FIG. 1 of the apparatus illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is designated generally as 11. Base plate 1 is a solid metal form bent at a 90 degree angle on one end which allows for the base plate 1 to be mounted using screw holes 2 perpendicular to a stationary object such as a pole, tree, or trailer hitch. A toggle clamp comprising base 4, which is attached to pivoting arm 7 at screw 12; stationary arm 5, which is attached to base 4 at screw 13; metal plate 14, which is attached to pivoting arm 7 at screw 15; and handle 6 which is molded to pivoting arm 7. Base 4 is attached to base plate 1 using bolts 3. An additional bolt 3 is not visible in FIG. 1, however base 4 is attached using four bolts. A metal tube 9 is connected to stationary arm 5 using bolt 8. A metal tube 10 is welded to base plate 1. The squirrel skinning apparatus 11 is secured to a stationary object using screw holes 2 and the toggle clamp is engaged by moving pivoting arm 7 perpendicular to base plate 1 using handle 6. Metal plate 14 presses against stationary arm 5 moving stationary arm 5 in a downward motion parallel to base plate 1 and locks the toggle clamp. When the toggle clamp is locked, metal tube 9 and metal tube 10 are pressed tightly together. The apparatus aids in the skinning of the squirrel. First, the squirrel’s hair is pulled away from a spot just above where the tail joins the body and a cut that leaves a strip of skin uncut at the top edge of the tail is made. The squirrel’s tail is placed in between metal tube 9 and metal tube 10 and the clamp is locked as described above. The skin of the squirrel is peeled back and gripped in the area where it has been previously cut and is then pulled down to complete the skinning operation. The skin and tail remain in between the metal tubes and the rest of the squirrel is completely removed from the skin in two pieces. [via]
U.S. Patent No. 7,488,244, awarded in February 2009 to Donald Tyler of Cadiz Kentucky, is pure inventive genius, and a must-have for all loyal readers of
The Overnight Open Thread.
