Levering Post Removal Device And Method Of Use

A levering post removal device for pulling a post from the ground includes a base plate to which a fulcrum is attached. A beam is rotatably attached to the fulcrum so that short and long segments of the beam extend toward a first edge and past a second edge of the base plate, respectively. A coupler, which comprises at least one biting element, is attached to a tether extending from the short segment distal from the fulcrum. The coupler is slidably attachable to a post positioned proximate to the first edge of the base plate, positioning the biting element to selectively engage the post. Application of a downward force to the long segment causes the biting element to engage the post and an upward force upon the post. The biting element disengages from the post upon raising of the long segment, whereupon the coupler slides down the post.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Statement Regarding Federally Sponsored Research or Development

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THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM

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STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT INVENTOR

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the Invention

The disclosure relates to post removal devices and more particularly pertains to a new post removal device for pulling a post from the ground. The present invention discloses a post removal device comprising a Class I lever, which facilitates pulling of a post from the ground.

(2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

The prior art relates to post removal devices. U.S. Pat. No. 1,709,683 discloses a post removal device comprising a tall triangular fulcrum to which a beam is rotationally attached. A coupler comprising a biting element is hingedly attached to the beam and is used to engage a post, which then can be pulled by levering the beam repeatedly. The biting element of the coupler engages a single opposed face of the post, and the fulcrum is not freestanding. This reference does not teach a biting element that engages both opposed faces and it does not teach a freestanding fulcrum. Additionally, the post removal device of this disclosure is limited to use in removing posts that extend significantly from the ground.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,048,368 discloses a post removal device comprising a biting element that clamps onto a post and which requires an end of the beam to be positioned above the post, thereby limiting its use to posts of a limited range of lengths which are installed at a limited range of depths into the ground.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,994,510 discloses a post removal device wherein the fulcrum comprises a rod extending from a plate and wherein a hook is attached to an end of the beam, with the hook sequentially engaging holes in a post as the beam is levered.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a base plate, which is positionable upon the ground so that a first edge of the base plate is positioned proximate to a post that is to be pulled from the ground. A fulcrum is attached to the base plate between the first edge and a second edge of the base plate. A beam is rotatably attached to the fulcrum so that a short segment of the beam extends toward the first edge of the base plate and a long segment of the beam extends past the second edge of the base plate. The beam is rotatable in a plane substantially perpendicular to the base plate. A tether is attached to and extends from the short segment distal from the fulcrum. A coupler, which comprises at least one biting element, is attached to the tether distal from the beam and is configured to slidably attach to the post, positioning the biting element to selectively engage the post. The long segment is configured to be grasped in one or both hands of a user, positioning the user to intermittently apply a downward force to the long segment so that the biting element engages the post with each application of downward force and an upward force is applied to the post to pull the post upwardly. The biting element disengages from the post upon raising of the long segment, whereupon the coupler slides down the post.

Another embodiment of the disclosure includes a method of removing a post from the ground. A first step is providing a levering post removal device according to the disclosure above. The base plate is positioned proximate to the post, to which a coupler then is slidably attached. A downward force is applied to a long segment so that the biting element engages the post and an upward force is applied to the post to pull the post upwardly.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front isometric perspective view of a levering post removal device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front isometric perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a rear isometric perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for a method utilizing an embodiment of the disclosure.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 10 thereof, a new post removal device embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 10, the levering post removal device 10 generally comprises a base plate 12, which is positionable upon the ground 14 so that a first edge 16 of the base plate 12 is positioned proximate to a post 18 that is to be pulled from the ground 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the base plate 12 is substantially rectangular, although the present invention anticipates the base plate 12 being alternatively shaped, such as, but not limited to, circular, oval, and the like.

A cutout 20 may be positioned in the base plate 12 proximate to its first edge 16. The cutout 20 is configured for insertion of the post 18 as the base plate 12 is positioned upon the ground 14. As such, the first edge 16 of the base plate 12 is positioned past the post 18. As shown in FIG. 2, the cutout 20 is substantially circular, but the present invention anticipates the cutout 20 being alternatively shaped, such as square, oval, and the like. The cutout 20 also is anticipated to extend to the first edge 16 of the base plate 12, thereby allowing the base plate 12 to be slid into position around the post 18, rather than lowering it over the post 18.

A fulcrum 22 is attached to the base plate 12 between the first edge 16 and a second edge 24 of the base plate 12. A beam 26 is rotatably attached to the fulcrum 22 so that a short segment 28 of the beam 26 extends toward the first edge 16 of the base plate 12 and a long segment 30 of the beam 26 extends past the second edge 24 of the base plate 12. The beam 26 is rotatable in a plane 84 substantially perpendicular to the base plate 12. The plane 84 is best visualized in FIG. 4, wherein the plane also includes a tether 42. The present invention is anticipated to be useful in pulling posts 18, spikes, and the like, from the ground 14 when they are no longer used or need to be repositioned. In particular, the levering post removal device 10 is useful in removing posts 18 which do not extend far above the ground 14, as the beam 26 is attached to the fulcrum 22 from 10.0 to 16.0 inches above the base plate 12.

The present invention anticipates a variety of configurations for the fulcrum 22, one of which is depicted in FIGS. 1-9, wherein the fulcrum 22 comprises a pair of uprights 32, which is attached to and which extends substantially perpendicularly from the base plate 12. An axle 34 is rotationally attached to and extends between the uprights 32 distal from the base plate 12. The axle 34 is substantially parallel to the first edge 16 and the second edge 24 of the base plate 12. The beam 26 may be attached directly to the axle 34, or may be attached via a tube 36, which is attached to and which extends bidirectionally from the axle 34. The tube 36 is positioned substantially equidistant from the uprights 32, with the beam 26 being positioned through and attached to the tube 36. The tube 36 serves to reenforce the beam 26 to resist bending.

The fulcrum 22 also may comprise a pair of side plates 38, with each side plate 38 being attached to a respective upright 32 and to the base plate 12. The side plates 38 function to rigidify the pair of uprights 32, in particular from bending toward the first edge 16 or the second edge 24 of the base plate 12. Each side plate 38 may be triangular, as shown in FIG. 4, hemispherical, or the like. As shown in FIG. 6, a crossbeam 40 is attached to and extends between the uprights 32 and is positioned between the pair of side plates 38 and the axle 34. The crossbeam 40 further rigidifies the fulcrum 22. The uprights 32 and the crossbeam 40 may comprise angle iron, C-channel, or the like.

The tether 42 is attached to and extends from the short segment 28 distal from the fulcrum 22. The tether 42 comprises a chain 44, as shown in FIG. 9, cable, or the like. A coupler 46, which comprises at least one biting element 48, is attached to the tether 42 distal from the beam 26 and is configured to slidably attach to the post 18, positioning the biting element 48 to selectively engage the post 18.

The long segment 30 is configured to be grasped in one or both hands of a user, positioning the user to intermittently apply a downward force to the long segment 30, as shown in FIG. 8, so that the biting element 48 engages the post 18 with each application of downward force and an upward force is applied to the post 18 to pull the post 18 upwardly. The biting element 48 disengages from the post 18 upon raising of the long segment 30, whereupon the coupler 46 slides down the post 18. The user can repeatedly apply the downward force to the long segment 30, alternating with lifting the long segment 30, until the post 18 is pulled from the ground 14.

The coupler 46 comprises a coupling plate 50 in which a first hole 52 is positioned. The first hole 52 is circumferentially larger than the post 18 and is configured for insertion of the post 18. The at least one biting element 48 comprises opposed edges 54 of the first hole 52, thus two biting elements 48 that bite into the post 18 upon application of the downward force to the long segment 30 of the beam 26.

A connector 56 is attached to the coupling plate 50 and to the tether 42. As shown in FIG. 5, the connector 56 comprises a second hole 58 through which a terminal link 60 of the chain 44 is positioned. The connector 56 may comprise other connecting means, such as welding, bolts, or the like, depending on the tether 42 that is used. A connecting plate 62 is attached to the short segment 28 of the beam 26 distal from the fulcrum 22. A third hole 64 is positioned in the connecting plate 62, with a proximal link 66 of the chain 44 being positioned through the third hole 64.

In use, the levering post removal device 10 enables a method of removing a post from the ground 68. A first step 70 of the method 68 is providing a levering post removal device 10, according to the specification above. A second step 72 of the method 68 is positioning the base plate 12 upon the ground 14 with its first edge 16 proximate to a post 18 that is to be pulled from the ground 14. A third step 74 of the method 68 is slidably attaching the coupler 46 to the post 18. A fourth step 76 of the method 68 is grasping the long segment 30 of the beam 26 in one or both hands of a user. A fifth step 78 of the method 68 is applying a downward force to the long segment 30 so that the biting element 48 engages the post 18 and an upward force is applied to the post 18 to pull the post 18 upwardly. A sixth step 80 of the method 68 is raising the long segment 30 so that biting element 48 disengages from the post 18 and the coupler 46 slides down the post 18. A seventh step 82 of the method 68 is repeating the application of the downward force and the raising of the long segment 30 until the post 18 is removed from the ground 14.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.

Claims

1. A levering post removal device comprising:

a base plate positionable upon the ground such that a first edge of the base plate is positioned proximate to a post to be pulled from the ground;
a fulcrum attached to the base plate between the first edge and a second edge of the base plate;
a beam rotatably attached to the fulcrum, such that a short segment of the beam extends toward the first edge of the base plate and a long segment of the beam extends past the second edge of the base plate, such that the beam is rotatable in a plane substantially perpendicular to the base plate;
a tether attached to and extending from the short segment distal from the fulcrum; and
a coupler comprising at least one biting element attached to the tether distal from the beam, the coupler being configured for slidably attaching to the post, positioning the biting element for selectively engaging the post, wherein the long segment is configured for grasping in one or both hands of a user, positioning the user for intermittently applying a downward force to the long segment, such that the biting element engages the post with each application of downward force, such that an upward force is applied to the post for pulling the post upwardly, and such that the biting element disengages from the post upon raising of the long segment, whereupon the coupler slides down the post.

2. The levering post removal device of claim 1, wherein the base plate is substantially rectangular.

3. The levering post removal device of claim 1, further including a cutout positioned in the base plate proximate to the first edge of the base plate, wherein the cutout is configured for insertion of the post as the base plate is positioned upon the ground, such that the first edge of the base plate is positioned past the post.

4. The levering post removal device of claim 3, wherein the cutout is substantially circular.

5. The levering post removal device of claim 1, wherein the fulcrum comprises:

a pair of uprights attached to and extending substantially perpendicularly from the base plate; and
an axle rotationally attached to and extending between the uprights distal from the base plate, such that the axle is substantially parallel to the first edge and the second edge of the base plate, the beam being attached to the axle.

6. The levering post removal device of claim 5, further including a tube attached to and extending bidirectionally from the axle, the tube being positioned substantially equidistant from the uprights, the beam being positioned through and attached to the tube.

7. The levering post removal device of claim 5, further including a pair of side plates, each side plate being attached to a respective upright and to the base plate, such that the side plates rigidify the pair of uprights.

8. The levering post removal device of claim 7, wherein each side plate is triangular.

9. The levering post removal device of claim 7, further including a crossbeam attached to and extending between the uprights, the crossbeam being positioned between the pair of side plates and the axle.

10. The levering post removal device of claim 9, wherein the uprights and the crossbeam comprise angle iron.

11. The levering post removal device of claim 1, wherein the coupler comprises:

a coupling plate;
a first hole positioned in the coupling plate and being circumferentially larger than the post, the at least one biting element comprising opposed edges of the first hole, wherein the first hole is configured for insertion of the post; and
a connector attached to the coupling plate and to the tether.

12. The levering post removal device of claim 11, wherein:

the tether comprises a chain; and
the connector comprises a second hole through which a terminal link of the chain is positioned.

13. The levering post removal device of claim 12, further including:

a connecting plate attached to the short segment of the beam distal from the fulcrum; and
a third hole positioned in the connecting plate, a proximal link of the chain being positioned through the third hole.

14. A levering post removal device comprising:

a base plate positionable upon the ground such that a first edge of the base plate is positioned proximate to a post to be pulled from the ground, the base plate being substantially rectangular;
a cutout positioned in the base plate proximate to the first edge of the base plate, wherein the cutout is configured for insertion of the post as the base plate is positioned upon the ground, such that the first edge of the base plate is positioned past the post, the cutout being substantially circular;
a fulcrum attached to the base plate between the first edge and a second edge of the base plate, the fulcrum comprising: a pair of uprights attached to and extending substantially perpendicularly from the base plate, the uprights comprising angle iron, an axle rotationally attached to and extending between the uprights distal from the base plate, such that the axle is substantially parallel to the first edge and the second edge of the base plate, a tube attached to and extending bidirectionally from the axle, the tube being positioned substantially equidistant from the uprights, a pair of side plates, each side plate being attached to a respective upright and to the base plate, such that the side plates rigidify the pair of uprights, each side plate being triangular, and a crossbeam attached to and extending between the uprights, the crossbeam being positioned between the pair of side plates and the axle, the crossbeam comprising angle iron;
a beam rotatably attached to the fulcrum, such that a short segment of the beam extends toward the first edge of the base plate and a long segment of the beam extends past the second edge of the base plate, such that the beam is rotatable in a plane substantially perpendicular to the base plate, the beam being positioned through and attached to the tube;
a tether attached to and extending from the short segment distal from the fulcrum, the tether comprising a chain;
a coupler comprising at least one biting element attached to the tether distal from the beam, the coupler being configured for slidably attaching to the post, positioning the biting element for selectively engaging the post, wherein the long segment is configured for grasping in one or both hands of a user, positioning the user for intermittently applying a downward force to the long segment, such that the biting element engages the post with each application of downward force, such that an upward force is applied to the post for pulling the post upwardly, and such that the biting element disengages from the post upon raising of the long segment, whereupon the coupler slides down the post, the coupler comprising: a coupling plate, a first hole positioned in the coupling plate and being circumferentially larger than the post, the at least one biting element comprising opposed edges of the first hole, wherein the first hole is configured for insertion of the post, and a connector attached to the coupling plate and to the tether, the connector comprising a second hole through which a terminal link of the chain is positioned;
a connecting plate attached to the short segment of the beam distal from the fulcrum; and
a third hole positioned in the connecting plate, a proximal link of the chain being positioned through the third hole.

15. A method of removing a post comprising the steps of:

providing a levering post removal device comprising: a base plate, a fulcrum attached to the base plate between a first edge and a second edge of the base plate, a beam rotatably attached to the fulcrum, such that a short segment of the beam extends toward the first edge of the base plate and a long segment of the beam extends past the second edge of the base plate, such that the beam is rotatable in a plane substantially perpendicular to the base plate, a tether attached to and extending from the short segment distal from the fulcrum, and a coupler comprising at least one biting element attached to the tether distal from the beam, the coupler being configured for slidably attaching to the post, positioning the biting element for selectively engaging the post;
positioning a first edge of the base plate upon the ground proximate to a post to be pulled from the ground;
slidably attaching the coupler to the post;
grasping the long segment of the beam in one or both hands of a user;
applying a downward force to the long segment, such that the biting element engages the post and such that an upward force is applied to the post for pulling the post upwardly;
raising the long segment, such that biting element disengages from the post and the coupler slides down the posts; and
repeating the application of the downward force and the raising of the long segment until the post is removed from the ground.
Patent History
Publication number: 20240183189
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 6, 2022
Publication Date: Jun 6, 2024
Inventors: David Kleinatland (Bay Minette, AL), Chuck Wallace (Bay Minette, AL)
Application Number: 18/075,986
Classifications
International Classification: E04H 17/26 (20060101);