Abstract: A changeable letter sign system including a plurality of panels, each bearing a letter, character or other suitable indicia and combinable on an overhead readerboard to display a message thereon, each of the panels having magnetically attractive material carried on the normally front face thereof, in complete contiguous arrangement with the peripheral inner and outer edges of the indicia on the panel, and including a tool having a magnet presenting a pair of feet for engagement with said magnetically attractive material to permit holding of the panels for placement on or removal from suitable retaining means on the wall of the readerboard.

Abstract: An adaptor for connection to the male threads on a cylindrical pole to convert the pole into a window pole for opening and closing blinds or the like wherein the adaptor comprises a resilient wire coil that has a stop to prevent rotation of the adaptor with respect to a pole in a first direction and a cantilevered positioned hook that provides a compressive force on the wire coil to prevent rotation of the adaptor in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A fish roping device, having a relatively U-shaped spring member with two arms, a rigid handle connected to the base section of the U-shaped spring member, a first arcuate member having a first end and a second end, the first arcuate member being pivotably connected near its second end to one arm of the spring member, a second arcuate member having a first end and a second end, the second arcuate member being pivotably connected near its second end to another arm of the spring member, a hinge for connecting together the second ends of the first and second arcuate members so that the arcuate members pivot relative to one another, the first and second arcuate members being movable between an open position in which the arms of the U-shaped member are pushed apart from a rest position, and a closed position which is entered when an impact is imparted on the hinge so that the arms of the U-shaped spring member return to the rest position, a rope having one end releasably connected to the first end of the first arc

Abstract: A ball retrieval concept or idea using hook and mesh components in engaging relationship to one another. Application of the two components in any fashion to retrieve a tennis ball. One being a racket with a section of hook material attached at the butt of the handle. Secondly, fitting a covering of intermeshing material around a tennis ball. When the butt of the racket is put in contact with tennis ball having the mesh covering, the ball will fasten temporarily to the racket. This eliminates the problem of having to constantly stoop to pick up the ball.

Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating the collection and disposal of solid pet wastes. It includes a long-handled reciprocable implement having a pair of jaws at the distal end and a pair of handles at the proximal end connected to open and close the jaws. A disposable container having a pair of clamshell-shaped halves adapted to releasably receive mating retaining portions of the jaws is adapted to be manipulated by the jaws so as to open and close while picking up pet waste deposits. When it is ready for disposal, the edges of the container are secured together and manipulation of the jaws releases the container for dropping into a waste repository.

Abstract: A device for placing wire over a series of open ceiling joists or other objects. The device comprises a rod for mounting on a pole. The rod has a support for a releasable disk. Wire is attached to the disk through a wire connecting hole. The disk is slid over the tip of the rod, through the disk sleeved hole and the disk is positioned on and supported by the base. The pole, with the rod mounted thereon and the disk with the wire mounted thereto, is raised above a ceiling joist or other elevated object. An upward thrust of the pole causes the disk to slide up and off the outward arm and over the object upon which the wire is to be installed over. The disk is of sufficient weight to cause it to descend to floor level, pulling the attached wire with it. Should the disk fail to descend due to wire snagging or some other reason, the pole is raised, positioning the trap over the suspended disk. The disk is trapped between the rods elongate arm and the inner arm and pulled down.

Abstract: A ceiling sign installation pole having a slot for carrying an anchor and an intersecting slot for permitting the exiting of a hook hung from the anchor. The installation head has a flat surface with two bumps for lifting adjacent ceiling tiles out of the way during the installation process. The walls of the exit slot bevel outwards towards the bottom of the installation head. Additional slots may be provided for different sized anchors. A flexible joint is used to connect the installation head to an elongated pole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, teaches a technique, and provides apparatus eminently useful for the installation/removal, from a remote and protected location, of nozzle dams onto and from nozzle holddown rings within the channel heads of certain steam generators, including the types typically used in conjunction with the operation of pressurized hot-water nuclear power plants.

Abstract: A manual push feeder device for a woodworking machine, includes a rubber base for engaging a workpiece to be moved along the woodworking machine, the base including an upper portion and a lower rubber-like pushing surface for engaging the workpiece, the lower pushing surface including a plurality of serrations or studs thereon, and a stud extending upwardly from the upper surface thereof; a handler having an upper end and a lower end with a stud thereat; a flexible connector for flexibly connecting the lower end of the handle to the base, the flexible connector including a flexible tube have an upper hole for receiving the stud of the handle and a lower hole for receiving the stud of the base; and a grip for permitting an operator to grasp and move the manual push feeder device, the grip connector to the upper end of the handle.

Abstract: An extension device is provided for opening and closing an air vent lever and consists of upper and lower slots in an enlarged aperture within an enlarged head transversely placed on an elongated handle. The handle is grasped by a user of the device in which the slots can open and close the air vent lever. In a modification the handle can be angularly adjusted and locked in position so that the user can reach an out of the way air vent lever.

Abstract: A golf tee retrieval system for retrieving a golf tee lying atop the ground utilizing a golf club. The system includes a golf tee having one member of two part releasably engagable hook and loop system connected atop the golf ball receiving and supporting surface of the golf tee. The other portion of the hook and loop system is connectable onto the upper end of a golf club. Thus, the hook and loop members so opposingly connected, cooperate to allow the user to simply touch the golf tee head with any portion of the upper end of the golf club to quickly retrieve the golf tee after use.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist a user in tying a boat to a cleat. The apparatus includes a line having a loop and a pair of spreaders which are independently, slidably mounted thereon. Each spreader has a connection recess to receive an end portion of one of a pair of spaced-apart spreader arms. The spreader arms are attached to one end of an elongated shaft and the other end of the shaft is for grasping by the user. The spreaders hold the loop in an open position for easy placement around the cleat and when the handle is pulled by the user in a direction away from the cleat with a predetermined separation force, with the loop in place around the cleat, the spreaders separate from the spreader arms and the loop is free to assume a closed position around the cleat for tying the boat to the cleat.

Abstract: A mooring and maneuvering device which includes an elongated rigid pole having an improved boat hook at the distal end thereof and further including a flexible loop movable from an operative position to facilitate the securing of said device to a mooring post and an inoperative position wherein said loop is pivoted back upon and secured to said pole to permit the use of the device for other purposes.

Abstract: A mechanical tool for facilitating coupling and decoupling of home fittings and caps to a plumbing outlet, such as septic drain outlet on a recreational vehicle is disclosed. The tool includes a handle and two opposed branches extending from one end thereof. The free end of each branch has a slot therein sized to engageably receive one of the two diametrically opposed outwardly projecting lugs existing on a conventional drain hose fitting or drain cap. The branches are roughly spaced such that when in use the slotted free ends of the branches are capable of being adjusted to engagably receive the lugs. An adjustable biasing member susposed between the branches and a position so its not to interfere with the operation of the tool when used to manipulate the fitting or cap. The biasing member allows the tool to be appropriately tensioned such that the branches securely engage the fitting or cap when in use.

Abstract: A flat bar having a closable jaw structure at one end for grasping objects, and an arm attachment loop at an opposite end of the bar. Attached between the jaw and the arm attachment loop is a hinged hand attachment loop. A linkage rod attaches between the hinged hand attachment loop and the jaw structure. The device utilizes the action of the wrist to operate the action of the grasping jaws, completely eliminating the use of the fingers for operation. The arm and hand attachment loops provide releasable attachment of the device to the forearm of the user. The one-handed gripping aid leaves the other hand available for bracing while the user reaches for the objects.

Abstract: A boat hook which permits selectively releasable connection with respect to a conventional snap-hook of a standard mooring line. The boat hook is composed of a handle which terminates at a remote end in a snap-hook holder. The snap-hook holder is composed of two parts: (1) a seating member which is dimensioned so that the general vicinity of the eyelet area of a conventional snap-hook can seat snugly therein, and (2) a biasing member, which is hingably biased with respect to the seating member so as to selectively retain the snap-hook seated in the seating member. Once the snap-hook has been manipulated by the handle so as to be connected onto an eyelet of an object, such as the bow eyelet of a boat, a sharp pull on the handle will cause the snap-hook to be released from the handle of the boat hook.

Abstract: An ice chip clearing tool is for clearing ice chips made by boring a cylindrical hole through the ice by pushing those chips under the ice. The tool includes a downwardly concave circular plate of about the same diameter as the bore hole, a handle, and a rigid shaft extending between the plate and the handle. Openings in the plate allow water to pass through the plate while preventing ice chips from passing therethrough. The tool is forced vigorously down through the fishing hole, carrying the chips a substantial distance below the bottom surface of the ice, and the tool is tipped to allow the chips to float up from the plate to position under the ice at a distance spaced from the ice fishing hole.

Abstract: A tool for installing a string of insulator discs in an energized high voltage line is mounted on a hot stick. The tool comprises a pair of pivoting jaws adapted to securely grasp a string of insulators, and a hook mounted on one of the jaws for suspending the tool from the energized line. The improved tool allows a single worker to grasp an insulator disc string with the tool and suspend the disc string near an energized line. Subsequently, this worker can assist in fastening the cable clamps of the insulator string to the energized line.

Abstract: In a single hand-actuated pick-up tool of the type comprising an elongated shaft terminating at spaced-apart upper and lower ends, a pair of spaced-apart, pick-up fingers extending from the lower end of the shaft including a pair of springs for biasing them apart, and a pair of ribbons including a handle with a finger-actuable trigger at the upper end, biased apart from the handle, for drawing the fingers together as the trigger is squeezed against the handle, the improvement of providing for the fingers to be able to close together and form locked configurations less than the fully-opened configuration including an arm extending from the trigger for reciprocal motion as a function of movement of the trigger, at least one notch formed in the arm adapted for engagement with a stop in the handle, a spring urging the arm into sliding contact with the stop as the trigger is moved and, a lever pivotally mounted at the upper shaft end for movement between a first unlocked position that permits the spring to retain

Abstract: An extension handle for a wrench is provided. The extension handle is elongated and has two U-shaped elements in planes perpendicular to the length of the extension handle. One of these U-shaped elements has its open and facing in one direction and the other U-shaped element has its open end facing in a direction opposite to the direction that the open end of the first element faces. This permits the extension handle to receive wrenches and to apply torque to the wrenches. In order that the extension handle will receive wrenches that are not flat, the U-shaped elements hold the wrenches in spaced relation to the body of the extension handle.

Abstract: An elongate message holding device consisting of telescoping conical segments surrounded by a fluid-tight cylindrical housing. An axially, centrally located conical segment is provided with a clasp which can be used to hold a card or note upon which desired information can be placed. At another end of the telescoping segments is provided a fluid input into which a fluid, e.g. air, may be blown to cause the axially located conical segment to advance in the same direction in which the pressurized air is inputted. After the axial located conical segment has advanced to an opposite end of the cylindrical housing, its base will engage an end of the conical segment which concentrically surrounds the axially located segment to advance the next annular segment and to permit the next annular segment to receive fluid input form the fluid input opening from a mouth piece.

Abstract: A tool for gripping and manipulating an article, the tool being particularly useful in removing and replacing a cap on a needle of a hypodermic syringe. The tool is held and manipulable in one hand and includes a clamp element, an actuator movable between locked and release positions and a lock mechanism for locking the actuator in its locked position. The lock mechanism is easily depressed by the thumb to release the actuator and close the clamp element on the cap.

Abstract: An apparatus having a wedge and wheel operated spring biased normally closed clamp at a first terminal end of a handle with the clamp openable and adapted for retrieving a golf ball and providing controllable mechanics for setting the golf ball on a captured tee a desired height above a ground level. The clamp can be operated by a levering control pivotally affixed externally adjacent a second terminal end of the handle.

Abstract: A manually operable multi-functional convenience implement consists of a longitudinal arm with multiple concavities on a wedged half conical on one end with a hook device on the opposite end.

Abstract: A stack cap for protecting stacked field crops such as hay from moisture comprising: roof structure for covering an upper portion of a stack; roof mounting structure for supporting the roof structure on a stack in spaced apart relationship therefrom whereby ventilation of the upper portion of the stack is permitted; securing means for securing the roof structure to a stack; stack mounting apparatus for raising the roof structure onto a stack; and alternate support structure for selectively supporting an end portion of the roof structure above a removed portion of a covered stack. Methods for mounting the stack cap on a stack and interconnection of a plurality of stack caps are described.

Abstract: A retrieving tool is set forth wherein an elongate vertically oriented hollow post includes a control cable directed therethrough terminating proximate an upper position relative to a handle portion angularly and integrally secured to the post at an upper portion thereof with a further handle for operating the cable wherein a lower portion of the cable is secured to an upper pivoting jaw of a jaw pair. The jaw pair slidingly accepts interchangeable jaws wherein each jaw set includes a "C" spring securing the jaw set together and a lower pair of the jaw set is directed rearwardly and orthogonally relative to a receiving housing wherein the projection is slid and accepts a securement plate therethrough.

Abstract: A clamping device suitable for clamping objects such as large fish which includes clamps disposed in scissor-like fashion pivoting about a common point and biasing means such as a rubber band which biases the clamps in a normally closed position. A locking assembly is provided to releasably lock the clamps in an open position and which is released by contacting the clamps against the object to be clamped.

Abstract: A remotely operable shackle particularly adapted for connecting a mooring line to a mooring loop. The shackle may be detachably carried by a boat hook and is remotely operable to connect and disconnect the shackle from a mooring loop.

Abstract: A tool for manually adjusting the viewing angle of said rear view mirror provided on the passenger side of vehicles. The tool is elongated for spanning the distance from a driver side of a vehicle, past the passenger side to an external rear-view mirror. The tool includes a tool end that conforms to the shape of the mirror housing enables a user to firmly enclose the housing and exert mechanical forces via the grip end to pivotally adjust the mirror to a desired viewing angle.

Abstract: A gutter cleaner for remotely cleaning an overhead gutter or the like which includes an elongate handle, a pair of cooperating fork-like jaws mounted at the upper end of the handle, and a sleeve slidably mounted on the lower end of the handle for selectively opening and closing the fork-like jaws. The jaws include a stationary first jaw and a relatively pivotably movable second jaw which each have a greater width than height so that the jaws may be placed in a gutter extending in a direction lengthwise with the gutter. In this manner a substantial length of the gutter may be cleaned of collected debris with each application of the gutter cleaner thereto.

Abstract: A litter pick-up conversion kit for a butterfly-type sponge mop is provided whereby hooks or spikes may be secured to the pivoted operating plates of the sponge mop in lieu of the sponge so as to engage and pick up litter upon pivotal movement of the operating plates. The litter pick-up conversion kit may be stored separately and secured to the pivoted operating plates upon removal of the sponge or may be secured to the upper surface of the operating plates opposite the sponge and upon removal of the sponge, pivoted downwardly into an operative litter pick up position.

Abstract: A new tool handle is disclosed that permits a wiping blade, brush, or similar tool to be positioned in a variety of angular positions. The device utilizes a spline, set in a block to rotate the tool carrying wrist. The spline is locked into place by a pin which is slidably positioned within the block. The handle of the device is used to engage the pin. The handle is provided with threads which engage similar threads in the block. As the handle is screwed into the block, it engages the pin and pushes it upwards against the spline, thereby locking the tool carrying wrist in place. The angle can be changed by simply backing out the handle until the pin drops, thereby releasing the spline, which can then be rotated into a new position and again locked into place. The device also utilizes a blade mounting plate which attaches to the tool carrying wrist. The working tools are attached to this plate. The plate is fastened to the wrist by a bolt, nut and nylon washer.

Abstract: A basketball rim assembly for removably mounting a rim to a backboard is disclosed. The rim assembly includes a base defining a locking hole mounted on the backboard. A support member mounts the rim and is removably locked to the base by a locking pin which is received by the locking hole. A cam socket which is mounted on a handle engages one end of the locking pin to lock and unlock the pin relative to the locking hole.

Abstract: A tool for extracting one lead including a cable and its associated contact from a dense grouping of leads connected to a receptacle. In this instance, each contact is held in position in an associated bore of the receptacle by means of a locking tab integral with the receptacle and engaged with an annular shoulder on the contact to prevent its inadvertent removal. The tool is readily attachable to the cable, then said along the cable until extraction jaws are caused to engage the contact. They displace the locking tab and permit withdrawal of the lead from the receptacle. Subsequently, the jaws can be opened and removed from the cable. A reverse procedure can be utilized for returning the contact to its original position or inserting a new contact in its place.

Abstract: A motorized extension pole for opening and closing a skylight. The extension pole includes an elongated member having first and second telescoping sections for adjusting the overall effective length of the elongated member. A manipulating element is mounted at one end of the elongated member. A power source is located at the opposite end within a handle. The manipulating member cooperates with a conventional window operator. The power source is operated by a switch selectively actuated to rotate the elongated member and manipulating member in a direction for either opening or closing the skylight. A spindle grip is mounted about the elongated member for steadying the pole with both hands.

Abstract: A grasping tool for extracting the remaining portion of a broken torsion bar from a tracked vehicle has been devised. The tool (20) comprises at least one gripping jaw (24A) pivotedly mounted to a support shaft. The jaw (24A) is positioned opposite from an extension of the support shaft or alternatively a second gripping jaw, thereby defining a space therebetween. The movement of the engaging member (44) along a length of the support shaft into abutment against one end of the jaw (24A) causes an opposing end of the jaw to be urged toward the opposing extension or second gripping jaw and to retainingly engage an object positioned in the aforesaid space. The tool may have extension members and is constructed to be easily dismantled.

Abstract: A device for attaching a rope to a tree limb, from a remote location includes a handle having on one end a curved arm terminating in a U-shaped rope retainer element, and having on its other end a hook or finger member in association with a retainer lug. A rope having a guide loop is draped over the retainer, after which the device is rotated about a tree limb and disengaged from the rope, leaving the looped end of the rope hanging over the limb. The finger is then passed through the loop, permitting the rope to be pulled downwardly to a position in which the other end of the rope can be passed through the loop. The rope can then be pulled tightly around the limb.

Abstract: A bed sheet stuffing device has an elongated thin flat shaft member and a clamp element attached on a leading end portion of the shaft member adapting the device for use in stuffing a corner of a bed sheet under a waterbed mattress. The shaft member and clamp element are both composed of resiliently flexible material and configured to be flexible about axes extending across their respective widths. The clamp clement has an outwardly flared guide lip at its forward end which together with the forward edge of the shaft member defines a slot normally closed at its front and sides but adapted to be forceably opened for receiving therethrough an edge of the bed sheet corner. A cavity is defined between the clamp element and shaft member aft of the lip is open at its opposite sides and closed and pivots at its rear end. The cavity at its forward end communicates with the slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in assisted parturition of livestock. The apparatus comprises a single synthetic rope formed to have two small loops and one large loop. The small loops are adjustable when the loops are not under tension, and fixed when under tension. The small loops are for attachment to a fetus' forelimbs within its mother's uterus. The large loop remains outside of the birth canal and serve to transmit a traction force to the small loops for pulling the fetus through the birth canal. The fixed size of the small loops during use of the apparatus and the non-abrasive, synthetic rope reduces danger of injury to fetus and mother during assisted parturition.

Abstract: A tool for gripping a remotely located article includes an elongated tubular housing, a tool actuating assembly connected to one end of the housing, and a jaw support member connected to the other end of the housing. A first jaw member having a gripping surface is supported on the jaw support member by a first pair of arms, and a second jaw member having a gripping surface is supported on the jaw support member by a second pair of arms so that the gripping surfaces of the jaw members are disposed in parallel, confronting relation. The two pairs of arms are slidingly and pivotably connected to the jaw support member so that the gripping surfaces of the jaw members may be moved between a first, open position and a second, closed position for gripping an article. When moving between the first and second positions the gripping surfaces move in parallel relation to one another. The tool actuating assembly includes an over-center toggle mechanism so that the jaws are held locked when in the gripping position.

Abstract: A drain plug removing device includes a clip for rotatably engaging and selectively holding a head of a threaded drain plug. The clip has an axis of rotation and includes a pair of openable jaws urged together by a spring. The device includes a selectively bendable, flexible shaft attached to the clip at one end thereof, the shaft being formed of a reboundable coil spring extending away from the clip along the axis of rotation of the clip when the shaft is in an unflexed configuration. The shaft has a handle at another end thereof opposite the clip, such that rotation of the handle applies rotational force to the shaft, which in turn applies rotational force to the clip to cause rotation of the clip and a drain plug held therein. A drain plug can be removed from a crankcase oil pan with the device of the invention without spilling oil onto the fingers and without dropping the plug into a drainage catch basin or funnel beneath the oil pan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-purpose tool holder for holding various tools on an extension handle. The holder includes a flat support plate on the end of the extension handle. The support plate has a cable arrangement such that two cable loops are formed on top of it. The tool to be held is placed through the cable loops, and a wing nut is tightened on a threaded guide bar to tighten the cable securely around the tool. The tool holder can be used for many purposes such as holding paint scrapers, paint brushes, scrub brushes, weegies, acid brushes, paint roller frames, and other related tools.

Abstract: A fish retrieving tool is presented comprising a main frame having a hollow handle, a shaft and a lower stationary jaw; an upper, pivotably attached jaw; a spring for biasing said jaws in a normally open position and a mechanism for closing the jaws when necessary. The upper jaw is biased open by a pair of flat springs. The jaws are closed by operating a lever in the hollow handle which in turn applies a compression force to the upper jaw which over comes the normally open bias of the jaws.

Abstract: An ecology bug catcher for efficiently trapping a bug without killing it includes a hollow tube with a first end and a second end, a catching mechanism for catching a bug, an ejecting mechanism and a triggering mechanism. The catching mechanism has a first position in which it is resiliently biased so that it is normally closed and a second position in which it is held open. The catching mechanism is slidably coupled into the hollow tube at the first end so that the hollow tube holds it in the second position until the catching mechanism is ejected from the hollow tube and returns to the first position. The ejecting mechanism ejects the catching mechanism from the hollow tube. The triggering mechanism releases the catching mechanism. The ejecting mechanism includes a plug, a spring and a connector and ejects the catching mechanism in order to catch a bug. The plug is mechanically coupled to the hollow tube adjacent to the second end.

Abstract: A rake-like device is provided for grasping and lifting a pile of fallen leaves. The device is comprised of a hollow handle having a rake head attached to its lowermost extremity. The rake head is provided with a circular array of a multitude of flexible metal tines. A cable is disposed within the handle and extends in a loop configuration to engagement with eyes associated with the tines. When the cable is pulled upwardly, the tines move radially in unison in an inwardly convergent manner. When the pulling force is removed, the tines return to their outwardly disposed positions.

Abstract: A hook forceps apparatus for industrial endoscopes in which a hook stopper is connected to the tip of an elongated flexible shaft part and is provided with a fitting part, a male screw part having a self-tapping function is formed on the outer periphery of this fitting part and, on the other hand, a recess in which the above mentioned fitting part is fitted and a female screw is cut by the male screw part is provided on the base side of a hook part to be connected to this hook stopper and which is used as inserted through a channel in the industrial endoscope.

Abstract: The tool of the present invention is comprised of a scoop with a short upright stem which is connected to a threaded broom handle of any length thru a multi-positional, self-locking, rotary acting articulated joint. Opposing surfaces of both members of the joint are constructed with raised ridges designed and constructed such that when these surfaces are placed proximate one another, the ridges exactly interlock, and, when secured with a nut, bolt, washers and compression spring affixed thru a hole bored thru the center of the surfaces, the interlocking ridges will tend to hold the joint, and hence the scoop, in any of a number of positions as selected by the user. If desired the nut can be locked to overcome the compression spring thus securing the joint against forceable movement establishing a firm, shovel-like effect.

Abstract: A skim net assembly having an open frame with a number of sides, and a web coupled to the frame at one of the sides. The net is secured in some suitable manner to the frame in alignment with the central opening through the frame so as to trap and collect debris as the skim net assembly moves in the water of debris-containing water in a forward or lateral direction. The cross section of three sides of the frame is blade-like in configuration; thus, the three sides permit a shovel-like action when cleaning a swimming pool which allows debris to be more effectively forced into the net when the assembly is being pushed over the bottom or moved laterally over the bottom surface of a swimming pool. A pole is coupled to the frame in a manner such that the pole is adjustably mounted on the frame for angular movement into any one of a number of operative positions.

Abstract: A combination barbeque fork and spatula tool which can be inserted under a food item with an upper pivoted pointed or barbed portion that can grasp the food item so it can be picked up and turned over or removed.

Abstract: A rake-like device is provided for grasping and lifting a pile of fallen leaves. The device is comprised of a hollow handle having a rake head attached to its lower-most extremity. The rake head is provided with a circular array of a multitude of flexible metal tines. A cable is disposed within the handle and extends in a loop configuration to engagement with eyes associated with the tines. When the cable is pulled upwardly, the tines move radially in unison in an inwardly convergent manner. When the pulling force is removed, the tines return to their outwardly disposed positions.