Title

Hand tool for picking up and collection

Background

The aim of the present invention refers to use of a hand tool to pick up objects, solid objects and also slugs and similar slimy animals, and collect them in an attached collection bag. In the case of slimy animals, a simultaneous killing function is also achieved with a detachable knife.

There are a multitude of different designs of picking tools, but all have the limitation that they only seize the object and the user must then move the picker to a separate container and release the object there. There are also picking devices that spear the object on the picker but these must also be emptied separately.

The disadvantage with this method is that they increase the strain on the person through repetitive lifting actions. A need exists to avoid strain injuries through minimising the lifting actions.

When it comes to collecting and killing slimy animals, there is a great need to be able to carry out this in a simultaneous operation without having to touch the animal. Previous methods have been based either on only picking up the animals or only dividing them on the ground with a knife.

Traditional methods for killing slimy animals are by boiling or salting, which burns through the animal's slime layer. Both these methods can be regarded as unethical, so rapid killing through splitting is preferable.

Technical area

The present invention refers to a hand tool that both picks up and collects objects and in the case of slimy animals such as slugs also kills them through a detachable knife.

The aim of the invention is to both pick up the object and transfer it to an attached collection bag in a single action.

Drawing summary

Figure 1 shows an exploded sketch of a hand tool for picking up slugs and similar slimy animals.

Figure 2 shows parts of the tool according to Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a holder for a collection bag for the tool according to Figure 1.

Figure 4 shows an exploded sketch of a hand tool for picking up solid objects.

Figure 5 shows parts of the tool according to Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows a container for the tool according to Figure 4. Detailed description of the present invention

To begin with, it must be pointed out that in the following detailed description of a currently proposed embodiment, which displays the significant characteristics associated with the invention and which are clarified through the diagrams shown in the following drawings, that we have opted to choose terms and special terminology with the primary intention of allowing us to clarify the idea of the invention.

However it must be noted that expressions chosen here should not be regarded as limited to only terms used and chosen here but that it must be tacitly understood that each such term chosen should be interpreted such that it in addition covers all technical equivalents that function in a similar or essentially similar way in order to achieve a similar or essentially similar aim and/or technical effect.

The invention refers to a hand tool for picking up objects and transferring them to an attached collection bag in a single action. The collection bag can easily be removed from the tool and either knotted up and disposed of or emptied and re-used. Slimy animals, such as slugs, can be killed in the same collecting action through the grip claws that have picked up the animal being drawn through a detachable knife blade 15 whereupon the animal is split into two parts before they end up in the collection bag through the shanks of the grip claws passing on either side of the knife blade.

The tool is distinguished in particular by the fact that on depression of a handle 21 an upper grip claw 5 moves against a lower grip claw 3 (which is spring-loaded against a mount 1 and still static) and when these make mechanical contact (through contact with each other or an intervening object) the lower claw 3 holds firm and grips the object. On further depression of the handle 21 the lower static grip claw 3 begins to move and rotates with the upper grip claw 5. With the object in a grip between the grip claws 3, 5 these rotate on to a point where the grip is opened and the object is thrown in the direction of rotation of the grip claws 3, 5. The bag or container 28 is positioned in its way for collection.

Main components of the tool

Rotating upper grip claw 5 which is coupled with a link 7 to a spring-loaded grip handle 21, rotating lower grip claw 3, mount 1 for both grip claws, tension spring 26 which sits between the lower grip claw 2 and the mount 1, detachable knife blade 15 that sits in the area of rotation of the grip claws, holder 14 for the knife blade 15, frame in the form of a wire holder 13 for a bag.

Description of the technical operation of the picking up function

The starting point for the grip claws 3, 5 is in the open position. By pressing the handle 21 the grip claws are closed through the upper grip claw 5 moving towards the lower grip claw 3 (which is spring-loaded against the mount 1 and still static). When these make mechanical contact (through contact with each other or an intervening object) the lower claw 3 holds firm and grips the object. The preloaded power of the tension spring 26 determines the magnitude of the force that is available in the handle 21 and between the grip claws 3, 5 before the lower static grip claw 3 begins to move and rotate with the upper. Note: This position distinguishes the two functional principles, objects and slimy animals. If the pressure is maintained on the handle 21 in this position, the operator can take hold of and release an object through not completing the entire movement of the handle 21.

With the object in a grip between the grip claws 3, 5 these rotate on to a point at which the grip is opened and the object is thrown in the direction of rotation of the grip claws. The bag or container 28 is positioned in its way for collection. Opening of the grip claws 3, 5 occurs through the tension spring 26 which up to this position has pressed the lower grip claw 3 against the upper passing over to the other side of the axis of rotation, whereupon the lower grip claw 3 is instead forced away from the upper whereupon the grip is opened. A mechanical stop 2, 4 between the lower and upper grip claw 3, 5 limits the angle of opening between these two which is important when the grip claws 3, 5 are to return to their original position.

In this position the handle 21 is depressed and the grip claws 3, 5 completely open. When the handle 21 starts to be released, the upper grip claw 5 begins to move back with the aid of spring 27 of the handle 5, press against the stop 2 at the lower grip claw 3 and force it back through the resistance of the tension spring 26. When the tension spring 26 passes over to the other side of the axis of rotation the grip claws 3, 5 close together as the lower is once again pressed against the upper. These accompany each other until the lower grip claw 3 reaches its rotation stop against the mount 1 and returns to its static position preloaded with the tension spring 26. The upper grip claw 5 continues with the movement of the handle 21 until it has returned to its original position.

Principle for the lower grip claw 3: Spring 26 which is fastened at two points, one point lying above the centre of rotation of the grip claw 3 and lying on the same vertical line through their centre. Depending on the side of the line on which the other point lies, the object is rotated either clockwise or anticlockwise, irrespective of spring type and whether there is tension or compressive force.

The knife blade 15 sits in a holder 14 in the area of rotation of the grip claws 3, 5 and thereby divides the object on its movement toward the collection bag.

The hand tool comprises a pipe 11 which at its lower end is arranged so that either a fastening 29 for a collection bag or a knife holder 14 can be attached. The container 28 for solid objects is designed so as to be attachable on the fastening 29 without the use of tools.

The collection bag for slimy animals can be attached and removed without the use of tools.

The grip claws 3, 5 can be provided with front plates 18 and positioned so as to allow visual checking of the object.

The handle 21 is fastened at the pipe 11 in the shape of an angle that naturally during use gives the pipe 11 a perpendicular orientation to the ground plane.