US Patent 7490879 Pine cone collection tool

A collection tool that allows retrieval and storage of pine cones by a user while maintaining an erect posture. The tool provides an elongate tubular body having manipulative handles at its upper end portion and first connecting means to attach entry structure at its lower end portion. The entry structure provides an annular rim with second connecting means to interconnect the body and carries radially inwardly extending triangular-like fingers formed of resiliently deformable polymeric material having retentent memory. Pine cones may enter through the entry structure responsive to downwardly directed force on the collection tool but are prevented from exiting to be collected in the body channel for mass disposition.