Abstract: An attachment for a conventional pry bar facilitates the bar for use in the pulling of stakes. The attachment comprises a section of pipe which is flattened to provide a tubular portion telescopically receivable over the end of a pry bar and thin edge portion to one side of the tubular portion. The edge portion is formed with a notch proportioned for slidable receipt around a stake to be pulled and gripping engagement with the stake upon cocking of the attachment relative to the stake. In use the stake is cocked for gripping and pulling engagement with the stake by fulcruming the pry bar against a surface adjacent the stake.

Abstract: A vegetation harvesting/clearing device consists of an assembly including a pair of hinged jaws and an open noose of cable, all of which is mounted on a load-lifting device of a prime mover such as a farm tractor. The open jaws are deployed to cause a patch of vegetation to be enclosed by the open noose. The jaws are closed around the vegetation, whereupon the noose is tightened to garrote the vegetation in a swath. The load lifting device raises the closed jaws to uproot the vegetation and to remove the swath of uprooted material to a disposal site where the swath is deposited.

Abstract: A tree harvester which is intended to be fitted to a crane arm or the like for the purpose of uprooting trees. In order to supplement the ground preparation that is automatically achieved adjacent the exposed soils areas left in the ground subsequent to pulling out a tree by its roots, it is proposed in accordance with the invention, among other things, that the tree harvester is provided with a soil scraping or cultivating unit intended to be brought into engagement with and moved along the ground so as to prepare the ground for forest regeneration.

Abstract: A weeding device includes an elongated shaft, a ground-penetrating tool on one end of the shaft, a pad on the shaft adjacent the tool, and a handle on the other end of the shaft. The user pushes the tool into the ground adjacent a weed and kicks the pad with his foot to force the weed out of the ground.

Abstract: A weed removal tool having a pair of upright elongated handles pivotally attached to each other near their lower ends, with protruding tapered tines extending axially from the lower ends of the handles. The tool is operated by plunging the tines into the ground on opposite sides of a weed, and separating the handles to compress the weed between the tines. A fulcrum block attached to one of the handles near the tines provides leverage for extracting the weed upon lateral tilting of the handles to force the block into the ground. The weed may then be lifted freely from the ground.

Abstract: A turf and garden tool implement useful in extracting weeds as well as severing the branches of small plants, bushes, small trees and the like; the tool includes an elongate rod member provided with a handle and a foot step, with the lower portion of the rod member being supplied a tool, generally referred to as a root trap tool, which is curved and hemi-conical in configuration, the leading edge being provided with serrations for suitable cutting purposes, and the upper edge of the tool being arcuate, upwardly angulated in a curvilinear manner, and is provided with a sharpened edge margin for effecting branch removal.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted tree stump puller having articulating components that create a mechanical advantage to remove buried objects or the like from the ground in response to forward movement of the tractor. The implement comprises at least two components pivotally joined to form an articulating structure that shifts from a retracted position to an extended position upon forward movement of the tractor. An articulating structure so formed has a first end pivotally coupled to the tractor, and a second end rigidly attached to a forked structure. Just prior to the removal process, the forked structure is disposed to engage a buried object. With the forked structure engaging a buried object, the tractor moves in a forward direction causing the articulating components to shift from a retracted position to an extended position.

Abstract: A spading tool for use by persons who are unable or prefer not to bend over when uprooting weeds and other material has an elongate handle at the lower end of which is hinged a multiple-tine fork adapted to be embedded in the ground adjacent a weed to be uprooted. A ratcheting latch device enables the fork to be moved from an initial position in prolongation of the handle to an adjusted, angular position by rocking the handle back and forth. Such movement of the fork effects lifting of the weed out of the ground for disposal. The latch device may be disabled by movement of a remote release lever whereupon a return spring forcibly returns the fork to the initial position ready for further use.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for removing fence posts and related posts form the ground or other media. The invention is designed to be used primarily with tractors and any other mechanical devices fitted with a three-point hitch and capable of lifting the three-point hitch and attachments. The machine includes two gripper blades arranged in V-shaped pattern and pivotally attached to a substantially pyramidical structure. When the post is gripped by the gripper blades, lifting of the base frame causes the gripper blades to pivot downward into the post. Further use of lifting force from the tractor or other related machine lifts the post out of the ground. After the post is removed from the ground, the post can be placed on the ground by lowering the apparatus which allows the post to drop at no greater angle than the arc created by the V-shaped opening formed by the gripper blades and the housing.

Abstract: A weed extraction device for digging, cutting, twisting and pulling out weeds. The weed extraction device includes a rod member from which a handle is formed by bending the rod member. The handle is useful in pushing the device into the ground and to twist the device to twist out the weeds and by which the user can pull the weed from the ground without bending over. The rod member also includes a foot step which is formed by bending the rod member and is useful in pushing the device into ground to the depth of the tap root. Attached permanently to the rod member is the root trap which is a half-cone or hemiconically shaped cutting, coring and compacting portion of the device. The root trap is useful to dig into the ground, cut a cone shaped plug, compact the tap root and branch roots and twist out the weed including the tap root which prevents the root from ever growing again.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a post puller for posts of a given cross section that includes concrete bases. The post puller comprises in combination: (i) a fulcrum having a horizontal base, a pair of upright arms extending from the base and a pivot pin of circular cross section attached between the arms remote from the base and perpendicular to the upright arms; (ii) a lever of circular cross section in pivoting contact with the fulcrum as a wooden post is extracted, the lever including a handle of fixed length relative to the fulcrum and a lifting segment, and a perforated plate sized to connect to the wooden post to be extracted for coupling the latter to the handle of the lever.

Abstract: A device for uprooting trees and brush. The device is ridigly constructed of quarter inch rectangular tubing and comprises a substantially horizontal V-shaped tree engaging member preferably having elongate blades thereon for gripping the trunk of the tree to be uprooted. An upper Y-shaped member, extending over the tree engaging member member, may be included for supporting the upper part of the tree being uprooted. The device is used by attaching it to a truck or tractor or some other suitable vehicle and pushing the tree engaging member against the tree until it is forced out of the ground. The surrounding terrain is relatively undisturbed.

Abstract: A puling device including a leverage mechanism to provide pull and lift by manipulation of a chain, and a force application mechanism to provide the leverage. The force application mechanism provides a variable torque that is at a maximum when the leverage mechanism is in a position to remove ground embedded structures, including posts. The torque diminishes as the leverage mechanism rotates and the structure is lifted. As the structure is lifted the configuration of the chain increases the rate of lift and also provides sufficient lift to remove structures deeply embedded in the ground.

Abstract: A weed puller apparatus is arranged for securement about a foot of an individual utilizing forward and rear spine plates to adjust the apparatus relative to the foot or shoe of the individual. A forward bifurcated plate enables securement about an associated weed for removal of the weed.

Abstract: A post pulling apparatus for pulling different types of posts includes an actuating device and different working heads. The actuating device is manually operable repetitively through a succession of work-producing strokes of movement. The working heads have different configurations for engaging and pulling different types of posts, such as a cross-sectional T-shaped metal post, a round wood post, and a rod-like metal electric fence post. The different working heads can be interchanged with one another in connected relation with an end of the actuating device and coupled with the respective post corresponding to the particular working head for engaging and lifting the post during each work-producing stroke of movement of the actuating device.

Abstract: A tool primarily for pulling stakes from concrete forms includes a relatively long lever arm and a bore for encircling a metal stake, oriented generally at right angles to the lever arm. In preferred embodiments, the bore has a relatively sharp edge and gripping teeth for positive gripping engagement against the rod to enable twisting of the stake and subsequent lifting of the stake. The tool also includes, in preferred embodiments, a protruding fulcrum end to allow prying the stake up using the stationary wooden form for engagement by the fulcrum point. A further preferred feature is a chisel edge on the fulcrum end, to enable the tool to be used for form stripping. The chisel end may further include an opening configured for nail pulling. Thus, in a preferred embodiment the tool can be used for nail removal from forms, for stake twisting and pulling, for stripping of forms from concrete and also for bending of reinforcing bar to a substantially accurate, consistent bend angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling or extracting ts brush, plants and the like. The apparatus has a frame for attachment to the standard three-point hitch mechanism of a tractor and a puller assembly pivotally attached at an elevated end to the frame. The apparatus and method uses the leverage principle to extract plants while the tractor is driven forward. The apparatus has a back member, a foot portion including toe and heel sections, a movable jaw, a sharpened engagement plate, plant guide tangs, and meshing fingers. The apparatus and method imparts both vertical and horizontal forces to the plant during the extraction process.

Abstract: A hand implement for cultivating the surface of the earth, the implement including an elongated shaft which mounts at its distal end a toothed assembly and a blade is mounted on the toothed assembly, the toothed assembly and blade so disposed relative to each other to form a pair of fulcrums interoperable to deploy the toothed assembly and blade for a multiplicity of earth working operations including weeding, permitting weeds to be cut off at uniform depths below the earth's surface or alternatively extracted from the earth in their entirety.

Abstract: A tree and tree stump removal apparatus consisting of a frame, pivotally mounted hydraulic cylinder mounted thereon, and a chain for placing around a tree or tree stump is provided. The hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted on the frame to provide the optimum vertical pulling force in order to quickly and effectively remove trees and tree stumps and their associated roots from the ground. An associated method for removing trees and tree stumps is also provided.

Abstract: A tool for grasping the stem of a woody shrub or small tree and uprooting same comprises an elongated lever arm pivotally attached at two points at its lower end to a lifting assembly having stem-gripping jaws. The lifting assembly includes a lifter arm having a fulcrum means mounted at one end and a fixed jaw face mounted at the other, and a movable jaw that slides parallel to said lifter arm, having a jaw face that opposes said fixed jaw face and moves in parallel relation to it. Dual leverage ratios are attained by the length of the lever arm, the length of the lifter arm, and the distance between said two pivot points, enabling the jaws to grip a woody stem with a force that increases at a greater rate than the lifting force as the operator pulls said lever arm to uproot said shrub or tree.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for extracting the fence post and the like from the earth. The invention is preferably used in conjunction with a tractor, backhoe or other piece of mobile equipment having hydraulical controls for supplementally attached equipment. The hydraulic controls of the tractor are connected to a hydraulic cylinder on the apparatus capable of creating approximately one foot of horizontal travel within the apparatus. Through the use of a fixed length of cable and a series of sheaves, this approximate one foot of horizontal travel is translated into approximately five feet of vertical travel. There are self-clamping jaws which automatically engage a fence post or the like when the hydraulic cylinder is used to actuate the lifting mechanism. In operation, the tractor is merely backed up to a fence post and the hydraulic controls operated to actuate the hydraulic cylinder thereby engaging the fence post and extracting it all in one motion.

Abstract: A manually operated weeder tool is disclosed. The tool has a weed engaging portion with a prong centered on the weed engaging portion. In a preferred form the weed engaging end has a forked tip and a prong extends between the tips of the fork end. The prong is preferrably serrated so as to entangle the root portion of a weed below the surface of the earth. The tool may be provided with a depth control attachment and a leverage bar that will assist in the extraction of a weed.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a tree remover which has a relatively long lever in the form of a beam or rod, and has a hole near one end of the lever. A chain having a hook at each end is threaded through the hole. One of the hooks, the slip hook, is looped around the tree trunk or the bottom part of the bush in one or two turns of the chain, and the lever is placed with the end opposite the hole against the ground a given short distance from the root of the tree or bush. The other end of the chain is then locked with the grab hook against the lever, and a substantially horizontal force is applied to the lever. The horizontal force is converted to a significantly greater, substantially vertical, leveraged force for pulling the tree or bush upward and out of the ground.

Abstract: A cylindrically shaped fulcrum member is affixed to the lower end of a garden tool such as a pitchfork, cultivator or weeder. The fulcrum member may be attached either directly to the tines or to the handle shaft if there are no tines and is located above the lowermost point of the tool. After the point of the tool is forced into the ground, the handle is moved rearwardly, the back of the fulcrum member contacts the ground and the lower end of the tool pivots upwardly braking up the soil or pulling up weeds or the like. The fulcrum member is provided with at least one bolt and nut clamping mechanism so that the member can be moved through and secured to different positions along the tines or the shaft to change the mechanical advantage of the tool.

Abstract: A stake pulling apparatus which is characterized by an upright box-frame adapted to contain a quantity of hydraulic fluid, a bifurcated base plate attached to the bottom of the frame for supporting the frame, a hydraulic cylinder pivotally suspended from the frame over the slot provided in the base, a hydraulic pump provided in fluid communication with the box-frame hydraulic fluid reservoir, a gasoline engine for powering the apparatus and a hydraulic control system for controlling the introduction of hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder to remove a stake embedded in the ground and located in the slot beneath the hydraulic cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, a chain is wrapped around the stake and attached to the cylinder piston, in order to secure the piston to the stake and effect extraction of the stake from the ground.

Abstract: The tool includes a handle portion and a blade portion firmly attached to and extending from one end of the handle portion. The handle portion is substantially straight and is adapted to be grasped by the four fingers of the hand exclusive of the thumb. The blade portion extends outwardly, transverse to the axis of said handle portion, and is adapted to be engaged by the thumb of the user to grasp a weed to be pulled between the blade portion and the user's thumb.

Abstract: A post-puller adapted to be utilized by a farmer or similar person who is riding on a tractor or equivalent piece of equipment, the tractor having an attachment with the capacity to produce a vertical lifting load--to pull a fence post out of the ground. The apparatus includes a cage-like frame with an opening that passes centrally through the frame, the apparatus being adapted to pass over the top end of the post to be pulled. The cage-like frame has two spaced gripping members on its interior; these gripping members are preferably made of angle iron that is oriented so that the apex of the 90 degree angle will bear against a post that is positioned inside the cage. A lever is pivotally mounted on the side of the cage opposite the gripping members, and the lever has a surface or edge that bears against one side of a fence post to wedge it against the gripping members on the other side.

Abstract: A machine for extracting an elongate work piece from a medium in which it is imbedded. The machine includes a vertical gripping plate in opposed gripping relating with an eccentrically pivoted gripper. These gripping elements are carried on a rigid frame adapted for attachment to the three point hitch lifting mechanism found on tractors. When the work piece is gripped between the gripping elements, lifting of the frame by means of the lifting mechanism of the tractor, will extract the work piece. Auxiliary lifting force may be provided with optional fluid power operated cylinders. Linkages may optionally be provided to remotely move the pivoted gripper into and out of gripping relation. The linkages may be operated manually or with a hydraulic or other power operated cylinder.

Abstract: A weed puller is provided which comprises a handle to which are separately attached two (2) rotating, weed grasping prongs. The lower, or ground penetrating, portion of each prong is offset from the top portion thereof, so that when the prongs are rotated about their individual separate vertical axes at the handle, the lower portions of the prongs approach each other in parallel orientation so as to grasp the weed and its roots with essentially evenly applied pressure. The prong rotation is achieved through outward movement of upper ends of the prongs in camming slots formed in a camming member. Such movement is created by pivoting the handle of the weed puller, with the prongs inserted in the ground astraddle the weed, toward an outwardly extending lever member which is rotatingly attached along a horizontal axis at the lower end of the handle, and is rigidly connected to or an extension of the camming member. Continued pivoting of the handle leverages the grasped weed from the ground.

Abstract: A plant extractor which includes a pair of jaws, at least one of the jaws being a displaceable jaw which is movable towards the other of the jaws, a ground engaging member forming a fulcrum and being pivotally attached to the plant extractor, the ground engaging member being linked to the displaceable jaw so that when placed on the ground, the ground engaging member displaces the displaceable jaw towards the other jaw to grip the plant, and a lever operable to pivot the plant extractor about the fulcrum thereby to permit extraction of the plant from the ground.

Abstract: An improved weed cutting and extracting tool with a blade mounted on a shaft opposite a gripping end is described. The tool includes a flat retaining spring which with the blade grasps or pinches the weed after the weed is cut. In particular, the tool includes an improved ejection mechanism for positively removing the weed from the tool using a handle which slides along the shaft connected by means of a rod to an ejector plate slideably mounted on the blade to lift the retaining spring and eject the weed.

Abstract: A construction tool for moving, positioning and holding a workpiece, such as a pipe or beam, or the like, relative to a selected work area, which may be the earth's surface, a pipe, a beam or other type of support. The tool includes a base, an upright support, a swivel, a pivoted lever and anchor means for securing the lever in a predetermined attitude relative to the upright support. The base in a selected form is readily interchanged with the upright support by a telescoping joint secured by a pin. This pin joint allows several extended positions of the upright support relative to the base for easy height adjustment. A universal swivel joint atop the upright support mounts the pivoted lever. The length of the lever at its mounting to the swivel head may be readily adjusted between selected lengths. One end of the lever is secured to the workpiece, e.g., by a chain, and the other end of the lever is secured by an anchor chain to the base to maintain it in a desired attitude.

Abstract: A device for breaking loose tree stumps from the ground comprises a vehicle, an arm or the like carried by the vehicle and a tool carried by said arm and engageable with a stump. The tool comprises at least two members movable relative to each other when the tool has been located in an uprooting position relative to the stump. One of said members is adapted to rest against the ground while the tool may lift the stump by means of the relative movement of the members.

Abstract: A metal strap having a pedal, fulcrum and weed pulling trowel is attached to the bottom of an elongated handle. The trowel is bifurcated and notched so it may be forced into the ground by a foot on the pedal and the weed root caught within the slot and pried from the ground by the fulcrum. The weed is ejected from the slot by moving a blade in the slot downward against spring action. In one embodiment the tines of the trowel are twisted on each side of the slot.

Abstract: A plier-like implement having an elongated whole cylindrical element rigidly attached at right angles to one part of the plier adjacent to the joint and a mating elongated segment of a rigid cylindrical element attached at right angles to the other part of the plier. A weed stem is grasped adjacent to the soil between the cylindrical elements. The tool is then rotated about the whole cylindrical element, using the soil as a rolling fulcrum to incrementally force the weed out of the soil.

Abstract: A tree harvester or remover is illustrated having a gripper including a V-shaped wedging member with a blade projecting inwardly thereof for cutting into a portion of the tree above the roots forming a shelf with adjacent fibers of the tree compressed between the wedging members, and means for exerting an upward force on the gripper by exerting a compressive force between ground engaging support members and an elevatable frame from which the gripper depends.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing weeds or other plants comprising a handle having a foot operated lever pivotally coupled to one end. A plurality of tines are connected to the front end of the lever for insertion into the ground for removing weeds or other plants as the front end of the lever is pivoted upward. The tines extend through apertures formed through a clean off plate which is adapted to slide on the tines between a rearward position near the front end of the lever and a forward position near the front ends of the tines. As the handle is pivoted forward, the clean off plate is moved forward by the end of the handle to clean weeds, dirt, etc. from the tines.

Abstract: An improved post puller includes a U-shaped grapple and a pivot mount providing both a generally vertical pivot position for connection of the grapple to a draw bar and a base for mounting an operating handle thereto. One alternate embodiment provides adjustability. Further, the handle and pivot axis are specifically disposed in varying alternate positions for first rotating the grapple to grasp a post and then to permit rotation about another axis for post pulling. Another alternate embodiment includes a double grapple and actuating apparatus for opening and closing it about a post.

Abstract: A tent peg mallet and extracting tool is provided which includes a variety of functional portions to perform operations on wooden, metal, or plastic tent pegs or the like. The tool includes a mallet portion having a face for pounding wooden or plastic pegs without damage, a rigid plate secured to the mallet portion for pounding metal pegs, a tab extending from the end of the mallet portion for digging or prying to loosen the pegs, and a peg removal loop secured to the mallet portion to facilitate peg pulling.

Abstract: A device for selectively engaging weed plants at their ground or below ground level, securing the stem or root thereof and levering the plant, roots and all, from the ground. Jaws of the device engage the plant stem in a narrowing wedge configuration without severing the plant stem and, as the plant retracting lever action is applied, the jaws are cammed closer together further securing the plant stem therebetween and permitting the operator to withdraw the plant from the ground.

Abstract: A lawn weeder in which the weed lifting prong is thrust downwardly by the foot at right angles from one end of the ground engaging the bottom lifting lever and thrust into the ground beside the weed by foot pressure upon the top of the prong end of the lifting arm and with a fulcrum structure over which the lifting lever is pivoted to effect lifting action of the prong and a curved handle extending upwardly from the rear end of the lifting lever to the waist of the user and a strut depending from the upper end of the handle to the bottom lifting lever to provide a complete quadrant-shaped operating handle. As the curved handle is grasped by the user at the waist height and passed across the front of the body, the weed will be easily lifted without effort and with the user not having to bend his back at any time. A ground-engaging fulcrum means is provided at the prong end of the lifting lever, which by foot pressure applied thereto, the prong is thrust into the ground beside the weed root.

Abstract: A camping tool in which an elongated metallic body carries, at one end, a curved portion having a V-shaped gap. A handle is attached to the other end of the base body. A mass metallic portion is supported by the base body in proximity where the curved portion joins the elongated body. A ring-shaped member with a projection thereon, is pivotally connected to the base body between the mass portion and the handle.

Abstract: When a tree stump has been split into several parts by a chopping action, the invention provides a gripping, shaking and cutting unit rigidly connected to the end of a vehicle-carried rotatable crane boom, having an adjustable effective length, for pulling out the stump parts along with their roots one by one from the earth in a direction substantially corresponding to the extension of the roots, and then shaking and cutting the stump parts.

Abstract: A whole tree extraction device is mounted on a prime mover. The extraction device is comprised of a load frame which is carried and supported by the prime mover. Slidably mounted on one side of the load frame is the power frame to which is attached at least one power cylinder for moving the power frame with respect to the load frame. Mounted on the power frame forwardly thereof is a vibrator frame to which is attached a pair of cooperating shearing blades together with a pair of cooperating gripping extractor arms. A pair of upper gripper arms are mounted on the load frame and open and close in response to a command signal independently of the shearing blades and gripping extractor arms. Means to vibrate the shearing blades and the gripping extractor arms relative to the power frame in a substantially vertical plane during the shearing and extracting modes are operable on a command signal.

Abstract: A self-engaging post pulling apparatus is disclosed which is readily adapted for attachment to the rear lifting mechanism of most commonly used tractors. The post pulling apparatus comprises generally a horizontal support member having two opposed plates pivotably mounted thereon for frictionally engaging a post positioned therebetween. The plates are biased into a gripping position by helical springs, but may be remotely moved to a non-gripping position by cables affixed to the plates.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gardening tool for extracting weeds from a lawn and adapted to be used while standing erect including an elongated extendible cane shaped member on the base of which is affixed perpendicularly a lateral support running parallel to the ground and a pivotally mounted food operated pedal bar having an integrated soil cutter.

Abstract: A post removing device attaches to the handle of a post driving implement. The device includes a flat bar which is pivotally connected to the implement handle. A flange plate is bent at an angle on the outer end of the bar to engage one edge of the fence post. Vertically spaced arms mounted on the bar have edges that engage the opposite side of the fence post. The post is tightly gripped between the flange plate and arms with the implement handles resting on the ground. The device raises the post from the ground as the implement is tilted on the base of its handles.

Abstract: A weed puller having a shank projecting from a handle and carrying two laterally turned prongs between which a weed is received, with the prongs having opposed weed contacting surfaces with first entrance throat portions which converge relatively rapidly toward one another to the location of inner portions of those surfaces which extend more parallel to one another and define a compression compartment within which the weed can be frictionally retained for removal from the earth by the tool.

Abstract: A plant root extraction tool for hand or foot soil penetrating use employing a dual purpose moveable positionable rocking member forming a hand or foot pressure surface for forcing the tool into the ground and then a fulcrum for providing a curved surface for rocking the tool to cause its soil penetrating blade to lift or cut the root of an associated plant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for recovering stump and root systems in timber harvesting by exerting a vertical lifting force combined with simultaneously vibrating the trunk of a tree or stump being harvested.