Wormer Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel wormer device. The device utilizes vibration, whether mechanical or sound produced, to drive worms to the surface of the soil for collection. The wormer device comprises a base component with a handle portion and a telescoping metal probe. The base component includes an on/off button in communication with the metal probe, as well as a battery and a vibrating motor or embedded speaker that would generate vibrations down the metal probe into the ground. The vibrations produced by the device will trigger a response by the worms to attract them to the surface of the soil for collection.

Claims

1. A wormer device that produces vibrations to drive earthworms to a soil surface for collection, the wormer device comprising: a base component configured to generate a plurality of vibrations; and a telescoping probe sized and configured to be extended into a ground soil; wherein the plurality of vibrations travel down the telescoping probe and into the ground soil; and further wherein the plurality of vibrations produced by the base component trigger a response by earthworms to attract the earthworms to the soil surface for collection.

2. The wormer device of claim 1, wherein the base component comprises a handle portion.

3. The wormer device of claim 2, wherein the handle portion comprises a plurality of surface markings for gripping.

4. The wormer device of claim 3, wherein the handle portion comprises a plurality of indentations that conform to a shape of a user's fingers.

5. The wormer device of claim 4, wherein the base component comprises a first end that contains the handle portion and a second end that is secured to the telescoping probe.

6. The wormer device of claim 5, wherein the base component comprises a battery containment area that is sized and configured to receive a battery.

7. The wormer device of claim 6, wherein the battery containment area comprises a negative electrical contact and a positive electrical contact, wherein each of the negative electrical contact and the positive electrical contact are sized and configured to receive a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the battery when the battery is properly placed within the battery containment area.

8. The wormer device of claim 7, wherein the base component comprises a vibrating motor in communication with the battery for producing the plurality of vibrations.

9. The wormer device of claim 7, wherein the base component comprises an embedded speaker in communication with the battery for producing the plurality of vibrations.

10. The wormer device of claim 9, wherein the base component comprises a power switch in communication with a vibrating motor or the embedded speaker.

11. The wormer device of claim 10, wherein the handle portion comprises a clamp to attach a flashlight.

12. The wormer device of claim 11, wherein the base component is secured to the telescoping probe via a pin connection.

13. The wormer device of claim 12, wherein the telescoping probe comprises at least one telescoping segment that allows a total length of the telescoping probe to be extended or retracted.

14. A wormer device that produces a plurality of vibrations to drive earthworms to a soil surface for collection, the wormer device comprising: a base component with a handle portion; and a telescoping probe; wherein the base component produces the plurality of vibrations; wherein the base component comprises a power switch and a battery containment area that is sized and configured to receive a battery; wherein the base component is secured to the telescoping probe via a pin connection; wherein the telescoping probe comprises at least one telescoping segment that allows a total length of the telescoping probe to be extended or retracted; wherein the at least one telescoping segment is hollow and has a slip lock for locking the at least one telescoping segment at a specific length; wherein the telescoping probe is extended and positioned in a ground soil; wherein the plurality of vibrations travel down the telescoping probe and into the ground soil; and further wherein the plurality of vibrations produced by the base component trigger a response by earthworms to attract the earthworks to the soil surface for collection.

15. The wormer device of claim 14, wherein the base component comprises a vibrating motor in communication with the battery for producing the plurality of vibrations.

16. The wormer device of claim 14, wherein the base component comprises an embedded speaker in communication with the battery for producing the plurality of vibrations.

17. The wormer device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

18. The wormer device of claim 14, wherein the telescoping probe is retracted into the base component for storage.

19. The wormer device of claim 18, wherein the telescoping probe comprises an elongate vertical portion having a lower end tip portion adapted for inserting into the ground soil.

20. A method of driving earthworms to the soil surface for collection comprising, the method comprising the following steps: providing a wormer device comprising a base component with a handle portion and a telescoping metal probe, wherein the base component includes an on/off button in communication with the metal probe and a battery and a vibrating motor or embedded speaker to generate a plurality of vibrations along the metal probe; extending the metal probe to its full length; turning the wormer device on via the on/off switch, such that it generates vibrations along the metal probe; inserting the metal probe into the ground; and collecting earthworms which are driven to the soil surface due because of the plurality of vibrations.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the wormer device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the wormer device of the present invention showing the device inserted into the ground in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the wormer device of the present invention showing the handle portion in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the wormer device of the present invention showing how the device can be activated in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the wormer device of the present invention showing the probe fully extended in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of driving earthworms to the soil surface for collection in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0035] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0036] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a wormer device that provides users with a hand tool capable of producing vibrations to lure earthworms to the soil surface for collection. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a wormer device that allows users to produce mechanical or sound-based vibrations that help drive worms to the surface. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a wormer device that includes a telescopic six-inch metal probe that is inserted into the ground to produce the vibrations. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that offers a way for anglers, gardeners, and others to easily collect worms for various purposes. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a wormer device that includes a handle with an on/off button, as well as space for a battery and a motor. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a wormer device that can be folded for easy transport and storage.

[0037] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel wormer device. The device utilizes vibration, whether mechanical or sound produced, to drive worms to the surface of the soil for collection. The wormer device comprises a base component with a handle portion and a telescoping metal probe. The base component includes an on/off button in communication with the metal probe, as well as a battery and a vibrating motor or embedded speaker that would generate vibrations down the metal probe into the ground. The vibrations produced by the device will trigger a response by the worms to attract them to the surface of the soil for collection. The present invention also includes a novel method of driving earthworms to the soil surface for collection. The method includes the steps of providing a wormer device comprising a base component with a handle portion and a telescoping metal probe, wherein the base component includes an on/off button in communication with the metal probe and a battery and a vibrating motor or embedded speaker to generate vibrations down the metal probe. The method also comprises extending the metal probe to its full length. Further, the method comprises turning the device on via the on/off switch, such that it generates vibrations down the metal probe. The method also comprises inserting the metal probe into the ground. Finally, the method comprises collecting carthworms which are lured to the soil surface due to the vibrations.

[0038] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the wormer device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the wormer device 100 is an improved wormer device 100 that produces vibrations to drive earthworms to the soil surface 108 for collection. Further, the device 100 is a hand tool capable of producing mechanical or sound-based vibrations. Specifically, the wormer device 100 comprises a base component 102 with a handle portion 104 and a telescopic metal probe 106. The vibrations produced by the device 100 will trigger a response by the worms 110 to attract them to the surface 108 of the soil for collection. Thus, the device 100 offers a way for users to easily collect worms 110 for various purposes.

[0039] Furthermore, the wormer device 100 comprises a base component 102. The base component 102 is constructed of a rigid material that is shaped to fit into the user's hand and includes a handle portion 104 for convenient carrying and transportation. The handle portion 104 may be formed of various materials and may be formed into various sizes and shapes, as well as include ergonomic tread, ridges, or other surface markings 112. Further, the handle portion 104 may also include ridges or indentations 114 that conform to the shape of the user's fingers 116.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the base component 102 is cylindrical or oval in shape but can be any suitable size and shape as is known in the art, as long as the base component 102 is shaped to retain the probe 106 in a retracted position, as well as a battery 200 and motor 202/speaker 204. Generally, the base component 102 comprises a first end 206 which contains the handle portion 104 and a second end 208 which is secured to a telescoping probe 106.

[0041] Further, the base component 102 has an aperture or battery containment area 210 which is formed to accept a battery 200. In one embodiment, the device 100 uses a standard 9-volt battery 200 and the battery containment area 210 is shaped to accept that size battery 200. Of course, depending upon the specifications of a particular user, the size and shape of the battery 200 and containment area 210 may vary. The battery containment area 210 also includes electrical contacts 212, one negative and one positive, permanently placed to accept the terminals of the battery 200 when the battery 200 is properly placed in the battery containment area 210.

[0042] In one embodiment, the base component 102 also comprises a vibrating motor 202 in communication with the battery 200. The vibrating motor 202 can be any suitable vibrating motor 202 as is known in the art, as long as the motor 202 produces vibrations when turned on. The vibrations produced by the motor 202 travel down the metal probe 106 into the surrounding soil 214 and trigger a response from the worms 110 to attract them to the surface 108 of the soil for collection.

[0043] In another embodiment, the base component 102 comprises an embedded speaker 204 instead of a motor 202. The embedded speaker 204 is in communication with the battery 200 and would also generate vibrations. Any suitable speaker 204 as is known in the art can be used, as long as the speaker 204 produces vibrations when turned on. The vibrations produced by the speaker 204 travel down the metal probe 106 into the surrounding soil 214 and trigger a response from the worms 110 to attract them to the surface 108 of the soil for collection.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the base component 102 comprises a power switch 300, or on/off switch, that is in communication with the motor 202 or speaker 204. Once depressed, the power switch 300 turns on the motor 202 or speaker 204. In some embodiments, the power switch 300 can be set to automatically power down or shut off after a predetermined period of time. In other embodiments, the power switch 300 must be manually turned on and off, as needed.

[0045] Furthermore, the base component 102 is manufactured of plastics, such as, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyethylene, or metals, such as, aluminum, stainless, steel, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art. Further, the base component 102 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or the base component 102 comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof.

[0046] Preferably, the handle portion 104 is equipped with a clamp 302 or an aperture to attach a flashlight 304 to the handle portion 104 so that the device 100 may be used during periods of low light or at night. One skilled in the art would be familiar with various means with which to attach a light source to the handle portion 104 so that the area immediately adjacent to the base component 102 would be illuminated.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the base component 102 comprises a telescoping metal probe 106 or rod. The probe 106 can be retracted into the base component 102 for storage. During use, the probe 106 is extended out to approximately six inches to eight inches in length. The probe 106 can be any suitable length as is known in the art, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user. Once extended out, the probe 106 comprises an elongated vertical portion 400 having a lower end tip portion 402 adapted for inserting into the ground 214. To enable easy insertion of the probe 106 into the ground 214, a user grasps the handle portion 104 and thrusts the probe 106 into the soil 214.

[0048] Generally, the base component 102 is secured to the metal probe 106 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as a pin connection 404, threads, ultrasonic welding, gluing, adhesives, etc.

[0049] Furthermore, the telescoping probe 106 can be retracted completely into the base component 102 for storage and transportation. The retractability of the probe 106 allows the wormer device 100 to be easily stored in a tackle box or other small space for future use.

[0050] Additionally, the probe 106 is manufactured of metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, high carbon steel, galvanized aluminum, etc., or any other suitable metal as is known in the art to transmit the vibrations into the ground 214.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the probe 106 is a telescoping probe (though it can also be of fixed length (i.c., not telescoping)) and comprises at least one telescoping segment 500 that allows the total length of the probe 106 to be extended or retracted. Each telescoping segment 500 is hollow and has a slip lock 502 for locking the segment 500 at a specific length. Further, the slip lock 502 is released by means of pressing or turning the slip lock 502. The at least one telescoping segment 500 allows the probe 106 to have a length from approximately six inches to eight inches fully extended, allowing a user to set the probe 106 at a desired length. However, the probe 106 can be any suitable length as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Thus, the probe 106 can be fully retracted into the base component 102 or can be adjusted to a length of approximately eight inches, if needed. Any type of telescoping locks, such as a clutch lock, cam lock, spring button, snap lock, set knob, or any other suitable lock as is known in the art, can be used for securing a desired length of the telescoping segments 500 and for securing the telescoping segments 500 to each other during extension and retraction of the telescoping segments 500 of the probe 106.

[0052] In use, the telescoping probe 106 is extended to its full length and the power button 300 is pressed on. Powering the device 100 causes the motor 202 or speaker 204 to produce vibrations which travel down the metal probe 106 into the soil 214. The telescoping probe 106 is then inserted into the ground 214. The vibrations within the soil 214 create vibrations in the ground 214 adjacent to the metal probe end tip portion 402, thereby causing worms 110 in that locality to come to the surface 108 of the ground where they can readily be collected.

[0053] Furthermore, the wormer device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 504. The base component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the base component 102, or any other indicia 504 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 504 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be fishing, bait, or brand related.

[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of driving earthworms to the soil surface for collection. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a wormer device comprising a base component with a handle portion and a telescoping metal probe, wherein the base component includes an on/off button in communication with the metal probe and a battery and a vibrating motor or embedded speaker to generate vibrations down the metal probe. The method also comprises at 602, extending the metal probe to its full length. Further, the method comprises at 604, turning the device on via the on/off switch, such that it generates vibrations down the metal probe. The method also comprises at 606, inserting the metal probe into the ground. Finally, the method comprises at 608, collecting earthworms which are driven to the soil surface due to the vibrations.

[0055] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein wormer device and device are interchangeable and refer to the wormer device 100 of the present invention.

[0056] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the wormer device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the wormer device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the wormer device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the wormer device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the wormer device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0057] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0058] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.