Abstract: The present invention provides an object catcher including a support shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a sheet portion arranged adjacent to the distal end of the support shaft. The sheet portion defines a periphery. The object catcher further includes a line having a first end portion and a second end portion and an intermediate portion between the first and second end portions. The intermediate portion of the line is slidably coupled to the periphery of the sheet portion, and the first and second end portions extend generally in parallel with the support shaft. With this construction, pulling the first and second end portions of the line in the direction from the distal end to the proximal end of the support shaft causes the periphery of the sheet portion to be gathered to thereby close the sheet portion.

Abstract: A self-deploying net, wherein depression of a locking mechanism springfully urges a net from out a compact, portable housing, thus minimizing overall deployment time, eliminating lengthy net assembly processes and enabling single handed net deployment.

Abstract: An ice fishing net comprises an elongate handle having a gripping portion for grasping by a user and a net rim assembly attached to the handle. The net rim assembly includes first and second semicircular rim members with the first rim member fixedly mounted relative to the handle and the second rim member rotatably mounted relative to the first rim member and rotatable from a first position to a second position to form a substantially circular rim. A trigger assembly selectively allows the second rim member to rotate from a first position to a second position. Netting material is secured to the first and second rim members to form a net for receiving a fish therein when the second rim member is its second position. A biasing device forces the second rim member from the first position to the second position when released by the trigger assembly.

Abstract: A disengageable self-locking pivotal bracket device with a body member having a first and second surface. The device includes an axial/fastener and disengageable locking element for pivotally and releaseably locking the device into and out of at least one engaged position. The present invention can be used as foldable, pivotal connecting element that can connect two member; for example a fishnet and handle, or two sections of a cane.

Abstract: A fishing net device for providing an easier way for the user to carry and transport the fishing net. The fishing net device includes a housing having a side wall and an open front end; and also includes net support members being removably disposed inside the housing and through the open front end; and further includes a net member being attached to the net support members and being removably disposed within the housing; and also includes A release assembly for releasing and urging the net support members from inside the housing.

Abstract: An ice fishing net comprises an elongate handle having a gripping portion for grasping by a user and a net rim assembly attached to the handle. The net rim assembly includes first and second semicircular rim members with the first rim member fixedly mounted relative to the handle and the second rim member rotatably mounted relative to the first rim member and rotatable from a first position to a second position to form a substantially circular rim. A trigger assembly selectively allows the second rim member to rotate from a first position to a second position. Netting material is secured to the first and second rim members to form a net for receiving a fish therein when the second rim member is its second position. A biasing device forces the second rim member from the first position to the second position when released by the trigger assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus permitting single handed extension of a telescoped net handle such that the fisherman grasps the net handle, steps on the most distal portion of the net frame and draws the net handle through a handle guide aperture and counter bore in the handle guide and locking apparatus and toward the extended position. A locking pin assembly presents a spring extended locking pin positioned proximal the handle first end which encounters a chamfer at the fish net handle guide and locking apparatus top side; the chamfer causing the locking pin to depress and enter a locating counterbore which terminates at a locating shoulder. As the net handle is extended further the depressed locking pin terminates extension of the net handle when it encounters the locating shoulder at which point the fisherman's rotation of the handle will cause the locking pin to encounter and enter a locking aperture in the locking assembly thus placing the fish net in condition for secure operation.

Abstract: A collapsible and telescoping finishing net assembly having a tubular handle member with a net support frame slidably received within the handle from an internal retracted position to an external deployed position. The net support has a first arm member and a second arm member that are substantially flat and rectangular shaped and include stiffening members providing progressively increased stiffness nearer the upper and lower ends of the arm members. A plug is situated within the handle and slides lengthwise within the handle. The arm members are pivotally connected together at their upper distal ends and are pivotally connected at their lower proximal ends to the plug. A locking mechanism biased tension members hold the arm members in rigid alignment at their upper ends when the net support is in the external deployed position. A net is attached to the net support by looping the net about eyelets that are molded into the arm members. When the assembly is deployed, the net can be used to capture fish.

Abstract: A fishing device to assist is landing a fish which device comprises a net frame have a multiplicity of hinged members. A net engages the net frame, which frame is retractable into a hollow handle. A drive shaft is used to drive the hinged members of the net frame into and out of the handle, which drive shaft is comprised of a linear member dimensioned to fit within the hollow handle.

Abstract: A fishing device to assist is landing a fish which device comprises a net frame have a multiplicity of hinged members. A net engages the net frame, which frame is retractable into a hollow handle. A drive shaft is used to drive the hinged members of the net frame into and out of the handle, which drive shaft is comprised of a linear member dimensioned to fit within the hollow handle.

Abstract: A collapsible fishing net device comprising a handle having a first end and second end, and fastening block disposed within said handle and adjacent to said first end; collapsible net frame comprising a hinge means comprising a first hinge arm, and second hinge arm first net frame arm and second net frame arm associated with said first and second hinge arms respectively wherein each of said first and second net frame arms presents a first end which is proximal to said hinge means and second end which is distal to said hinge means; coupler adjacent to said distal end of said first and second net frame arms, said coupler being engageable to couple said first and second net frame arms, fastener operably associated with said hinge means and fastening block to fasten said collapsible net frame to said handle assembly; and net associated with said collapsible net frame wherein said fastening block receives said fastener and said first and second net frame arms are coupled by said coupling means to present a substan

Abstract: A method of localized control of integrated circuit parameters according to the present invention is used to adjust a the threshold voltage of an integrated circuit by irradiating an inoperable area with a focused ion beam such that the determination of the correct threshold voltage is facilitated without having to refabricate the integrated circuit in its entirety.

Abstract: A folding fish and animal capturing net apparatus comprising three distinct hinges. An outer curvilinear lugged hinge is positioned in the frame. An inner lockable slotted hinge is provided for folding the frame in the manner of a resting butterfly's folded wings. A rod-shaped hinge in the handle is utilized for folding the handle between the folded sides of the frame.

Abstract: This invention provides collapsible hand held net comprising a tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, and including a linear longitudinal slot. A sleeve is movably situated within the tubular member and a pair of net support arms is mounted to a distal end of the sleeve. A fishing net is coupled to the support arms. A pin is fixed to the sleeve and engaged within the linear longitudinal slot for controlling the extent of linear movement of the sleeve with respect to the tubular member. A rod is provided and movably situated within the tubular member and penetrating the sleeve. A pair of connecting bars is connected to a distal end of the rod, each connecting bar being connected to one of the net support arms. A dowel is fixed to the rod extending through the linear longitudinal slot.

Abstract: A fishing net, for use by a fisherman, having a proximal end and a distal end. The fishing net comprises a handle portion and a net hoop portion. The handle extends from the proximal end toward the distal end. The handle portion has plurality of telescoping sections, so that it may expand and thus extend the distance between the proximal and distal ends of the fishing net. The net hoop portion is located at the distal end, and has netting material attached thereon. A depth sensor is located in the net hoop portion, for producing a warning enablement signal once a predetermined threshold depth has been detected. An audible and visual warning device is provided at the proximal end of the handle, which warns the fisherman in response to the warning enablement signal that a dangerous depth condition exists.

Abstract: A retractable net device is provided including a housing with at least one segment slidably situated within the housing. A net is coupled to an end of the segment and has a stored orientation within the housing and an extended orientation situated exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A landing net is described and comprises a hoop shaped net body member (17), which is secured to one end of a handle (13). A hinge (15) is located between the two ends of the handle (13) and which permits a section of the handle (13) to be folded from a first fully extended configuration to a second folded configuration in which the other end of the handle (13) is adjacent to the hoop shaped net body member (17). When the folding section of the handle (13) is in the second configuration, it is selectively attachable to the net body member (17).

Abstract: Solid rod-shaped hinges and articles incorporating the same, such as collapsible sports articles, e.g., landing nets and snow sticks. A tubular landing net frame and handle incorporates at least three rod-shaped hinges. The hinge for the landing net comprises a cylindrical base element with locking shoulders on each end with pin rotatable, cylindrical and hooked extension elements. The extension elements have slots to accommodate the pins on the base element. Each extension element has a spring-loaded locking button for interacting with first locking apertures in the tubular net frame and handle. Each hook on the extension element is connected to a spring, anchored within the tubular frame. The folding procedure only requires a pull on the landing net frame at the joints to dislodge the locking buttons to expand the anchor springs and engage the locking buttons in second (limited in diameter) apertures of the tubular frame, thus to hold the net and handle in the folded position.

Abstract: A seine for collecting bait from a body of water having a bed. The seine comprises a mesh receptacle having an intake portion and a collection portion. A frame is operably connected to the mesh receptacle and has a first portion for holding the intake portion of the mesh receptacle in a receiving state and a second portion for holding the collection portion of the mesh receptacle in a receiving state. An anchor is operably connected to the frame and has a prong capable of penetrating into the bed of the body of water thereby securing the seine to the bed. A handle is operably connected to the frame.

Abstract: A collapsible fish net includes a pair of support arms (14, 16), a handle (12) and a flexible mesh material (28) disposed between the support arms. When not in use, the net is placed in a scabbard (40) with the support arms in a closely spaced, parallel relationship. When the net is removed from the scabbard, a spring 18 moves the arm (16) with respect to the arm (14) thereby opening the mesh material. A fish is guided into the mesh material so its weight causes the mesh material to collapse along the length of the fish, thereby securing the fish until it can be released.

Abstract: A fishing net comprises a shaft handle, a net support and a bag net. The net support projects from the handle in an extended position. The net support has two diverging arms connected together at their outer ends by a first flexible element. The bag net is carried by the net support around an open mouth of said bag net. The handle is tubular and the divergent arms of the net support are movable lengthwise of the handle to a retracted position substantially parallel to the axis of the handle with the net being accommodated inside the handle.

Abstract: An improved way of storing, accessing, and deploying a flyfishing seine net. A fine, lightweight seine net is transported in a compacted manner inside a small nylon pouch. This pouch compartment is attached to a circular-shape elasticized strap which slides up a landing net handle and is secured at the top, unused portion of the handle with a Hook & Loop fastening design. The seine net employs an elasticized band around a portion of its perimeter whereby it stretches, overlaps, and secures to the oval-shape frame of the landing net without tying.

Abstract: The disclosed fish landing net includes a telescoping handle movable with respect to two handle-engaging "mirror image" lock pieces, each of which has a pair of interior grooves. When the net is in use or when the handle is being telescoped toward the distal portion, each groove of each lock piece is in registry with the corresponding groove of the other lock piece. Axial ridges on the handle engage respective pairs of grooves and prevent relative rotating movement between the handle and the lock pieces. A release portion at the outer end of the handle permits the lock pieces to be rotated with respect to such handle when the net is being folded or unfolded. The net also includes a locking member preventing telescoping handle movement when the net is erected ready for use.

Abstract: The automated closing of the opening of a hand-held net. The hand-held net is operatable underwater, and specifically in saltwater. A mechanism, contained in an elongated handle, causes retraction of a predetermined section of a draw line to within the handle. The handle has pivotally attached a hoop, the hoop having attached a net. The draw line engages circumferentially the net at a location parallel to, and spaced from, the hoop. Once retraction of the draw line is activated the locations of connection of the draw line are gathered into close proximity together. This location being generally to the center of the hoop. Once retracted to this position, the net is effectively closed, preventing exit of anything contained therein through the hoop. The closed netting device is returned to an expanded position in a controlled manner by the operator by enabling a desired length of the draw line to be removed from the handle in user defined increments.

Abstract: A collapsible fishing net apparatus includes a handle assembly which includes a frame-supporting hinge assembly. A frame assembly is connected to the frame-supporting hinge assembly and is supported by the handle assembly. The frame assembly includes a plurality of flexible and resilient frame members connected between adjacent flexible and resilient frame members and a plurality of manually selectable hinge lock assemblies supported by the flexible and resilient frame members. A net assembly is supported by the flexible and resilient frame members of the frame assembly. The hinge lock assemblies include rigid, hollow cylinders which have respective inner diameters greater than an outer diameter of the flexible and resilient frame members. The two of the flexible and resilient frame members which are connected to the frame-supporting hinge assembly are longer than other flexible and resilient frame members.

Abstract: A spring powered capture device of a type having a frame, a flexible container suspended from the frame, and a handle attached to the frame. The frame is provided in two parts which are capable of folding together to trap contents within the container. Spring means are preferably provided for biasing the frame parts from an open to a closed, folded position. The device is particularly suitable for use by sport divers for capturing lobster.

Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible net assembly having a shaft with a main body disposed at one end and two support arms rotatably coupled to opposing sides of the main body for pivotal movement of support rods, which engage the net and are mounted within the support arms, between an open position and a closed position. The opposing sides of the main body comprise inclined surfaces formed within respective planes which converge at a point along the shaft so as to define a generally V-shaped main body. In order to obtain an angular displacement between the support rods in the open position and a parallel arrangement when in the dosed position, the support rods are mounted within the support arms at an angle .alpha. to their respective inclined surfaces. The magnitude of the angle .alpha.

Abstract: A skimmer assembly for swimming pools includes an arrangement to facilitate the emptying of debris from the skimmer basket. A handle is pivotally mounted along the skimmer pole near the end opposite the basket and an operating member is pivotally mounted along the pole near the basket. A flexible line interconnects the handle, the operating member and the basket such that when the skimmer assembly is rotated 180.degree. about its axis and the handle pivoted to its emptying position, the operating member is raised to extend the basket to an inverted, open position, thereby allowing collected debris to fall freely from the basket into a receptacle. The skimmer assembly allows the user to empty the basket without having to touch the basket.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a fish landing net having a handle and elongate first and second frame members, the outer ends of which are joined by a hinge-like mechanism. In the improvement, the outer ends extend along an axis and the mechanism is mounted for pivoting movement about the axis. The mechanism pivots between a first position preventing folding the frame members and a second position permitting folding such members. The mechanism is urged toward the first position by a coiled spring, the twisting force of which is manually overcome to fold the net. The net also has a similar novel hinge-like mechanism joining the inward ends of the frame members. The spring-biased hinge mechanism per se is also disclosed for joining tube-like pieces.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a fish landing net having a handle and elongate first and second frame members, the outer ends of which are joined by a hinge-like mechanism. In the improvement, the outer ends extend along an axis and the mechanism is mounted for pivoting movement about the axis. The mechanism pivots between a first position preventing folding the frame members and a second position permitting folding such members. The mechanism is urged toward the first position by a coiled spring, the twisting force of which is manually overcome to fold the net. The net also has a similar novel hinge-like mechanism joining the inward ends of the frame members. The spring-biased hinge mechanism per se is also disclosed for joining tube-like pieces.

Abstract: A paddle-fish landing net combination which includes a hollow paddle-shaped housing having a handle opening in an upper side thereof, and a net opening in its opposite, lower side. An elongated handle extends slidably through the handle opening and has an inner end inside the housing. A fish landing net is attached to the handle inner end and nests within the housing when the handle is fully extended upwardly from the housing. The fish landing net moves into an expanded, fish netting position outside the housing when the handle is slidingly pushed into the housing.

Abstract: A net for capturing and observing objects includes a pouch of netting material, spring arms which support the pouch and automatically opens an aperture, through which the object may pass for capture, when released from a slot in a mechanism which supports the spring and net. A telescoping handle coupled to the support mechanism adjusts the distance at which objects may be captured.

Abstract: The present invention features a sportsman's fishing net apparatus having a shaft for thrusting the net into the moving current for the purpose of snaring a hooked fish. The net is framed upon a tubular ring-like member disposed on a distal end of the shaft. A flotation device keeps the upper part of the tubular member afloat in the water. The flotation device allows the net to maintain the same position with respect to the surface of the water, despite the induced wave motions. The shaft of the net apparatus is slidable within a collar. The collar is mountable upon trunnions attached to a bracket affixed to the side of the boat. The trunnions allow the shaft to rotate about the bracket affixed to the side of the boat, thus allowing movement with the wave motions. In one embodiment of the apparatus, the shaft is articulated in a mid-portion thereof, for the purpose of drawing the net out of the water without slidably withdrawing the net or detaching the shaft collar from its swivel mounting.

Abstract: An animal trap having two housings slideable relative to each other to trap an animal therein. Removal of the bait by the animal causes the inner housing to slide into the outer housing and seal the trap with the animal therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a scoop net for catching fish, which includes a net coupled with a water-tight plastic fabric and connected to the scoop net frame. The plastic fabric is having one circular end adhered to the middle part of the net to define a scoop-like water chamber, and having the other elongated end fixedly connected to the curved side portion of the scoop net frame to define a water channel.

Abstract: Improvements for a collapsible fishing net comprising a collapsible rim assembly, a mesh netting, a yoke assembly with a hollow central sleeve, and a handle are shown. The improvements include fabricating the sleeve and handle with mating flattened surfaces to resist torquing forces, as well as providing the net with a telescoping extension handle. Other improvements include provision for controlling the position of various net components during assembly and disassembly, as well as modifying certain other components to assure improved functioning of the net, generally.

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 fish landing net having a cord attached to the apex of the net webbing for preventing drifting of the webbing during landing of a fish. One end of the cord is attached to the apex of the webbing and the other is attached to a weight slidably received within the hollow portion of the landing net handle.

Abstract: A fish landing net having a handle with two openings for receiving two flexible members which form a frame for supporting a net. The flexible members are made to telescope within the handle to reduce length. The flexible members are made for connecting and disconnecting the extended end of the flexible members.

Abstract: A kind of opening and recovering type net device, in which the net frame includes several joints and frame rods together with the function of driving shaft and transmission assemblies to form into a retractable mechanism that can be put into an adjustable sleeve assembly. The whole net can be retracted into the adjustable sleeve assembly for carrying convenience.

Abstract: A fishing net having a handle supporting a frame defining an opening and a net mounted to the perimeter of the frame. A guide member is pivotally mounted in a gap in the frame and connected to the net. The guide member is adapted to receive a fishing line on which a fish is caught. The fishing line is pulled upwards through the guide member and pulls the fish into engagement with the net. The fishing net is then inverted with the fish captured in the net. Preferably, the guide member includes a latch member for securing the fishing line within the guide member.

Abstract: A combination fishing net and snagged-hook retriever has a tubular handle with a telescopically extendable member carried within. The extension member is axially removable from the net handle when retrieval of a snagged hook is necessary. A preferred hook retriever is a split-ring device having a pair of bent arms which substantially encircle the line proximate to the hook, enabling multi-directional forces to be applied to the hook resulting in its disengagement.

Abstract: Collapsible net apparatus including a handle; a T-member having laterally spaced openings; a slide member slidably engaging the handle; a pair of arms pivotally connected to the slide member and slidably received within the openings of the T-member, the arms divergently extended or convergently retracted upon movement of the slide member; a latch member for holding the arms in an extended position; a net support extending between the free end of the arms; and a net stranded about the arms, support member, and connected to the T-member. Hook members at the free end of each arm gather the net strands during collapse of the device to maintain proper placement for the operational mode, and a hook located at the end of the handle, engageable with the net, restrains and holds the net in place during the collapsed storage mode.

Abstract: A folding net mechanism is disclosed which latches the net arms in the extended position and provides a detent for the arms in the folded position.

Abstract: A folding fishing net having a foldable rim and handle is conveniently and compactly carried folded in a holster at one's hip during stream fishing. When a fish is caught, the fist net, using only one hand is unfolded quickly when the fish is ready to be netted. During its quick one handed rotating to unfurl the netting and continued quick one handed sequential unfolding around two orthogonal axes, pivotal joints of the folding fish net at four locations are utilized. After the unfurling of the netting, during the first unfolding from the compacted non use position, a then longitudinally positioned divided handle, pivotally connected by a then horizontally arranged piano style hinge, and a central rim pivot joint on the folded rim, presently located closely opposite the handle, are both pivoted downwardly at the same time, through 180.degree. around a first then horizontally positioned rotational axis.

Abstract: An improved landing net of the type having a handle supporting a frame having an opening at the end of the frame away from the handle and a "U"-shaped member pivotally secured by the ends of the "U"-shaped member to the frame at the opening for providing a slotted support for a net secured to the frame and "U"-shaped member, provides a position lock for one or both pivoted ends of the "U"-shaped member, converting it from a floppy, still-water landing net to a versatile landing net usable in high current flow situations for netting large fish head-first with fishing boat underway, for example, or for netting tail-first, if desired, and without sacrifice of folding compactly to a carriage position, from which position the invention is instantly deployable by a snap of the wrists.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopable retractable landing net for fish. The net is attached to the retractable hoop by resilient hooks. The hooks are spaced around the inner periphery of the hoop and do not extend above the upper surface of the hoop nor below the bottom surface of the hoop, the outer periphery of the hoop is substantially smooth, therefore, the hoop is free of rough surfaces that would restrict the ability of the hoop to be retracted into its hollow handle.

Abstract: An extensible-handle buoyant net and retrieval device having a handle member made of telescoping tubes sealed at their joints by a packing gland, the handle member being sealed at one end by an inserted hook member and carrying a fork member at its other end, the fork member having a block pivotally connected thereto supporting a net frame, and the fork member and block forming a pivotal joint carrying a lock for fixing the angle of the net frame to a selected one of multiple predetermined angular positions, the frame and handle members being made of hollow plastic tubing.

Abstract: This net asssembly, designed primarily for fishermen or the like, comprises a flexibly-hinged triangular collapsible trio of net supporting arms, and a handle member. Two of the net supporting arms are hingedly attached to the handle by means of a pair of hinge fingers integrally projecting from the handle. The third of the net supporting arms is hingedly affixed at one end to the other end of one of the first named arms, by a flexible hinge, and is slidably engaged at its other end around the second of said first named pair of arms. The three arms support a net, and in closed position are in close, side-by-side, parallel relationship. The net is opened by sliding the one end of an arm along one of the arms which is hinged to the handle, thus quickly creating a solid triangular net assembly. A cylindrical storage member is provided to act either as an extension handle, or to receive the collapsed net assembly, telescopically.