Patent ID: 6471271
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: E04D

Abstract:
A tool comprisinga body defining a longitudinal pivot axis; means for mounting the body onto one end of a pole; a pair of tongs and structure for mounting the tongs relative to the body for oscillation about the pivot axis between opened and closed positions; the tongs being elongated in generally radial directions from the pivot axis to distal end scoops, and in the fully opened position, the tongs diverging to have the end scoops spaced part, and in the closed position, the tongs being in side-by-side alignment with the end scoops substantially touching; means operable in the fully opened position to substantially center the pole between the diverging tongs and preclude tong oscillation relative to the body past the fully opened position; a spring operable to bias the tongs to the opened position; each tong also having two redirection means spaced apart along the tong and spaced from the pivot axis and the end scoop; a flexible tong line having a fixed length and extended as spaced spans across the space between the tongs and each span overlying respective redirection means on the tongs to have the spans at different distances from the pivot axis; and a flexible pull line secured at one end onto the tong line span closer to the pivot axis and extended at its other end to proximity of the other pole end, operable upon being tensioned with forces that overcome the spring to oscillate the tongs toward or to the closed position.