Tool for separating coals from ash and method of use

A tool for separating coals from ash, comprising:

• an elongated body having a first end, an opposite second end, and a longitudinal axis;
• a handle disposed at said first end;
• a plurality of substantially parallel spaced-apart first fingers longitudinally disposed along said body at said second end;
• said first fingers outwardly projecting from said body substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis;
• said first fingers being curved and having a concave side and an opposite convex side;
• each said first finger having a distal end;
• and,
• said distal ends of all said first fingers connected by a cross member, said cross member disposed substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis;
• said cross member disposed on said convex side of said first fingers;
• a plurality of substantially parallel spaced-apart second fingers longitudinally disposed along said body at said second end;
• said second fingers outwardly projecting from said body substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis;
• said second fingers outwardly projecting from said body in a substantially opposite direction from said first fingers;
• said second fingers each having a different length, wherein said second finger closest to said first end of said body is the longest, and said second finger closest to said second end of said body is the shortest, and the length of each intervening second finger being selected so as to create a substantially tapered arrangement;
• and,
• each said second finger having a distal end, said distal ends not connected to each other.

A method for separating coals from ash, comprising:

• (1) providing a pile of coals and ash residing in a firebox;
• (2) providing a tool for separating the coals from the ash, said tool having:
• an elongated body having a first end, an opposite second end, and a longitudinal axis;
• a handle disposed at said first end;
• a plurality of substantially parallel spaced-apart first fingers longitudinally disposed along said body at said second end;
• said first fingers outwardly projecting from said body substantially perpendicular to said body;
• said first fingers being curved and having a concave side and an opposite convex side;
• each said first finger having a distal end;
• and,
• said distal ends of all said first fingers connected by a cross member, said cross member disposed substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis;
• (3) grasping said handle;
• (4) using said first fingers to push the pile of coal and ash to a first area of the firebox;
• (5) inserting said first fingers concave side up into the pile;
• (6) removing said first fingers from the pile so that a portion of the coals reside on said concave side;
• (7) in a supinating action rotating said handle about said longitudinal axis so that the portion of the coals are flipped to a second area of the firebox;
• and,
• (8) repeating steps (5) through (7) until the coals have been separated from the ash.