US3976564A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Combination digger and sifter for use with metal detector
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-02-27
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Granted: 1976-08-24
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Expires: 1995-02-27
Abstract
Abstract A device for use in conjunction with a metal detector which will allow the user to dig and sift simultaneously with one hand. The device includes a shovel type scoop with a flashlight built into the handle. The scoop is perforated so that it can be used in the manner of a sifter looking for metal particles or other objects. The holder or handle has a ring attachment for conveniently carrying on a belt. Optionally, the holder scoop may be magnetically treated in order to capture small metallic objects which might otherwise fit through the perforations.
Inventors
- 👤 Gradie R. Holder
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 10:31
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02F; E02F3/00; E02F3/02; B; B03; B03C; B03C1/00; B03C1/02; B03C1/04; B03C1/08; B03C1/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
194 words
An apparatus for locating and separating objects from a medium in which said objects are disposed, comprising, in combination: first means for temporarily retaining therein at least a portion of said medium which may contain one or more of said objects to be located and separated from said medium; said first means being provided with a plurality of apertures through which said portion of said medium may pass; said apertures being dimensioned, located and shaped in said first means so as to facilitate and expedite the passage therethrough of said portion of said medium which is temporarily retained in said first means and substantially simultaneously to obstruct and impede the passage therethrough of at least some of said objects to be located and separated from said medium; second means operatively interconnected with said first means to enable the entire apparatus to be readily held by one hand of a person utilizing said apparatus; and third means disposed within said second means for facilitating and assisting the visual detection of objects remaining in said first means after substantially all of said portion of said medium has passed through said apertures provided in said first means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
194 words
An apparatus for locating and separating objects from a medium in which said objects are disposed, comprising, in combination: first means for temporarily retaining therein at least a portion of said medium which may contain one or more of said objects to be located and separated from said medium; said first means being provided with a plurality of apertures through which said portion of said medium may pass; said apertures being dimensioned, located and shaped in said first means so as to facilitate and expedite the passage therethrough of said portion of said medium which is temporarily retained in said first means and substantially simultaneously to obstruct and impede the passage therethrough of at least some of said objects to be located and separated from said medium; second means operatively interconnected with said first means to enable the entire apparatus to be readily held by one hand of a person utilizing said apparatus; and third means disposed within said second means for facilitating and assisting the visual detection of objects remaining in said first means after substantially all of said portion of said medium has passed through said apertures provided in said first means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
An apparatus characterized in accordance with claim 1, wherein: at least a portion of said first means adjacent said apertures is magnetic for obstructing and impeding the passage through said apertures of at least some of said objects to be located and separated which may possess dimensions which are smaller than the dimensions of said apertures.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
65 words
An apparatus characterized in accordance with claim 2, wherein: said second means comprises a handle; said third means comprises an electric lighting device disposed within said handle; and there is provided a structure in the area where said second means interconnects with said first means for enabling said electric lighting device to illuminate substantially all of said apertures which are provided in said first means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
84 words
An apparatus characterized in accordance with claim 2, wherein: said third means comprises an illumination device which includes at least one electric battery which is electrically and operatively connected to at least one electric light bulb and at least one switch which is operatively and electrically connected to said battery and bulb; said second means comprises a handle to which said switch is secured; and said handle includes at least one hollow portion therein for housing and at least partially enclosing said illumination device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
An apparatus characterized in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said second means comprises a water-proof handle which is provided with a device at one end thereof for facilitating the removable hanging of said apparatus from a belt of said person utilizing said apparatus.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus characterized in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said third means includes an electric light.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
65 words
An apparatus characterized in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said second means comprises a handle; said third means comprises an electric lighting device disposed within said handle; and there is provided a structure in the area where said second means interconnects with said first means for enabling said electric lighting device to illuminate substantially all of said apertures which are provided in said first means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
84 words
An apparatus characterized in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said third means comprises an illumination device which includes at least one electric battery which is electrically and operatively connected to at least one electric light bulb and at least one switch which is operatively and electrically connected to said battery and bulb; said second means comprises a handle to which said switch is secured; and said handle includes at least one hollow portion therein for housing and at least partially enclosing said illumination device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus characterized substantially in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said first means possesses a spade-like configuration and shape.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus characterized substantially in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said first means possesses a basket-like configuration and shape.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-08-24 | 1980-02-23 | 1980-08-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-08-24 | 1984-02-23 | 1984-08-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-08-24 | 1988-02-23 | 1988-08-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |