CA2172849A1

CA2172849A1 - Picker

Info

Publication number: CA2172849A1
Application number: CA002172849A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Jack M. A. Wouters
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-03-28
Filing date: 1996-03-28
Publication date: 1997-09-29

Abstract

In this device called "The Picker", envision a pistol-like device comprising of a handle, a trigger and extended barrel.
Inside this barrel is a tie rod located with one end fastened to the trigger.
At the end of the barrel is a set of pincers mounted. One pincer blade is connected to the barrel, which is the stationary blade, the other pincer blade which is the pivoting blade, is connected to the other end of the tie rod.
When pulling the trigger, the tie rod moves back against the spring tension and will pull the pivoting pincer to closed position.
To open up the pincers, simply release the trigger and the tension spring mounted over the tie rod inside the barrel will pull the trigger and tie rod forward, opening up the pincers.

Description

2 1 72~4q .

¦ Specifications:
This invention relates to a manually operable tool for picking weeds out of the lawn or garden and picking up matter beyond reach or in hard to reach areas, without bending your back.
Usually to remove weeds one has to go on their knees or use a hoe which can do a lot of damage especially in flower beds; besides and in addition, a hoe cuts the roots and does not remove them or pick up anything.
To overcome the difficulties and inconveniences of previous practices, this inventive idea with its light weight and unique design could be the answer to these problems, especially for the elderly.
Following is a full description of this inventive idea:
In the drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention, Figure 1 is the front view of the embodiment, Figure 2 is the side view of the embodiment, Figure 3 is a section of line A-A of Figure 1, and Figure 4 is a section of line B-B of Figure 1.
The tool illustrated comprises a handle 1 shaped for easy and comfortable holding and operation of the device.
The handle might vary in shape and could be produced from wood, plastics or similar materials, out of one piece, or split and bolted together.
In this handle, a metal insert 2 is mounted, which provides the bases to connect handle 1, with trigger 5 and tube body 10.
Metal insert, which may have different shapes or thicknesses, might vary at the tube end of the insert (part which is inserted in the body tube 10) to suit connection to body tube, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. Fasteners 9 connect insert 2 to body tube 10. Body tube 10 is made from light weight metal or plastic tubing.
Trigger 5 is fastened to insert 2 with a pivoting connection 6. This pivot could be a rivet, stud or bolt.
Trigger can be made out of one solid piece or as shown in Figure 3, from a metal blade covered with wood or plastic facing 8, fastened with screws or spring pins 7.
Tie rod 11 is a metal rod with an eye 12 on both ends of the tie rod.
Eyes are formed on ends of rod or could be soldered, welded or screwed on.
One end of the tie rod 11 is connected with a pivoting connection 18 to trigger 5, and the other end of the tie rod is connected with a pivoting connection 19 to pincer 16.

2 1 7284~
.
Specifications continued By pul~ing the trigger 5, which pivots around connection 6 (see Figure 3), tie rod 11 will move backwards resulting in a rotating action of pincer 16, which pivots around connection 17 on the stationary pincer 15.
Stationary pincer 15 is fastened to body tube 10 with connectors 9.
Pincers are made of metal and the shape could vary depending on functional requirements of the device.
Spring 14, located around the tie rod as shown in Figure 2, is fastened to a ring 13 on the tie rod and hooked around the bottom of body tube 10. Ring 13 is secured to the tie rod.
By pulling on the trigger, moving the tie rod back, the spring which is fastened to the tie rod will come under tension while the pincers are closing due to the pivoting action around pivot 17.
When releasing the trigger, the spring tension will pull the tie rod back, opening up the pincers.
Pincers are normally open.

SUMMARY OF MECHANICS OF THIS DEVICE
1. Pull the trigger which will rotate around pivot 6.
2. Pivoting motion will move tie rod approximately 1/2 inch backwards.

3. Since connection 19 on pincer 16 is a connection to the tie rod, it will also move 1/2 inch pivoting around 17.

4. Pincers are now closed, against the action of tension spring 14.

5. When trigger is released, spring will pull trigger and tie rod to start position, as shown in Figure 2, while simultaneously opening the pincers, as shown in Figure 1.

Claims

1. The design of the pincers is such that they can pick-up items as small as a pin.

2. The pointed design of the pincers can pick and remove weeds by the roots.

3. The device is designed that it can be used without bending your back.

4. The device is designed with serrated pivoting pincer for maximum grip.

5. The design of this device is such that it allows the pincers to get close to the targeted area without disturbing or damaging anything close to it.

6. This device will make it very easy to pick weeds or garbage in hard to reach places, e.g.
under hedges, bushes, porches, fences etc., all without bending your back.

7. Device can be used right or left handed.

8. Device is light weight and weighs less than one pound.