Metal ammunition detection device

A mobile or transportable ammunition pellet or foreign object detection device is provided which includes a metal or other ammunition detector which uses a metal detection strip of the device. In a related embodiment, an LED platform for displaying various types of information is also provided as part of the detection device. In a related embodiment, the detection device includes an integrated scale and cutting board.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a device to detect ammunition and buck shots.

BACKGROUND

Currently there are a number of solutions for the detection of metal shots, bird shots, and pellets for removal from fowl and small game. Some of these solutions attempt to utilize hand held metal detectors, but these solutions fail to meet the needs of the market because these devices are often unreliable. Other solutions attempt to forego tools to find shrapnel, but these solutions are similarly unable to meet the needs of the market because detecting shot or pellets by feeling the game is also unreliable. Still other solutions seek to hold the game to the light to look for shots, but these solutions also fail to meet market needs because the light cannot shine through thicker pieces of game to make the shot or pellets visible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of the invention relate generally to a mobile ammunition or metal pellet detection device with an integrated scale and cutting board. It would be advantageous to have an apparatus that is a portable ammunition detection device. Furthermore, it would also be advantageous to have an apparatus that allows the hunter to weigh the game in the field as well as locate the ammunition or metal or non-metal (non-translucent) pellets (via a graphic interface) within the hunted game or animal so it can be easily and quickly removed.

Still further, it would be advantageous to have an apparatus, in a related embodiment, that provides a mobile solution for Emergency Services Providers such as EMT, Law Enforcement, and Firefighters to quickly locate bullets or shrapnel in the field and collect any data needed. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the market for an apparatus that is a water and impact resistant portable technological tool that allows hunters or users to weigh hunted game as well as locate ammunition within the game so it can be more easily removed in the field or at home and can be used for other applications where discovery of shrapnel or metal or other bulky, non-translucent objects is necessary.

The invention advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a mobile ammunition detection device with integrated scale and cutting board, which provides a more convenient tool to assist small game hunters when cleaning game.

In one example embodiment, the apparatus is equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery, 100v auxiliary port, and standard detachable plug. The apparatus has a metal detection strip as well as an LED lighting system that assists the hunter in locating any ammunition, pellets, or fragments in the game. In a related embodiment, the apparatus may also have a knife and tweezers that are included within the housing of the board to be used as tools for easier extraction of the ammunition or embedded object.

In one example embodiment, there is provided an ammunition detection device including a housing having a top surface and at least one handle operatively coupled to the housing. The detection device also includes a metal detection device located within the housing and underneath the top surface and an alert selection switch device disposed on the housing and operatively coupled with the metal detection device to provide a user with an alert that a metal object has been detected. The detection device further includes a power actuator switch device operatively coupled to the metal detection device and the alert selection switch, the power actuator switch configured to engage a power source. In one related example embodiment, the housing includes a storage compartment for storing hunting tool accessories. In yet another related embodiment, the metal detector device within the housing is substituted with or is in addition to a high powered light source to facilitate ammunition detection through the top surface of the housing where the ammunition or the object to be detected is not metallic.

In another example embodiment, there is provided an ammunition or object detection device that includes a housing having a top surface and a metal detection device located within the housing and underneath the top surface. The detection device also includes an alert selection switch device disposed on the housing and operatively coupled with the metal detection device to provide a user with an alert that a metal object has been detected as well as a power source coupling member operatively coupled to the metal detection device and the alert selection switch, wherein the power source coupling member is configured to engage a power source. In a related embodiment, and disposed over the top surface of the housing, there is included one of a flat sheet cover, a flat sheet translucent or transparent cover, a flat sheet slide-in cover, a box-like translucent or transparent cover, and a flexible enveloping cover. In yet another related embodiment, the alert selection switch provides for multiple alerts including any one or more of a light alert, an auditory alert, and a vibratory alert. In yet another example embodiment, the device is equipped with an embedded cup/pocket or pull-out pocket or drawer for depositing shot pellets that have been pulled out. The pull-out drawer can include a screen or mesh for ease of cleaning after disposing of the pellets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Following are more detailed descriptions of various related concepts related to, and embodiments of, methods and apparatus according to the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that various aspects of the subject matter introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the subject matter is not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

The various embodiments of the invention are directed to a mobile ammunition or embedded object detection device with an integrated scale and cutting board. In a related embodiment, the board is removable for cleaning from the main unit. The device may also include a drawer for storing small instruments such as tweezers and a compartment for storing a knife, which may be conveniently used for removing the ammunition from the game. In a related embodiment, the knife compartment may include a separate sheath that is removable from the portable frame for cleaning.

Referring to the figures,FIGS. 1-4illustrate an example embodiment of a mobile ammunition or embedded object detection device10. Mobile ammunition detection device10includes a power button11that turns the device on and off and a top surface15of a housing10A of device10located on a top of mobile ammunition detection device10that may optionally be used as a cutting board. In a related embodiment, housing10A includes a cover that overlays top surface15to serve as a cutting board (which can be a flat sheet or a box-like cover that fits over housing10A). In this example embodiment, mobile ammunition detection device10also has handles30on each side (optional) of the device for easy transportation.

In use, ammunition or shot pellets are detected by passing the game portion (such as a duck breast or a pheasant breast or meat) over a metal detection strip12. The intensity of a magnetic field of detection strip12may be adjusted with the up and down detection buttons14. Metal indicator light16illuminates when detection strip12detects metal or ammunition.

In an example embodiment, mobile ammunition detection device10includes an integrated scale within surface15(or underneath surface15). When the device is on and an item is placed on surface15, the weight of the item is displayed on a screen17. Screen17may also display the battery life.

For thinner pieces of game, in this example embodiment, ammunition may be detected using an LED platform22, which includes an LED power button24turns the lights in LED platform22on and off. When LED platform22is on, a thinner piece of game (such as a bird or fish if you need to find a hook) may be placed on LED platform22and the game will be illuminated so that ammunition or object contained with the game can be identified. In a related embodiment, light16or platform22is lit and used for viewing of embedded objects that are not metal, such as plastic pellets, pebbles, stones or wood.

In this example embodiment, mobile ammunition detection device10includes a drawer26that is used to store small items. Drawer26is capable of locking while closed through a variety of methods such as a hinge lock, snap-fit, or other frictional engagement.FIG. 2illustrates mobile ammunition detection device10with drawer26in an open position. In an example embodiment, tweezers28are included to be used for removal of ammunition. In this example embodiment, mobile ammunition detection device10also includes storage compartment34for storing a fillet knife32.FIG. 3illustrates mobile ammunition detection device10with fillet knife32extended from a storage compartment34. Storage compartment34is capable of locking while closed through a variety of methods such as a hinge lock, snap-fit, or other frictional engagement.

The various embodiments of mobile ammunition detection device10may be made from a variety of materials, including but not limited to, rubber, plastic, metal, or other materials known in the art.

In an example embodiment, mobile ammunition detection device10may be powered through standard 9-V batteries, 12-V charge/cord from a 12V DC battery, rechargeable batteries, or have a standard electrical power cord. In a related embodiment, mobile ammunition detection device10may include a USB port, solar recharging capabilities, and Wi-Fi or other wireless communication capabilities.

An alternative example embodiment of the ammunition detection device is shown inFIG. 4.FIG. 4illustrates ammunition detection device100with a standard electrical power cord140. Detection buttons114may include a switch for a light alert, an auditory alert, or both when ammunition is detected. When ammunition is detected, indicator lights116illuminate, for example, in red. Surface115includes LED platform122that illuminates when power button111is turned on. Detection strip112is located in the center of ammunition detection device100underneath surface115.

In an embodiment, ammunition detection device100may be sized for use in a kitchen. Exemplary dimensions may include 20 inches wide, 14 inches long, and 2-3 inches thick. Alternatively, dimensions may be smaller or larger depending on the needs of the user, for example, small game may require a smaller device100, while large game may require a larger device100. Ammunition detection devices10and100may also include a magnetic portion (not shown) of surface16or116so as to keep ammunition contained. In a related embodiment, the ammunition detection device is also configurable for detection of non-metallic objects, for instance by using a strong light source (or different lights in the spectrum) that projects light through the game or food item placed on the top surface of the detection device, making it easier to detect the foreign object.

The following patents/publications are incorporated by reference in their entireties: Pat. Nos. WO2001/058513 and CN202912331