Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
Metal detection apparatus comprising: nonmetallic basket means having a top portion, a side wall portion, an open bottom, and a blade portion for scooping material into the basket means through the open bottom; handle means having a first end attached to the basket means; metal detection coil means for detecting metal objects; and pivotal mounting means for pivotally mounting the metal detection coil means with respect to the basket means and for holding the metal detection coil means in a first search position proximate and at least partially covering the open bottom for detection of metal objects, and for permitting the metal detection coil means to pivot to a second position within the basket means as the basket means fills with material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
Metal detection apparatus comprising: nonmetallic basket means having a top portion, a side wall portion, an open bottom, and a blade portion for scooping material into the basket means through the open bottom; handle means having a first end attached to the basket means; metal detection coil means for detecting metal objects; and pivotal mounting means for pivotally mounting the metal detection coil means with respect to the basket means and for holding the metal detection coil means in a first search position proximate and at least partially covering the open bottom for detection of metal objects, and for permitting the metal detection coil means to pivot to a second position within the basket means as the basket means fills with material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the basket means is made of a plastic material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle means is made of a plastic conduit of sufficient length to use the metal detection coil means and basket means below water level.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pivotal mounting means is attached to the side wall portion proximate the handle means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the blade portion extends from the side wall portion of a location farthest from the handle means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the top portion of the basket means has a plurality of apertures to permit sifting of material within the basket means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising metal detection circuitry for electrically powering and receiving signals from the metal detection coil means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the metal detection circuitry is housed in a housing that is attached to a second opposite end of the handle means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the housing is detachably attached to the handle means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
125 words
Metal detection apparatus comprising: nonmetallic basket means having a top portion, a side wall portion, an open bottom, with the top portion having a plurality of apertures to permit sifting of material within the basket means; handle means having a first end attached to the basket means; metal detection coil means for detecting metal objects; and pivotal mounting means for pivotally mounting the metal detection coil means with respect to the basket means and for holding the metal detection coil means in a first search position proximate and at least partially covering the open bottom for detection of metal objects, and for permitting the metal detection coil means to pivot to a second position within the basket means as the basket means fills with material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
125 words
Metal detection apparatus comprising: nonmetallic basket means having a top portion, a side wall portion, an open bottom, with the top portion having a plurality of apertures to permit sifting of material within the basket means; handle means having a first end attached to the basket means; metal detection coil means for detecting metal objects; and pivotal mounting means for pivotally mounting the metal detection coil means with respect to the basket means and for holding the metal detection coil means in a first search position proximate and at least partially covering the open bottom for detection of metal objects, and for permitting the metal detection coil means to pivot to a second position within the basket means as the basket means fills with material.