Soil boring device and a kit including the same

A soil boring device and a kit including the same are disclosed herein. The soil boring device includes an elongate tubular body portion; at least one fin member configured to loosen soil when the soil boring device is rotated by a user; at least one handle portion extending outwardly from the elongate tubular body portion; and a water connection subassembly coupled to the elongate tubular body portion. The soil boring device is configured to discharge water from the water outlet of the elongate tubular body portion so as to moisten soil adjacent to the soil boring device, thereby facilitating the forming of the hole in the ground by allowing the soil to be more easily loosened by the at least one fin member. The soil boring device may be provided in conjunction with a soil boring kit that may further include a vacuum collar and a vacuum wand.

Not Applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to a soil boring device and a kit including the same. More particularly, the invention relates to a soil boring device for forming a hole in the ground and a kit that includes soil boring device with one or more additional devices for facilitating the forming of the hole in the ground.

There are multiple reasons to bore holes in the ground. For example, in the care of plants (e.g., trees and shrubs), especially in the urban environment, there can arise the need to bore holes in the soil surrounding plants for many different purposes, such as (i) aeration, (ii) “vertical mulching” (i.e., a columnar soil amendment using a variety of materials), (iii) decompaction of soil (i.e., to alleviate soil compaction), (iv) improved drainage, and/or (v) deep fertilization. In some instances, these holes in the ground can have a diameter of approximately two (2) inches to three (3) inches, and may have a depth between approximately eight (8) inches to forty-eight (48) inches.

However, conventional tools for boring holes in the ground have numerous limitations and drawbacks. For example, many of these conventional tools are very difficult to use, thus making the forming of holes in the ground both laborious and time-consuming. Moreover, some of these conventional tools contain sharp blades that can cause serious damage to tree roots and underground utility lines. Furthermore, many of these conventional tools create a messy environment (e.g., by creating areas of wet or dry, excavated dirt in a lawn) that requires substantial clean-up by the user of the tool after the hole has been formed.

Therefore, what is needed is a soil boring device that is easy to use, thus facilitating and expediting the forming of holes in the ground. Moreover, a soil boring device is needed that does not contain sharp cutting edges so as to minimize the likelihood that any tree roots and underground utility lines will be damaged. Furthermore, there is a need for a soil boring kit that collects a majority of the excavated material so as to minimize any subsequent clean-up that is required by the user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a soil boring device and a kit including the same that substantially obviates one or more problems resulting from the limitations and deficiencies of the related art.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a soil boring device for forming a hole in the ground. The soil boring device includes an elongate tubular body portion having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to the first end, the elongate tubular body portion defining a fluid passageway disposed therein, the elongate tubular body portion further defining a water outlet fluidly coupled to the fluid passageway for discharging water from the soil boring device; at least one fin member protruding from an outer surface of the elongate tubular body portion, the at least one fin member configured to loosen soil when the soil boring device is rotated about a centrally disposed longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular body portion by a user; at least one handle portion extending outwardly from the elongate tubular body portion, the at least one handle portion configured to be grasped by the user while the user is rotating the soil boring device about the centrally disposed longitudinal axis; and a water connection subassembly coupled to the elongate tubular body portion, the water connection subassembly defining a water inlet for supplying water to the fluid passageway of the elongate tubular body portion. The soil boring device is configured to discharge water from the water outlet of the elongate tubular body portion so as to moisten soil adjacent to the soil boring device, thereby facilitating the forming of the hole in the ground by allowing the soil to be more easily loosened by the at least one fin member.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the fluid passageway extends from the first end of the elongate tubular body portion to the water outlet at the second end of the elongate tubular body portion; and wherein the elongate tubular body portion further comprises an imperforate peripheral sidewall defining the fluid passageway.

In yet a further embodiment, the at least one fin member comprises a plurality of fin members, the plurality of fin members being circumferentially spaced apart about a periphery of the outer surface of the elongate tubular body portion.

In still a further embodiment, the at least one fin member comprises tapered end portions and rounded edges, the rounded edges of the at least one fin member configured to prevent the at least one fin member from cutting tree roots and damaging underground utility lines.

In yet a further embodiment, the at least one handle portion comprises a first handle portion and a second handle portion, the first and second handle portions extending outwardly from the elongate tubular body portion in respective opposite directions, and the first and second handle portions being disposed proximate to the first end of the elongate tubular body portion.

In still a further embodiment, the water connection subassembly comprises a water valve configured to regulate the flow of water into the fluid passageway of the elongate tubular body portion, and the water connection subassembly further comprising a hose connector disposed upstream of the water valve, the hose connector defining the water inlet of the soil boring device.

In yet a further embodiment, the water connection subassembly further comprises a U-shaped connection between the water valve and the first end of the elongate tubular body portion.

In still a further embodiment, a central axis of the hose connector is disposed generally parallel to, and closely spaced apart from, the centrally disposed longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular body portion so as to minimize the inertial forces resulting from the weight of a water hose connected to the soil boring device.

In accordance with one or more other embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a soil boring kit that includes a soil boring device for forming a hole in the ground and a vacuum collar configured to collect and extract water and loosened soil from a top of the hole in the ground. The soil boring device includes an elongate tubular body portion having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to the first end, the elongate tubular body portion defining a fluid passageway disposed therein, the elongate tubular body portion further defining a water outlet fluidly coupled to the fluid passageway for discharging water from the soil boring device; at least one fin member protruding from an outer surface of the elongate tubular body portion, the at least one fin member configured to loosen soil when the soil boring device is rotated about a centrally disposed longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular body portion by a user; at least one handle portion extending outwardly from the elongate tubular body portion, the at least one handle portion configured to be grasped by the user while the user is rotating the soil boring device about the centrally disposed longitudinal axis; and a water connection subassembly coupled to the elongate tubular body portion, the water connection subassembly defining a water inlet for supplying water to the fluid passageway of the elongate tubular body portion. The soil boring device is configured to discharge water from the water outlet of the elongate tubular body portion so as to moisten soil adjacent to the soil boring device, thereby facilitating the forming of the hole in the ground by allowing the soil to be more easily loosened by the at least one fin member. The vacuum collar includes a hollow body portion, the hollow body portion defining an internal cavity configured to receive the water and loosened soil at the top of the hole, the hollow body portion defining an aperture in an end wall thereof, the aperture configured to receive a portion of the elongate tubular body portion of the soil boring device passing therethrough; and a vacuum hose connection member extending outwardly from the hollow body portion, the vacuum hose connection member configured to fluidly couple the vacuum collar to a vacuum source so as to enable the water and loosened soil in the internal cavity of the hollow body portion to be extracted from the vacuum collar.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the fluid passageway of the soil boring device extends from the first end of the elongate tubular body portion to the water outlet at the second end of the elongate tubular body portion; and wherein the elongate tubular body portion further comprises an imperforate peripheral sidewall defining the fluid passageway.

In yet a further embodiment, the at least one fin member of the soil boring device comprises a plurality of fin members, the plurality of fin members being circumferentially spaced apart about a periphery of the outer surface of the elongate tubular body portion.

In still a further embodiment, the at least one fin member of the soil boring device comprises tapered end portions and rounded edges, the rounded edges of the at least one fin member configured to prevent the at least one fin member from cutting tree roots and damaging underground utility lines.

In yet a further embodiment, the at least one handle portion of the soil boring device comprises a first handle portion and a second handle portion, the first and second handle portions extending outwardly from the elongate tubular body portion in respective opposite directions, and the first and second handle portions being disposed proximate to the first end of the elongate tubular body portion.

In still a further embodiment, the water connection subassembly of the soil boring device comprises a water valve configured to regulate the flow of water into the fluid passageway of the elongate tubular body portion, and the water connection subassembly further comprises a hose connector disposed upstream of the water valve, the hose connector defining the water inlet of the soil boring device.

In yet a further embodiment, the water connection subassembly of the soil boring device further comprises a U-shaped connection between the water valve and the first end of the elongate tubular body portion.

In still a further embodiment, a central axis of the hose connector is disposed generally parallel to, and closely spaced apart from, the centrally disposed longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular body portion so as to minimize the inertial forces resulting from the weight of a water hose connected to the soil boring device.

In yet a further embodiment, the end wall of the hollow body portion of the vacuum collar that contains the aperture is disposed at a top of the hollow body portion; and the hollow body portion of the vacuum collar further comprises an open bottom disposed opposite to the top end wall, the open bottom of the vacuum collar configured to be disposed against the ground at the top of the hole in the ground.

In still a further embodiment, the vacuum hose connection member of the vacuum collar has a central axis that is disposed generally perpendicular to a centrally disposed axis of the hollow body portion of the vacuum collar.

In yet a further embodiment, the soil boring kit further comprises a vacuum wand. The vacuum wand includes a wand elongate tubular body portion that is configured to be inserted into the hole in the ground, the wand elongate tubular body portion comprising a vacuum inlet disposed at a first end of the wand elongate tubular body portion and a vacuum outlet disposed at a second end of the wand elongate tubular body portion that is opposite to the first end, the vacuum outlet of the wand elongate tubular body portion configured to be fluidly coupled to the vacuum source so as to create a suction force in the wand elongate tubular body portion, and the vacuum inlet of the wand elongate tubular body portion configured to extract the water and loosened soil from the hole in the ground as a result of the suction force created by the vacuum source.

In still a further embodiment, the vacuum collar and the vacuum wand are configured to be interchangeably connected to the vacuum source.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are merely exemplary and explanatory in nature. As such, the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the invention should not be construed to limit the scope of the appended claims in any sense.

Throughout the figures, the same parts are always denoted using the same reference characters so that, as a general rule, they will only be described once.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

An illustrative embodiment of a soil boring device10for forming a hole in the ground is seen generally at10inFIGS. 1-5 and 7. In the illustrative embodiment, referring initially toFIGS. 1-6, the soil boring device10generally comprises (i) an elongate tubular body portion12having a first upper end32and a second lower end34disposed opposite to the first end32(refer toFIG. 2), the elongate tubular body portion12defining a fluid passageway21disposed therein (seeFIG. 6), the elongate tubular body portion12further defining a water outlet44fluidly coupled to the fluid passageway21for discharging water from the soil boring device10(refer toFIG. 5); (ii) a plurality of fin members36protruding from an outer surface of the elongate tubular body portion12, the plurality of fin members36configured to loosen soil when the soil boring device10is rotated about a centrally disposed longitudinal axis11(seeFIG. 2) of the elongate tubular body portion12by a user; (iii) first and second handle portions14,16extending outwardly from the elongate tubular body portion12, the first and second handle portions14,16configured to be grasped by the hands94of a user92while the user is rotating the soil boring device10about the centrally disposed longitudinal axis11(seeFIGS. 14aand 14b); and (iv) a water connection subassembly22coupled to the elongate tubular body portion12(refer toFIG. 1), the water connection subassembly22defining a water inlet42for supplying water to the fluid passageway21of the elongate tubular body portion12. The soil boring device10described herein is configured to discharge water from the water outlet44of the elongate tubular body portion12(seeFIG. 15) so as to moisten soil adjacent to the soil boring device10, thereby facilitating the forming of the hole96in the ground by allowing the soil to be more easily loosened by the plurality of fin members36.

Now, referring again toFIGS. 1-6, the elongate tubular body portion12and the fin members36of the illustrative soil boring device10will be described in further detail. In the illustrative embodiment, the fluid passageway21extends from the first end32of the elongate tubular body portion12to the water outlet44at the second end34of the elongate tubular body portion12(refer toFIG. 2). As shown in the illustrative embodiment, the elongate tubular body portion12of the soil boring device10further comprises an imperforate peripheral sidewall defining the fluid passageway21(seeFIG. 1). That is, the peripheral sidewall of the elongate tubular body portion12of the soil boring device10does not contain any apertures disposed along the length thereof from the first end32to the second end34. Rather, the elongate tubular body portion12only contains the fluid passageway inlet at the first end32and the fluid passageway outlet at the second end34. With particular reference to the sectional view ofFIG. 6, it can be seen that, in the illustrative embodiment, the fin members36are circumferentially spaced apart about a periphery of the outer surface of the elongate tubular body portion12(e.g., four (4) fin members36spaced approximately 90 degrees apart from one another). As shown inFIGS. 3, 4, and 6, in the illustrative embodiment, each of the fin members36comprises tapered end portions38and rounded edges40. Advantageously, the rounded edges40of fin members36are configured to prevent the fin members36from cutting tree roots and damaging underground utility lines. In the illustrative embodiment, the tapered end portions38of the fin members36may be cut at approximately a 45 degree angle. Although, other suitable taper angles may be also be used in other embodiments of the invention.

While the soil boring device10is provided with four (4) fin members36in the illustrative embodiment, it is to be understood that the soil boring device10may be provided with a greater or smaller number of fin members36in other embodiments of the invention. For example, the inventor has contemplated that providing three (3) fin members36would leave more room for the slurry of water and loosened soil to rise up in the hole, while providing five (5) fin members36might knock the soil loose faster. Also, in other embodiments, the fin members36could be wavy and/or interrupted with spaces or gaps, rather than being straight continuous fin members36as in the illustrative embodiment.

Also, as used herein, the term “elongate tubular body portion” broadly refers to a hollow elongated body having a closed cross-section that is not limited to any specific cross-sectional shape. For example, rather than the generally circular cross-section of the illustrative embodiment, the elongate tubular body portion12could have a generally square cross-section, a generally rectangular cross-section, a generally elliptical cross-section, a polygonal cross-section, or any combination of these cross-sectional shapes.

Turning again toFIGS. 1-3 and 5, it can be seen that, in the illustrative embodiment, the first and second handle portions14,16extend outwardly from the elongate tubular body portion12in respective opposite directions (e.g., each of the first and second handle portions14,16may extend from an opposite side of the elongate tubular body portion12and be disposed generally perpendicular to the elongate tubular body portion12). Also, in the illustrative embodiment, the first and second handle portions14,16are disposed proximate to the first end32of the elongate tubular body portion12. For example, as shown inFIG. 2, the first and second handle portions14,16are located just below the first end32of the elongate tubular body portion12. In the illustrative embodiment, referring toFIGS. 1-3, it can be seen that the first and second handle portions14,16may be provided with respective first and second handle sleeve portions18,20disposed thereon in order to provide gripping sleeves for the right and left hands of the user. For example, in one or more illustrative embodiments, the first and second handle sleeve portions18,20may be formed from a suitable polymeric material, plastic, or rubber so as to provide a more comfortable gripping surface for the user. In one or more illustrative embodiments, the elongate tubular body portion12and the first and second handle portions14,16are formed from a suitable metal, such as steel. For example, the first and second handle portions14,16may be welded to the sides of the elongate tubular body portion12.

In one or more alternative embodiments, for additional reinforcement, one or more gussets may be provided at the intersection of the first and second handle portions14,16and the elongate tubular body portion12. For example, a gusset plate may be welded at the intersection of the first and second handle portions14,16and the elongate tubular body portion12for additional strength and to allow indicia to be printed thereon.

Next, with particular reference toFIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the water connection subassembly22of the illustrative soil boring device10will be explained in further detail. Initially, referring to the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 2, it can be seen that the water connection subassembly22generally comprises a water valve24, a hose connector fitting46disposed upstream of the water valve24, and a U-shaped connection28,30disposed downstream of the water valve24. The water valve24is configured to regulate the flow of water into the fluid passageway21of the elongate tubular body portion12(i.e., when the user rotates the valve handle26of the valve24from the horizontal “off” position ofFIG. 7to the vertical “on” position ofFIGS. 1 and 13, as diagrammatically indicated by the curved arrow27inFIG. 7, water flows through the fluid passageway21). The hose connector fitting46at the inlet of the valve24may comprise a threaded collar for allowing a water hose48to be connected to the soil boring device10. The hose connector fitting46defines the water inlet42of the soil boring device10. Also, as shown in the illustrative embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2, the U-shaped connection of the water connection subassembly22, which connects the water valve24to the first end32of the elongate tubular body portion12, may comprise first and second pipe elbows28,30that form a 180 degree change in the direction of the water flowing into the soil boring device10. In the illustrative embodiment, the first and second pipe elbows28,30may comprise 90 degree street elbows in order to minimize both (a) the distance between the centerline11of the device10and centerline45of the hose connection46, and (b) the number of threaded connections, as compared to the distances and connections that would be required for two (2) elbows and two (2) connecting close pipe nipples.

Although, in other embodiments, rather than using two (2) 90 degree street elbows as in the illustrative embodiment, the U-shaped connection of the water connection subassembly22could be alternatively formed by a 180 degree elbow or 180 degree pipe bend.

Referring again toFIG. 4, in the illustrative embodiment, it can be seen that a central axis45of the hose connector fitting46is disposed generally parallel to, and closely spaced apart from, the centrally disposed longitudinal axis11of the elongate tubular body portion12so as to minimize the inertial forces resulting from the weight of a water hose connected to the soil boring device10(i.e., the weight of the water hose48inFIGS. 1 and 7). Advantageously, together with the parallel relationship between the axes11,45, the minimization of the distance between the hose connection46and the elongate tubular body portion12of the soil boring device10significantly minimizes the inertial resistance to the rotation of the soil boring device10that is described hereinafter. As such, it is desired that center-to-center distance of the U-connection be minimized so that the water filled hose swings through the smallest arc as practicable. The inertial resistance to rotating the device10results from the weight of the water and hose swinging through an arc. As such, locating the hose closer to the device10reduces the inertial resistance to rotation. The inertial resistance to rotation of the device10is generally attributable to the weight of the water and hose, rather than the flowing of the water through the hose.

In one example embodiment, the soil boring device10may have an overall length of approximately forty-two (42) inches and a width at the handle portions14,16of approximately twenty-one (21) inches. In this example embodiment, the outside diameter of the elongate tubular body portion12of the soil boring device10is approximately 0.84 inches, and each of the four (4) fins36disposed on the elongate tubular body portion12of the soil boring device10is approximately one-half (½) of an inch wide by twenty-four (24) inches long. In this example embodiment, the hose connector fitting46is configured to connect to a typical garden hose and the water valve24is in the form of a quarter-turn, ball-type shut-off valve. Also, in this example embodiment, the U-shaped bend of the water connection subassembly22is based on a two (2) inch centerline (e.g., two (2) inches between the central axis45of the hose connector fitting46and the centrally disposed longitudinal axis11of the elongate tubular body portion12). In addition, in this example embodiment, the diameter of the water outlet44at the tip of the device10may be in the range between approximately 0.125 inches to approximately 0.625 inches, or in the range between approximately 0.125 inches to approximately 0.250 inches. These dimensions and component types merely are given as examples herein and, as such, it is to be understood the soil boring device10may have other suitable dimensions and use other suitable component types in other embodiments of the invention.

In order to facilitate the collection and removal of the water and loosened soil from the hole96being formed in the ground90(e.g., seeFIG. 15), the soil boring device10of the illustrative embodiment described above may be provided as part of a soil boring kit100. In addition to the soil boring device10, the illustrative soil boring kit100also may comprise a vacuum collar50(see e.g.,FIGS. 1 and 2) and a vacuum wand80(see e.g.,FIGS. 2 and 7). The vacuum collar50and the vacuum wand80of the soil boring kit100will be described hereinafter.

Now, with particular reference toFIGS. 1, 2, and 8-11, the vacuum collar50of the illustrative soil boring kit100will be described. As mentioned above, the vacuum collar50is configured to collect and extract water and loosened soil from a top of a hole96in the ground90(seeFIG. 15). In the illustrative embodiment, referring toFIGS. 8-11, the vacuum collar50includes a cylindrical hollow body portion52, the cylindrical hollow body portion52defining an internal cavity configured to receive the water and loosened soil at the top of the hole96(refer toFIG. 15), the cylindrical hollow body portion52defining an aperture54in a top end wall70thereof, the aperture54configured to receive a portion of the elongate tubular body portion12of the soil boring device10passing therethrough (seeFIGS. 12 and 15); and a vacuum hose connection member58extending outwardly from the cylindrical hollow body portion52, the vacuum hose connection member58configured to fluidly couple the vacuum collar50to a vacuum source (e.g., a wet-type shop vacuum cleaner66—refer toFIG. 7) via a vacuum hose62so as to enable the water and loosened soil in the internal cavity of the cylindrical hollow body portion52to be extracted from the vacuum collar50. Also, in the illustrative embodiment, it can be seen that the cylindrical hollow body portion52of the vacuum collar50further comprises an open bottom56disposed opposite to the top end wall70(seeFIGS. 10 and 15), the open bottom56of the vacuum collar50configured to be disposed against the ground90at the top of the hole96in the ground90(refer toFIG. 15). InFIG. 9, it can be seen that the annular bottom edge60of the circular sidewall72of the vacuum collar cylindrical hollow body portion52defines the periphery of the open bottom56of the vacuum collar50. As shown inFIG. 10, the vacuum hose connection member58penetrates the circular sidewall72of the vacuum collar50near the annular bottom edge60of the circular sidewall72.

Referring again toFIG. 10, it can be seen that, in the illustrative embodiment, the vacuum hose connection member58of the vacuum collar50has a central axis59that is disposed generally perpendicular to a centrally disposed axis53of the cylindrical hollow body portion52of the vacuum collar50. Also, in the illustrative embodiment, as best shown inFIGS. 1, 7, 12, and 13, the vacuum hose62is connected to the vacuum hose connection member58of the vacuum collar50by a hose connector fitting64(e.g., the hose connector fitting64engages the outer periphery of the vacuum hose connection member58by means of a generally airtight slip-fit connection). When the vacuum hose62is connected to the vacuum collar50by means of the frictional engagement between the components58,64, water and loosened soil are drawn through the open bottom56of the vacuum collar50, and then are evacuated from the vacuum collar50through the outlet opening68defined by the vacuum hose connection member58(seeFIG. 11). As shown in the exploded view ofFIG. 2, in the illustrative embodiment, the vacuum hose62may also comprise an outlet fitting74for coupling the hose62to the vacuum source (e.g., wet-type shop vacuum cleaner66), which is located at an end of the hose62opposite to the hose connector fitting64.

In the illustrative embodiment, once the vacuum collar50is placed over the hole96, air103pulled by the vacuum source66enters at the top of collar50between the shaft of the soil boring device10and the top end wall70at high velocity (as shown inFIG. 15). Air hits the top of the slurry of water and loosened soil coming out of hole96. As such, almost all the slurry of water and loosened soil in the vacuum collar50is suspended in turbulent air which exits the collar50via vacuum hose62. Then, the slurry of water and loosened soil is pushed from the vacuum collar50to the collection vessel of the vacuum source66via high velocity air in the vacuum hose62.

In one example embodiment, the vacuum collar50may have an outside diameter of approximately five (5) inches and the aperture54in the top end wall70may have a diameter of approximately two (2) inches. In this example embodiment, the hose connection member58has an outside diameter of approximately one and one-half (1.5) inches and a length of approximately one and one-half (1.5) inches. These dimensions merely are given as examples herein and, as such, it is to be understood the vacuum collar50may have other suitable dimensions in other embodiments of the invention.

In other embodiments, rather than using a wet-type shop vacuum cleaner66as depicted in the illustrative embodiment, the vacuum hose62may alternatively be connected to a large skid-mounted, trailer-mounted, or truck-mounted vacuum/containment vessel unit, which could significantly speed up the slurry collection process described herein.

Next, referring particularly toFIGS. 2, 7, and 18, the vacuum wand80of the illustrative soil boring kit100will be explained. In the illustrative embodiment, referring toFIGS. 7 and 18, the vacuum wand80includes a wand elongate tubular body portion82that is configured to be inserted into the hole96in the ground90(seeFIG. 18). As shown inFIG. 2, the wand elongate tubular body portion82of the vacuum wand80comprises a vacuum inlet86disposed at a first end of the wand elongate tubular body portion82and a vacuum outlet88disposed at a second end of the wand elongate tubular body portion82that is opposite to the first end. The vacuum outlet88of the wand elongate tubular body portion82is configured to be fluidly coupled to the vacuum source66so as to create a suction force in the wand elongate tubular body portion82, and the vacuum inlet86of the wand elongate tubular body portion82is configured to extract the water and loosened soil from the hole96in the ground90as a result of the suction force created by the vacuum source66. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 7, in the illustrative embodiment, the second end of the wand elongate tubular body portion82comprises a connector fitting84to couple the vacuum wand80to the vacuum hose62. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 7, the vacuum collar50and the vacuum wand80of the illustrative embodiment are configured to be interchangeably connected to the vacuum source66(e.g., by selectively attaching the vacuum hose62of the vacuum source66to either the vacuum collar50by means of connector fitting64or to the vacuum wand80by means of connector fitting84). In an alternative embodiment, the vacuum wand80may simply comprise the wand elongate tubular body portion82without the connector fitting84. In this alternative embodiment, the wand elongate tubular body portion82is connected to the hose connector fitting64, which remains affixed to the vacuum hose62so that it can be interchangeably connected to either the vacuum collar50or the vacuum wand80.

In one example embodiment, the vacuum wand80may have an outside diameter of approximately one and one-half (1½) inches and an overall length of approximately thirty-six (36) inches. These dimensions merely are given as examples herein and, as such, it is to be understood the vacuum collar50may have other suitable dimensions in other embodiments of the invention.

Now, the manner in which the illustrative soil boring kit100is utilized by a user will be described in detail. Initially, with the vacuum source activated (e.g., wet vacuum66turned “on”), the user92places the vacuum collar50on the ground90at the spot where the hole96is to be bored. Then, the user places the tip of the soil boring device10through the vacuum collar50allowing it to rest on the ground90(refer toFIG. 12). Then, the user92opens the water valve24on the soil boring device10from the horizontal “off” position ofFIG. 7to the vertical “on” position ofFIGS. 1 and 13. Because the water source supplying the water hose48is already turned “on”, the water flows into the fluid passageway21of the soil boring device10once the water valve24is opened by the user92. For example, in the illustrative embodiment, the water may be supplied to the water hose48by a hose bibb76on the outside wall78of a dwelling structure. Once water is being supplied to the soil boring device10, the user92rotates the soil boring device10alternately clockwise and counter-clockwise (seeFIGS. 13, 14a, and14b) while placing moderate downward pressure on the soil boring device10(e.g., the rotation of the soil boring device10is diagrammatically represented by the arrow A1inFIG. 14aand the oppositely disposed arrows110,112loosening soil114inFIG. 16). As shown inFIG. 15, the water emerging from the tip of the soil boring device10softens the soil ahead of the device10, allowing the soil to be knocked loose by the fins36which establish the inside diameter of the hole96. InFIG. 15, it can be seen that the water flows down the central fluid passageway21of the soil boring device10(as diagrammatically represented by the downward arrows102), emerges from the water outlet44at the tip of the device10(as diagrammatically represented by the curved arrows104), and then flows upward together with the excavated material along the shaft12of the device10(as diagrammatically represented by the upward arrows106). That is, the slurry of water and excavated soil are forced up the voids between the fins36of the soil boring device10to the surface of the ground90(seeFIG. 15), where the slurry of water and excavated soil98is carried from the vacuum collar50(as diagrammatically represented by the horizontal arrow108) via the vacuum hose62to the collection vessel (e.g., the collection vessel of the wet vacuum66). The rate of advance of the soil boring device10is dependent on the soil conditions (i.e., the composition and compaction of the soil). When the desired depth of the hole96is reached or an obstacle is encountered, the water valve24on the soil boring device10is closed and device10is withdrawn from the hole96. The remaining slurry of water and excavated soil114in the bottom of the hole96(see e.g.,FIG. 17) is removed with the vacuum wand80. As shown inFIG. 18, the straight tubular body portion82of the vacuum wand80is inserted into the hole96, and the remaining slurry of water and excavated soil114is removed from the hole96by the suction force of the vacuum source66(as diagrammatically represented by the upward arrow116).

In the illustrative embodiment, the soil boring device10may be configured to form holes in the ground with a diameter between approximately two (2) inches and approximately three (3) inches, and a depth between approximately eight (8) inches and approximately forty-eight (48) inches. Although, in other embodiments, the soil boring device10may be configured to form holes having larger diameters and depths, such as holes having diameters between four (4) inches and eight (8) inches with depths greater than forty-eight (48) inches.

Although, the soil boring device10of the illustrative embodiment is supplied by water from hose bibb76that uses typical residential water pressure, the soil boring device10may also use higher pressure water supplies as well. For example, the inventor has also envisioned a higher pressure version of the soil boring device10that is powered by either the typical sprayers used by arborists (which are on the order of 500 psi), or by pressure washer type units (which generate on the order of 2,000 to 4,000 psi). A soil boring device10utilizing either of these higher pressure water supplies would still incorporate all of the primary features of the soil boring device10, such as the fins36and the proximity of the supply hose connection46to the main shaft12of the device10.

It is readily apparent that the aforedescribed soil boring device10and the kit100including the soil boring device10offers numerous advantages. First, the soil boring device10described above is easy to use, thus facilitating the forming of holes in the ground. The soil boring device10advantageously makes a “clean” hole (i.e., round, straight hole) without glazing the walls of the hole or compacting the surrounding soil. Secondly, the soil boring device10does not contain sharp cutting edges so as to minimize the likelihood that any tree roots and underground utility lines will be damaged. Also, when low-pressure water is used for the soil boring device10, the roots and underground utility lines do not sustain damage as a result of high-pressure fluid streams. Finally, the soil boring kit100, which includes the soil boring device10, collects a majority of the excavated material so as to minimize any subsequent clean-up that is required by the user. That is, when the vacuum collar50is used with the soil boring device10, the vacuum collar50collects virtually all of the slurry of water and excavated soil resulting from the boring of the hole. Also, advantageously, the soil boring device10and the soil boring kit100including the same are able to be made inexpensively enough so as to allow “do-it-yourselfers” to treat their own plants.

Any of the features or attributes of the above described embodiments and variations can be used in combination with any of the other features and attributes of the above described embodiments and variations as desired.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is apparent that this invention can be embodied in many different forms and that many other modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.