Framework removal tool

A framework removal tool is provided. The tool comprises a first side of a stake contact element including first and second notches with first and second dimensions, respectively. A lever arm connects to the stake contact element. One of the first or second notches is selected based on a dimension of a stake. The selected notch is placed adjacent the stake. The lever arm is rotated to remove the stake. In another embodiment, a second tool for removing stakes is provided. The tool includes a bar with a nail removal notch on a first end, and a stake contact element connected to the bar near the first end. The stake contact element includes at least a first stake notch on a first side. A rounded extension rigidly connects to the bar near the first end.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to tools. More particularly, the 
invention relates to a tool for removing stakes of various sizes. 
One use for stakes is to support concrete framework. The framework, such as 
wooden boards, is laid to contain the liquid concrete while the concrete 
hardens. The stakes are driven into the ground adjacent the framework. The 
stakes hold the framework in place. Often nails are also used to hold the 
framework in place. 
The stakes are of various constructions. In one example, the stakes are 
tubular metal lengths. The stakes may have a flattened head on one end and 
may have a point on the other end. As another example, the stakes are wood 
slats that taper from one end to the other. As yet another example, the 
stakes are wood boards. Stakes formed from plastic or other materials into 
various shapes are also known. 
The cross-section of various stakes varies. For example, the wood slats or 
boards have a rectangular cross section, and the tubular metal lengths 
have a circular cross-section. 
Once the stake is no longer necessary to support a structure, such as 
concrete framework, the stake is removed. The framework is also pried from 
the structure, such as the hardened concrete slab. 
Various tools are known for removing stakes. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 
4,998,312 discloses a tool for form stake removal. An elongated rod is 
attached to a bore. A round stake is placed into the bore. A fulcrum 
extension from the bore is placed onto the framework. The elongated rod is 
moved upward and pivots at the fulcrum extension. The bore grips the stake 
and pulls the stake upwards. The fulcrum extension is also used to pry 
framework. 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,582,284 discloses a similar device, but the bore is 
replaced with a locking lug pivotally attached to the rod. The locking lug 
has a slot for engaging the round stake. 
As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,815,875 discloses a portable stake 
remover. An arm is pivotally mounted on a base. One end of the arm has a 
jaw with a triangular opening. The opening is placed over round or 
L-shaped stakes. As the arm is rotated about the base, the stake is lifted 
upward. U.S. Pat. No. 2,424,929 discloses a similar device for removing 
posts. Furthermore, other devices use a plate for the jaw. The plate has a 
first opening on one side and a second opening on the other side. Each 
opening has a different shape. 
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,168 discloses an attachment for pulling stakes 
using a pry bar. The attachment slides over the end of the pry bar. The 
attachment has a notch on one side and a notch on a second side. The notch 
is placed around a stake, and the pry bar is rotated to move the stake. 
However, none of the known devices provide for entirely satisfactory stake 
removal. In particular, many of the devices will not remove multiple types 
of stakes, many do not provide simple leverage design, and many are not 
capable of assisting in removal of framework material. Therefore, there is 
a need for an apparatus which will assist in pulling nails, removing 
different types of stakes, provide convenient leverage, and assist in 
prying framework. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus and method 
for pulling nails, prying framework and for removing different types of 
stakes using convenient leverage design. The framework removal tool 
comprises a first side of a stake contact element including first and 
second notches with first and second dimensions, respectively. A lever arm 
connects to the stake contact element. One of the first or second notches 
is selected based on a dimension of a stake. The selected notch is placed 
adjacent the stake. The lever arm is rotated to remove the stake. 
In another aspect of the invention, another tool for removing stakes is 
provided. The tool includes a bar with a nail removal notch on a first 
end, and a stake contact element connected to the bar near the first end. 
The stake contact element includes at least a first stake notch on a first 
side. A rounded extension rigidly connects to the bar near the first end. 
In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing the tool 
for removing stakes is provided. A stake contact element including at 
least a first stake notch on a first side is connected to a bar. The bar 
includes a nail removal notch on a first end. A rounded extension rigidly 
connects to the bar near the first end. In a preferred embodiment, the 
stake contact element and the rounded extension are formed as one piece 
and connected to the bar. 
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the 
following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide 
further explanation of the invention as claimed. The invention, together 
with further objects and attendant advantages, will be best understood by 
reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the 
attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, the 
framework removal tool is generally shown at 10. The tool 10 includes a 
stake contact plate 12, a bar 14, and an extension 16. 
Preferably, the bar 14 is a metal crow bar. Other structures and materials 
may be used. A taper end 20 is connected to one end of the bar 14. The 
taper end 20 and the bar 14 are constructed as one piece, as known in the 
art. The taper end 20 provides a flat edge for inserting between 
structures, such as concrete and framework. Preferably, the taper end 20 
has a nail removal notch 19. The tapered end 20 may be made with or 
without the notch for removing nails. The taper end 20 connects to the bar 
14 at a slight angle. The angle allows a user to insert a portion of the 
taper end 20 between two structures near a wall. 
A nail removal notch end 22 is connected to the bar 14 opposite the taper 
end 20. The nail removal notch end 22 is also constructed as one piece 
with the bar 14 and taper end 20. The nail removal notch end 22 connects 
to the bar 14 at an angle, such as 90.degree., and extends outward from a 
front side 30 of the bar 14. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the nail removal 
notch end 22 has a nail removal notch 18. As known in the art, the nail 
removal notch 18 is designed to engage a nail for removal of the nail. 
The extension 16 is attached to the bar 14 near the nail removal notch end 
22. The extension 16 connects to the bar 14 on a back side 32, opposite 
the nail removal notch end 22, and on the right side of the bar 14 as 
described below. The extension 16 may connect to the tool 10 at other 
locations. The extension 16 is welded to the bar 14. Other methods of 
attachment are possible, such as constructing the extension 16 and bar 14 
as one piece. 
The extension 16 supports the tool 10 as the tool 10 is rotated about the 
extension 16. The extension 16 increases the distance from the notch 18 
and the stake contact plate 12 to the point of rotation of the tool 10. 
The greater distance provided by the extension 16 increases the amount of 
torque applied to nails and stakes. Preferably, but not necessarily, the 
extension 16 is rounded along at least a portion of the outward face 36. 
As the tool 10 is rotated, the area of contact with the ground or other 
structure of the rounded outward face 36 moves along a portion of the 
circumference 44. 
One structure for providing the rounded outward face 36 is a cylinder. 
Other structures with rounding along a lesser portion of the outer face 36 
can be used. Preferably, the cylinder is hollow so that the weight of the 
tool 10 is reduced. The rounded outward face 36 allows for pulling a nail 
or stake, as discussed below, generally straight out of a board or ground. 
Furthermore, the rounded outward face 36 allows for even contact with the 
ground or other structure as the tool 10 is rotated. Preferably, the 
outward face 36 is flat from the left to right sides to provide a larger 
footprint. With the larger footprint, the extension 16 is less likely to 
sink into the ground or indent another structure as the tool 10 is 
rotated. 
Preferably, the stake contact plate 12 and the extension 16 are constructed 
as one piece from a sheet of metal, such as 1/2" by 2" steel plate. A 
punch press cuts the stake contact plate 12 and extension 16. The cut 
piece is then bent and machined to form the extension 16 and the stake 
contact plate 12. Alternatively, the stake contact plate 12 and extension 
16 are constructed as separate parts. The extension 16 may be formed from 
cold drawn round steel or round pipe stock cut to length. The stake 
contact plate 12 may be made from steel plate cut to length and machined. 
Alternatively, the tool 10 may be molded as a one piece steel casting. The 
bar 14, stake contact plate 12, and extension 16 may be individual steel 
castings welded together. Other methods of construction may be used. 
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the stake contact plate 12 is bent relative to the 
extension 16 to position the stake contact plate 12 on a stake contact 
side 34 of the bar 14. Preferably, the stake contact plate 12 is placed 
just above, to one side of and behind the nail removal notch end 22. The 
nail removal notch end 22 also preferably extends further from the front 
side 30 than the stake contact plate 12. The stake contact plate 12 may be 
positioned at other locations relative to the tool 10. Once positioned, 
the stake contact plate 12 is welded to the bar 14 or otherwise connected 
to the tool 10 as discussed above. 
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, two notches are on the stake contact plate 12. 
The notches have different dimensions and are on the same side of the 
stake contact plate 12. Preferably, the notches are cut as part of the 
punch press or milling operation and form an oblong notch 24 and a 
rectangular notch 26. Alternatively, the two notches may have identical 
shapes or other different shapes. One notch, such as the oblong notch 24, 
extends into the stake contact plate 12 further, but is narrower, than the 
other notch, such as the rectangular notch 26. Preferably, the narrower 
notch is centered in the wider notch. The two notches may be placed at 
other positions on the stake contact plate 12 or relative to each other. 
As shown in FIG. 4A, the oblong notch 24 is shaped to fit around a portion 
of a round stake 28. Preferably, the oblong notch 24 is cut deeper than 
half the diameter of the typical round stake, such as round stake 28, from 
the greatest depth A of the rectangular notch 26. For example, the oblong 
notch 24 is cut to depth B. As shown in FIG. 4B, the rectangular notch 24 
is shaped to fit around a portion of a rectangular stake 38. Preferably, 
the rectangular notch 24 is cut deeper than half the width of the typical 
rectangular stake, such as the rectangular stake 38, from the side of the 
stake contact plate 12. 
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a method for using the tool 10 is discussed 
below. To use the tool 10 to remove the round stake 28, the round stake 28 
is positioned in the oblong notch 24. The nail removal notch end 22 and 
the extension 16 are placed on the ground or other support structure. The 
bar 14 is then used as a lever arm to apply force to the round stake 28. 
The taper end 20 of the bar 14 is rotated away from the round stake 28. 
The outward face 36 of extension 16 acts as a pivot as the bar 14 is 
rotated. The oblong notch 24 and the nail removal notch 18 are lifted 
upward as the bar 14 rotates about the extension 16. Also as the bar 14 is 
rotated, the point of contact with the ground or other support structure 
moves along the outward face 36. The extension 16 causes the two notches 
24, 26 and the nail removal notch 18 to rotate less away from horizontal 
as the bar 14 is rotated, less than they would without the extension 16. 
The lesser rotation from horizontal allows removal of stakes or nails 
without bending or breaking the nails or stakes. 
As the oblong notch 24 is lifted upward, the stake contact plate 12 rotates 
away from horizontal. The rotation brings edges 40 of the oblong notch 24 
into contact with the round stake 28. The edges 40 act to hold the round 
stake 28 in place relative to the oblong notch 24. As the oblong notch 24 
is lifted upward, the round stake 28 is lifted upward and removed. 
The rectangular stake 38 is removed with the rectangular notch 26 in the 
same way as the round stake 28 is removed with the oblong notch 24. 
Notches with different dimensions are used to remove stakes with 
corresponding cross-sectional dimensions. In the preferred embodiment, two 
notches for removing stakes are provided. More or fewer notches may be 
provided. 
Other than removing stakes, the tool 10 is also used to remove nails. The 
nail is positioned in the nail removal notch 18. The bar 14 is then 
rotated to remove the nail. 
Furthermore and as discussed above, once the stakes are removed, the nail 
removal notch end 22 is inserted under the framework. The bar 14 is then 
used as a lever arm to pry the framework upward and away from the 
concrete. The taper end 20 is also used for prying. 
Depending on the intended use, the tool 10 is sized differently. For 
example, for working on framework used for pouring concrete sidewalks and 
driveways, the tool 10 generally is about the same size as a standard crow 
bar. Other sizes could be used for working on sidewalk and driveway 
framework. For working on framework used for foundations and footings, the 
tool 10 is larger. For the larger tool 10, the bar 14 is longer; the 
extension 16 has a greater radius; the notches have different dimensions 
to conform with standard or non-standard stakes; and the nail removal 
notch end 22 and the stake contact plate 12 may extend further from the 
front side 30. 
Of course, it should be understood that a wide range of changes and 
modifications can be made to the preferred embodiment described above. For 
example, a bar with an extension and a stake contact plate with only one 
notch may be used. Alternatively, a bar with a stake contact plate having 
two notches on the same side, but without the radius, may be used. Thus, 
it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as 
illustrative rather than limiting. 
It is the following claims, including all equivalents, which are intended 
to define the scope of this invention.