Ground Post Extracting Tool

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a post extraction tool that is simply screwed into a hole drawn into a post that is already present into the ground. By screwing the extraction tool into the post, the components of the tool expand inside and clutch to the internal walls of the post, so that it is firmly fixed into the post. The extraction tool can, then, be simply hooked to an external pulling out equipment or machine, e.g., a tractor, a jack, etc. Thereafter, by applying a pulling force using the pulling out machine, the extraction tool is pulled, that in turn extracts the post out from the ground.

Description

FIELD OF THE ART

The present disclosure is generally related to devices for extracting posts, fence posts, etc. from the ground. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an extraction tool for extracting a post out from the ground, without needing to dig through the ground.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following description of related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section be used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of prior art.

It is common for houses to have wooden garden posts, wooden fence posts, wooden T-posts, or tree stumps, or other similar support structures dug into the house garden or other areas. Removing such posts can be quite a laborious work. Traditionally, there are tools such as soil digger, shovel, spades, garden forks, post bole diggers, post pullers, etc. that are used to dig around the area of the post, and pull out the post using conventional methods, e.g., using a jack, etc. Many times, a lot of surrounding area needs to be dug out in order to loosen the post and pull it out. Sometimes, the ground needs to be dug out till the entire length of the post, which can be too laborious and time taking. Such methods invest too much human power and time, and also pose danger to the operators.

Traditional methods to remove wooden posts normally includes a process to loosen the post from the surrounding area, ground, or concrete. Care must be taken while extracting the post, so that it does not snap or splinter. Such methods invest man power and good enough time to make sure everything is in place before beginning to extract the post. To loosen the ground around the post, generally surrounding soil is soaked in water by digging a trench around the post. Thereafter, conventional tools like nails, jack, etc. are needed to extract the post.

Other traditional methods may include wrapping a chain several times around the post, and securing the chain to a jack. Thereafter, using the jack to extract the post up and out of the ground.

As can be seen, these traditional methods are back-breaking, require a lot of laborious work, skills, energy, and time. Also, these methods may be unsafe, and are more prone to cause injuries to the operators.

Additionally, loosening and digging the ground around the post is a messy process, that ends up in dug up ground, scattered soil, breaking up of concrete ground, etc. Thus, such traditional methods may also require maintenance methods after extraction. Therefore, in such instances, the area from which the post is pulled out cannot be re-used instantly for putting into another post, without first levelling up the ground again, and doing other maintenance processes to keep the ground ready for inserting another post.

Hence, there is a need for a tool for extracting such posts from the ground, that requires less force, time, energy, and which is safe to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a post extraction tool, comprising at least one hook attachment, at least one rotating shaft connected to the at least hook attachment such that the at least one rotating shaft rotates with a rotation of the at least hook attachment, and at least one clawing shaft including at least two clawing components, wherein each of the at least two clawing components has a cylindrical flap like structure, that freely opens and closes, and is partially releasably attached to the at least one clawing shaft, and wherein the at least one clawing shaft is rotatably connected to the at least one rotating shaft, wherein the at least one clawing shaft is inserted into a hole in a post, and as the post extraction tool rotates using the at least one hook attachment, the at least one rotating shaft rotates that tightens the at least one clawing shaft inside the hole in the post, the cylindrical flap like structures of the at least two clawing components expand, open up, and clutch firmly, under pressure, from internal of the hole in the post, and the post is extracted out by applying an external pulling force at the at least one hook attachment.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a post extraction tool, comprising at least one rotating shaft, and at least one clawing shaft including at least two clawing components, wherein each of the at least two clawing components has a cylindrical flap like structure, that freely opens and closes, and is partially releasably attached to the at least one clawing shaft, wherein the at least one clawing shaft is rotatably connected to the at least one rotating shaft, and wherein the at least two clawing components are aligned opposite to each other in a vertical axis along the length of the post extraction tool, such that an end with the cylindrical flap like structure of one clawing component, of the at least two clawing components, faces an end with the cylindrical flap like structure of the other clawing component, and wherein the at least one clawing shaft is inserted into a hole in a post, and the post extraction tool rotates by rotating the at least one rotating shaft that further rotates and tightens the at least one clawing shaft inside the hole in the post, the cylindrical flap like structures of the at least two clawing components expand, open up, and clutch firmly, under pressure, from internal of the hole in the post, and the post is extracted out by applying an external pulling force at the post extraction tool.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a post extraction tool, comprising at least one rotating shaft, and at least one clawing shaft including at least two clawing components, wherein each of the at least two clawing components has a cylindrical flap like structure, that freely opens and closes, and is partially releasably attached to the at least one clawing shaft, wherein the at least one clawing shaft is rotatably connected to the at least one rotating shaft, and wherein the at least two clawing components are aligned with each other in a vertical axis along the length of the post extraction tool, such that one end with the cylindrical flap like structure of one clawing component faces the other end of the cylindrical flap like structure of the other clawing component, and wherein the at least one clawing shaft is inserted into a hole in a post, and the post extraction tool rotates by rotating the at least one rotating shaft that further rotates and tightens the at least one clawing shaft inside the hole in the post, the cylindrical flap like structures of the at least two clawing components expand, open up, and clutch firmly, under pressure, from internal of the hole in the post, and the post is extracted out by applying an external pulling force at the post extraction tool.

An embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least two sets of supporting nuts situated on top and bottom of the at least one clawing shaft, and supporting the at least one clawing shaft.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes that the at least one clawing shaft is a spring-loaded rod, the spring-loaded rod including a rod with a spring wound around the rod, wherein the spring supports top and bottom portions of the at least two clawing components when the at least one clawing shaft is inserted into the hole in the post, and the at least two clawing components expand, open up, and clutch firmly, under pressure, the internal of the hole in the post.

In an embodiment, the at least one rotating shaft has a threaded screw like outer surface and the rod of the at least one clawing shaft has a threaded screw like outer surface to support the spring wound around it.

In an embodiment, the at least one rotating shaft and the at least one clawing shaft are one integrated shaft, wherein the integrated shaft has the at least two clawing components attached to a partial lower portion of the integrated shaft.

In an embodiment, the at least one rotating shaft and the at least one clawing shaft are two separate shafts that are rotatably connected to each other.

In an embodiment, the at least one hook attachment, the at least one rotating shaft, and the at least one clawing shaft rotate together in one direction for tightening or loosening the post extraction tool inside the hole in the post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the embodiments of the machine and methods described herein, and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, references will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements/components throughout and wherein:

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate exemplary representations showing a perspective view of a ground post extracting tool, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4 and 4A illustrate exemplary representations showing a spring-loaded internal rod of the ground post extracting tool, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate exemplary representations showing at least two steps involved in extracting a ground post out of the ground using the ground post extracting tool, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address all of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein.

The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth.

Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, processes and components may be shown in simple line diagram forms in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an instance” or “one instance” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

The present disclosure provides a post extraction tool for extracting posts out from the ground. The posts may be of wooden, concrete, or any other material, and dug into a ground of soil, concrete, etc. The extraction tool is simple in design with minimum working components, extremely portable, easy and quick to use, and requires minimum manpower. The extraction tool is also safe to use.

In general, the extraction tool of the present disclosure may simply need to be screwed into a post that is already put into the ground. By screwing the extraction tool into the post, the tool expands inside and clutches to the internal walls of the post, so that it is firmly fixed into the post. The extraction tool can, then, be simply hooked to an external pulling out equipment or machine, e.g., a tractor, a jack, etc. Thereafter, by applying a pulling force using the pulling out machine, the extraction tool is pulled, that in turn extracts the post out from the ground. It may be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the extraction tool has an appropriate length to at least partially and sufficiently insert it into the post such that the tool is firmly fixed into the post and the post is safe to be pulled out via the fixed extraction tool, without splintering or snapping the post.

The various embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 1-6.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the extraction tool 100 may comprise at least the following components: at least one hook attachment 102, at least one rotating shaft or a first shaft 104 connected to the hook attachment 102, at least one clawing shaft or a second shaft 108 with at least two clawing components 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The rotating shaft 104 is rotatable using the hook attachment 102. In an embodiment, rotating shaft 104 may have a threaded surface that may act like a threaded screw. As can also be seen from representation 200 in FIG. 2, the clawing shaft or the second shaft 108, which is further connected to the rotating shaft 104, may have at least two clawing components 110. Each clawing component 110 may have a cylindrical flap/wing like structure, that opens and closes. The clawing components 110 act like a spreader or an expander, that spreads their cylindrical flaps or wings when the rotating shaft 104 is rotated. In an embodiment, the clawing components 110 are aligned opposite to each other in a vertical axis along the length of the extraction tool 100, such that the opening/closing flap end of each clawing component 110 faces the other (referring to exemplary representations 200 in FIGS. 2 and 300 in FIG. 3). In another embodiment, the clawing components 110 are aligned with each other in a vertical axis along the length of the extraction tool 100, such that the opening/closing flap end of one clawing component 110 faces the other end of the clawing component 110.

In exemplary representations 400 and 400A in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the clawing shaft 108 includes a spring-loaded internal rod 402. The internal rod 402 may be wound around with a spring 404, as shown. The spring 404 keeps the top and bottom portions of the clawing components 110 in line so the extraction tool 100 can be properly inserted into a drilled hole in a post. In an embodiment, the internal rod 402 may have external threads to support the wound spring 404. As the hook attachment 102 is rotated by a user, the internal rod 402 may dig into the drilled hole in the post and expand the clawing components 110, while the spring 404 supports the top and bottom portions of the clawing components 110 as they are inserted into the post under pressure.

As the rotating shaft 104 is rotated using the hook attachment 102, the rod 402 of the clawing shaft 108 digs into the post, and the flaps of the clawing components 110 expand, which means they fly open and close along with being rotated. In an embodiment, the design and shape of the clawing components 110 should be such that when their flaps close, their shape and design conform to each other, without being overlapped.

It may be understood that the clawing shaft 108 is also rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 104. Also, it may be understood that the hook attachment 102, the rotating shaft 104, and the clawing shaft 108 rotate together in one direction, for tightening or loosening the tool 100. It may be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the extraction tool 100 may have different rotations aligned for different components, including the hook attachment 102, the rotating shaft 104, and the clawing shaft 108, without being deviated from the meaning and scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the rotating shaft 104 and the clawing shaft 108 are one integrated shaft, which has the clawing components 110 releasably attached to the partial lower portion of the integrated shaft. In another embodiment, the rotating shaft 104 and the clawing shaft 108 are two separate shafts that are rotatably connected to each other.

In an embodiment, the rotating shaft 104 has a smaller diameter than the clawing shaft 108. In another embodiment, the rotating shaft 104 has the same diameter as that of the clawing shaft 108.

In an embodiment, the clawing shaft 108 may have internal threaded rod 402, over which the clawing components 110 are releasably attached. In another embodiment, the clawing shaft 108 may have an internal shaft, over which the clawing components 110 are releasably attached.

Further, in an embodiment, the extraction tool 100 may also have at least two sets of supporting nuts 106 and 112. The supporting nuts 106 and 112 are situated on top and bottom of the clawing shaft 108, and support the clawing shaft 108.

In a simple exemplary extraction operation, referring to representations 500 and 600 of FIGS. 5 and 6, for removing a post 602 that is dug into the ground, first, a hole is drilled or drawn into the post along the length of the post 602. A conventional drilling machine may be used for this purpose. Then, the clawing shaft 108 of the extraction tool 100 is inserted into the hole in the post 602. The extraction tool 100 is sufficiently inserted into the post 602, such that the clawing shaft 108 is all slipped into the hole in the post 602, as shown by exemplary diagram 500 in FIG. 5. During this movement, the clawing components 110 may be under pressure, and the spring 404 thus can help in providing support to the top and bottom portions of the clawing components 110. The operator, then, rotates the rotating shaft 104 using the hook attachment 102, that in turns rotates the spring 404 loaded internal rod 402 of the clawing shaft 108 inside the hole in the post 602. As the rotating shaft 104 rotates, the clawing components 110 expand and tightens into the hole in the post 602. This means, when the rotating shaft 104 is rotated, the flaps of the clawing components 110 expand, open up, and clutch firmly the internal of the hole in the post 602. Thereby, the clawing shaft 108 is firmly attached to the internal of the hole of post 602, and hence, to the post 602. More the extraction tool 100 is rotated, more firmly the clawing components 110 clutch the internal of the post 602, and the extraction tool 100 is tightened.

Thereafter, an external pulling machine/equipment is detachably attached to the hook attachment 102. The external pulling machine applies a pulling force on the hook attachment 102, that in turn pulls the whole post 602 out of the ground, as shown partially by exemplary diagram 600 in FIG. 6. In an embodiment, the external pulling machine/equipment may be a tractor 504, a jack, or any other machine that can apply a sufficient pulling force on the extraction tool 100. As shown in FIG. S, an external hook 502 is attached to the hook attachment 102, and the external hook 502 is tied to the tractor $04. In FIG. 6, the tractor 504 applies a pulling force on the external hook 502 that pulls out the post 602.

After the post 602 is extracted out, a new post can be put into the same hole in the ground from where the previous post 602 is extracted, because the operation implemented by the extraction tool 100 in present disclosure does not destroy the ground, and hence, no maintenance of the ground after extraction process is required.

Hence, advantageously, a tool for extracting a post out from the ground is provided that requires less force, time, and energy. The extraction tool is safe to use. Also, the extraction tool is easy to handle, quick to use, and does not require too much human force.

The design and implementation of the extraction tool is such that it provides a clean extraction process to extract a post out from the ground, such that the ground area from which the post is extracted out, can be reused as soon as possible, with zero to minimum ground maintenance requirement.

A simple and light in weight to carry design is provided for the extraction tool. The simple design of the extraction tool includes simple and minimum number of design components, and requires simple manufacturing process.

It is intended that the disclosure and examples be considered exemplary only. Though the present disclosure includes examples from wooden posts, fence posts, ground posts, dug into the ground of soil or concrete, the extracting tool disclosed herein may be employed for various applications as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The references to devices and structures used here are intended to be applied or extended to the larger scope and should not be construed as restricting the scope and practice of the present disclosure.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods, devices, and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods, devices, and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A post extraction tool, comprising: wherein the at least one clawing shaft is inserted into a hole in a post, and as the post extraction tool rotates using the at least one hook attachment, the at least one rotating shaft rotates that tightens the at least one clawing shaft inside the hole in the post, the cylindrical flap like structures of the at least two clawing components expand, open up, and clutch firmly, under pressure, from internal of the hole in the post, and the post is extracted out by applying an external pulling force at the at least one hook attachment.

at least one hook attachment;

at least one rotating shaft connected to the at least one hook attachment such that the at least one rotating shaft rotates with a rotation of the at least one hook attachment; and

at least one clawing shaft including at least two clawing components, wherein each of the at least two clawing components has a cylindrical flap like structure, that freely opens and closes, and is partially releasably attached to the at least one clawing shaft, and wherein the at least one clawing shaft is rotatably connected to the at least one rotating shaft,

2. The post extraction tool of claim 1, further comprising wherein the at least one clawing shaft is a spring-loaded rod, the spring-loaded rod including a rod with a spring wound around the rod, wherein the spring supports top and bottom portions of the at least two clawing components when the at least one clawing shaft is inserted into the hole in the post, and the at least two clawing components expand, open up, and clutch firmly, under pressure, the internal of the hole in the post.

at least two sets of supporting nuts situated on top and bottom of the at least one clawing shaft, and supporting the at least one clawing shaft,

3. The post extraction tool of claim 2, wherein the at least one rotating shaft has a threaded screw like outer surface and the rod of the at least one clawing shaft has a threaded screw like outer surface to support the spring wound around it.

4. The post extraction tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one rotating shaft and the at least one clawing shaft are an integrated shaft, and wherein the integrated shaft has the at least two clawing components attached to a partial lower portion of the integrated shaft.

5. The post extraction tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one rotating shaft and the at least one clawing shaft are two separate shafts that are rotatably connected to each other.

6. The post extraction tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one hook attachment, the at least one rotating shaft, and the at least one clawing shaft rotate together in one direction for tightening or loosening the post extraction tool inside the hole in the post.

7. A post extraction tool, comprising: wherein the at least one clawing shaft is inserted into a hole in a post, and the post extraction tool rotates by rotating the at least one rotating shaft that further rotates and tightens the at least one clawing shaft inside the hole in the post, the cylindrical flap like structures of the at least two clawing components expand, open up, and clutch firmly, under pressure, from internal of the hole in the post, and the post is extracted out by applying an external pulling force at the post extraction tool.

at least one rotating shaft; and

at least one clawing shaft including at least two clawing components, wherein each of the at least two clawing components has a cylindrical flap like structure, that freely opens and closes, and is partially releasably attached to the at least one clawing shaft, wherein the at least one clawing shaft is rotatably connected to the at least one rotating shaft, and wherein the at least two clawing components are aligned opposite to each other in a vertical axis along the length of the post extraction tool, such that an end with the cylindrical flap like structure of one clawing component, of the at least two clawing components, faces an end with the cylindrical flap like structure of the other clawing component,

8. The post extraction tool of claim 7, further comprising a hook attachment connected to the at least one rotating shaft for handling by a user, wherein the post extraction tool is rotated using the hook attachment, and the external pulling force is applied at the hook attachment.

9. The post extraction tool of claim 8, further comprising: wherein the at least one clawing shaft is a spring-loaded rod, the spring-loaded rod including a rod with a spring wound around the rod, wherein the spring supports top and bottom portions of the at least two clawing components when the at least one clawing shaft is inserted into the hole in the post, and the at least two clawing components expand, open up, and clutch firmly, under pressure, the internal of the hole in the post.

at least two sets of supporting nuts situated on top and bottom of the at least one clawing shaft, and supporting the at least one clawing shaft,

10. A post extraction tool, comprising: wherein the at least one clawing shaft is inserted into a hole in a post, and the post extraction tool rotates by rotating the at least one rotating shaft that further rotates and tightens the at least one clawing shaft inside the hole in the post, the cylindrical flap like structures of the at least two clawing components expand, open up, and clutch firmly, under pressure, from internal of the hole in the post, and the post is extracted out by applying an external pulling force at the post extraction tool.

at least one rotating shaft; and

at least one clawing shaft including at least two clawing components, wherein each of the at least two clawing components has a cylindrical flap like structure, that freely opens and closes, and is partially releasably attached to the at least one clawing shaft, wherein the at least one clawing shaft is rotatably connected to the at least one rotating shaft, and wherein the at least two clawing components are aligned with each other in a vertical axis along the length of the post extraction tool, such that one end with the cylindrical flap like structure of one clawing component faces the other end of cylindrical flap like structure of the other clawing component,

11. The post extraction tool of claim 9, further comprising a hook attachment connected to the at least one rotating shaft for handling by a user, wherein the post extraction tool is rotated using the hook attachment, and the external pulling force is applied at the hook attachment.

12. The post extraction tool of claim 11, further comprising: wherein the at least one clawing shaft is a spring-loaded rod, the spring-loaded rod including a rod with a spring wound around the rod, wherein the spring supports top and bottom portions of the at least two clawing components when the at least one clawing shaft is inserted into the hole in the post, and the at least two clawing components expand, open up, and clutch firmly, under pressure, the internal of the hole in the post.

at least two sets of supporting nuts situated on top and bottom of the at least one clawing shaft, and supporting the at least one clawing shaft,