Implement for removing a fence post or the like

An implement for removing a tree stump or the like defined by a first portion directly engaging the article under removal in a biting relationship and a second portion partly surrounding the article and moving into a confining relationship with the latter. The implement is mounted on a framework for pivotal movement. A manually controlled mechanism defines a removal location by pivotal action and where a locking bar serves to maintain the latter. Ample leverage is afforded for ready one-man operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
As is known, a need continually exists, particularly around a farm or in 
rural areas, for the ready removal of a tree stump, a fence post or any 
ground embedded upstanding article. Equipment in use heretofore is 
generally cumbersome in size, presenting difficulty and/or awkwardness in 
placement for the removal activity, or, by way of further example, 
requires more than a single operator to achieve the desired result. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
A need has arisen, therefore, for providing an implement which is readily 
movable to an operational site, which achieves positive placement with 
respect to the article under removal, and which accomplishes the desired 
lifting action through simple pivotal movement of the control mechanism.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the 
invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the 
drawing and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will 
nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the 
invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications 
in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles 
of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would 
normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring to FIG. 1, the removal implement of the invention is disclosed as 
an elongated frame member 12 pivotally mounted, at 12a, on a stand 14, 
where the latter includes a surface engaging base 14a, an upstanding 
column 14b, and a clevis 14c through which the aforesaid pivot mount 12a 
extends. 
The elongated frame member 12 has a handle 12b at its outer end and, 
typically, a chisel 12c at its opposite end, where the latter is adapted 
to engage the article under removal, as a fence post 30 (FIG. 2) or a tree 
stump 40 (FIG. 3). 
A slide 15, movable along frame member 12, serves to minimize rearward 
movement of a grab bar 16 secured to the upper surface thereof through an 
arrangement which includes a hook 15a, welded to a side surface of the 
slide 15, and a resilient member, such as a tarp strap 15b, secured to a 
pin member 15c extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the 
elongated frame member 12, and, additionally, to assist in the release of 
the grab bar 16 after control mechanism 20 release (to be discussed more 
fully herebelow). 
A grab bar 16 presents, at its outer free end, a hook 16a, preferably 
slightly bent in an upward direction. The other end of the slide 15, i.e. 
that closest to the operator, receives a chain 17 connecting to an 
adjustable turnbuckle 19, where the latter is selectively received in one 
of several openings (not numbered), to further adjustment, on an arm 20a 
extending forwardly and downwardly from the pivotally manual operated 
control mechanism 20. 
Control mechanism 20 includes, apart from a hand gripping portion 20b, a 
bifurcated mounting assembly 20c which secures the control mechanism 20, 
at a pivot axis 20', to the elongated frame member 12 and in a location 
proximate the handle 12b of the latter. At a use condition, and with 
particular reference to FIG. 4, the handle portions of 20b,12b of control 
mechanism 20 and the elongated frame member 12 are at an abutting 
relationship. 
In order to minimize the movement of control mechanism 20, i.e. to lessen 
travel, a rotatable lock 22, as a plate, is provided on the upper surface 
of elongated frame member 12, and movable from an open position during 
tension adjustment of grab bar 16 (FIG. 1) to a closed or locking position 
during operation (FIG. 4). 
As evident in FIG. 2, and when the implement is used to remove the fence 
post 30, for example, the chisel 12c is positioned beneath one of a series 
of projections 30a on one surface of the fence post 30. With pivotal 
movement of the control mechanism 20 in a downward direction, the fence 
post 30 is in positive engagement by both the chisel 12c and the hook 16a 
(which has moved into a partially engaging relationship with the rear 
surface of fence post 30). 
Thereafter, as the elongated frame member 12 is caused to pivot, the fence 
post 30 is moved upwardly from its embedded position in the supporting 
ground surface. In other words, the invention first serves to clamp or 
otherwise grasp the fence post 30, eliminating or, at least, minimizing 
the possibility of any slipping as the elongated frame member 12 pivots, 
and moving the chisel 12c (and fence post 30) upwardly. 
FIG. 3 illustrates the invention in connection with tree stump 40 removal, 
and the procedure described above in connection with fence post 30 removal 
(FIG. 2) is appropriate. In this connection, however, the hook 16a at the 
end of grab bar 16 receives a chain 25 which encircles the tree stump 40 
and chisel 12c digs into the latter. At this time, tree stump 40 is firmly 
grasped for removal. 
Note that in either FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, and when control mechanism 20 is 
pivoted to a non-use position, the slide 16, urged outwardly on elongated 
frame member 12, also serves movement of grab bar 16, and, thereby, a 
desired release function of hook 16a from engagement with either the fence 
post 30 or the tree stump 40. 
As should be evident, therefore, the invention provides a readily usable 
implement for the removal of a tree stump or the like. More specifically, 
two applied forces serve to confine the article under removal, i.e. the 
force applied by the chisel member and the force applied by the hook at 
the end of the grab bar (or the chain combining with the latter). Maximum 
leverage is provided and, as well, the opportunity for use by a single 
operator located at one position adjacent the implement. 
The removal implement of the invention is susceptible to various changes 
within the spirit of the invention including, by way of example, 
proportioning; the precise configuration of the chisel on the end of the 
grab bar; the mechanism for controlling and/or limiting the movement of 
the slide on which the grab bar is mounted; and, the like. Thus, the 
preceding should be considered illustrative and not as limiting the scope 
of the following claims: