Boring or penetrating the earth – Boring without earth removal – Combined with earth removal
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-03
2001-03-06
Neuder, William (Department: 3672)
Boring or penetrating the earth
Boring without earth removal
Combined with earth removal
C172S025000, C172S377000, C294S055500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06196334
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to a hand operable excavating tool and more particularly to a tool which is especially adapted for use in removing material from the bottom of a substantially cylindrical hole formed in the earth.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is common practice for a contractor to bore a plurality of vertically extending, cylindrical holes in the earth for various purposes such as the accommodation of concrete piers, pylons, or the like which are to be used as foundations or supports for buildings of various kinds. It is fairly common for construction codes to require the inspection and approval of the location and depth of the holes before they can be filled with the foundation material. On many occasions a contractor will bore the holes as required but the inspection and approval thereof may be delayed for a substantial period of time. In this event it is not uncommon for the walls of some of the holes to crumble or otherwise deteriorate or for sand or other debris to be blown into the holes. When this occurs it is necessary to remove the sand or other debris so that the depth and condition of the holes will conform to specifications and so that the bottom of the holes will be flat or horizontal.
In many instances the nature of the ground or the closeness of the holes to one another prevents the utilization of a tractor or other power apparatus from being used in removing material from the bottom of the holes, so the operation must be performed manually. Hand operated apparatus proposed heretofore for clearing debris from holes has been less than satisfactory.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Apparatus especially adapted for use in excavating or clearing by hand loose earth and other debris from a vertically extending, cylindrical hole comprises a crank having an elongate shaft of such length as to extend from the bottom of the hole upwardly and beyond the upper end of such hole. A hollow housing is pivoted to the shaft adjacent its lower end for rocking movements about a substantially horizontal axis. The housing is of quadrant shape and extends laterally of the crankshaft a distance corresponding substantially to the radius of the hole. The housing has an open side which enables loose earth and other debris at the bottom of a hole to be accommodated in the housing in response to rotation of the crank following lowering of the crankshaft and housing into the hole. The pivotal mounting of the housing on the crankshaft enables the housing to tilt as the crank and housing are withdrawn from the hole, and the direction in which the housing tilts is such as to ensure that whatever loose material is within the housing is retained therein by gravity.
In one embodiment the housing has a side wall provided with an adjustable scoop that is movable radially inward and outward so as to enable the housing to be used with holes of different diameters. The scoop has a flange at its lower end which provides support for debris when the scoop is in its radially extended position.
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J & L Land, L.L.C.
Neuder William
Reising Ethington, Barnes, Kisselle, Learman & McCulloch, P.C.
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