Boots – shoes – and leggings – Boots and shoes – Occupational or athletic shoe
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-22
2001-05-01
Kavanaugh, Ted (Department: 3728)
Boots, shoes, and leggings
Boots and shoes
Occupational or athletic shoe
C036S136000, C036S007600, C172S022000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223456
ABSTRACT:
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document Registration Number 454,355, filed on Apr. 12, 1999. There are no previously filed, nor any copending applications anywhere in the world.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to turf core aerator tools and, more particularly, to a turf aerator footwear attachment including a plurality of ground aerating devices with spring loaded aeration tubes.
2. Description of the Related Art
Among the many tasks that one can partake in order to enhance the growth and beauty of one's lawn, garden and landscaping, aeration in combination with watering and fertilizing is among the most popular. However, the time and money associated with conventional aeration techniques prevent many from enjoying its benefits. Accordingly, there is a need for a device that will perform the aeration task with little or no financial or time impact.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,022 issued in the name of Terhune, U.S. Pat. No. 4,035,935 issued in the name of Forrest, and U.S. Pat. No. 2,729,262 issued in the name of Furr et al. each disclose garden tool attachments for footgear.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,809 issued in the name of Savoie, U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,915 issued in the name of Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,901 issued in the name of Leonor, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,520,075 issued in the name of Mullikin each describe detachable spike attachments for a shoe.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,968,878 issued in the name of King discloses an anti-slip device for footgear.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,714,768 issued in the name of Badler describes ground-aerating sandals.
While several features exhibited within these references are incorporated into this invention, in combination and with other elements the present invention is different enough as to make the combination distinguished over the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved turf aerator device.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved turf aerator device that is easily attached or removed to the sole of any standard article of footwear in order to provide the described benefits.
Briefly described according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention an apparatus that aids in the aeration of a lawn is provided that attaches to the bottom of ones shoes and provides for core aeration while performing other yard care tasks. A metal plate which is adjustable for various size shoes is provided with attachment straps for attachment to conventional outdoor footwear. Steel tubes approximately 2 inches long will protrude from the bottom of the plates. As a wearer walks along, the tubes will core out a section of earth to allow for increased growth and better fertilizer and water absorption. As the wearer lifts his or her foot, ejection springs inside of each tube will eject the small earth core where it will fall to the surface of the lawn. It will then break down naturally and be reabsorbed by the lawn. If the invention is worn and used while the lawn is being cut, the entire surface of the lawn will receive beneficial aeration.
An advantage of the use of the use of the present invention is that it provides for a healthier lawn without the expense or time associated with conventional aeration tools or machine, and particularly, provides beneficial turf aeration for better infiltration of fertilizer and water.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it is easy to use and adaptable to most articles of conventional footwear, thereby allowing turf aeration to be performed while other tasks are being done such as grass cutting or fertilizing
Further, the aeration tubes of the present invention are equipped with spring ejectors to remove earth plugs when foot is lifted.
Further, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an adaptable gripping means for increasing friction between the bottom of the foot and the ground.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2030770 (1936-02-01), Smith
patent: 2057142 (1936-10-01), Fry
patent: 2710460 (1955-06-01), Stasinos
patent: 2714768 (1955-08-01), Badler
patent: 2779262 (1957-01-01), Furr et al.
patent: 2910127 (1959-10-01), Saunders
patent: 2968878 (1961-01-01), King
patent: 3210112 (1965-10-01), Glynn
patent: 3520075 (1970-07-01), Mullikin
patent: 3875688 (1975-04-01), McNaughton
patent: 3883963 (1975-05-01), Barbite, Sr.
patent: 4035935 (1977-07-01), Forrest
patent: 4693022 (1987-09-01), Terhune
patent: 5555943 (1996-09-01), Blasczyk
patent: 5600901 (1997-02-01), Leonor
patent: 5661915 (1997-09-01), Smith
patent: 5768809 (1998-06-01), Savoie
patent: 6003612 (1999-12-01), Knight et al.
patent: 6079127 (2000-06-01), Nishimura et al.
Gugliotta John D.
Kavanaugh Ted
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