CA3137845A1 - System and method for removing a stake - Google Patents

Abstract

A stake removal tool configured for removing in-ground stakes, the stake removal tool comprising an elongated member defining a proximal end and a distal end, a carriage, and a lift system configured to drive the carriage along a longitudinal direction of the elongated member. The carriage comprises a chassis, a first pivoting member configured to pivot about the chassis and defining a first engagement member; and a second pivoting member configured to pivot about the first pivoting member and defining a second engagement member. As the lift system engages the carriage to displace it upwardly in a longitudinal direction of the elongate member, the first and second pivot members may be forced downwardly about their respective axes thereby contracting a stake opening to engage a stake.

Description

File number: 13208-005 SYSTEM AND METHOD OF REMOVING A STAKE
Cross-Reference to Related Applications [0001] The present patent application claims the benefits of priority of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/110,866, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD OF
REMOVING A STAKE", and filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office on November 6, 2020.
Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of mechanical tools and methods thereof and, more particularly, to tools for removing in-ground stakes and associated methods of use.
Background of the Invention

[0003] Commonly used in construction projects, stakes serve multiple purposes from surveying to securing concrete. In particular, they provide a temporary marker or support in various construction projects. The stakes are commonly made of metal, wood or plastic and comprise a pointed end allowing them to be driven deep into the soil or concrete using a sledgehammer thereby increasing their stability.

[0004] Stakes are often manually removed once a project is complete or if they are no longer required. Depending on the depth at which the stakes are buried or the material they are buried in, their removal can prove challenging and time consuming.
Moreover, the large number of stakes commonly used in construction projects can often be physically exhausting for workers while extending the construction time.

[0005] Various stake removal tools have been proposed for the easy removal of stakes. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,017,962 discloses a stake removal tool having two handles linked by a link bar, wherein the limits of the handles define gripper surfaces being opposite to one another. The gripper surfaces are spaced apart to allow a stake to be positioned therebetween which can be engaged by the gripper surfaces for removal.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 8,356,799 discloses a stake removal tool comprising two loops disposed on opposite ends of the device. A first loop is configured to receive a top end of Date recue / Date received 2021-11-05 File number: 13208-005 a stake while the second loop is configured to receive a user's forearm. As the user engages the device, the first loop tightens around the stake thereby facilitating its removal.

[0007] The use of the aforementioned removal tools presents certain drawbacks, namely the continued physical effort required by the users. There is therefore a need for a manual powered stake removal tool.

[0008] The aforesaid and other objectives of the present invention are realized by generally providing a stake removal tool comprising an elongated member defining a proximal end and a distal end, a carriage and a lift system configured to drive the carriage along a longitudinal direction of the elongated member. The carriage comprises a chassis, a first pivoting member configured to pivot about the chassis and defining a first engagement member, and a second pivoting member configured to pivot about the first pivoting member and defining a second engagement member.

[0009] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a stake removal tool in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the stake removal tool of Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of an exemplary chassis used in the stake removal tool of Figure 1.

[0014] Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the chassis of Figure 3.

[0015] Figure 5 is a side perspective view of an exemplary drive bracket used in the stake removal tool of Figure 1.

[0016] Figure 6 is an isometric view of the chassis of Figure 3.

[0017] Figure 7 is another top perspective view of the chassis of Figure 3.

[0018] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the stake removal tool of Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 9 is another side perspective view of the stake removal tool of Figure 1.

Date recue / Date received 2021-11-05 File number 13208-005

[0020] Figure 10 is another side perspective view of the drive bracket of Figure 5.

[0021] Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary base used in the stake removal tool of Figure 1.

[0022] Figure 12 is yet another side perspective view of the stake removal tool of Figure 1.

[0023] Figure 13 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the attaching system of the stake removal tool of Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 14 is another bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the attaching system of Figure 13.

[0025] Figure 15 is a close-up bottom view of the attaching system of Figure 13.

[0026] Figure 16 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the stake removal tool in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 17 is a front elevation view of the stake removal tool of Figure 16.

[0028] Figure 18 is a left elevation view with the upper portion being a section view of the stake removal tool of Figure 16.

[0029] Figure 19 is a right perspective view of an exemplary attaching system used in the stake removal tool of Figure 16.

[0030] Figure 20 is a right elevation view of the attaching system of Figure 19.

[0031] Figure 21 is a top plan view of the attaching system of Figure 19.

[0032] Figure 22 is a top perspective exploded view of the stake removal tool of Figure 16.

[0033] Figure 23 is a front perspective view of an exemplary support of an endless screw as used in the stake removal tool of Figure 16.

[0034] Figure 24 is a side elevation view of an exemplary constraining portion as used in the attaching system of Figure 19.

[0035] Figure 25 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary first gripping member as used in the attaching system of Figure 19.

[0036] Figure 26 is a rear elevation view of the first gripping member of Figure 25.

[0037] Figure 27 is a side elevation view of an exemplary endless screw as used in the stake removal tool of Figure 16.

[0038] Figure 28 is a front perspective view of an exemplary drive system socket as used in the stake removal tool of Figure 16.

Date recue / Date received 2021-11-05 File number: 13208-005

[0039] Figure 29 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of the drive system socket of Figure 28.

[0040] Figure 30 is a front perspective view of an exemplary base as used in the stake removal tool of Figure 16.

[0041] Figure 31 is another top perspective exploded view of the stake removal tool of Figure 16.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0042] A novel stake removal tool will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiment(s), it is to be understood that the embodiment(s) described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a stake removal tool 100 for the removal of in-ground stakes is illustrated. The stake removal tool 100 typically comprises an elongated member 40 defining a proximal end adapted to be manipulated by a user and a distal end adapted to engage a stake.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the stake removal tool 100 may comprise a base typically affixed to the distal end of the elongated member 40. The base 30 is generally adapted to support the stake removal tool 100 when in use. The base 30 may additionally comprise one or more openings 32 configured to allow the passing of the stake.
Still .. referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the stake removal tool 100 comprises a substantially flat base comprising the opening 32. In a preferred embodiment, the base 30 is substantially shaped as a U and allows the stake to be inserted either by downwardly moving the tool toward the ground or by sliding the stake within the U-shape to allow later engagement.

[0045] The base 30 may be affixed to the elongated member 40 using a fastener, an 25 adhesive or any other suitable method. In other embodiments, the base 30 may be detachably affixed to the elongated member 40 and selectively affixed when required. In yet other embodiments, the base may comprise a rear wall 34 adapted to attach the base 30 to the elongated member 40.

[0046] The stake removal tool 100 may further comprise a carriage 10 configured to 30 engage the stake and be displaced longitudinally across the elongated member. To that end, Date recue / Date received 2021-11-05 File number: 13208-005 the carriage 10 may be slidably attached to the elongated member 40 using any suitable means. Referring now to FIG. 6, the carriage 10 is slidably attached to the elongated member by means of a sliding bracket. Accordingly, the sliding bracket comprises an interior profile configured to receive the elongated member 40.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the stake removal tool 100 further comprises a lift system 50 configured to displace the carriage 10 along the elongated member 40. The lift system 50 may comprise any suitable mechanism for driving the carriage 10 such as, for example, an endless screw 52, a screw jack, a belt system, a magnetic system or any combination thereof. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the lift system 50 of the present embodiment comprises a screw jack or endless screw 52 disposed along the length of the elongated member 40. The endless screw 52 may have any length suitable for allowing the carriage 10 to be displaced along a desired length of the elongated member 40. It may be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the lift system 50 may be disposed externally to the elongated member 40.

[0048] In order to displace the carriage 10, the lift system 50 may engage an attachment portion 12 of the carriage 10. The attachment portion 12 may additionally form part of a chassis of the carriage 10. In accordance with the present embodiment, the attachment portion 12 consists of a threaded portion configured to receive the endless screw 52. To that end, a rotation of the endless screw 52 engages the threaded portion 12 of the chassis to drive the carriage 10 along the longitudinal direction of the elongated member 40.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, in such an embodiment, the carriage 10 further comprises a gripping or attaching system 20. The attaching system 20 is adapted to grip or firmly retain around the stake when the carriage 10 is moved upwardly. The attaching system may comprise a first and second gripping members 22 and 24.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the attaching system 20 comprises a supporting member or link 21, a first gripping member 22 and a second gripping member 24.
The first gripping member 22 is pivotally attached to the second gripping member 24 at the pivot point 23, typically at a distal location of the elongated member 40. The first gripping member 22 is typically loose at a portion close to the elongated member to be impacted by gravitational forces. Preferably, the first gripping member 22 comprises a generally V or U-shaped gripping portion adapted to at least partially circle the stake. The first gripping Date recue / Date received 2021-11-05 File number: 13208-005 member 22 may further comprise a passage adapted to receive the endless screw 52 (show in FIG. 4).

[0051] The second gripping member 24 slides with the support member 21, typically through a slot 27 (shown at FIG. 6). The pivot point 23 of the second gripping member 24 and sliding portion (through slot 27) move the gripping member 24 when the first gripping member is affected by gravitational forces and upward movement of the carriage 10. In the present embodiment, the gripping member 24 comprises a constraining portion 26 which, when pivoted toward the stake, create a further pression to grip the stake.
The constraining portion 26 may comprises teeth or other friction means to increase gripping force on the .. stake.

[0052] In another embodiment, the first pivoting member 22 may be configured to pivot about the chassis by means of a first pivot axis 23. The second pivoting member may thereafter be configured to pivot about the first pivoting member by means of a second pivot axis. In order to limit the motion of the second pivoting member relative to the chassis, the attaching system 20 may further comprise a stopper or slot 27 adapted to vertically restrain the motion of the second pivoting member.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the first and second pivoting members 24 and 22 may define first and second engagement portions. The first and second engagement portions may be configured to conjointly engage the stake for its removal. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, the first and second engagement portions may define a stake opening 25 large enough to receive a portion of the stake positioned above ground but without attaching to it.

[0054] Understandably, any other methods to grip or attach the stake by moving the carriage 10 up and down may be used within the scope of the present invention.
As such, in some embodiments, a roller may be pushed against the stake to maintain against a __ gripping member.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, as the lift system 50 engages the carriage 10 and attaching system 20 to displace it upwardly in a longitudinal direction of the elongate member, the second pivot members 22, being attached only at the pivot point 23, is forced downwardly by gravity due to the upward movement of the carriage 10. The gravitational __ forces exerted on the second pivot member 20 changes the relative geometry of the first and second engagement portions to contract the stake opening 25. As may be appreciated, Date recue / Date received 2021-11-05 File number: 13208-005 a stake disposed within the stake opening 25 during this operation shall be engaged by the first and second gripping portions 22 and 24 and forced upwardly along with the chassis when the carriage 10 is moving upwardly.

[0056] The lifting system 50 typically comprises a drive system 54 configured to drive the lift system 50. The drive system 54 may comprise any suitable system to operate and control the lift system such as, for example, an engine, a motor or more preferably a power tool such as a drill. Referring to FIG. 2, the stake removal tool 100 comprises an electric motor configured to engage and rotate the endless screw 52. The stake removal tool 100 may further comprise a drive bracket adapted to align the axle of the drive system 54 with the rotational axis of the endless screw in order to increase mechanical efficiency and generally to avoid side forces on the pivoting shaft, which may create breakages.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the drive system 54 is an electric drill. In one embodiment, the endless screw 52 may be axially connected to a socket, such as a standard socket for drilling. The electric drill is engaged with the socket to turn the endless screw 52 in any direction. A first direction of rotation drives the carriage 10 down while the opposite direction moves the carriage 10 up.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive system 54 comprises a drill in which a drive bracket 55 is inserted. The drive bracket 55 is adapted to be securely attached to the drill (or other drive motor) and to the elongated member 40. In one embodiment, the drill may be dismantled, the bracket 55 may be inserted within the two or more dismantle part and be secured within the drill, offering a rigid connection to the drill as can be shown at Fig.
2.

[0059] To further ease the operation of the stake removal tool, the stake removal tool may comprise one or more handle 60 to be engaged by the user during the operation of the stake removal tool.

[0060] In use, the tool 100 is placed on the ground, typically against the base 30. The tool 100 is positioned to align the elongated member 40 or the base with the stake in the ground.
The drive system 50 is activated to move the carriage down, such as pivoting the endless screw in a first direction. When the attaching system 20 reaches a portion of the stake, the drive system 50 is stopped and/or reversed to move the carriage 10 up (the endless screw 52 turns in a second direction, opposite to the first direction). By moving up, gravitational Date recue / Date received 2021-11-05 File number: 13208-005 forces move down a first gripping member 20 which in turn moves or pivot the second gripping member in direction to close the opening 25 around the stake. As the carriage 10 moves up, the stake is solidly gripped between the firs and second gripping members 20 and 22.

[0061] To remove the stake, the movement of the carriage is stopped, reducing the gripping around the stake.

[0062] Referring now to Figures 13 to 15, the gripping portion of the second gripping member 24 is shown. As illustrated, the gripping portion may comprise surfaces at an angle allowing gripping when pivoted.
.. [0063] Referring now to Figures 16 to 18, 22, 23 and 31, an embodiment of stake removal tool 100 for the removal of in-ground stakes is illustrated in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0064] Referring now to Figures 19 to 21, an embodiment of the attaching system 20 is illustrated.
[0065] While illustrative and presently preferred embodiment(s) of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Date recue / Date received 2021-11-05

Claims (2)

Claims

1) A stake removal tool configured for removing in-ground stakes, the stake removal tool comprising:
an elongated member defining a proximal end and a distal end;
a carriage; and a lift system configured to drive the carriage along a longitudinal direction of the elongated member;
wherein the carriage comprises:
a chassis;
a first pivoting member configured to pivot about the chassis and defining a first engagement member; and a second pivoting member configured to pivot about the first pivoting member and defining a second engagement member.

2) A method for removing stake as described above herein.