Retractable trash spear

A retractable trash spear device comprising:

• an elongated tubular handle member having opposite ends;
• an elongated rod element in said handle member and having a pointed end and an opposite end, said rod element being axially movable between an extended position with said pointed end projecting from one end of said handle member and a fully retracted position with said pointed end substantially completely within said handle member;
• said handle member having an elongated slot formed therein adjacent said other end;
• a manual actuating element attached to said rod element adjacent at a point spaced from said pointed end thereof and extending out of said slot for selectively moving said rod element between said retracted and said extended positions;
• spring means in said handle member for biasing said rod element toward said retracted position;
• means for selectively holding said rod element in said extended position;
• said slot extending to said other end of said handle member and having an end axially spaced therefrom, said holding means comprising a substantially right-angle extension of said slot at said end thereof, and further comprising a handle grip member on said other end of said handle member, said grip member having an end spaced from said slot end thereby exposing a section thereof, said actuating element extending through said exposed section of said slot;
• a ferrule element slidably mounted on said rod element adjacent said opposite end thereof and having a threaded opening therethrough communicating with said rod element, said actuating element having an inner end threadedly secured in said threaded opening and engaging said rod element thereby adjustably attached said actuating element to said rod element selectively to determine the extent of projection of said pointed end of said rod element in said extended position.