AU2020101141A4

AU2020101141A4 - A Device for Inserting and Removing Stakes

Info

Publication number: AU2020101141A4
Application number: AU2020101141A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Trent Eggins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-06-25
Filing date: 2020-06-25
Publication date: 2020-08-06
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-25

Abstract

A device for inserting and removing earth stakes from a ground surface, the device comprising: a shaft open at at least one end thereof and configured to receive at least a portion of an earth stake therein; and a strike surface located within the shaft and configured to impact on an upper end of the earth stake, wherein the device further comprises one of more engagement members configured to operatively connect the earth stake to the device. 1/4 DRAWINGS 12 11 10 14 15 13 FIG 1

Description

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DRAWINGS

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FIG 1

A DEVICE FOR INSERTING AND REMOVING STAKES TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for inserting and removing stakes. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for inserting and removing earth stakes into and from the ground.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Earth stakes, such as star pickets and the like, are used in a wide variety of applications. The conventional methodology to drive stakes into the ground is with a hand held hammer or with an electric rotary power hammer. A disadvantage with this method is that for longer stakes (e.g. 1.5m or more in length) two operators are required: one to hold the stake in a generally vertical orientation and the other to drive the stake into the ground.

[0003] If the ground is hard, a manual hammer may be of limited use and a power hammer may be required. It is difficult, and possibly dangerous, for a single operator to handle the power hammer with one hand and hold the stake with the other hand, so for hard ground, two operators are usually required even with smaller stakes of less than 1.5m.

[0004] Some attempts, in the form of manual rams, have been made to overcome these issues. However, a further problem exists in the form of conveniently extracting stakes from the ground should that become necessary. One approach to removing earth stakes from the ground is to dig them out, which is time consuming and laborious. Another approach is to attempt to loosen the stake by applying lateral force, for example with a hammer blow. However, such an approach is literally "hit and miss" and is once again time consuming and laborious. In addition, this approach can result in bent stakes, or stakes twisted out of alignment.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a device to insert and remove an earth stake which may overcome at least some of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide a useful or commercial choice in the marketplace.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is directed to a device for inserting or removing a stake which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a device for inserting and removing earth stakes from a ground surface, the device comprising:

a shaft open at at least one end thereof and configured to receive at least a portion of an earth stake therein; and

a strike surface located within the shaft and configured to impact on an upper end of the earth stake,

wherein the device further comprises one of more engagement members configured to operatively connect the earth stake to the device.

[0009] The shaft may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration. As previously stated, the shaft is open at at least one end thereof, and typically at the lower end. In this way, the device may be positioned over a stake such that an upper part of the stake may be inserted into the shaft. It is preferred that the shaft is substantially hollow such that the stake can pass substantially along the entire length of the shaft. The shaft may comprise a tube. The tube may be circular or substantially circular in cross section. However, the shaft may alternatively comprise a different cross-sectional shape, such as square, rectangular, triangular or the like.

[0010] The shaft may be of any suitable length. The length of the shaft will be determined by a number of factors, such as the length of the stake, the ultimate weight of the device, the strength of the device, the material from which the shaft is made and the like. It is considered that a suitable length of the shaft may be between 600mm and 1200mm. More preferably, the length of the shaft may be approximately between 900mm and 1000mm. Of course, it is not considered that any unnecessary limitation should be placed on the invention merely by the illustration of certain suitable lengths of the shaft.

[0011] The diameter of the shaft may vary depending on the diameter or cross section of the stake, the desired weight of the shaft, the material from which the shaft is made and the like. It is considered that an outside diameter of between about mm and about 100mm may be suitable, while a more preferred outside diameter may be approximately between 40mm and 60mm.

[0012] The shaft may be fabricated from any suitable material or combination of materials. For instance, a metal or metal alloy (such as steel, aluminium or the like) may be a suitable material. However, there may be circumstances where it is desirable for the shaft to be made of other materials which may include strong non metal materials (such as polymeric materials), laminate materials, reinforced materials, filled materials, insulating materials and the like.

[0013] As previously stated, the shaft is preferably open at a lower end thereof. The shaft may be open or closed at an upper end thereof. In some embodiments of the invention, the closed upper end of the shaft may comprise the strike surface. In other embodiments, the strike surface may be located within the shaft at a point intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof.

[0014] The open lower end of the shaft may be of any suitable form. For instance, the open lower end may have the same cross-sectional shape as the cross sectional shape of the shaft. Alternatively, one or more guide members may be located in or adjacent the open lower end of the shaft. The guide members may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration, although it is envisaged that the guide members may be of a size and shape that allows a stake to be aligned with and inserted into the shaft in a preferred orientation relative to the shaft. For instance, if the stake is star- or X -shaped in cross-section, guide members may be positioned in or adjacent the lower end of the shaft so that the opening in the lower end is substantially star-or X-shaped. Similarly, if the stake is T- or Y-shaped in cross section, guide members may be positioned in or adjacent the lower end of the shaft so that the opening in the lower end is substantially T- or Y-shaped. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the guide members may be provided in or adjacent the lower end of the shaft so that the opening in the lower end is of a complementary shape to the stake. More specifically, the guide members may be provided in or adjacent the lower end of the shaft so that the cross-sectional shape of the opening in the lower end is of a complementary shape to the cross sectional shape of the stake. Thus, it is preferred that the guide members may be located at least partially within the shaft.

[0015] The guide members may be formed integrally with the shaft or may be fabricated separately to the shaft and configured for fixed attachment thereto. For instance, the guide members may be affixed to the shaft (and in particular an inner surface of the shaft) using adhesives, or a joining technique such as welding, brazing or the like.

[0016] In another embodiment, the guide members may be configured for removable attachment to the shaft (and in particular an inner surface of the shaft), such as via one or more clamps, clasps, clips or one or more mechanical fasteners (screws, nuts, bolts, nails, rivets or the like, or a combination thereof).

[0017] The guide members may be provided in the form of plate members. In this embodiment of the invention, the guide members may be located at or adjacent the open lower end of the shaft. Alternatively, the guide members may comprise elongate members that extend along at least a portion of the length of the shaft.

[0018] The strike surface may be of any suitable form. As previously stated, the strike surface may be located within the shaft at a point intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof or may comprise an inner surface of the closed upper end of the shaft. The strike surface may be fabricated from the same material as the shaft or may be fabricated from a different material to the shaft. For instance, the strike surface may be fabricated from a relatively durable material, such as a material having relatively high impact-resistance. Thus, the strike surface may be fabricated from a relatively high strength material (such as a metal alloy) or may be treated to provide increased strength (such as hardened steel).

[0019] It is envisaged that, in order to insert a stake into a ground surface, and upper end of the stake is inserted into the open lower end of the shaft. The lower end of the stake is located in abutment with the ground surface or is manually driven a short distance into the ground. A user then raises the device relative to the stake, then drives the device downwardly with relatively high force such that the strike surface of the device impacts on an upper end of the stake, thereby driving it downwardly into the ground.

[0020] In use, a user may hold the shaft of the device. Alternatively, the device may be provided with one or more handle portions configured to allow a user to grip the one or more handle portions and assist in inserting the stake into the ground.

[0021] The one or more handle portions may be associated with the device by any suitable manner. For instance, the one or more handle portions may be formed integrally with the shaft or may be formed separately therefrom and adapted for fixed or removable attachment thereto. The one or more handle portions and the shaft may be attached to one another using any suitable technique, such as one or more mechanical fasteners (screws, bolts, rivets, pins, or the like), an adhesive, a heat or chemical treatment, or welded using any suitable technique. Alternatively, the one or more handle portions and the shaft may be fastened together by frictional engagement, or by providing complementary screw-threaded portions, press fittings, snap fit features, male-female connectors, or the like. In some embodiments of the invention, the one or more handle portions may be removably attached to the shaft. In this instance, it is envisaged that a damaged handle portion may be removed from the shaft and replaced.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention the device may be configured to assist a user in the removal of a stake from the ground. In these embodiments, the one or more engagement members may be actuated to operatively connect the shaft to the stake in order to facilitate the removal of the stake from the ground.

[0023] in some embodiments, the shaft may comprise one or more apertures in a surface thereof. The apertures may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apertures may extend through the entire wall thickness of the shaft. In this way, an engagement member may pass through the aperture to engage with a stake located in the shaft.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apertures may be of sufficient size to receive the engagement member therein.

[0025] Apertures may be provided at any suitable point on the shaft. In some embodiments of the invention, a plurality of apertures may be provided at different positions along the length of the shaft.

[0026] In some embodiments of the invention, a pair of apertures may be provided relative to one another on the shaft. The pair of apertures may be provided at any suitable orientation to one another, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pair of apertures may be provided on opposed and/or adjacent sides of the shaft, or spaced apart from one another approximately 1800 about the circumference of the shaft if the shaft is substantially circular in cross-section. In this embodiment of the invention, an engagement member be of sufficient length to pass through one of the pair of apertures, engage with the stake in the shaft and extend through the second of the pair of apertures. Alternatively, a pair of engagement members may be provided, with one of the pair of engagement members passing through the first of the pair of apertures to engage the stake, and the other of the pair of engagement members passing through the second of the pair of apertures to engage the stake. In other embodiments of the invention, more than two engagement members may be provided.

[0027] The one or more engagement members may be of any suitable form. In some embodiments, a plurality of engagement members may be provided. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the engagement members may comprise an elongate member (such as a pin, bolt, rod, bar or the like). In some embodiments, the elongate member may be inserted through the apertures to engage with the stake by a user. Thus, the engagement member may be a removable member.

[0028] In other embodiments of the invention, the engagement members may be located on an inner surface of the shaft. In this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the engagement members may be movable between a retracted condition (in which the engagement members are disengaged from the stake) and an extended condition (in which the engagement members engage with the stake in order to operatively connect the stake to the device). The movement of the engagement members between the retracted condition and the extended condition may be achieved using any suitable technique. For instance, the engagement members may be locked against movement in the retracted condition and, when actuated, may be biased into the extended condition using one or more biasing members (springs, compressible material or the like). In this embodiment, an actuation member (such as a button, lever, switch or the like) may be actuated in order to move the engagement members from the retracted condition to the extended condition. In other embodiments of the invention, the engagement members may be manually moved from the retracted condition to the extended condition, for instance using a switch, lever, handle, winder or the like.

[0029] The engagement members may engage with the stake in any suitable manner. For instance, the stake may be provided with one or more receiving portions therein adapted to receive the engagement members. The receiving portions may be of any suitable form, and may comprise one or more apertures, recesses, screw-threaded portions or the like.

[0030] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the receiving portions may comprise one or more elongate apertures in the stake. Preferably, the receiving portions extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stake. The receiving portions may be located at any suitable point between opposed ends of the stake.

[0031] As previously stated, the engagement members may be removable members. In some embodiments, a user may simply carry one or more engagement members for when they are required in use. However, the downside of this is that a user may lose the engagement members or may forget to bring them when required. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the one or more engagement members may be associated with the shaft via one or more retention members. Any suitable retention members may be used, although it is preferred that the retention members may comprise a flexible elongate member, such as a rope, chain, cable or the like. In a preferred embodiment a first end of the retention member may be connected to the shaft using any suitable technique, while an opposed second end of the retention member may be connected to one or more engagement members.

[0032] In some embodiments of the invention, a housing portion may be provided on an external surface of the shaft. In this embodiment, the housing portion may be configured to receive and retain one or more engagement members when the engagement members are not in use.

[0033] In a specific embodiment, when a user wishes to remove a stake from the ground, one or more engagement members may be passed through an aperture in the shaft and are received in an elongate aperture in the stake within the shaft. Optionally, the engagement member may also pass through a second aperture located on an opposed side of the shaft. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that a first end of the engagement member will protrude outwardly from an aperture in the shaft on a first side thereof, while an opposed second end of the engagement member may protrude outwardly from an aperture in the shaft on an opposed second side thereof. In embodiments of the invention in which apertures are located on adjacent sides of the shaft, the second end of the engagement member may protrude outwardly from an aperture in the shaft on the adjacent side thereof. In this way, the device may be operatively connected to the stake. A user then lifts the device upwardly with force, pulling the stake in an upward direction. The process may be repeated any suitable number of times until the stake is removed from the ground.

[0034] In embodiments of the invention in which an elongate aperture is provided in the stake, it is envisaged that an initial upward movement of the device relative to the stake may occur before the engagement member abuts the stake at an upper end to the elongate aperture in the shaft. When the engagement member abuts the stake at an upper end to the elongate aperture in the shaft, an upward movement of the stake may occur, with or without additional upward movement of the device. It is envisaged, however, that the initial upward movement of the device relative to the stake may allow a user to generate a sufficient force to move the stake upwardly relative to the ground surface.

[0035] In a second aspect, the invention resides broadly in an earth stake comprising a first elongate stake member and a second elongate stake member positioned substantially perpendicular to the first elongate stake member, wherein the first elongate stake member comprises one or more elongate apertures therein, the elongate apertures extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the earth stake, and wherein a ground engaging portion is provided at a first end of the earth stake.

[0036] The first elongate stake member and the second elongate stake member may be of any suitable form. Preferably, however, the first elongate stake member and the second elongate stake member are substantially linear members.

[0037] The first stake elongate member and the second elongate stake member may be formed integrally with one another or may be formed separately to one another and configured for fixed or removable connection to one another.

[0038] The first elongate stake member and the second elongate stake member may be connected to one another at any suitable location. For instance, the first elongate stake member and the second elongate stake member may be connected to one another at or adjacent respective edges thereof. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the earth stake may be substantially L-shaped in cross-section.

[0039] More preferably, an edge of the first elongate stake member may be connected to the second elongate stake member at a point between opposed edges thereof. Most preferably, an edge of the first elongate stake member may be connected to the second elongate stake member substantially midway between opposed edges thereof. Thus, in this embodiment, the stake may be substantially T shaped in cross section.

[0040] The ground engaging portion may be of any suitable form. For instance, the first end of the first elongate stake member and/or the first end of the second elongate stake member may be shaped so as to form the ground engaging portion. Alternatively, a ground engaging portion may be formed separately to the first elongate stake member and the second elongate stake member and configured for fixed or removable connection thereto. The ground engaging portion may be configured to facilitate the penetration of the ground surface, and may comprise one or more points, teeth, blades or the like, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0041] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0042] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0044] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a device for inserting and removing earth stakes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a device for inserting and removing earth stakes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 3 illustrates an end view of a device for inserting and removing earth stakes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 4 illustrates front and side views of an earth stake according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a device 10 for inserting and removing earth stakes according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 comprises an elongate shaft 11 to which a pair of handle portions 12 are attached in an upper region thereof.

[0049] The shaft 11 is open at a lower end 13 thereof, thereby allowing a stake (not shown in this Figure) to be inserted into the tubular shaft 11. In this Figure, it may be seen that an engagement member in the form of a pin 14 is retained in a housing portion 15 on an external surface of the shaft 11. The pin 14 is connected to the shaft 11 via an elongate retention member in the form of a chain 16, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of the pin 14 becoming disassociated with the device and being lost.

[0050] The chain 16 is connected to an outer surface of the shaft 11 at a first end thereof, and is connected to the pin 14 at an opposed second end thereof. When a user wishes to use the pin 14, it may be removed manually from the housing portion and then engaged with the stake (not shown in this Figure) within the shaft 11.

[0051] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a device 10 for inserting and removing earth stakes according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this Figure, a pair of apertures 17 in the surface of the shaft 11 may be seen. The apertures 17 correspond to a pair of apertures (obscured) in an opposed side of the shaft 11. When a stake (not shown in this Figure) is located within the shaft 11, the pin 14 is passed through apertures 17 into the interior of the shaft 11. The pin 14 passes through the aperture in the stake (not shown in this Figure) so that in use a first end of the pin 14 extends outwardly from apertures 17 while an opposed second end of the pin 14 extends outwardly from the apertures (obscured) on the opposed side of the shaft 11.

[0052] Figure 3 illustrates an end view of a device 10 for inserting and removing earth stakes according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 3, the lower end 13 of the shaft 11 may be seen. The lower end 13 is open leading into the hollow or tubular interior of the shaft 11. In use, the lower end 13 is positioned over a stake (not shown in this Figure) and the lowered into the stake such that the stake is received within the shaft 11.

[0053] The lower end 13 of the shaft 11 is provided with guide members 18 with which a stake is aligned to ensure that the stake is received within the shaft 11 in a preferred orientation relative to the shaft 11. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3, the guide members 18 comprise plate members welded into two corners of the square cross-section of the shaft 11. The guide members 18 and the wall of the shaft 11 together form a substantially T-shaped opening 19 in the lower end 13 of the shaft 11. In this way, a stake having a substantially T-shaped cross section may be aligned with and inserted into the shaft 11 in the preferred orientation.

[0054] Figure 4 illustrates front and side views of an earth stake 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The earth stake 20 comprises a first elongate stake member 21 and a second elongate stake member 22. An edge of the first stake member 21 is connected to a face of the second stake member 22 at a point intermediate opposed edges 23 of the second stake member 22. In this way, the first elongate stake member 21 and the second elongate stake member 22 together form an earth stake 20 having a substantially T-shaped cross-section.

[0055] A ground-engaging portion 24 is located at a lower end 25 of the earth stake 20. The ground-engaging portion 24 comprises lower ends of the first elongate stake member 21 and the second elongate stake member 22 shaped so as to form a point. The shape of the ground-engaging portion 24 is configured to improve the ease with which the ground-engaging portion 24 penetrates the ground.

[0056] An elongate aperture 26 is provided in the first elongate stake member 21. It is envisaged that the elongate aperture 26 will align with the apertures in the shaft (not shown in this Figure) when the stake 20 is inserted into the shaft during use. The engagement member (not shown in this Figure) passes through the elongate aperture 26 in order to operatively connect the stake 20 to the device (not shown in this Figure).

[0057] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises'and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0058] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance 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 combinations.

[0059] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A device for inserting and removing earth stakes from a ground surface, the device comprising:

a strike surface located within the shaft and configured to impact on an upper end ofthe earth stake,

wherein the device further comprises one of more engagement members configured to operatively connect the earth stake to the device

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the shaft is open at a lower end thereof, and one or more guide members are located in or adjacent the open lower end.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the shaft comprises one or more apertures in the surface thereof.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the one or more engagement members pass through the one or more apertures to engage the earth stake located in the shaft, thereby operatively connecting the earth stake to the device.

5. An earth stake comprising a first elongate stake member and a second elongate stake member positioned substantially perpendicular to the first elongate stake member, wherein the first elongate stake member comprises one or more elongate apertures therein, the elongate apertures extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the earth stake, and wherein a ground engaging portion is provided at a first end of the earth stake.