttons to be removed therefrom.

Abstract: A rechargeable drilling shovel assembly drills downwardly, provides interchangeable spades, and charges a battery. The assembly includes a handle and a plurality of spade assemblies selectively couplable to the handle. A release lever, motor, trigger, gear, plunger, and charging port are coupled to the handle. The release lever is operationally coupled to the spade assembly when the spade assembly is coupled to the handle wherein manipulation of the release lever detaches the spade assembly from the handle. The trigger is operationally coupled to the motor wherein manipulation of the trigger actuates the motor. The gear is operationally coupled to the motor wherein actuation of the motor engages the gear. The plunger is operationally coupled to the gear wherein engaging the gear creates pressure on the spade assembly when the spade assembly is coupled to the handle. A battery powers the motor. A charging port is electrically coupled to the battery.

Abstract: Shovels and trowels are formed from metal and plastic for enhanced soil and sand penetration, and for cutting into roots. The shovels and trowels can each have one or more narrow tip teeth edges extending outward from the front end of the blade, the teeth edges each having embossed surface portions for strengthening the blade and disbursing stress during digging applications. The embossed portions can be indented. The embossed portions can be raised. A shovel version can also have foot brakes on both side of the handle above the rear end of the blade, to allow for a stable and safe foot placement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exercise device for use by a user on a selected surface material comprising a grasping member having a first end and a second end, a first tool head mounted to the first end of the grasping member and a second tool head mounted to the second end of the grasping member. Each of the first tool head and the second tool head has sufficient structural rigidity to be interacted with the surface material without significant deformation whereby a user can perform exercises upon the selected surface material by physically interacting the first tool head and second tool head with the surface material.

Abstract: An implement comprises a first member, at least a second member secured at one end of the first member; and at least one piece of material overlapping a junction between the first member and the second member. The implement is made by securing the second member at one end of the first member; and overlapping the junction between the first member and the second member with a piece of material smoothing a surface at the junction.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a shovel for excavating material within a utility location includes a blade made from a non-metal material. The blade has an overall thickness and a leading edge with a blunt surface and a beveled surface. The overall thickness of the blade includes a combined thickness of the blunt and beveled surfaces. The thickness of the blunt surface is between about 25% and about 75% of the overall thickness of the blade. The shovel also includes a neck coupled to the blade, as well as a handle coupled to the neck.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shovel tool implement having an imbedded illumination means and a means for storing an auxiliary light source in its handle. The tool comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal handle end and distal working end, the distal end preferably connecting to a shovel implement, the proximal handle end preferably having a slot in which to store a removable flashlight. At a location along the shaft length is provided an outward projection for housing a light source, power supply and on/off switch. The projection extends outward from the shaft and directs light towards the shovel working end, while the backside of the projection includes a removable cover for replacement of batteries and light source elements. The projection is situated such that normal handling of the shovel is not impeded, while the directed light allows a user to visualize a given work area in a low light environment.

Abstract: A rake having a handle, and a rake head. The rake head includes a frame having a neck dimensioned to receive one end of the handle; a plurality of tines, the plurality of tines comprising: a movable inner tine section, the movable inner tine section having a first movable inner tine section, a second movable inner tine section and at least one fixed inner tine between the first movable inner tine section and the second inner tine section; and a fixed outer tine section on each side of the inner section; a support member extending across the plurality of tines, the support member comprising a plurality of supports positioned between the tines; and at screening material, which separates a wanted material from an unwanted material.

Abstract: 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 has 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.

Abstract: A hand shovel having a handgrip shaft and shovel blade wherein the handgrip can rotate relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The shaft may be non-round in order to provide the user with a better grip on the shaft while rotating the shaft and blade relative to the handgrip.

Abstract: A multi-purpose bar for use with interchangeable tool attachments is described. The bar includes a high strength-to-weight ratio design, providing a tool ideal for military, first-responder emergency scenarios, mountaineering, aerospace, and the like. The bar includes a hole for attaching a carabiner and universal connectors, such as snap joint fasteners, for quick interchangeability of tool attachments. A kit including the multi-purpose bar and at least two tool attachments is also described. The two tool attachments are preferably configured to removeably couple to one another, thus providing a third tool.

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.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a shovel for excavating material within a utility location includes a blade made from a non-metal material. The blade has an overall thickness and a leading edge with a blunt surface and a beveled surface. The overall thickness of the blade includes a combined thickness of the blunt and beveled surfaces. The thickness of the blunt surface is between about 25% and about 75% of the overall thickness of the blade. The shovel also includes a neck coupled to the blade, as well as a handle coupled to the neck.

Abstract: A motion assisted manure fork having a handle, a fork head having a plurality of tines, a leverage assembly and a motor assembly that imparts a sinusoidal motion to the plurality of tines. The fork head includes a frame having a neck dimensioned to receive one end of a handle and a plurality of tines. The plurality of tines has an inner tine section, and an outer tine section on each side of the inner section with a hinge positioned between the inner tine section and each of the outer tine sections. The fork head also has an angle of inclination, which divides the plurality of tines into an upper portion of tines at a first angle to the handle and a lower portion of tines at a second angle to the handle. A support member extends across the plurality of tines, which includes a plurality of supports positioned between the tines to provide strength to the fork head during use.

Abstract: A shovel apparatus having a handle assembly at one end, a blade at the other opposed end, and a shaft therebetween connecting the blade to the handle assembly. The blade, in turn, comprises a substantially flat, somewhat trapezoid-shaped base portion and an integral, continuous wall portion upstanding from the edge of the base portion on three sides thereof to form generally a scoop. The fourth edge of the base member defines an opening for the scoop and also defines a substantially straight leading edge of the blade. A pattern of openings, preferably in form of groups of elongated slots, is provided in the body member and in at least a portion of the upstanding continuous wall portion.

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: A garden tool wherein the leading edge of the tool head has a leading edge coated with a hardness enhancing material.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-purpose tool that may provide the utility of a plurality of tools at a reduced weight and volume through the interchangeability of distinct tool attachments. A multi-purpose tool may comprise an elongated member including a handle and a plurality of universal connectors, wherein each universal connector is adapted to securely attach to a plurality of distinct tools, a first distinct tool including a first universal connector securely mated to one of the universal connectors of the elongated member, and a second distinct tool including a second universal connector securely mated to another of the universal connectors of the elongated member. A plurality of tool attachments may be attached to and removed from the elongated member in order to provide a specific utility.

Abstract: A long-handled shovel includes a head having a blade and a socket and an elongate handle member partially extending into the socket of the head. The handle member is a tube. A rod partially extends into the handle member and partially extends into the socket to provide resilient flexing between the head and the handle member when prying forces are applied thereto. A collar encircles the socket to limit outward expansion of the socket. A continuous outer layer of plastic material is molded over the entire length of the handle member and at least partially molded over the socket and the collar. The outer layer provides added strength by extending over the joint between the handle member and the socket.

Abstract: A sifting shovel for sifting particulate matter from a volume of material comprising a shovel head and a handle with an end fixed to the shovel head. The shovel head has a base plate, a sifting plate disposed in spaced relation relative to the base plate, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a proximal end wall. The sifting plate has a plurality of apertures therein, and the base plate, the sifting plate, and the first and second side walls have distal ends that together define an open mouth of the shovel head. The open mouth can have a minimum opening height greater than a maximum aperture dimension, and the shovel head can have a truncated wedge shape. At least a portion of the handle can be disposed below a longitudinal center of gravity of the sifting shovel, such as by forming a bend in the handle, to enable the sifting shovel to tip automatically.

Abstract: An oil-dispensing asphalt shovel for preventing asphalt from sticking to the blade-like member of the shovel. The shovel includes a blade-like member having a top end to which is attached a tubular oil dispensing member. The blade-like member has a plurality of holes being spaced along and extending through a side wall thereof, and has inlet ports extending through a side wall thereof and being diametrically opposed to the holes. A hollow shaft support member has a top end and a pair of leg portions securely attached to the tubular oil dispensing member. The leg portions have apertures extending through a bottom thereof and aligning with an inlet port of the tubular oil-dispensing member.

Abstract: A hand-manipulated dirt tool, either a spade, shovel, post hole digger or the like, is driven and guided by the hands and feet of the human user, which tool has at least three (3), operative, outwardly-directed, side edges, preferably continuous, namely, a penetrating chamfer, a slicing edge and a chopping chamfer, preferably at at least two different angles and three sizes, either on one side or on both sides. Thus, at least two, outwardly-directed, side edges are chamfer, which can be parallel, with relatively small, entry surface in beginning edge of the tool and, if spade or a shovel, etc., a foot engaged, top portion is provided. Ideally the three side surfaces, as one progresses up the tool, can make forty-five, seventy-five and forty-five degrees to the rear and ideal “vertical” distances of one, nine and one inches, respectively, and exemplary degree, distance ranges and cross-sectional dimensions are also provided.

Abstract: A gardening tool includes a shaft having a first end and a second end. A ground working instrument is positioned at the second end of the shaft. A generally T-shaped bifurcated handle is positioned at the first end of the shaft. The handle has two co-planar branches with extremities which are adapted for gripping to facilitate two handed use. The handle is sloped at an angle relative to the shaft. The handle has a recessed crotch portion where the branches meet the shaft. The crotch portion is adapted for gripping to facilitate one handed use.

Abstract: The spatula of the present invention is designed to effectively clean and remove residual paint from the inside walls and bottom of a cylindrical paint container. The spatula includes a blade with a protrusion with a curved edge extending from the blade. In the preferred embodiment, the protrusion is located adjacent to but set back from the straight distal edge of the blade so that the distal edge of the blade can be effectively used to scrape residual paint from the bottom of a container. The side edges of the blade form a right angle with the distal edge so that the distal corners of the blade may be used to clean paint from the hard to reach circumferential corner at the bottom of a cylindrical container. Finally, the curved edge of the protrusion may be effectively used to scrape residual paint up the sides and out of the cylindrical container.

Abstract: An implement comprising a first member, at least a second member secured at one end of the first member; and at least one piece of material overlapping a junction between the first member and the second member. The implement is made by securing the second member at one end of the first member; and overlapping the junction between the first member and the second member with a piece of material smoothing a surface at the junction.

Abstract: A snow shovel including a middle portion interposed between, and coupled to, each of a blade portion and a handle portion. Included with the middle portion is a flex control mechanism structured for controlling an amount of downward flexing possible by the blade portion with respect to the handle portion. While collecting a volume of snow the blade portion is maintained and biased in a first normal position. When lifting a volume of collected snow, the blade portion flexes downwardly, possibly assuming a pre-established second fully flexed position. When the collected and lifted snow is tossed, the energy stored in the flexible member by the downward flexing helps assist in tossing the snow. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A motion assisted manure fork having a handle, a fork head having a plurality of tines, a leverage assembly and a motor assembly that imparts a sinusoidal motion to the plurality of tines. The fork head includes a frame having a neck dimensioned to receive one end of a handle and a plurality of tines. The plurality of tines has an inner tine section, and an outer tine section on each side of the inner section with a hinge positioned between the inner tine section and each of the outer tine sections. The fork head also has an angle of inclination, which divides the plurality of tines into an upper portion of tines at a first angle to the handle and a lower portion of tines at a second angle to the handle. A support member extends across the plurality of tines, which includes a plurality of supports positioned between the tines to provide strength to the fork head during use.

Abstract: A material handling tool adapted for pushing material along a surface, for example, for pushing leaves across a lawn. The tool includes at least one elongated blade having a leading edge adapted to contact material and a bottom adapted to contact the surface and a collection surface mounted to the trailing edge of the blade which is positioned to receive the material from the deflector baffle. The tool also includes a transition between the collection surface and the trailing edge of the blade that positions the bottom of the blade substantially parallel to the surface of the lawn. The blade may be attached to a handle for manual use, or may be attached to automated machinery or to a vehicle. Though uniquely adapted for use as a lawn tool, the invention may also be used for pushing a broad range of materials, including snow, construction materials, and soil.

Abstract: A root cutting shovel (1) having a concave head (2) of a predetermined size and shape having a top (3) and a tip (4) wherein the head (2) has a front face (16) and a rear face (17). The head top (3) has a first end (13) and a second end (14) and a center (12) located between the first and second ends (13 and 14). A first edge (8) extends from the head first end (13) to the tip (4) while a second edge (9) extends from the head second end (14) to the tip (4). A plurality of serrated teeth (15) extend along the first and second edges (8 and 9) wherein each tooth (15) has a first side (27) and a second side (28) which join together at a predetermined angle (29), which is approximately sixty degrees. An elongated handle (6) is secured to the head top center (12) and flanges (10 and 11) are located on either side of the handle (6) and extend away from the head front face (16).

Abstract: A gardening apparatus for manipulating soil and/or cutting plants is disclosed, which comprises an implement being made of at least one rigid material, such as steel or plastic, at least one copper rich material coving at least one working surface area of the implement, and a plurality of metal metal alloy buttons containing desired metal elements being fixed on the implement, wherein during an intended use of the gardening apparatus abrasions between the gardening apparatus and the soil and/or plants cause particles of both the at least one copper rich material and plurality of metal metal alloy buttons to be removed therefrom.

Abstract: A sifting shovel for sifting particulate matter from a volume of material comprising a shovel head and a handle with an end fixed to the shovel head. The shovel head has a base plate, a sifting plate disposed in spaced relation relative to the base plate, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a proximal end wall. The sifting plate has a plurality of apertures therein, and the base plate, the sifting plate, and the first and second side walls have distal ends that together define an open mouth of the shovel head. The open mouth can have a minimum opening height greater than a maximum aperture dimension, and the shovel head can have a truncated wedge shape. At least a portion of the handle can be disposed below a longitudinal center of gravity of the sifting shovel, such as by forming a bend in the handle, to enable the sifting shovel to tip automatically.

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.