GB2426174A - Weed extraction tool - Google Patents

Abstract

A weed extraction tool comprising a shaft 3 having a plug cutter 1 and foot rail 2 at one end. The cutter is preferably of a hollow semi comical form, with its central axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The cutter preferably has teeth, and the foot rail may be formed from a circular hoop 2 supported by uprights (7, fig.3).

Description

WEED EXTRACTION TOOL

This invention relates to a hand tool used for the extraction of weeds and other small plants by the cutting and lifting out of a conical plug of earth that incorporates the root.

In conditions of heavy weed infestation E.g. Ragwort infestation, weed extraction using conventional hand tools such as a spade, fork or trowel, can be a time consuming process requiring frequent bending over.

This invention allows weeds to be rapidly extracted from a standing position by the rotation of a toothed cutter on the end of a long cranked shaft.

A fixed circular rail allows the cutter to be first driven into the ground to the required depth by the application of either foot. The cutter is then revolved using the hand driven crank. As the axis of the semi-conical cutter coincides with the axis of the shaft, a neat conical plug is cut from the earth containing the weed and its roots.

Sharpened teeth on the cutting edges assist with the cutting, also they discourage the plug from being pulled out of the cutter during rotation and they help to retain the plug during lifting. The plug is then easily tapped from the cutter by the foot.

Preferably the tool is made from metal with wooden or plastic handles.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of the whole tool.

FIGURE 2 shows a close up perspective side view of the cutter and teeth.

FIGURE 3 shows a close perspective view of the foot rail.

As shown in Figure 1, the tool comprises a cutter I and foot rail 2 on the end of a long cranked shaft 3. The shaft is shown as made from square hollow section but could easily be of a different section. The handles 4, 5 are free to rotate in the style of a brace. The handles are shaped for comfort.

Figure 2 shows the one set of sharpened teeth 6. The cutter 1 is of hollow semi- conical form or hollow approximately semi-conical form with teeth on both cutting edges. The axis of the cone aligns with the axis of the shaft.

Figure 3 shows the foot rail 2 consisting of a continuous circular hoop supported by two uprights 7. A cross brace 8 is used to join the lower components together. The brace may be shaped to give more clearance for the above ground portion of the plant.

Claims (6)

1. A plant extraction tool including a long cranked shaft with a plug cutter and foot rail on the lower end so that plants and their roots can be extracted from a standing position.

2. A tool as claimed in Claim I where the cutter is of hollow semiconical or approximately semi-conical form with an axis coinciding with that of the shaft.

3. A tool as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2 where the cutter has sharpened teeth on its cutting edges to assist with cutting, retention during cutting and lifting out.

4. A tool as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 3 where the tool is fitted with a foot rail allowing the cutter to be driven into the ground to the required depth with either foot anywhere on the rail.

5. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim which is made from metal, plastics material or wood or a combination of these materials.

6. A plant extraction tool as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.