PITTSBURGH - After asphalt is poured into potholes, it must be tamped (compacted) evenly for maximum effectiveness. This requires road workers to pound the top of the asphalt with flat-ended tampers. Though this job is usually time-consuming, it can become strenuous within a matter of minutes. This problem inspired two inventors from Trimble, and Excelsior Springs, Mo., to design a more efficient tamping tool to smooth the road to making a smooth road.

"Since I'm a road-maintenance worker for the DOT, I'm familiar with the difficulties of tamping asphalt," said one inventor. The ASPHALT TAMPER facilitates the task of asphalt tamping to allow for the quick and easy filling of potholes. Besides reducing time, effort and strain, the tool promotes efficiency and productivity. It features an easy-to-use, ergonomic design that is ideal for Department of Transportation road workers and other construction workers.

The original design was submitted to the Kansas City office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 08-KSC-472, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at www.InventHelp.com.