Abstract: A combination tool in the form of a mechanical rake having a sweep that includes a handle, a rake head mounted on the handle, and a sweep assembly cooperating with the rake head to move between an opened configuration and a closed configuration for picking up material. The sweep assembly includes a flexible sweep member having a planar configuration and form of resilient material that tapers in thickness to a distal end and that conforms to the shape of the ground when pushed there against and flexes to move the rake tines forward and when unflexing pulls the rake tines toward the sweep that is then moved into the closed position for picking up the material. To facilitate normal use of the rake tines, the sweep assembly is held in a normally-closed position. Interchangeable rake heads with different tine configurations provide more versatility, and the tines themselves have an extended length in the range of two to four inches.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool and a method for indoor or outdoor gardening, planting, and soil working are disclosed. The tool and method incorporate the capabilities of scooping, cutting, scraping, loosening, working, furrowing, trenching, digging, removing, and replacing kitchen commodities, household dirt or garden soil; of setting and removing plants; of weeding; of scraping, emptying, or cleaning planters, pots, and other kitchen or gardening containers, especially those having tight corners; and of cutting and removing plant roots and other obstacles found in or around soil. Preferred embodiments of the tool aspect of the invention provide a generally dished blade with a highly curved, offset pointed tip. Serrated blade edges for cutting of roots and other obstacles or debris are optionally provided. The method includes a procedure for loosening, furrowing, digging, and excavating soil with a single tool.

Abstract: A multipurpose garden tool and method for indoor or outdoor gardening, planting, and soil working. The tool and method incorporate the capabilities of loosening, working, furrowing, trenching, digging, removing, and replacing soil; of setting and removing plants; of weeding; of scraping, emptying, or cleaning planters, pots, and other gardening containers, especially those having tight corners; and of cutting and removing plant roots and other obstacles found in or around soil. Preferred embodiments of the tool aspect of the invention provide a generally dished blade with a highly curved, offset pointed tip for loosening and furrowing soil. Serrated blade edges for cutting of roots and other obstacles or debris are optionally provided. The method includes a procedure for loosening, furrowing, digging, and excavating soil with a single tool.