Generally speaking, Mister Webster defines “Hardware” as: Tools, wiring and other operative components of homes and machinery (such as nuts and bolts, light bulbs and plumbing stuff, for example).

However, we have just returned from the 2009 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas where nearly 3,000 exhibitors proved that in real life, the term “hardware” (as found in today’s home centers and hardware stores) now also extends to a vast array of exciting items for home living and gardening. It even includes “hardware” for energy conservation, going green and adding upscale designer touches.

While there certainly were lots of traditional hardware items at this year’s show that meet Mister Webster’s criteria, there were also many newer innovations that caught our eye:

One was the nifty “Tow-N-Stow” combination auto trailer and storage unit. It starts out as a roomy two-wheel trailer, with a bed comparable to a pick-up truck that is perfect for hauling anything from lumber or plywood to your riding mower or camping gear. It also has lots of handy bells-and-whistle features, like a removable locking tailgate and cover, outboard wheels (for a flat bed) and lots of places to tie-down a load. When you’re through hauling, simply turn the unit on end, fold up the wheels, slip in a few shelves – and presto convert-o, in less than one minute, it becomes a handsome outdoor storage unit with locking doors. Now, you can turn the family car into a haulin’ star with just a trailer hitch – and when you’re done, going from tow back to stow, is an easy switch. A bit pricey for a storage shed at $2,495., but a real deal with the dual use as a trailer. (www.tow-n-stow.com).

Another great outdoor innovation is the new W-H-Y Bug Trap. As the name implies, it is especially for wasps, hornets and yellowjackets and effectively catches 20 species of “stingy” pests in all. The W•H•Y Trap uses three separate scientifically-developed attractants designed to replicate what is already found in the natural world, either from the target insect's body, its food source, or its nest or colony. The attractant kit that comes with the trap lasts two weeks and two-week refill attractant kits are available as needed for different regions and various insect seasons. The new W-H-Y Trap can be used virtually anywhere in the country to catch any airborne stinger that bugs you. MSRP for the trap is about $13. and attractant refills run about 4. (www.whyistheanswer.com).

Out in front of homes, the standard old-fashioned, post-mounted, vulnerable mailbox can now be easily upgraded to a high-security locking unit called the “Mail Boss.” Most locking mailboxes appear secure, but can be easily violated. This USPS-approved box features heavy-gauge steel construction and a patent-pending anti-pry latch that prevents leveraged entry and provides unrivaled security and protection against mail theft, identity theft and vandalism. And it’s as attractive as it is secure with various durable powder-coated finishes. The super-secure Mail Boss takes only minutes to install and offers peace of mind at an affordable price ranging from $110 (wall mount) to $169 (curbside). (www.mailboss.net).

Inside and out, painting is now easier and safer with the “Belt Bucket” line of make-sense clip-on painting helpers. Invented by a clever painting contractor, the Belt Bucket has different hip-mounted configurations that hold brushes, rollers and paints and free-up both hands for painting. On ladders, it provides better safety and stability and reduces trips up and down for refills. At floor and ground level, having a sufficient amount of paint on your side requires less bending down to repeatedly reload brushes and rollers. Slip-in liners make for easy clean-ups and snap-on covers offer an airtight seal. It is the perfect tool for painting trim and soffits, cutting in ceilings or doing detail work such as faux painting. Yes, there is a special multi-compartment “Belt Bucket” for faux painting too. The base kit retails for $24.99 with accessories ranging from $4 to $13. (www.paintbeltpro.com).

In the bathroom, an innovative DIY kit now easily converts your standard single flush toilet into a contemporary optional dual-flush model that saves lots of both water and money. With the “One2Flush” dual flush conversion kit, you just push the handle one way for liquids and the other way for solids and the dual inner-chambers know exactly how little or how much water to use during each type of flush. The savings? Up to thirty gallons a day for the average family. Not only do you save water, you save on what you would otherwise have to spend to purchase and install a new toilet. Affordably priced at $44.95 and easy to install, the One2flush is perfect for families watching their expenses and for consumers living in drought-stricken areas (www.one2flush.com).

This year, there were also numerous scaled down power tool innovations for women – with smaller hand grips and lighter weights – and a surprising number of products designed specifically for young children.

One such make-sense product for kids was the Conceva integrated adult and baby toilet seat. With two permanently-mounted, fold-down seat sizes (one for adults and one for baby), there is no messy clean-up as with potty-type seats and you can be sure your child is safely seated every time. No more fall-ins or loose seats that need to be secured or supervised with each use. It’s great for toilet training and transitioning to a regular sized seat and it will not pinch the skin. The child seat clips up and into the lid when not in use, is easily removed for cleaning and fits all standard toilet configurations. It’s very affordable too with a MSRP of $29.95 (www.choicestoiletseat.com).

Another nod toward kids is “Red Toolbox,” offering the opportunity for dads and kids to spend valuable time together while learning new skills. With a set of carpentry tools specially designed to suit a child's grip, complemented by a selection of original and appropriately challenging carpentry kits, it teaches and applies various skills according to the level of difficulty. Also included are an adjustable height adjustable height work bench for projects and tool storage and a child-sized tool belt to use while working. It’s great training (and fun) for little homeowners and contractors “to be” and creates a terrific connection between parent and child. Most products range from $10 to $50. (www.red-toolbox.com).

There is no denying that the definition of hardware is changing. “The time has come,” the Walrus said, “To talk of many things: of super glues and sealing-wax... and shower curtain rings...” Today, Lewis Carroll might also have to add, “and lots of other things.”