Convertible And Combined Patents (Class 294/51)
  • Patent number: 11975438
    Abstract: A tool holder including a main body, an activation button coupled to the main body, a tool securing portion at least in directly coupled to the activation button, wherein the activation button can be activated into a first state for coupling a tool to the tool holder and a second state for decoupling a tool from the tool holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Cricut, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Korbuly, Jeffery V. Gubler, Ildefonso M. Resuello, Jr., Grayson Stopp, Thomas Crisp
  • Patent number: 11930725
    Abstract: The present application relates generally to storage devices, and specifically to a combined shovel and storage device for backcountry or all-terrain use comprising a shovel blade and a complementary portion, whereby the shovel blade and the complementary portion are configured to releasably secure together thereby defining a hollow space for storage therebetween. The combined shovel and storage device further includes a shovel shaft, wherein the shovel shaft is of a dimension that can be stored within the hollow space for storage, and wherein the shovel shaft contains a first end with a shovel handle and a second end opposite the first end configured to releasably secure to the shovel blade. Also disclosed is a method of using a combined shovel and storage device to shovel earth, snow, water, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: Eric Jason Maher
  • Patent number: 11864479
    Abstract: A multipurpose drain tool including a drain shovel “DROVEL™” and pry bar. The multipurpose drain tool includes a drain tool shaft, a proximal pry bar, and a distal drain shovel. The drain tool shaft carries at least one rubber hand grip, a proximal end cap, and a distal end cap. The pry bar is mounted to and extends outwardly from the proximal end cap. The drain shovel is mounted to and extends distally from the distal end cap. The multipurpose drain tool of the present invention offers a solution to the problem of clearing subsurface drains to restore drain functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Bryan Deane Richardson
  • Patent number: 11606892
    Abstract: Provided is a military shovel, including a shovel head and a shovel handle; a rear end of the shovel head is provided with a connection seat; a front end of the shovel handle is provided with a connection head; the connection seat of the shovel head is hinged to the connection head by a hinge shaft; the military shovel further includes a locking mechanism for fixing the shovel head, the locking mechanism is disposed on the front end of the shovel handle; three locating holes are provided in a sidewall of the connection seat; a locating protrusion is disposed on a sidewall of the connection head; the sidewall of the connection seat where the three locating holes are located is opposite to the sidewall of the connection head where the locating protrusion is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: BINOVO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Houkun Liang, Zhiwen Liang
  • Patent number: 11523616
    Abstract: A pizza peel features a blade, a support bracket, a hinge, a nut and a handle. The support bracket is connected to the blade. The hinge is pivotally connected to the support bracket via a pin. The nut is assembled to the hinge outer threads. The handle is screwed in the hinge inner threads. The handle may be pivoted between a storage position and a deployed position and may be locked in the selected position by clockwise rotation of the nut. When the handle is in the stored position, the pizza peel may be easily stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Inventor: Ahmad Mecsaci
  • Patent number: 11510354
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multifunctional folding spade, which comprises a spade plate and a spade handle, a turntable is welded at the tail end of the spade plate, a spade handle sleeve is provided at the head end of the spade handle, a socket is provided at the head end of the spade handle sleeve, a part of the turntable body is inserted into the socket, the turntable and the spade handle sleeve are provided with matching rotation holes, and a pin shaft passes through the rotation holes to realize the rotating connection between the turntable and the spade handle; the turntable body is further provided with a plurality of angle adjusting holes circumferentially, a locking hole is provided with at the tail end of the spade handle sleeve correspondingly, a locking bolt is provided at one side of the locking hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Taigu Changlin Shovel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qiang Wang, Baojun Zhang, Dingbo Zhang, Haobo Xu, Yixiao Wang, Xinyin Zhang, Zhiying Du
  • Patent number: 11470752
    Abstract: A customizable shovel, including a telescopic assembly, including a first shaft section, a second shaft section movably disposed within a first end of the first shaft section, a plurality of adjustment buttons disposed on at least a portion of the first shaft section to extend the second shaft section from retracted to away from the first shaft section in response to depressing one of the plurality of adjustment buttons, a socket disposed on a second end of the second shaft section, and a blade connected to the socket to receive at least one item therein, an attachment assembly to removably connect to the blade, and a connecting assembly disposed on at least a portion of the attachment assembly to lock the attachment assembly to the telescopic assembly in a first position and unlock the attachment assembly from the telescopic assembly in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventors: Dwight Dillavou, Connie Dillavou
  • Patent number: 11464152
    Abstract: A combination digging tool and head rest is disclosed having a planar elongate linear member having a first end and a second end, and a planar non-linear member. The linear and non-linear members are coupleable to one another at different locations to form first and second orientations. The first orientation is formed when the first end of the planar elongate linear member is coupled to the first end of the non-linear member so that the planar elongate linear member and the planar elongate non-linear member are coplanar and form a generally J-shaped figure. That figure can be used as a digging tool. The second orientation is formed when the first end of the planar elongate linear member is coupled to the side portion of the non-linear member to form a head rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Sand Lounger LLC
    Inventor: Derek Hughes
  • Patent number: 10920425
    Abstract: A snow removal apparatus for cutting and removing snow from a sloped surface. The apparatus comprises a frame. The frame has a lower section and an upper section connected by side sections. The apparatus also comprises an elongated handle removably engageable to the frame and a slide connected to the lower section of the frame and extending away therefrom in a slide extending direction. The apparatus is selectively configurable in a push configuration where the handle is engaged to the lower section of the frame and extends in a direction substantially similar to the slide extending direction and a pull configuration where the handle is engaged to the upper section of the frame and extends in a direction substantially opposite to the slide extending direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: LES PRODUITS POLARMADE INC.
    Inventors: Benoit Mercier, Benoit Lavallée
  • Patent number: 10619365
    Abstract: A floor stripping machine for removing floor covering from a floor surface includes a base, a motor secured to the base, a rear wheel arrangement driven by the motor, and a blade assembly. The blade assembly is secured to a remaining portion of the machine and has a removable clamp with a cutter. The machine has a forward downward sloping angle, a low center of gravity, and is obstruction free for mounting by an operator. The blade assembly may include a dovetail for a variety of tool heads. One example of a blade has a base flange, a pair of side flanges with forward leaning angles, and a hook in between each side flange and the base flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Anderson Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Martin L. Anderson, Quinn M. Anderson, Joseph M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10492352
    Abstract: A pole has an upper end and a lower end. A blade has a forward surface, a rearward surface, a central section, a left side section, and a right side section. Hinges couple the left side section and the right side section to the central section respectively. A converting assembly facilitates movement of the pole and conversion of the blade between a first orientation for digging/lifting and a second orientation for snow pushing. housing is secured to and extends rearwardly from the central section. A pivot pin couples the lower end of the pole to the housing. A block is slidably received within the housing. A left linkage assembly couples the left side of the blade to the block. A right linkage assembly couples the right side section of the blade to the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventors: Chintan Sheth, Joseph Tricarico
  • Patent number: 10322504
    Abstract: Devices and methods for creating a secure overhead anchor from which to perform tasks such as climbing, hauling, lifting, and rescuing tasks with respect to shipping containers (e.g., intermodal containers) are described herein. The disclosure relates to a device that can be placed, for example, into corner castings on standardized shipping containers at a distance, for example by a pole or other comparable component, and which can securely fit into the standardized corner castings of a shipping container even when a twistlock device or similar component is installed in the casting to hold the target container to another container above or below it. A head of the device can be rotated between a first configuration for inserting the device into the casting, and a second configuration for securing the device to the casting. Methods of using the device are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: ATLAS DEVICES LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Gallup, Daniel Walker, Gino Kahaunaele, Nathan Ball
  • Patent number: 9757851
    Abstract: A multipurpose tool system that can be assembled into multiple configurations by a user. The tool system may comprise a plurality of components, including tool heads, shaft segments, and handle ends. The components of the tool system can be combined in various configurations to provide different functions, at different lengths. Connectors may be utilized to connect the various components of the system using a twist lock mechanism. The connectors may include a tubular sleeve member having a biased locking shaft that interacts with a locking groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Redhed Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Meinzer, Jonathan Hart
  • Patent number: 9731409
    Abstract: A multipurpose tool system that can be assembled into multiple configurations by a user. The tool system may comprise a plurality of components, including tool heads, shaft segments, and handle ends. The components of the tool system can be combined in various configurations to provide different functions, at different lengths. Connectors may be utilized to connect the various components of the system using a twist lock mechanism. The connectors may include a tubular sleeve member having a biased locking shaft that interacts with a locking groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Redhed Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Meinzer, Jonathan Hart
  • Patent number: 9587359
    Abstract: A snow removal apparatus may include a main body, an engaging base, a shaft and two brackets and be applied to different situations to achieve the effect of removing snow by pulling or pushing the shaft thereof such that a user has no need to repetitively shovel and lift snow to a trolley thus saving time and labors. Also, the snow removal apparatus can remove larger amounts of snow to a great distance without the trolley thus improving applicability. Moreover, since the snow removal apparatus has multi-function, the user can only buy one tool to achieve the effect of removing snow which lowers the cost and is easier for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Lilun Plastics Enterprise Co Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Chih Yu
  • Patent number: 9565831
    Abstract: At least one embodiment discloses a kitty litter scooper which is configured to receive at least one cover or at least one adapter. In at least one embodiment there is a scooping device comprising a handle and at least one head section. There can be at least one pusher and at least one cover wherein the cover is configured to cover over the head section. The pusher is configured to push the cover off of the head. In at least one embodiment, the pusher is configured to be coupled to the handle. In at least one other embodiment the handle extends along a longitudinal axis and the pusher is configured to slide along the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Jippy, LLC
    Inventor: Robert A Coscia
  • Patent number: 9526203
    Abstract: A fork and shovel combination assembly includes a frame with a first wall and a second wall. The first wall has a first edge and a second edge positioned opposite of each other. The second wall has a proximal edge attached to and being continuous with the second edge. The first wall has a front surface and a rear surface and the second wall has a first surface forming a 90° angle with the front surface. A handle is attached to the rear surface of the first wall and is oriented perpendicular to the rear surface. A plurality of linear tines is attached to the frame and extends forward therefrom. Each of the tines has an attached end abutting the front surface and each tine abuts the first surface. The tines are each oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventor: John W. Pilgrim
  • Patent number: 9485896
    Abstract: A tool includes a handle having a sweeping end and an opposed weeding end. The sweeping end encompasses a broom having a plurality of semi-rigid bristles. The broom can be a standard sweep-type broom or a push broom. The weeding end includes at least one (1) rigid hook member configured to remove weeds from between cracks or similar locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Timothy J. Gaffney
  • Patent number: 9346159
    Abstract: An interchangeable tool device has a handle with an external threaded portion and at least three lock members, a tool head with an internal threaded portion, and at least three lock apertures. The locking members are movable between a locked position and a free position. The lock apertures receive the lock members when the lock members are in the locked position and cooperate to limit rotation of the tool head relative to the handle. The lock apertures and the lock not limiting rotation of the tool head relative to the handle when the lock members are in the free position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Cole Brogden
  • Patent number: 9307825
    Abstract: A tool for cleaning surfaces includes a supporting element that holds a plurality of bristles, or groups of bristles, and a handle for gripping and maneuvering the tool, the tool further including a coupling element that can be removably connected to the supporting element and to which the handle can be removably connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: NUOVA F.LLI DONDI S.R.L.
    Inventors: Andrea Dondi, Roberto Dondi
  • Publication number: 20150121728
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a dual mode snow shovel system including a hoe mode and a shovel mode. The system includes a blade member, shaft member, and handle. The shaft member may include an upper and lower shaft member slidably intercoupled to facilitate extended and collapsed configurations. A first end of the shaft member is releasably coupled to the blade member in a radially reversible orientation to facilitate either the shovel mode or the hoe mode. The shaft member includes a curvature disposed in proximity to the first end, and the blade member includes a corresponding curvature. The shovel mode includes a substantially parallel orientation of the blade member and the substantially straight lengthwise orientation of the shaft member. The hoe mode includes a substantially orthogonal orientation of the blade member and the substantially straight lengthwise orientation of the shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: BLACK DIAMOND EQUIPMENT, LTD.
    Inventors: Joe Spataro, Jake Hall, Thomas Laakso
  • Patent number: 8998887
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument for removing tissue, in particular a shaver, drill, or morcellator, having a tool that can be set in rotation and a motorized drive for driving the tool, and having an elongate body and a handle that projects laterally from said elongate body. The handle is fastened in a detachable manner to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Simmen, Raphael Spycher, Urs Vogel
  • Publication number: 20150091314
    Abstract: An improved snow shovel for reducing the suction of snow to shovel while still maintaining the overall strength of the shovel. The improved snow shovel has a face or blade scoop portion that has an array of vertical or longitudinally extending slots or slits that penetrate through the entire blade scoop portion of the snow shovel. The array is arranged with the slots aligned vertically in a top to bottom arrangement. The slots are disposed in a set of preferably one to two slots per set. The sets of slots are arranged in a symmetric pattern on the face of the shovel to ensure uniform distribution of the reduction of snow to the shovel and to ensure uniformity of the overall strength of the shovel. The shovel face can be flat or curved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Mary H. Putre
  • Patent number: 8960743
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are several examples of an adapter for a modular tool system. The adapter in one form comprising: a handle attachment device fixed to a shovel head; the handle attachment device removably attached to a coupler which is fixed to one longitudinal end of an elongate handle; the elongate handle having a longitudinal axis wherein the coupler is in line with the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal axis of the handle; an offset arm having a first end fixed to the handle attachment device, the offset arm extending from the handle attachment device and extending to a second end removably coupled to the elongate handle at a point longitudinally distal of the coupler; and wherein the offset arm extends from the handle attachment device at a vertical offset distance from the longitudinal axis of the elongate handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: William H. Hasenjaeger
  • Publication number: 20140361563
    Abstract: This invention relates to a metal detector digging tool apparatus having an elongated pole having a nonmetallic digging tool or scoop attached to one end thereof and a nonmetallic bracket removably clamped between the ends thereof. The nonmetallic bracket clamps to the pole between the ends thereof and has a metal detector clamp extending therefrom that clamps a pinpoint metal detector to said bracket adjacent the nonmetallic digging tool for remotely isolating and examining an object detected by a metal detector without the operator bending or kneeling over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Robert L. Sickler, JR.
  • Patent number: 8820806
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: George Seits
  • Publication number: 20140217759
    Abstract: The present invention describes a snow related removal device adapted for dual functionality. The device is designed to combine two distinct cold weather related tools into a single functioning snow shovel that can be easily converted from a tool that functions to remove snow from a surface to a tool that can chop and/or scrape ice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Uffner, Michael Vogler
  • Publication number: 20140159400
    Abstract: A two bladed ice shovel and a two bladed windshield ice scrapper each having a single handle bar are disclosed. The collecting blade of the shovel has its axis substantially aligned with the axis of the handle bar. The axis of the second blade termed, chopping blade remains above the axis of the collecting blade. The axes of the two blades form a 30 to 60 degree angle. During ice removal, the chopping blade delivers roughly constant volume of load onto the shovel, leads the way, chops by vibratory hammering, the ice formed on the pavement; and the collecting blade follows and collects chopped ice allowing ice removal. The structure of the chopping blade provides a convenient second handle for ease of load disposal if desired. A second embodiment of the apparatus allows better removal of ice and snow from vehicle windshields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Ekramul Haque
  • Patent number: 8746767
    Abstract: An industrial long handled tool component system is provided having interchangeable tool heads, connectors, handles and grips. The novel connector system provides a polygonal locking bar concentric with a round outer reinforcing collar both engaged by a material connector insert and separated by plastic isolations seals. The novel connector promotes connection integrity and prevents joint movement. An alternate embodiment provides a connector system without the collar to save weight and manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Mag-Lok Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Mouch, Charles Fallen, G. Ray Miller
  • Publication number: 20140132015
    Abstract: An attachment to a conventional snow shovel functions as an auxiliary handle and as a connector to a second snow shovel. When oriented substantially perpendicular to the shovel blade, the attachment functions as an auxiliary handle. The attachment connects to the shovel near the intersection of 1) the blade and neck and 2) the neck and handle. In this embodiment, the auxiliary handle functions as a cradle in which to rotate the shovel to dump snow more easily. The attachment may also be used to combine two shovels to form a plow. The attachment connects to a first shovel at the same two points as in the first configuration. In the same way, another attachment connects to the neck of a second shovel. The two attachments connect to each other at a third attachment point along the body of the attachments, creating a plow formed by the adjacent shovel blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Breanna L. Stachowski
  • Patent number: 8708382
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Rigoberto Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8662548
    Abstract: A multifunction lawn and garden device includes a generally flat base member having a plurality of upward radiating walls extending therefrom. A slanted edge is disposed along the front side of the base member, and an aperture is formed within the center of the base member. A generally T-shaped handle is positioned above the center of the base member and is secured to each of the back and side walls, and a removable insert member having a complementary shape as the aperture is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Viani
  • Publication number: 20130313843
    Abstract: The present invention is 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Rigoberto Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8550514
    Abstract: A snow flap for a snowmobile functions as a removable snow shovel blade. The handle may be used as a pivot attachment for the blade to the snowmobile and may be alternatively attached to the blade in a different orientation for use as a shovel. Quick release attachment of the blade to the rear of the snowmobile permits ease of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Slydog, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd M. Huntimer
  • Patent number: 8491024
    Abstract: A dual grip handled shovel for clearing a surface is disclosed. The shovel comprises a grip handle having a front grip attached to a rear grip by way of a central portion. A tool handle includes a front truss pair attached to a first end of the central portion and a rear truss pair attached to a second end of the central portion. A tool head includes a leading edge and a lagging edge which is operatively attached to the front truss pair and rear truss pair. The central portion, the tool handle and the lagging edge of the tool head are attached in a way to form a tetrahedron which distributes the load evenly to provide an ease of use to a user. The front truss pair and the rear truss pair distribute the load evenly between the grip handle and the tool head thereby balancing the load dynamically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Brian W. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20130057002
    Abstract: A snow flap for a snowmobile functions as a removable snow shovel blade. The handle may be used as a pivot attachment for the blade to the snowmobile and may be alternatively attached to the blade in a different orientation for use as a shovel. Quick release attachment of the blade to the rear of the snowmobile permits ease of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Todd M. Huntimer
  • Patent number: 8322764
    Abstract: An industrial long handled tool component system is provided having interchangeable tool heads, connectors, handles and grips. The novel connector system provides a polygonal locking bar concentric with a round outer reinforcing collar both engaged by a material connector insert and separated by plastic isolations seals. The novel connector promotes connection integrity and prevents joint movement. An alternate embodiment provides a connector system without the collar to save weight and manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Mag-Lok Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Ray Miller, Charles Fallen, III, Robert C. Mouch
  • Publication number: 20120292934
    Abstract: A dual grip handled shovel for clearing a surface is disclosed. The shovel comprises a grip handle having a front grip attached to a rear grip by way of a central portion. A tool handle includes a front truss pair attached to a first end of the central portion and a rear truss pair attached to a second end of the central portion. A tool head includes a leading edge and a lagging edge which is operatively attached to the front truss pair and rear truss pair. The central portion, the tool handle and the lagging edge of the tool head are attached in a way to form a tetrahedron which distributes the load evenly to provide an ease of use to a user. The front truss pair and the rear truss pair distribute the load evenly between the grip handle and the tool head thereby balancing the load dynamically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Brian W. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8256809
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy M. Coutu
  • Patent number: 8220852
    Abstract: A construction-grade hand tool has interchangeable tool heads that can withstand significant impact, pulling, and twisting forces. The tool heads may include a shovel, a rake, a hoe, a bow saw, a broom, a fork, pruning shears, and other construction and fire fighting tool heads. A tool head adapter securely connects these tool work heads to a handle which may be a telescoping handle. The tool head adapter is connected to the tool head in a manner that provides a strong, impact-resistant connection between the adapter and the tool head. The handle may include a shock absorber structure. The adapter is configured to be securely and tightly received by a clamping and/or quick-release receptacle on the end of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel P Fenstemaker
  • Patent number: 8100447
    Abstract: A shoveling implement includes an elongate handle which may be pivotally attached to a shovelhead having at least two blade faces. The shovelhead may be configured so that the blade faces always remain at a fixed angle to the ground, or may be designed as a combination scoop and pusher shovel, with either blade being utilized by rotating the handle 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: David S. DeWinter
  • Publication number: 20110304166
    Abstract: A multi-use snow tool includes a snow fluke and an elongate snow anchor. The snow fluke is configured to independently anchor a belay or repel, or provide an intermediate point of climbing protection when buried in snow. Likewise, the elongate snow anchor is configured to independently anchor a belay or repel, or provide an intermediate point of climbing protection when driven into snow. The elongate snow anchor and the snow fluke are cooperatively configured to detachably couple with one another to form a snow shovel in which the elongate snow anchor serves as a shovel handle and the snow fluke serves as a shovel blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: CASCADE ALPINE, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Rathmell, Benjamin Bliesner
  • Patent number: 8070198
    Abstract: An article removal apparatus and method for the removal of debris from a surface by a user without physical bending, twisting, or strain. The article removal apparatus includes a blade, a structure for pivotal movement, a primary extension, and a secondary extension. The blade includes a first side, a second side, and a lengthwise axis. The structure for pivotal movement includes a pivotal axis adjacent to the second side. The primary extension includes a primary longitudinal axis, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is adjacent to the second side. The secondary extension includes a secondary longitudinal axis, a pivotal end portion, and an opposing end portion. The pivotal end portion is adjacent to the structure for pivotal movement. A user grasps the primary and secondary extensions, one in each hand selecting the angle between them and plows the debris from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick Richard Burke
  • Publication number: 20110285154
    Abstract: The invention provides a utensil 10 includes a body 12 and a water entry point 14. The body 12 is in the form of a scoop and is fabricated from a thermoplastic polymer, e.g. Polyvinyl chloride. The body 12 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is typically truncated along its length. The inner portion of the body 12 defines a scoop-like excrement receiving surface 16 which extends from a free end region 18 of the body 12. Water is then supplied via the entry point 14 into the body 12 at a pressure sufficient to discharge the excrement received therein and disposed of into the drainage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Dawid Lukas Frederik Swanepoel
  • Patent number: 8061745
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Hyun C. Park
  • Patent number: 8002322
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Cascade Alpine, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Rathmell, Benjamin Bliesner
  • Patent number: 7946637
    Abstract: A foldable shovel structured for scooping/pushing is provided. The disclosed foldable shovel includes two arcuate members that are hinged together at one end. In the folded configuration the two arcuate members are nested. Further, the coupling device includes a locking disk assembly structured to allow the arcuate members to be configured in different positions relative to each other. Thus, the foldable shovel may be optimally configured as either a scooping device or a pushing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Christopher Gehman, Joshua O. Mullen, Eric Daniel Hyp
  • Publication number: 20110080014
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel garden spade wherein the scoop portion has straight sides. In addition, the proximal end of the scoop has a hammer plate uninterrupted by the neck which neck is attached to the scoop of the spade distal to the hammer plate. The neck and handle attached to the neck are angled such that the hammer plate can be struck with the greatest amount of clearance and best angle of attack for hitting a spade compared to previous spades which are not designed to successfully be hit without damage to either the spade, the user or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory K. Baker, Carl R. Baker
  • 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