US 5,330,010 A · Weed extraction apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for rotary extraction of weeds and other vegetation by hand or by using a power driver. The apparatus includes a hollow guide tube (20) in which a shaft (16) is slidably disposed. An extraction head having a plurality of pointed rods (12) or prongs (62) is coupled to shaft (16), and can be extended or retracted by movement of shaft (16) within the guide tube (20). The rods (12) or prongs (62) are extended and inserted into the soil over the vegetation to be removed. Rotation of the apparatus winds the vegetation and its root around the rods (12) or prongs (62) and removes it from the soil. The vegetation is then ejected from the apparatus by retracting the rods (12) or prongs (62) and, if necessary, sliding the vegetation off of the tapered sleeve (30).

Claims17

Dependent claims

An apparatus for removing vegetation from soil, comprising:

(a) a guide tube, said guide tube having a proximal end and a distal end;
(b) a shaft, said shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, said shaft slidably disposed within said guide tube;
(c) stop means for limiting the extent of travel of said shaft within said guide tube;
(d) a weed extraction head coupled to coupled to said proximal end of said shaft;
(e) coupling means for coupling said distal end of said shaft to a source of rotary force;
and
(f) a hollow sleeve, said sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end, said sleeve being tapered from said distal end toward said proximal end, said guide tube disposed within said sleeve, said proximal end of said guide tube being aligned with said proximal end of said sleeve, said sleeve coupled to said guide tube.

4 more elements

A rotary weed extractor, comprising:

(a) an elongated central shaft, said shaft having a first end and a second end, said first end of said shaft configured and structured for coupling to a source of rotary motion;
(b) a weed extraction head, said weed extraction head including a coupling, said coupling having a first end and a second end, said first end of said coupling being coupled to said second end of said shaft;
(c) a guide tube, said guide tube having a first end and a second end, said shaft coaxially disposed within said guide tube, said shaft slidably engaging said guide tube, said first end of said shaft oriented with said first end of said guide tube;
(d) a first cap, said first cap including a plurality of openings through which a portion of said weed extraction head extends, said first cap covering said second end of said guide tube;
(e) a second cap, said second cap including a coaxially disposed opening, said shaft extending through said opening, said second cap covering said first end of said guide tube;
and
(f) a plurality of collars, each of said collars including an opening through which said shaft extends, at least one of said collars positioned for engagement with said second cap when said shaft is moved toward said first end of said guide tube, at least one of said collars positioned for engagement with said second cap when said shaft is moved toward said second end of said guide tube.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Weed extraction apparatus

Life of this patent

Weed extraction apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17