WO2012027790A1

WO2012027790A1 - Manual post extraction device

Info

Publication number: WO2012027790A1
Application number: PCT/AU2011/001124
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stuart Innes
Original assignee: Sevinn Enterprises Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-09-02
Filing date: 2011-08-31
Publication date: 2012-03-08
Also published as: WO2012027790A9

Abstract

A device for extracting posts from the ground and method thereof.

Description

TITLE

Manual Post Extraction Device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to methods and devices for extracting hand or machine driven posts from the ground. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for extracting metal posts that have been firmly hand or machine driven into the ground to facilitate fencing of an area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A fence post is generally made of steel or aluminium or other durable material and is also known as a T-post, a Y-post, a Star Picket or a Waratah, depending on design or on the name branding of the fence post. The fence posts are driven into the ground with a manual, pneumatic or mechanical post driver and once driven into the ground, the fence posts are used to support various types of nylon mesh, wire and wire mesh fencing but not necessarily limited only to those materials. More specifically, the nylon mesh, wire or wire mesh fencings supported on the fence posts are adapted to protect and identify boundaries of farms, golf-courses, highways, military areas and roads to prevent animals, people or infiltrators from crossing the nylon mesh, wire or wire mesh fencings. Sometimes, the fence posts that have been driven into the ground may be required to be removed in order to redefine the boundary of a restricted area. However, removing of the fence posts that are driven into the ground is a difficult and laborious task. Further, unsuccessful efforts to remove a fence post by application of manual force may result in damage to the fence post. Such a condition may necessitate digging around the fence post to remove it from the ground. Accordingly, there was felt a need of a post extracting device that is adapted to conveniently remove fence posts driven into the ground. Some prior-art post extracting devices are known to be used for removing metal posts firmly driven into the ground.

US6527250 discloses a device for pulling out a driven post from the ground. The device disclosed therein includes a movable base. The base is generally U-shaped having a pair of opposing arms and a transverse portion connecting the arms, whereby the arms are sufficiently spaced from one another to be placed about the post to be dislodged. The device further includes means for securely gripping the post, wherein the gripping means is adjustable to grip various diameter sizes of the post. The device also includes means such as a jack connected to the gripping means for mechanically displacing the gripping means and in turn the post held in the gripping means vertically from its planted position. However, such a device used for dislodging a post include jack and arm members that require manual intervention and fail to reduce human effort. Further, the device disclosed in US6527250 is expensive.

AU2005201795 discloses a star picket or post remover for removing star pickets or posts which have been driven into the ground. However, the star picket or post remover of AU2005201795 is ineffective.

AU2009100954 discloses a post removing device used for dislodging driven posts. The post removing device includes a rigid support which defines a fulcrum, a lever which is rotatable about the fulcrum through a substantially vertical plane. The lever extends on either side of the fulcrum to define a first portion on one side and a second portion on the other side, whereby downward movement of the first portion results in upward movement of the second portion. The second portion is connected to a gripping arrangement which includes a pair of post grippers. The post grippers are movable relative to each other during rotation of the lever, from an open condition in which there is a space between the grippers sufficient to accept a post for removal, and a gripping condition in which the grippers grip a post for removal. However, the post removal device disclosed is heavy and in-convenient to use.

Further, most of the other prior-art devices used for extracting driven posts from the ground are large in size, heavy and cumbersome to operate. Most of the prior-art devices used for extracting driven posts from the ground are ineffective and fail to reduce human effort. Still further, the prior-art devices used for extracting driven posts result in bending of the posts rather than disturbing the ground in order to weaken grip of the post in the ground.

Accordingly, there is a need for a post extracting device that is adapted to dislodge and remove driven fence posts from the ground effectively. Further, there is a need for a post extracting device that is simple to use, easy to transport and safe to operate.

An object of the present invention is to provide a post extracting device of simple construction that is adapted to dislodge and extract driven posts from the ground.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a post extracting device and a method for dislodging and removing driven posts from the ground. The post extracting device includes a foot lever arm, a double lug plate, a foot pedal plate, a pair of upright pivot arms pressed on an angle to form solid bracing and a base plate. The pair of upright pivot arms are mounted on the base plate in spaced apart configuration to accommodate a return spring and grummet which is held together by a high tensile locking nut and bolt between the top portions thereof, wherein the bolt is adapted to facilitate swinging movement of the foot lever arm about the pair of upright pivot arms. The foot lever arm is secured to the double lug plate at the front end by a high tensile locking nut and bolt wherein the bolt is adapted to facilitate swinging movement of the double lug plate and jaw thereof. The foot pedal plate is secured at the rear end of the foot lever arm thereof. The double lug plate and jaw attachment contain a specially designed blade firmly recessed and seated then fastened with a through bolt at the rear of the jaw where the double lug plate connects with the jaw which will tightly grip a post for removal from the ground when using the post removing device as designed with the present invention.

Typically, the front end of the foot lever arm is secured by means of the double lug plate sandwiching the front end of the foot lever arm which is held together by a high tensile locking nut bolt wherein the bolt is adapted to facilitate the swinging movement of the double lug plate and jaw. The blade housed within the recess of the jaw is hardened steel and machined at an angle that best grips the post when in use. The blade can also be of a serrated design or of another type that will dig into the steel post when under pressure.

Typically, the double lug plate and jaw is adapted to travel through an arc between a lower extreme position and an upper extreme position, as the foot lever arm is pressed.

The present invention provides a device for removing posts comprising: a) a base plate; b) a pair of upright pivot arms bent to also act as bracing; c) a foot lever arm; d) a double lug plate; e) a foot petal; f) a jaw, g) a spring; h) a grommet or spacer; i) a blade firmly recessed and fixed to the jaw by way of a through bolt; j) a set of two high tensile bolts with locking nuts.

Preferably, the double lug plate and jaw assembly is adapted to travel upwards through an arc between a lower extreme position and an upper extreme position, as the foot lever arm is pressed downwards.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of extracting a post from the ground comprising the device according to the present invention.

Preferably, according to the method, upon pressing the foot lever arm

downwards, the double lug plate and jaw assembly travels upwards through the arc.

Preferably, the base of the post first pushes away from the device and then is pulled backwards as it reaches its maximum arc. Preferably, the device is low set and always grips the post just above ground level thereby achieving maximum leverage on the driven post as the foot lever arm is pressed downwards.

Preferably, the jaw is of a swivel type to accommodate posts to be extracted on an angle.

Preferably, the jaw is removable to permit jaws of another size to be fitted on the foot lever arm to enable gripping of different sized posts.

Preferably, the inside of the jaw forms a "V" configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The invention will now be explained in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1(a) illustrates a side view of a post extracting device in an assembled configuration and adapted to dislodge and extract driven posts from the ground;

Figure 1(b) illustrates a rear view of the post extracting device of Figure 1(a);

Figure 1(c) illustrates a top view of the post extracting device of Figure 1(a);

Figure 1(d) illustrates a perspective view of the post extracting device of Figure 1(a); Figure 1 (e) illustrates a top view of the post extracting device of Figure 1 (a);

Figure 1(f) illustrates an enlarged view of a high tensile nut-bolt assembly of Figure 1(e);

Figure 1(g) illustrates a top view of the post extracting device of Figure 1(a) with a modified jaw assembly that can swivel sideways; and

Figure (h) illustrates a perspective view of the spring and grommet of Figure 1(e)

Figure 2 illustrates the side view of the post extracting device of Figure 1(a) with a foot lever arm disposed in a centre position;

Figure 3 illustrates the side view of the post extracting device of Figure 1(a) with representations of extreme positions of the foot lever arm;

Figure 4(a) illustrates a view of a foot pedal of the post extracting device of Figure 1(a);

Figure 4(b) illustrates another view of the foot pedal of Figure 4(a);

Figure 4(c) illustrates still another view of the foot pedal of Figure 4(a); Figure 4(d) illustrates a perspective view of the foot pedal of Figure 4(a);

Figure 5(a) illustrates a view of a left upright pivot arm of the post extracting device of Figure 1(a);

Figure 5(b) illustrates another view of the left upright pivot arm of Figure 5(a);

Figure 5(c) illustrates still another view of the left upright pivot arm of Figure 5(a); Figure 5(d) illustrates a perspective view of the left upright pivot arm of Figure 5(a);

Figure 6(a) illustrates a view of a right upright pivot arm of the post extracting device of Figure 1(a);

Figure 6(b) illustrates another view of the right upright pivot arm of Figure 6(a);

Figure 6(c) illustrates still another view of the right upright pivot arm of Figure 6(a); Figure 6(d) illustrates a perspective view of the right upright pivot arm of Figure 6(a); Figure 7(a) illustrates a perspective view of the blade and through bolt fastener of the post extracting device of Figure 1(a);

Figure 7(b) illustrates a perspective of the blade configuration and dimensions of the post extracting device of Figure 1(a)

Figure 8(a) illustrates a view of the jaw of the post extracting device of Figure 1(a)

Figure 8(b) illustrates another view of the jaw of Figure 8(a);

Figure 8(c) illustrates still another view of the jaw of Figure 8(a);

Figure 8(d) illustrates a perspective view of the jaw of Figure 8(a);

Figure 9(a) illustrates a view of a foot lever arm of the post extracting device of Figure 1(a);

Figure 9(b) illustrates another view of the foot lever arm of Figure 9(a);

Figure 9(c) illustrates still another view of the foot lever arm of Figure 9(a); Figure 9(d) illustrates a perspective view of the foot lever arm of Figure 9(a);

Figure 10(a) illustrates a view of a double lug plate of the post extracting device of Figure 1(a);

Figure 0(b) illustrates another view of the double lug plate of Figure 10(a);

Figure 10(c) illustrates still another view of the double lug plate of Figure 10(a);

Figure 10(d) illustrates a perspective view of the double lug plate of Figure 10(a);

Figure 11(a) illustrates a view of a base plate of the post extracting device of Figure 1(a);

Figure 11 (b) illustrates another view of the base plate of Figure 11 (a);

Figure 11(c) illustrates still another view of the base plate of Figure 11 (a); and

Figure 11 (d) illustrates a perspective view of the base plate of Figure 11 (a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which do not limit the scope and ambit of the invention. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

A post extracting device and a method is envisaged in accordance with the present invention for dislodging and extracting driven posts from the ground. More specifically, the method for removing a driven post from the ground involves tightly gripping and moving the post to be removed to loosen the grip of the post in the ground by disturbing the ground and simultaneously extracting the post out of the ground. The post extracting device adapted to dislodge a driven post from the ground includes means for extracting the post from the ground while simultaneously gripping and moving the post so as to loosen grip of the post in the ground and reduce the effort required to remove the post from the ground.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a post extracting device 1000 adapted to remove a driven post from the ground includes a foot pedal 100, a pair of upright pivot arms 200(a) and 200(b), a blade 300, a jaw 400, a foot lever arm 500, a double lug plate 600(a) and 600(b) and a base plate 700.

The foot pedal 100 is secured to a rear end of the foot lever arm 500. The foot lever arm 500 of the post extracting device 1000 has a front end. The front end of the foot lever arm 500 is secured to the jaw 400 by means of a double lug plate 600(a) and 600(b). More specifically, the double lug plates 600(a) and 600(b) are secured to the front end of the foot lever arm 500 by means of high tensile bolts or any other fastening means in such a manner that the front end of the foot lever arm 500 is sandwiched between the double lug plates 600(a) and 600(b). Further, the blade 300 in turn is secured to the jaw 400 by means of high tensile bolts or such other fastening means. The foot lever arm 500 with jaw 400 is secured to the front end thereof and the foot pedal 100 is secured to the rear end thereof and is pivotally mounted with a high tensile bolt and locking nut passing through holes provided on a top portion of each of a left bottom pivot plate 200(a) and a right bottom pivot plate 200(b) of the pair of upright pivot arms. The left upright pivot arm 200(a) and a right upright pivot arm 200(b) are securely mounted on the base plate 700. Both upright pivot arms 200(a) and 200(b) are constructed to support the foot lever arms (500) pivotal action but also bent at about 45 degrees to provide bracing. The foot lever arm 500 is adapted to swivel about the bolt and locking nut disposed between the top portion of each of the left upright pivot arm 200(a) and a right upright pivot arm 200(b), when the foot pedal 100 secured to the rear end of foot lever arm 500 is actuated by application of foot pressure applied by an operator. The high tensile bolt and locking nut disposed between the top portions of the pair of upright pivot arms 200(a) and 200(b) is placed at such a height so as to facilitate easy, unhindered movement of foot lever arm 500 about the high tensile bolt and locking nut and also provide maximum leverage to lift heavy loads. The foot lever 100 is essentially configured to have a sturdy construction. Further, such an arrangement of the foot lever 100 also enables the operator to leverage extra power from the device by applying full body weight on the foot lever 100 if necessary to create huge extracting powers.

The jaw 400 is adapted to engage just above ground level but will engage with any exposed location along a length of a post that is to be removed from the ground using the post extracting device 1000 of the present invention. Further, the jaw 400 is secured to the front end of the foot lever by way of the double lug plate 600(a) and 600(b) that is connected to the foot lever arm 500 by way of a high tensile bolt and locking nut to allow the jaw 400 and double lug plate 600(a) and 600(b) to swivel whilst tightly gripping the post to be extracted that is adapted to travel through an arc. The foot lever arm 500 is adapted to take any inclined position or a horizontal position by swiveling about the high tensile bolt and locking nut disposed between the top portions of the pair of upright pivot arms 200(a) and 200(b). More specifically, the foot lever arm 500 of the post extracting device 1000 is adapted to take a central position (shown in Figure 2) or two extreme positions (the phantom lines shown in Figure 3 represent the extreme positions of the foot lever arm 500) to define a position of the jaw 400 tightly gripping the post along the arc (shown in Figure 3). The jaw 400 tightly gripping the post moves along the arc to cause a base of the post to be first pushed away from the post extracting device 1000 as the jaw 400 tightly gripping the post reaches a lower extreme position 402 along the arc and then cause the base of the post to be pulled back as the jaw 400 tightly gripping the post reaches an upper extreme position 404 along the arc. Such an action causes the post to be moved forwards and then backward in the ground (between points 406 and 408) as the post is being extracted by the post extracting device 1000. Further, such an action breaks the firm grip of the post that is seated or embedded in hardened ground. The arrangement of the foot lever arm 500 configured to swivel about the high tensile bolt and locking nut disposed between the top portions of the pair of upright pivot arms 200(a) and 200(b) is such as to provide an exceptional arc of movement to the jaw 400 and double lug plate 600(a) and 600(b) secured to the front end of the foot lever arm 500, due to centre of gravity of the foot lever arm 500 being away from the post to be extracted. With the increase in the arc of movement the jaw 400 and double lug plate 600(a) and 600(b) gripping the post to be extracted, there is an increase in push and pull faced by the base of the post relative to the post extracting device 1000 and accordingly such an action results in to and fro movement of the post relative to the post extracting device 1000 to cause loosening of the grip of the post in the ground in a more efficiently way. Further, an advantage of such a movement of the post relative to the post extracting device 1000 is that it breaks the surface tension and grip of the ground holding the post, thereby enabling an easier and faster removal of the post from the ground by applying much less effort.

Figure 1(h) of the accompanying drawings illustrates a spring with a grommet fitted internally. The spring 800(a) is adapted to provide firm resistance to downward pressure caused by the foot lever arm 500 when pressed downwards and is by choice but not essential to be made from 4.1 gauge spring steel and formed in such a manner when fitted as to grip at its extreme ends both the foot lever arm 500 and the right upright pivot arm 200(b). It is held firmly in position with the high tensile bolt and locking nut 508 (a) and 508 (b) as shown in Figure 1(f) and which is positioned through the left and right upright pivot arms 200(a) - 200(b) and supported from any sideways movement by the internal grommet 800(b) onto which the spring 800(a) will grab when downwards pressure is used on the foot lever arm 500.

Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings illustrate the side view of the post extracting device 1000 and the foot lever arm 500 that is adapted to take a central position prior to use.

Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings illustrate the side view of the post extracting device 1000 and the foot lever arm 500 attached to the jaw 400 that is adapted to move through an arc from one extreme position to another when in use (the phantom lines represent the extreme positions of the foot lever arm 500 and the jaw 400).

Figures 4(a) - 4(d) of the accompanying drawings illustrate different views of the foot pedal 100 secured to the rear end of the foot lever arm 500. The foot pedal 100 is adapted to bear load applied by an operator of the post extracting device 1000. Further, the foot pedal 100 is adapted to bear full body weight of the operator if necessary.

Figures 5(a) - 5(d) of the accompanying drawings illustrate the different views of the left upright pivot arm 200(a) secured to the base plate 700 of post extracting device 1000. The left upright pivot arm 200(a) is typically made from mild steel. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular material used for configuring the upright pivot arm 200(a). The top portion of the left upright pivot arm 200(a) includes a through hole provided thereon. The bend in the upright pivot arms 200(a) and 200(b) provides solid bracing when secured to the base plate 700. Figures 6(a) - 6(d) of the accompanying drawings illustrate different views of the right upright pivot arm 200(b) secured to the base plate 700 of post extracting device 1000. The right upright pivot arm 200(b) is typically made of mild steel. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular material used for configuring the bottom pivot plate 200(b). The top portion of the right bottom pivot plate 200(b) includes a through hole provided thereon. The through holes provided on the top portions of the left upright pivot arm 200(a) and 200(b) are adapted to hold a high tensile bolt and locking nut about which the foot lever arm 500 swivels.

Figures 7(a) - 7(b) of the accompanying drawings illustrate different views of the blade 300 when fitted is firmly seated on top but in the rear of the jaw 400 by way of a through bolt. Figure 7(a) shows the shaded cut outs that are removed to create a blade effect. Figure 7(b) shows the overall typographical dimensions (square with cutouts). The blade 300 is of tool or spring steel. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular material used for configuring the blade 300. The blade 300 is illustrated as being flat and straight on the cutting edge but this can also be serrated or formed in any such manner that would reasonably lock onto the post to be extracted as pressure is applied. Grip can be obtained along the full length of the flat surface of the sharp edge or by the extreme corners of the blade 300 digging into the post to be extracted and is dependent upon the shape of the post being extracted.

Figures 8(a) - 8(d) of the accompanying drawings illustrate different views of the jaw 400 secured to the front end of the foot lever arm 500. The jaw 400 is provided with a blade adapted to grip the post that is to be dislodged and extracted from the ground. Further, the jaw 400 is attached to the double lug plate 600(a) and 600(b) which pivots by way of a high tensile bolt and locking nut 508 as shown in Figure 1(f) which is in turn attached to the foot lever arm 500. A spring 800(a) and grommet 800(b) as shown in Figure 1(e) and Figure 1(f) is located between the foot lever arm and the right upright pivot arm that is held in place by the high tensile bolt with locking nut 508. The spring 800(a) tightens onto the grommet 800(b) when downwards pressure is exerted on the foot lever arm 500 thereby creating resistance on the foot lever arm 500. This allows the foot lever arm 500 to automatically reposition itself and the jaw assembly to drop automatically when downward pressure is removed from the foot lever arm 500 and thereby facilitate relocation of the jaws on the post without stopping to manually adjust. Further, the jaw assembly can be of a swivel type 900 as shown in Figure 1(g) to accommodate posts to be extracted on an angle. Still further, the jaw 400 is removable to permit jaws of another size to be fitted on the foot lever arm 500 to enable gripping of different sized posts. Furthermore, the jaw may be folded to facilitate easy storage and transportation of the post removing device 1000. The jaw 400 is of mild steel. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular material used for configuring the jaw 400.

Figures 9(a) - 9(d) of the accompanying drawings illustrate different views of the foot lever arm 500. The foot lever arm 500 includes a pair of linearly aligned through holes 502 and 504 provided along the length of the foot lever arm 500 and disposed near the front end thereof. The foot lever arm 500 is adapted to swivel about a high tensile bolt with locking nut passing through the hole 502 provided on the foot lever arm 500 and through holes provided at the top portions of the pair of upright pivot arms 200(a) and 200(b). The foot lever arm 500 is made of mild steel. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular material used for configuring the foot lever arm 500.

Figures 10(a) - 10(d) of the accompanying drawings illustrate different views of the double lug plates 600(a) and 600(b). Both double lug plates are made of mild steel. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular material used for configuring the double lug plate 600(a) or 600(b) Figures 11(a) -11(d) of the accompanying drawings illustrate an over large base 700. The over-large base 700 is adapted to prevent sinking of the post extracting device 1000, when the post extracting device 1000 is operating on a soft or sandy ground. More specifically, the over-large base 700 of the post extracting device 1000 ensures stable and sturdy operation of the post extracting device 1000 even under unfavorable working conditions.

Further enhancements of the present invention include a "V" cut into the inside of the outer jaw to correctly position the posts leading edge as well as some hardening of the jaw to stop indentations. The "V" cut into the jaw allows for the alignment and correct positioning purposes of the post prior to lifting.

The present invention aims to provide a post extracting device that: (i) is effective in dislodging and extracting driven posts from the ground;

(ii) is simple and convenient to operate;

(iii) includes foldable parts to facilitate storage and easy transportation thereof;

(iv) is adapted to remain stable and sturdy during its operation to dislodge and extract driven posts from the ground; (v) is adapted to dislodge and extract driven posts of a variety of sizes and weights;

(vi) is adapted to engage posts of varying sizes and shapes;

(vii) is adapted to extract even relatively heavy and firmly driven posts by utilizing leverage enhanced extraction powers of the post extracting device; (viii) is adapted to safely remove a driven post from the ground; (viii) is adapted to remove a driven post from the ground without damaging the post;

(ix) is adapted to reduce human intervention and human effort;

(x) is durable in construction, compact and easily transportable; and (xi) is adapted to reduce time required to dislodge and remove driven posts from the ground.

In use, the post extracting device is firmly seated on the ground and at the bottom of the post to be extracted, with the jaws and the double lug plate moved sideways onto the post ensuring that the extreme end of the jaw is against the single flute on the front of the post and the opposite end of the jaw with the blade is between the twin flutes (Y post) or flat surface (T post). Thereafter, the operator stands and holds the post to be extracted while working the foot lever arm by actuating or pressing the foot pedal secured to the rear end of the foot lever arm with his foot. The operator may then guide the post from the ground by holding onto the post, while the foot lever arm works to apply upwards leverage on the post to ensure accurate extraction of the post from the ground. The centrally attached spring returns the foot lever arm to a raised position as the operator relieves the pressure on the foot lever arm and jaw which will drop automatically to grip the post at its lowest point before the lifting arm is pressed once more. The operator can also stand on the foot pedal to utilize full body weight if necessary to actuate the foot pedal and to create huge lifting power. The post extracting device is designed such as to remain stable during its operation due to the size of the base plate which resists downward pressures and sideways movement. Portability after use is achieved by the post extracting devices design allowing for the jaw assembly to be folded downwards so as to rest against the base plate which is firmly held in place by the pressure of the spring pushing against it.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE The post extracting device and method for dislodging and extracting driven posts from the ground of the present invention provides numerous advantages both in operation and safety. The post extraction device of the present invention that is adapted to dislodge and extract driven posts from the ground is simple in construction. Further, the post extraction device is effective in dislodging and extracting driven posts from the ground. Still further, the post extraction device is simple and convenient to operate. Furthermore, the post extraction device includes foldable parts to facilitate storage and easy transportation thereof. Further, the post extraction device is adapted to remain stable and sturdy during operation thereof to dislodge and extract driven posts from the ground. Also, the post extraction device is adapted to dislodge and extract driven posts of a variety of sizes and weights by modifying the jaw size where necessary from the standard fitment and engaging with posts of varying sizes and shapes. Further, the post extraction device is adapted to extract even heavier and firmly driven posts by utilizing enhanced lifting powers of the post extraction device. Still further, the post extraction device is adapted to safely extract a driven post from the ground. Further, the post extraction device is adapted to extract a driven post from the ground without damaging the post. Furthermore, the post extraction device is adapted to reduce human intervention and human effort. Still further, the post extraction device is durable in construction, compact, easily transportable and requires less time for dislodging and extracting driven posts from the ground.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

Claim 1

A device for removing driven posts comprising:

a) a base plate;

b) a pair of upright pivot arms bent to also act as bracing;

c) a foot lever arm;

d) a double lug plate;

e) a foot petal;

f) a jaw,

g) a spring

h) a grommet or spacer

i) a blade firmly recessed and fixed to the jaw by way of through bolt; and j) set of two high tensile bolts with locking nuts.

Claim 2 The device according to claim 1 wherein the double lug plate and jaw is adapted to travel through an arc between a lower extreme position and an upper extreme position, as the foot lever arm is pressed.

Claim 3 A method of extracting a post from a ground comprising the device according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

Claim 4

The method according to claim 3 wherein upon pressing the lever down, the double lug plate and jaw travel upwards through the arc. Claim 5

The method according to claim 4 wherein the base of the post first pushes away from the post and then is pulled back as it reaches its maximum arc.

Claim 6

A method of using extreme leverage to extract a driven post utilising body weight comprising the device according to claims 1 and 2.

Claim 7

A method of securely holding a driven post at ground level to achieve maximum leverage on extraction comprising the device according to claims land 2.

Claim 8 A method of folding the device according to claim 1 into a compact shape that allows for easy storage and transportation.

Claim 9

The device according to claim 1 wherein the device is low set and always grips the post just above ground level thereby achieving maximum leverage on the driven post as the foot lever arm is pressed downwards.

Claim 10

The device according to claim 1 wherein the jaw is of a swivel type to

accommodate posts to be extracted on an angle.

Claim 11

The device according to claim 1 wherein the jaw is removable to permit jaws of another size to be fitted on the foot lever arm to enable gripping of different sized posts.

Claim 12

The device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the inside of the jaw forms a "V" configuration.

Claim 13

The device and method as hereinbefore described.