Plural Prongs, Teeth Or Serrations Patents (Class 172/378)
  • Publication number: 20090084565
    Abstract: A smoothing/sifting rake, fork, pitchfork, or similar forked hand tool or attachment or tool head for mechanized machinery has specially welded tines. The tines each have a lower section located on the backbone of the tool head and a working section extending outwardly from the backbone. Each tine also has two longitudinally extending lateral surfaces and a transversely extending back edge surface therebetween. In one embodiment, welds extend the full longitudinal length of one of the lateral surfaces, the full transverse length of the back edge surface, but only partially along the longitudinal length of the second lateral surface. For heavy duty applications, welds are not applied to the back edge surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Peter W. Lesche
  • Publication number: 20080296030
    Abstract: The turner for turning over and thickening a settled layer of an aggregate landscaping mulch material lying on a surface, includes a handle and a rolling head carried on the handle for rotation about an axis. The rolling head includes axially spaced endcaps supported about the axis, and elongate strips extending between the endcaps at radially spaced locations around the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Tony M. Guard
  • Patent number: 7451832
    Abstract: A weed remover tool attachment for efficiently removing undesirable plants. The weed remover tool attachment includes a connecting member including a connecting aperture, wherein the connecting aperture is formed to receive a shaft of a weed trimmer, a first blade extending from the connecting member and a second blade extending from the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas W. Delvo
  • Publication number: 20080264655
    Abstract: A combination gardening tool that will perform as a cultivator, weeder, and hoe. The present invention has an elongated handle and a cultivator head at one end. The cultivator head is comprised of a row of cultivator tines and a cutting blade. The cultivator tines are of substantially equal lengths and extend substantially parallel to each other and have sharpened ends. The cutting blade is located substantially near the sharpened ends of the cultivator tines. The cultivator tines loosen and break up the soil and the cutting blade slices the ground to sever weeds and vegetation. The cutting blade also performs as a conventional hoe which is used to hack, chop and remove unwanted foliage and vegetation. In addition the width of the cutting blade is sufficient enough to effectively move soil, make garden rows, make furrows, and level the ground surface working area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Lane Knowlden
  • Publication number: 20080190629
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for weed removal, wherein using a depilatory method (new use) with an extension spring having an arcuate axis and being driven in a rotational sliding motion relative to the soil-bearing weed to be removed. For this purpose the apparatus is equipped with a spring (10), having an arcuate axis that is bent at 180 degrees and the spring is made in the shape of a spring of variable rate, so that the spring has a large diameter in its middle zone and conically reduced cylindrical ends of smaller diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Eugene Zeyger
  • Publication number: 20080135267
    Abstract: A cultivating tool for use in flowerbeds and gardens is the subject of this invention. A unique blade configuration with a knife-like leading edge and a trailing edge having at least one flange section provides for ease in cultivating action with superior soil mixing. A mixing fork in the shape of a wishbone extends downwardly from the blade mounting plate to further enhance the cultivating action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Karczewski
  • Patent number: 7351158
    Abstract: A divot repair tool comprises a cylindrical housing having at least one helical groove located on the inside wall of an axial bore of the housing. The blade is stored within the axial bore of the housing by mechanical cooperation with the grooves such that the blade projects and retracts from the housing as it is turned. The divot repair tool is preferably rigidly affixed within a golf club shaft at the handle end and the blade is rotated by a knob which includes a slot through which the blade extends and retracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Ernest B. Bronsveld
  • Patent number: 7347276
    Abstract: A manual garden tool having an elongate shaft with an actuator rotatably mounted at its lower end, tine(s) mounted to the actuator, and a cam surface at the lower end of the shaft in contact with a surface of each tine such that, as the actuator is rotated between the first and second positions, the upper portion of each tine rotates with respect to the actuator and the lower portion of the tine moves between extended and contracted positions. The actuator and tines are locked against rotation when the tines are in either position, with the tines being locked against movement by being seated in troughs of a stop plate. The actuator and tines can be unlocked and moved up the shaft to provide clearance past seat walls for the tines to move between the extended and contracted positions. A molded a plastic handle is also provided. The handle can be secured at the upper end of the shaft of a manual garden tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: TCI97 Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Basek
  • Patent number: 7314095
    Abstract: A gardening tool extracts a weed along with a plug of soil. A plurality of blades are circumferentially spaced about an axis of a shaft and extend downwardly beyond the lower end of the shaft for insertion into soil about the roots. Each blade includes a trailing edge and a leading edge that leads the trailing edge during rotation in a selected rotational direction about the axis. An ejector body is positioned between the blades and is axially movable from an upper position to a lower position to eject soil from between the blades. An ejector control member at least substantially surrounding the shaft is axially movable by hand. A plurality of connecting members are circumferentially spaced about the shaft and connect the ejector control member to the ejector body, such that axial movement of the ejector control member causes axial movement of the ejector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Delwin E. Cobb
  • Publication number: 20070284123
    Abstract: The present invention is a hand held tool for brush and weed removal. It is a long or short handled weed extraction implement having combined features that facilitate easy and efficient weeding of all varieties of short and tall brush, bushes, bamboo, and the like. Further, the present invention is ideal for gathering the brush, weeds, and other debris, without changing tools. The invention is also adapted to loosening and leveling of the soil, again without changing tools. Unlike all other hand held weeding tools, the invention has a file for sharpening the tines and blade elements from time to time during the day while the tool is in the field. The file is mounted axially in the handle for convenience and to protect the file from rusting. The skill normally required for free-hand sharpening of blades is greatly reduced by the unique interfit of the file and elliptical shaped cutting edges. The invention also tends to induce better, safer, more ergonomic work habits among those who use the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Elliot W. Lee
  • Patent number: 7189166
    Abstract: A golfing accessory for supporting a golf club away from a ground surface. The golf club has a shaft. The accessory includes a substantially elongated body defining a body first end and a substantially longitudinally opposed body second end. The body is provided with a shaft receiving recess for receiving at least partially therein the shaft, the recess being provided substantially adjacent the body first end. A ground engaging member is pivotably attached to the body substantially adjacent to the body second end for pivotal movement between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The ground engaging member defines a member distal tip for insertion at least in part into the ground. In the retracted configuration, the member distal tip is substantially in register with the body, and in the extended configuration, the member distal tip extends substantially outwardly from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Jean-Guy Paré
  • Patent number: 7150238
    Abstract: A handheld bulber for use in planting and gardening is disclosed. The bulber has a rigid steel inverted conical frustum body of at least two opposing and slightly overlapping sidewall members pivotably joined together and a handle attached opposite a serrated cutting edge of the body. A movable dirt release mechanism is positioned between the handle and the pivot point such that moving the mechanism toward the handle, i.e., a squeezing hand motion, forces the handle end of the side members inward, thereby pivoting the digging end of the sidewall members outward. The dirt release mechanism may be attached within the slotted openings by a slider, rollers, or any other suitable means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Boris Kontorovich, Clay Burns, Carly Price, Wilfrido Loor
  • Patent number: 7117954
    Abstract: A weed puller that comprises a plurality of prongs positioned about an axis, an anvil plate, and a moveable mass adapted to be driven into the anvil plate so as to transmit a force through the anvil plate to the prongs where the force has a substantial component in line with the axis about which the plurality of prongs are positioned. In a preferred embodiment, the weed puller comprises a body having a cavity that terminates at the anvil plate with the moveable mass slideably positioned within the cavity and the moveable mass being coupled to a rod that extends out of the cavity from an end opposite the anvil plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Bryan Vipond
  • Patent number: 7108076
    Abstract: A weed pulling system has a pair of similarly configured rods in a cylindrical configuration, a pair of similarly configured gripping heads on the ends of the rods movable toward and away from each other; and a pair of similarly configured replaceable pads having an exterior gripping surface and an interior surface removably receivable on an associated head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Frank P. Barrow, III
  • Patent number: 7083001
    Abstract: A handle is attached to a multipurpose gardening implement that has six narrow, parallel (in full length) tines, separated by no less than 6 mm nor more than 7 mm, on one side of the implement head and two narrow, parallel (in full length) tines, separated by no less than 2 mm nor more than 3 mm, on the opposite side. The implement heads are each attached at 90-degree angles to the handle and 180-degrees relative to each other. When used to extract weeds, the side with multiple tines is employed for those with fibrous root systems while the opposite side is used to aid in the extraction of weeds with singular ‘taproot’ root structure. Rotation of the handle 180 degrees allows alternate use of either side depending on the type of weed to extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Kale Stephen Schulte
    Inventor: Stephen J. Schulte
  • Patent number: 7063168
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for removing plants or the like from the ground. The device comprises an elongated shaft, a ground support pivoted to a first end of the shaft transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis thereof and at least two blades including grip ends forming an extension of the shaft. The device is characterized in that the blades are pivoted in respect of the ground support transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and functionally connected together such that turning the shaft and the ground support in respect of each other causes the grip ends of the blades to move towards one another, thus enabling to grip the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Fiskars Consumer Oy Ab
    Inventors: Markus Paloheimo, Olavi Lindén
  • Patent number: 7059420
    Abstract: A gardening implement comprises a structure for fastening detachably a blade with a handle. The blade is provided at a fastening end with a deviation groove. The handle is provided at a fastening end with a fixation seat and a slide block slidably disposed in the fixation seat. The fixation seat is provided with a retaining slot. The slide block is provided with a retaining through hole. The blade is fastened with the handle such that the deviation groove of the blade is engaged with the retaining through hole of the slide block by virtue of the retaining through hole and the retaining slot being eccentric. As the slide block is activated to cause the retaining through hole to be concentric with the retaining slot, the deviation groove of the blade becomes disengaged with the retaining through hole to allow separation of the blade from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Ming-Ching Wei
  • Patent number: 7059421
    Abstract: A weed extraction tool is disclosed, comprising an elongated handle, a prong assembly, and a step assembly. The prong assembly includes a rod having a plurality of prongs attached at a lower end thereof and a pivot pin holder near its center. The step assembly comprises a flat step portion at one end, a plurality of fingers at another end, and two sides near the center of and under the step assembly. An opening is formed in the top side proximate its center, and each side includes a side opening. The rod of the prong assembly is inserted through the opening in the top side of the step assembly such that a pivot pin may be inserted through one side of the step assembly, through the pivot pin holder, and through the other side of the step assembly, so as to pivotably fix the prong assembly to the step assembly. As such, the opening of the top side of the step assembly is sufficient only to allow the step assembly to pivot between closed and open positions with respect to the prong assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald E. Gray
  • Patent number: 7021395
    Abstract: An attachment device detachably connects a gardening or cultivating tool to the blade of a garden hoe. This attachment device enables a tool such as weed cutters, rakes, pronged tools, and scythes to be detachably mounted to a hoe. The attachment device includes a sheet of metal wherein one or more U-shaped slots are formed along one edge. Tool retaining bolts are threaded into threaded holes in one side of the U-shaped slot(s) to tightly engage the hoe blade within the slot. A cutting tool having this attachment device maintains a spring loaded cutting blade which floats with respect to the hoe attachment device so that compression of the springs during use stores energy when the cutting blade hits an object for enhancing the cutting cycle and for reducing operator fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher C. Coppock
  • Patent number: 6959768
    Abstract: A weed puller includes a handle, a pair of tines extending from the bottom of the handle, and a step extending back from the handle. The tines are pushed into the ground near a weed by pressing down (by foot) on the step. The handle is then pulled back. This causes the tines to pivot and lift the weed (and its root structure) out of the ground. The pivot occurs about the outer-most end of the step. The step is wider than the pair of tines so that the downward pressure on the step is distributed about a relatively large surface area. Thus, the entire step remains above ground, without breaking the ground below the step, to minimize the portion of the ground that is broken by removal of the weed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Luis E. Casillas
  • Patent number: 6955228
    Abstract: A tool having a rotatable handle grip includes an elongated handle having a first end and second end, wherein a handle grip is rotatably coupled with the first end, and a working end is coupled with the second end. The working end may include a plurality of spaced tines with the prongs having points, wherein at least one cutting blade is coupled to the device between adjacent tines allowing a user to slide the tines of the fork along the ground surface, thereby using the blade to harvest vegetation. Additionally, the working end allows a stack of cut vegetation to accumulate on the device to be carried and placed in a preferred location or container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: William K. Hixon
  • Patent number: 6951255
    Abstract: A rotatable shaft has a claw structure near its lower end. The claw structure includes a first blade that is fixed relative to the shaft and a second blade that is movable relative to the first blade. The first, fixed blade is provided by the pointed lower end of the shaft. A blade defining member includes the second, movable blade. A central body portion of the blade defining member is pivotally mounted relative to the shaft so that the second blade can move toward and away from the first blade. The blade defining member includes a handle portion. A spring urges the movable blade toward the first blade to a claw closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: John D. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6945334
    Abstract: An implement for removing honeysuckle bushes and the like wherein the implement is inserted below the soil surface and the root ball of the bush is leveraged up and out of the soil. The implement may be manually used to break the roots of the bush before ultimate removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Christopher Grenner
  • Patent number: 6880318
    Abstract: A roof-raking device designed to safely and efficiently remove pine straw and leaf debris from roofs of houses. When attached to a lightweight telescopic or other long pole this device can be used by a person standing at ground level or on a ladder, eliminating the risk of climbing and walking on a pitched roof. Formed of a flexible, resilient material our rake-head is a one-piece injection molded device comprising a plurality of deeply curved, reinforced tines, a central housing support structure and a female flange fitting. The tines are of varying length, width, thickness and curve radius. When slight downward hand pressure is applied to the upper surface of a connecting pole the flexible self-adjusting tines form themselves evenly to any horizontal pitched roof surface, and when applied to a V-shaped roof angle where two roof planes meet, the tines flex and form themselves to both roof planes simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph Edward Coyne, Richard Charles Coyne
  • Patent number: 6854524
    Abstract: Tools for trimming excess vegetation from growing plants include inner and outer coaxially positioned, relatively rotatable cutter blade assemblies which establish an interior volume for receiving a plant to be trimmed. Excess vegetation from the plant which extends outwardly of the interior volume established by the cutter blades will therefore be severed upon relative rotation being effected therebetween. Most preferably, the inner cutter assembly includes sets of elongate cutter blade members whose having tined ends which may be partially embedded in the soil surrounding the growing plant to be trimmed. The outer cutter assembly is mounted for free movement both rotationally and longitudinally regarding the inner cutter assembly, and is most preferably connected to a motorized source of power (e.g., a conventional hand-held electric drill).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Rudolph C. Williams
  • Patent number: 6843324
    Abstract: A manual gardening implement having two tools, for example ground-working tools having tines for breaking up soil. At least one of the tools has two positions, a working position in which it is located at the working end of a shaft of the implement, and a non-working position in which the tool is drawn up the shaft away from the ground-working end of the implement to occupy a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Charles Basek
  • Publication number: 20040245003
    Abstract: A weeder includes a longitudinal shaft having a predetermined length and a longitudinal bore, a chuck mechanism provided at a lower end portion of the longitudinal shaft for pinching and pulling out weeds in the ground, the chuck mechanism including first and second pinching members for pinching the weeds therebetween, a first remover member combined with the chuck mechanism for forcedly removing the weeds and/or mud from the first pinching member, a second remover member combined with the chuck mechanism for forcedly removing the weeds and/or mud from the second pinching member, an operating lever mechanism provided on an axis of the longitudinal shaft for actuating the first and second pinching members and the first and second remover members, and a towing wire inserted and extending within the longitudinal bore of the longitudinal shaft, and coupling the chuck mechanism and the operating lever mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Kinjiro Ota
  • Publication number: 20040188110
    Abstract: A tool assembly includes a handle, a main tube and an implement. The main tube has a slot at one end and a detent proximate to the slot. The detent is movable between an extended position and a retracted position and is biased toward the extended position. The handle has a handle tube. The implement includes an implement tube. Both the handle tube and the implement have a hole and a crossmember fixed onto the inner surface of the implement tube or the handle tube. The handle tube, the main tube, and the implement tube are so configured that when the main tube is inserted into the implement tube or the handle tube, the detent is secured within the hole of the implement tube or the handle tube and the crossmember of the implement tube or the handle tube rests against the slots of the main tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Dick Liao
  • Patent number: 6796383
    Abstract: The tool includes an elongated handle having a first end and second end, wherein a handle grip is rotatably coupled with the first end, and a working end is coupled with the second end. The working end may include a plurality of spaced tines with the prongs having points, wherein at least one cutting blade is coupled to the device between adjacent tines allowing a user to slide the tines of the fork along the ground surface, thereby using the blade to harvest vegetation. Additionally, the working end allows a stack of cut vegetation to accumulate on the device to be carried and placed in a preferred location or container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: William K. Hixon
  • Publication number: 20040129436
    Abstract: A manual gardening implement having two tools, for example ground-working tools having tines for breaking up soil. At least one of the tools has two positions, a working position in which it is located at the working end of a shaft of the implement, and a non-working position in which the tool is drawn up the shaft away from the ground-working end of the implement to occupy a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Charles Basek
  • Patent number: 6736217
    Abstract: What I claim is new about my invention is that the double-edged plows on the ends of the plurel to tines (eight as shown) can cultivate and entangle weeds, weed roots and root vines in forward or reverse, will entangle the plural (eight as shown) of tines and double-edged plows with weeds, weed roots and root vines. When a given amount of weeds, weed roots and vines are entangled, stop rotation. Push down Sleeve 7 to have Sleeve 9 cut and push all debris off center pin and tines for removal of the collection of weeds, weed roots and vines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Charles Farrel Brown
  • Publication number: 20040065452
    Abstract: A weed digger apparatus includes a fork portion and a polygonal cross section shaft portion connected to the fork portion. A handle portion is connected to the shaft portion. A leverage block is supported on the shaft portion and extends below the shaft portion. Sliding block-to-shaft connection means are provided for connecting the leverage block to the shaft portion. The leverage block provides a fulcrum, and the fulcrum provides a first lever arm and a second lever arm which permit a one-hand operation for pulling weeds up from the ground. Preferably, the sliding block-to-shaft connection means include a polygonal cross section shaft reception groove in the leverage block which is complementary to the polygonal cross section shaft portion. The polygonal cross sections prevent the shaft portion from rotating within the shaft reception groove as the weed is being pulled up from the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: DeDe T. Baker
  • Publication number: 20030233969
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing particulate matter includes a hollow elongate body having sidewalls extending between opposite first and second ends. First and second end seals seal the first and second ends respectively. The first end seal has an orifice through which the particular material, when stored in the body, is dispensed. A baffle is mounted within the first end, generally abutting against one side wall of the body. The baffle at least partially occludes the orifice and forms a pocket between the orifice and the baffle. A convoluted dispensing flow path is thereby formed for dispensing the particulate material from the body, around the baffle and out of the dispenser through the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Donald James Stolz
  • Publication number: 20030230420
    Abstract: What I claim is new about my invention is that the double-edged plows on the ends of the plurel to tines (eight as shown) can cultivate and entangle weeds, weed roots and root vines in forward or reverse, will entangle the plural (eight as shown) of tines and double-edged plows with weeds, weed roots and root vines. When a given amount of weeds, weed roots and vines are entangled, stop rotation. Push down Sleeve 7 to have Sleeve 9 cut and push all debris off center pin and tines for removal of the collection of weeds, weed roots and vines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Farrel Brown
  • Patent number: 6631770
    Abstract: A turner for quickly, easily, and aesthetically turning over and aerating and thickening a settled or compacted layer of an aggregate landscaping mulch material, and a method for doing so. The present turner includes an elongate cylindrical barrel having an outer cylindrical surface having a diametrical extent of less than about 5 inches and a plurality of elongate projections extending generally radially outwardly from the cylindrical surface at spaced locations thereon. The turner includes a handle supporting the cylindrical barrel for rotation about a cylindrical axis thereof. The present method includes holding the handle to push or pull the cylindrical barrel across a region of the layer of the landscaping mulch material to rotate the barrel such that the projections will penetrate into the mulch material and lift and reorient portions thereof to thicken the layer, without substantially disturbing the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Gravity, Incorporated
    Inventors: Tony M. Guard, Paul Haney, Douglas Ortenzi, Joseph Stephens, James Tobergta
  • Patent number: 6615928
    Abstract: A powered garden tool is provided comprising a handle member having a power unit disposed therein and a digging attachment having a first end rotatably and detachably securable to the handle member and a second end having at least two cutting blade members secured thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the powered garden tool is in the form of a digging attachment which can be rotatably and detachably securable to a hand-held power tool, such as a power drill or cordless screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Michele M. Dueitt
  • Publication number: 20030159841
    Abstract: A combined home garden tool for easily and efficiently removing weeds, digging or leveling of soil, and planting which does not require repetitive kneeling or stooping. The invention includes a long or short handle attached to a unique head having a combined weed remover, pointed or flat trenching tool and soil leveler. The weed removal section includes a set of generally parallel elongated tines with pointed ends, the tines being spaced apart from each other to form as set of narrow V-shaped openings for engagement with weeds that accomplishes removal of the weeds and substantially all of their associated root systems without requiring repetitive kneeling or stooping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Hall
  • Patent number: 6595298
    Abstract: A multi-purpose weeder attachable to a hand-held rotary power implement is designed to weed, aerate and till soil. A vertical shaft is removably attached to the implement to permit erect operation of the weeder. A pair of substantially spiral-shaped blades are rigidly connected at an acute angle with the lower end of shaft to cause discharge of weeds upwardly and outwardly from soil when the shaft is rotated. The blades are equally spaced from the shaft as they diverge upwardly. A top end of an auger is connected to the lower end of the shaft to penetrate weed and soil at its free end. An annular member with a cross horizontal element connects the upper ends of the blades to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Morris A. Crady
  • Patent number: 6536535
    Abstract: A garden tool for rejuvenating the soil of a garden includes a tool head and a handle pivotably mounted onto the tool head. The tool head includes a central hub and a plurality of tines which are integrally formed onto the outer periphery of the hub. Each tine extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the hub and includes an arm formed onto the hub, a sharpened tooth formed onto the free end of the arm and a pair of elongated, outwardly curved wings which are formed onto the tooth. The handle is adapted to be lockably disposed at any angle from a horizontal position to a vertical position relative to the tool head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Robert J. Washek
  • Patent number: 6517445
    Abstract: A combination golf club and weeding device is disclosed. A cutter is attached to the lower portion of the club head and oriented so that weeds can be cut by swinging the club in the same fashion as is used in striking a golf ball. The shape of the cutter requires that the club be swung accurately in order to achieve a successful cut. When the cutter is retrofitted to a conventional club, reliefs are cut in the club head so that the entire assembly has the same mass and moment of inertia as the original club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Mike O'Neill
  • Patent number: 6502646
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to repair dents formed by a golf ball impacting the surface of a golf green. A restoring tool is mounted to the top of the handle of a putter, and this tool comprises a base member and a ground penetrating portion which is formed as a pair of tines and which is rotatably mounted to move from a stowed position flush against the base, to an operating position where it extends at right angles to the base. The putter is inverted so that the end of the handle can be positioned against the raised edge of the dent. The tines (outwardly extending) are moved to penetrate into the soil at a location outwardly of the raised edge of the dent, and the compression surface of the base member presses the sod layer downwardly and displaces the underlying ground layer laterally to fill into the recess portion of the dent. This also causes the displaced portion of the sod laterally over the dent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Terry G. Wiens
  • Patent number: 6470972
    Abstract: A garden tool is shown that has the compactness and general shape of a conventional straight shaft weeder. However, certain angles are formed in the shaft to facilitate easier use, particular by those with limited flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Leslie O. Trampe
  • Publication number: 20020153146
    Abstract: A powered garden tool is provided comprising a handle member having a power unit disposed therein and a digging attachment having a first end rotatably and detachably securable to the handle member and a second end having at least two cutting blade members secured thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the powered garden tool is in the form of a digging attachment which can be rotatably and detachably securable to a hand-held power tool, such as a power drill or cordless screwdriver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Michele M. Dueitt
  • Patent number: 6467551
    Abstract: A garden tool for rejuvenating the soil of a garden includes a tool head and a handle pivotably mounted onto the tool head. The tool head includes a central hub and a plurality of tines which are integrally formed onto the outer periphery of the hub. Each tine extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the hub and includes an arm formed onto the hub, a sharpened tooth formed onto the free end of the arm and a pair of elongated, outwardly curved wings which are formed onto the tooth. The handle is adapted to be lockably disposed of at any angle from a horizontal position to a vertical position relative to the tool head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Robert J. Washek
  • Publication number: 20020074138
    Abstract: A turner for quickly, easily, and aesthetically turning over and aerating and thickening a settled or compacted layer of an aggregate landscaping mulch material, and a method for doing so, is disclosed. The present turner includes an elongate cylindrical barrel having an outer cylindrical surface having a diametrical extent of less than about 5 inches and a plurality of elongate projections extending generally radially outwardly from the cylindrical surface at spaced locations thereon. The turner includes a handle supporting the cylindrical barrel for rotation about a cylindrical axis thereof. The present method includes holding the handle to push or pull the cylindrical barrel across a region of the layer of the landscaping mulch material to rotate the barrel such that the projections will penetrate into the mulch material and lift and reorient portions thereof to thicken the layer, without substantially disturbing the underlying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Tony M. Guard, Paul Haney, Douglas Ortenzi, Joseph Stephens, James Tobergta
  • Patent number: 6401833
    Abstract: A plant harvesting device with tines and cutting blades, for harvesting dry plants with a thrusting motion. The blades are generally triangular, with a peak between tines, and a valley at each tine. Plant material is trapped between the tine and a cutting blade, and is accumulated on the upper surface of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: William K. Hixon
  • Publication number: 20020043380
    Abstract: A weed extractor is designed with a first shaft (302) having a handle end and a distal end and a second shaft (300) having a handle end and a distal end. A bit assembly has an upper alignment device (202) connected to the distal end of the first shaft and a lower alignment device (208) connected to the distal end of the second shaft. A latch (306) is connected between the handle end of the first shaft and the handle end of the second shaft. The latch has a first position permitting the bit assembly to move between an open position and a closed position and a second position arranged to hold the bit assembly in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Barbara P. Rountree, Robert N. Rountree
  • Publication number: 20020020537
    Abstract: A garden tool includes a work-engaging head joined by a shank to a plastic handle. The handle has a relatively rigid plastic core body. A cavity is formed in the handle to divide it into forward and rearward portions. The cavity is filled with a flexible and resilient material to accommodate flexing of the rearward portion relative to the forward portion. A flexible and resilient gripping sheath covers the outer surface of the core body except for the cavity. In one embodiment the cavity is in the core body and includes a notch. For digging tools, such as trowels, the notch is formed on the lower side of the core body adjacent to the distal end, while for pulling or raking tools, such as plows, the notch is formed on the upper side of the core body adjacent to the working end. A recess may be formed in the core body opposite the notch for cooperation with the notch to define a narrow hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Richard C. Shonfeld, James J. Best, Daniel J. Formosa, Conor P. McNamara, Marco C. Perry
  • Publication number: 20020007955
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to repair dents formed by a golf ball impacting the surface of a golf green. A restoring tool is mounted to the top of the handle of a putter, and this tool comprises a base member and a ground penetrating portion which is formed as a pair of tines and which is rotatably mounted to move from a stowed position flush against the base, to an operating position where it extends at right angles to the base. The putter is inverted so that the end of the handle can be positioned against the raised edge of the dent. The tines (outwardly extending) are moved to penetrate into the soil at a location outwardly of the raised edge of the dent, and the compression surface of the base member presses the sod layer downwardly and displaces the underlying ground layer laterally to fill into the recess portion of the dent. This also causes the displaced portion of the sod laterally over the dent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Terry G. Wiens
  • Publication number: 20020005289
    Abstract: A hand held garden rake configured to enhance downward force for digging and raking. The rake has a rod frame which extends from tines located at the front end of the rake to a brace located at the rear of the rake. The frame is bent to extend back towards the front end of the rake, at which point the frame terminates in an upwardly extending handle. The brace rests on the forearm, so that additional force is developed when the tines of the rake are urged downwardly into the ground. The vertical orientation of the handle is more natural and comfortable than would be a horizontal orientation. The handle is provided with a molded grip for cooperating with a user's hand. The brace has a resilient cushion for comfort when pressing downwardly on the tines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: JANIE MCKITTRICK