Aquatic plant removal rake

An aquatic plant removal rake including a head, having one or more co-planar set of tines integrally formed thereupon, a plurality of implement lugs integrally formed thereupon, and a handle aperture adapted to receive a handle therethrough; a handle having a handle cord end that includes an eyelet adapted to receive a cord therethrough, and a handle head end that includes a handle locating protrusion and that is adapted to be received by the head; a retrieving handle including a retrieving handle cord aperture integrally formed thereupon and adapted to receive a cord, and a grip adapted to be gripped by a user or users; and a cord adapted to place each of the handle and the retrieving handle in mechanical communication with one another, whereby forces transmitted to the retrieving handle are transferred to each of the handle and the head. A method of use is also provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to aquatic plant removal and more specifically to a rake for removing aquatic plants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of devices and methods relating to aquatic plant removal are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,748,728 issued in the name of Hay, U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,318 issued in the name of Savas, U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,337 issued in the name of Peterson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,105 issued in the name Roth, U.S. Pat. No. 5,079,905 issued in the name of Bergstrom and U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,054 issued in the name of Kramer.

Conventional aquatic plant removal rakes include only one row of tines and must be oriented in a body of water with the tines faring towards a ground surface to properly remove vegetation.

While existing devices suit their intended purposes, the need remains for a device that provides an easily portable aquatic plant removal rake that is formed from lightweight materials, provides a user with convenient storage and transportation, and is adapted to remove both subaquatic and emergent aquatic vegetation regardless of the orientation of the rake in a body of water.

The present invention provides an easily portable aquatic plant removal rake that provides a user with convenient storage and transport thereof, and that is adapted to remove both subaquatic and emergent aquatic vegetation.

SUMMARY

The aquatic plant removal rake includes a head, having at least one co-planar set of tines integrally formed thereupon, a plurality of implement lugs integrally formed thereupon, and a handle aperture adapted to receive a handle therethrough; a handle having a handle cord end that includes an eyelet adapted to receive a cord therethrough, and a handle head end that includes a handle locating protrusion and that is adapted to be received by the head; a retrieving handle including a retrieving handle cord aperture integrally formed thereupon and adapted to receive a cord, and a grip adapted to be gripped by a user or users; and a cord adapted to place each of the handle and the retrieving handle in mechanical communication with one another, whereby forces transmitted to the retrieving handle are transferred to each of the handle and the head. A method of use is also provided that allows for vegetation removal regardless of orientation of the rake with respect to a ground surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes a vegetation removal rake. The rake is an aquatic plant removal rake for subaquatic and emergent aquatic vegetation removal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As defined herein, the terminology aquatic vegetation or aquatic plant includes any aquatic plant or aquatic algae.

As defined herein, the terminology subaquatic or subaqueous vegetation includes any vegetation located, either in whole or in part, below the surface of a body of water.

As defined herein, the terminology emergent aquatic vegetation includes any vegetation having any portion thereof above or upon the surface of a body of water.

As defined herein, the terminology a body of water includes any ocean, lake, pond, river, stream, creek, flooding, or any other area or surface covered by water.

In general,FIGS. 1-19,22illustrate several embodiments of an aquatic plant removal rake;FIGS. 20-21illustrate a method of using the aquatic plant removal rake shown inFIGS. 1-19, and22.

FIGS. 1-3,8,11-12illustrate an aquatic plant removal rake10, andFIGS. 5-7, and9-10illustrate portions of the rake10.FIGS. 1,8and12illustrates perspective views of the aquatic plant removal rake10in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2-3illustrate exploded views of an aquatic plant removal rake10in accordance an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4illustrates an end view of an aquatic plant removal rake in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5illustrates a partial top view of the aquatic plant removal rake10in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the rake10taken along section line6-6ofFIG. 5in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7is a partial detail view of the cross-sectional view of the encircled portion53of the rake shown inFIG. 6in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9-10illustrate detailed perspective views of the portions21and23of the rake10shown inFIG. 8.

Referring in particular toFIGS. 1-12, the rake10generally including: a head12, the head12having at least one co-planar set of tines14integrally formed thereupon, a plurality of implement lugs16integrally formed thereupon, and a handle aperture18, the handle aperture18adapted to receive a handle20therethrough; a handle20, the handle20having a handle cord end22that includes an eyelet24adapted to receive a cord26(shown inFIGS. 10-12) therethrough, and a handle head end28that includes a handle locating protrusion30and that is adapted to be received by the head12; a retrieving handle32, the retrieving handle32including a retrieving handle cord aperture34integrally formed thereupon and adapted to receive a cord26(shown inFIGS. 10-12), and a grip36adapted to be gripped by a user or users; and a cord26(shown inFIGS. 10-12), the cord26adapted to place each of the handle20and the retrieving handle32in mechanical communication with one another, whereby forces transmitted to the retrieving handle32are transferred to each of the handle20and the head12.

In one embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 2, the rake10includes the head12having a handle aperture18. The handle aperture18may include an opening defining a hole passing through the head12. The handle aperture18may be adapted to receive a handle20therethrough.

In another embodiment of the invention, the handle aperture18may include helical threads (not shown), the threads adapted to receive and mechanically engage corresponding helical threads formed upon the handle20.

In one embodiment of the invention, shown inFIG. 2as an exploded perspective view of an aquatic plant removal rake10includes a handle20defined as an elongate member having a head end28and a cord end22. The handle20may be adapted to be received and retained by the head12, such that the handle20is removably secured thereto.

In another embodiment of the invention, the cord end22of the handle20may include an eyelet24, the eyelet24having a generally circular form and adapted to receive a cord26therethrough, whereupon the cord26may be knotted or crimped, thereby removably securing the cord26to the handle20.

As shown inFIG. 2the handle includes a shank74that defines the cord end22of the handle, the shank operating to define the length of the handle20, and further operating as a handle20, providing a user a convenient point at which to grip the handle20. The shank74having a predefined diameter.

In one embodiment of the invention, as shown inFIG. 2, the shank74may be a solid tube having an associated peripheral wall.

In another embodiment of the invention, the shank74may have a hollow cross-sectional profile (not shown).

In one embodiment of the invention, the handle20may include at least one cord retaining clip76affixed to the shank74. The cord retaining clips76may operate to be placed in mechanical engagement with the cord26(not shown), whereby the cord26is removably secured to the shank74and is prevented from being inadvertently released therefrom.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIG. 2, the at least one cord retaining clip76may include a pair of diametrically-opposed prongs78formed upon the shank74to retain the cord26therein.

In one embodiment of the invention, shown inFIG. 2, the head end28of the handle20includes a predefined diameter adapted to pass through the handle aperture18; a handle locating protrusion30; and an opening defining a retaining ring hole80.

In an embodiment of the invention, shown inFIGS. 2-3, the head end28of the handle20may be further adapted to receive a retaining washer82thereupon, the retaining washer82adapted to cooperate with the head12to securably retain the head end28of the handle20in mechanical engagement with the head12.

In an embodiment of the invention, the retaining ring hole80(shown inFIG. 2) may be adapted to receive a split ring84therethrough, the split ring84adapted to cooperate with each of the head, the head end of the handle28, and the retaining washer82to retain the head end of the handle28in mechanical engagement with the head12. The split ring84may be any of those which are commonly known in the art.

In one embodiment of the invention, the handle locating protrusion30(shown inFIG. 2) includes a raised ring that may be formed or placed upon the handle20that operates to prevent the head end28of the handle20from passing more than a predefined distance through the handle aperture18. The handle locating protrusion30may operate to halt passage of the head end28of the handle20through the handle aperture18by having a predefined diameter greater than that of the handle aperture18.

In one embodiment of the invention, the handle locating protrusion30may be integrally formed with the head end of the handle28.

In another embodiment of the invention, the handle locating protrusion30may be a ring that is pressed or pushed onto the head end of the handle28. The ring may be a tight friction fit, or may be secured to the head end of the handle28in a desired position via adhesive, welding, or other suitable means of attachment.

In one embodiment of the invention, the handle20may be formed of any material providing sufficient rigidity, resilience, corrosion resistance, and durability. Materials from which the handle20may be formed include, but are not limited to: steel, stainless steel, aluminum, non-metallic composites, and plastics.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIGS. 3-4, the head12includes a predefined length L1(shown in more detail inFIG. 3) defined by a first head end38and a second head end40; a tine face42(shown inFIG. 4) having at least one generally coplanar row of tines14formed thereupon; a reinforcing face44, the reinforcing face44having at least one reinforcing rib46formed thereupon, and a wall48(shown inFIG. 3), the wall48having a predefined length equal to length L1defined by the length of the head12and operating to separate the tine face42and the reinforcing face44from one another; at least one implement attachment lug16integrally formed thereupon; and a handle aperture18, the handle aperture18adapted to receive the handle20therethrough.

In one embodiment of the invention, the head12may be formed of any material of sufficient rigidity to prevent deformation of the head12whilst the rake10is being retrieved or engaging aquatic vegetation.

In another embodiment of the invention, the head12may be formed of any material having a neutral or negative buoyancy such that the head12does not float when placed into water, but instead may either remain submerged at a desired depth or may sink.

Materials that may be used to form the head12may include, but are not limited to: polyvinyl chloride, plastics, thermoplastics, metals, non-metallic composites, or any other material having the desired characteristics.

The head12is adapted to be used in an orientation that is substantially parallel to a ground surface supporting the aquatic vegetation. An additional row of tines14allows the orientation of the rake to cause either row of tines to contact the vegetation.

In an embodiment of the invention, shown inFIGS. 1-3,8and11-12,8, the rake10includes a head12including at least one reinforcing rib46, the reinforcing rib46adapted to provide added rigidity to the head12such that deformation of the head12when the head12is placed under a load is minimized.

In an embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing rib46of the rake10is formed on the reinforcing face44(shown inFIG. 4) of the head12and includes an associated length L2, which may correspond to the length of the head12; an associated width W2, the width defined by the extent of the protrusion of the reinforcing rib46from the reinforcing face44; and an associated thickness T2, the thickness defined by the distance between an upper rib surface66and a lower rib surface68, as illustrated inFIG. 4.

FIG. 5illustrates a partial top view of the aquatic plant removal rake10in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the rake10taken along section line6-6ofFIG. 5in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIGS. 3-5, and7the tine face42of the head12(shown as a top plan view inFIG. 5) includes an arcuate cross-sectional profile (shown inFIG. 4) defined by a plurality of tine apices50(shown inFIG. 7) and the wall48.

In one embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 5-7, the tines14include a plurality of coplanar triangular protrusions52, each respective triangular protrusion including both an associated base54and an associated tine apex50.

In one embodiment of the invention, shown inFIGS. 3,5-7the tines14include a plurality of coplanar triangular protrusions52formed in a linear array extending along the tine face42of the head12, with the length of the linear array defined by each of the first head end38and the second head end40.

In another embodiment of the invention, as shown inFIG. 1the tines14may include a plurality of rows of tines14, with each respective row of tines14formed such that each row of tines14is substantially parallel to each of the other respective rows of tines14of the plurality of rows of tines14.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIG. 7the tines14include a plurality of radii56, with each respective radius56formed between the respective associated bases54of two adjacent triangular protrusions52, with each respective radius56adapted to engage and retain aquatic vegetation therein.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIGS. 4,6-7, the head12includes a plurality of implement lugs16. Each respective implement lug16of the plurality of implement lugs16may include an implement aperture58formed in the wall48and adapted to provide a means whereby a fastener60may pass through the wall48. In one embodiment of the invention, the fastener60may be a helically-threaded bolt or screw, as is commonly known in the art.

In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIGS. 4,5-7, each respective implement lug16may include a nut-receiving cavity62, the nut-receiving cavity62including a peripheral wall adapted to receive a helically-threaded nut66having a plurality of sides therein. The peripheral wall of the nut-receiving cavity62may be further adapted to engage the plurality of sides of the nut66such that the nut66is unable to rotate within the nut-receiving cavity62whereby the nut66need not be held by a user when the fastener60is threaded into the nut66.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIGS. 9-10, rake portion21includes the head12includes a first cord storage notch70and a second cord storage notch72as shown inFIG. 10. Each of the cord storage notches70,72is respectively formed at the first head end38and second head end40(shown inFIG. 8), respectively. Each of the cord storage notches70,72may include an arcuate portion formed in each of the first and second head ends38,40as illustrated inFIG. 8.

As illustrated inFIGS. 9-10, the cord storage notches70,72may permit a cord26(included in portion23shown inFIG. 10) to wrapped around the head12longitudinally, such that the cord storage notches70,72operate to retain the cord26from sliding off of the first and second head ends38,40(shown inFIG. 8) when the cord26is wrapped around the head12.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIGS. 1-3,8,11-13,15, and18-19aquatic plant removal rakes10(FIGS. 1-3,8,11-12),300(FIG. 13),700(FIG. 15), and800(FIGS. 18-19) may include a retrieving handle32. The retrieving handle32may be formed of any geometric shape having an opening formed therethrough adapted to allow fingers of a user to pass therethough, whereby a user may easily grasp the retrieving handle32. As shown in the non-limiting embodiments ofFIGS. 1-3,8,11-13,15, and18-19, the handle is depicted for illustrative purposes as having an obround shape.

In another embodiment of the invention, the retrieving handle32includes a retrieving handle cord aperture34, the cord aperture34adapted to receive the cord26(shown inFIGS. 10-12). The cord26may then be knotted or crimped, whereby the cord26is fixably secured to the retrieving handle32.

In one embodiment of the invention, the retrieving handle32may be formed from any material having sufficient rigidity, resilience, corrosion resistance, and durability. The retrieving handle32may be formed from materials including, but not limited to: steel, stainless steel, aluminum, non-metallic composites, and plastics.

In one embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 10-12, the aquatic plant removal rake10includes a cord26. The cord26is adapted to place the handle20in mechanical communication with the retrieving handle32.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIG. 11the cord26includes a handle end88and a retrieving handle end90. The cord26also includes a predefined length L3, the length L3defined by the cord handle end22and the cord retrieving handle end90.

The cord26has a predefined diameter D3. The diameter D3of the cord26may correspond with the desired strength of the cord26, as a larger diameter cord26, given the same material, has a higher breaking point than that of a cord26formed from the same material and of a smaller diameter.

The cord26may be formed of any material having sufficient strength, elasticity, abrasion resistance, ultraviolet light resistance, corrosion resistance, and light weight.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cord26may be formed from materials including, but not limited to: rope, twine, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, metal cable, coated metal cable, or the like.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIGS. 13-14and18-19, the aquatic weed rakes300,800may include a float92. The float92may include a generally arcuate cross-sectional profile and further include a predefined length L4, the predefined length L4defined by a first float end94and a second float end96. The float92may also include an associated predefined thickness T4, the predefined thickness T4defined by the distance between an inner float surface98and an outer float surface100.

The float92may be formed from any material having sufficient buoyancy to sustain the aquatic plant removal rake10at the surface of a body of water. The material used to form must also be resistant to water absorption, resistant to degradation due to ultraviolet light, and sufficiently rigid so as to retain the shape of the float92when pulled through the water.

In one embodiment of the invention, the float92may be formed from materials including, but not limited to open- or closed-cell polyethylene foam and open- or closed-cell ethylene-vinyl acetate foam.

The rake300including a float92is similar in structure to rakes10(shown inFIGS. 1-12). In one embodiment of the invention, the fasteners60operate to retain the float92to head12may include helically threaded bolts or machine screws, each adapted to mechanically engage a corresponding helically threaded nut66retained in the implement lug16.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIG. 14as a portion of the rake300shown inFIG. 13, the float92may also include a plurality of float attachment points102. The plurality of float attachment points102may be a plurality of openings defining a plurality of holes, wherein each of the respective holes of the plurality of holes may be adapted to allow the fastener60to freely pass therethrough.

As illustrated inFIG. 14, the plurality of float attachment points102may correspondingly align with the at least one implement lug16of the head12, whereby the alignment of the plurality of float attachment points102with the implement lugs16permits a fastener60to first pass through a float attachment point102and then to engage an implement lug16, whereby the float92is held in secure mechanical engagement to the head12.

As illustrated inFIG. 14, in an embodiment of the invention, both a fastener60and a bushing104may pass through the float attachment points102. The busing operates to prevent the float92from being crushed by any compressive force generated by a fastener60passing through the float attachment points102and engaging the implement lugs16.

In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIG. 15, an aquatic plant removal rake700may include an ejector106. The ejector106is adapted to conveniently remove vegetation from the rake head12in an expeditious manner.

In one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated inFIG. 15, the ejector106generally including an injector rod120and a ejector handle146. The ejector handle146is adapted to slidingly engage the handle27, and further adapted to engage and retain each of the first elastic member ends110a,110bthereupon; and a plurality of fasteners60, the plurality of fasteners60adapted to engage each of the second elastic member ends112a,112band the implement attachment lugs formed in the head12, whereby each of the second elastic member end112a,112bare retained in secure mechanical engagement with the head12. In an embodiment of the invention, the injector rod includes a pair of elastic members108a,108b, the elastic members108a,108beach having a first elastic member end110a,110band a second elastic member end112a,112band adapted to engage aquatic vegetation retained in the tines14, and further adapted to elastically elongate when a tensioning force is applied thereto.

In one embodiment of the invention, the ejector handle146may slide along the handle27. In order to eject aquatic plants from the head12, the ejector handle146may be drawn along the handle27, away from the head12. Drawing the ejector handle146away from the head12causes a tensioning force to be applied to the elastic members108a,108b, as each elastic member108a,108bis held in secure mechanical engagement to the head12at each respective second elastic member end112a,112b. Drawing the ejector handle146away from the head12, causes the first elastic member ends110a,110bto move with the ejector handle146, whereby the first elastic member ends110a,110bof the elastic members108a,108bare displaced from the head12. The displacement of the elastic members108a,108boperates to eject aquatic vegetation retained in the tines14. Following ejection of the aquatic vegetation, the ejector handle146may be released, whereby the tensioning force in the elastic members108a,108bwill return the elastic members108a,108bto the stowed position inFIG. 18.

The ejector rod120includes an elongate member122, the elongate member122having a first rod end124, a second rod end126, and a central rod aperture128.

In one embodiment of the invention, each of the first rod end124and second rod end126include an associated rod guide130, with each respective rod guide130adapted to slidingly engage a rod guide pin132. Each respective rod guide130may be formed as an aperture in each of the first and second rod end126.

In one embodiment of the invention, each respective rod guide pin132may include a guide end134adapted to slidingly engage a rod guide130and a threaded end136adapted to be placed in secure mechanical engagement with an implement lug16(shown inFIG. 19) formed in the head12.

In another embodiment of the invention, the central rod aperture128is adapted to slidingly engage the handle27and is further adapted to be placed in mechanical engagement with an ejector spring138(shown in more detail inFIG. 17). As shown for illustrative purposes inFIG. 15-17, the ejector spring138may be formed as a coil spring having an associated inner spring diameter142and an outer spring diameter144(as shown in more detail inFIG. 16). The inner spring diameter142may be of sufficient size so as to allow the handle27to freely slide therethrough. The outer spring diameter144may be of sufficient size so as to be captured and retained by an ejector handle146.

In an embodiment of the invention, shown inFIG. 15, including the ejector spring138, the handle27may include a spring stop148, the spring stop148including a portion of the handle27having a larger diameter than the remainder of the handle27, the larger diameter corresponding to a diameter greater than that of inner spring diameter142but less than the diameter of the collar114.

In another embodiment of the invention, the spring stop148may include a ring or other protrusion similar to that described above with respect to the handle locating protrusion30with reference toFIG. 2.

In one embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 15the ejector handle146may be integrally formed with the ejector rod120and include a tubular form having a round and hollow cross-sectional profile and including an inner handle opening150adapted to slidingly receive each of the handle27and the ejector spring138therethrough; an outer handle surface160adapted to be grasped by a user's hand; and a spring bearing surface154formed at a lower end156of the ejector handle146and adapted to receive the ejector spring138in mechanical engagement thereupon.

In one embodiment of the invention, the inner handle opening150has a diameter greater than that of each of the handle27, the outer spring diameter144, and the spring stop148, so as to allow each of handle27, the ejector spring138and the spring stop148to pass freely therethrough.

In one embodiment of the invention, the outer handle surface160is adapted to be grasped by a user of the aquatic plant removal rake700. The outer handle surface160may include a diameter that permits a user's hand to easily and comfortably grasp the outer handle surface160, and may further include a textured surface to enhance friction between a user's hand and the outer handle surface160, such as knurling.

In another embodiment of the invention, the spring bearing surface154may include an annular plate formed at a lower end of the ejector handle156. The spring bearing surface154may be integrally formed with each of the inner handle opening150and the outer handle surface152, thereby taking the form of a hollow cylinder. The spring bearing surface154may include an annular opening defining a handle hole158, the handle hole158including a diameter of a size sufficiently large to allow the passage of the handle27therethrough and of a size sufficiently small so as to prevent the passage of each of the ejector spring138and the spring stop148therethrough.

As illustrated inFIG. 15, the ejector handle146may include a raised grip surface160, the raised grip surface160operating to provide a adaptability in the ease of a user gripping the ejector handle146.

In another embodiment of the invention, also illustrated inFIG. 15, the ejector handle146may include cord retaining clips76. The cord retaining clips76may include at least one prong adapted to removably secure the cord26(not shown) to the ejector handle146such that the cord26may be neatly stored, and the clips76may be integrally formed with the ejector handle146.

The rake800including a float92(as described with reference toFIGS. 18-19herein) shown inFIGS. 18-19is similar in structure to the rake700shown inFIG. 15that includes an ejector106.

In an embodiment of the invention, each of the elastic members108includes a stowed position164(shown inFIG. 18) and an extended position166(shown inFIG. 19). In the stowed position164, each of the elastic members108a,108brests upon the tine face42of the head12, between the rows of tines14.

In an embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 18-19, respectively, the ejector handle146may include a stowed position164and an ejecting position166. In the stowed position164, the ejector rod120may rest between the rows of tines14on the tine face42of the head12.

In an embodiment of the invention, the ejector handle146may be moved to the ejecting position166by the movement of the ejector handle146away from the head12by way of sliding the ejector handle146along the handle27until such time as the spring bearing surface154and the ejector spring138cooperate with the spring stop148to limit the motion of the ejector handle146with respect to the handle27. Such a movement of the ejector handle146draws the ejector rod120from between the rows of tines14to a position outside of the rows of tines14, whereby aquatic vegetation retained in the tines14is ejected therefrom.

Movement of the ejector handle146described above operates to compress the ejector spring138a predefined distance, the predefined distance determined by an inherent spring rate of the spring and the amount of force applied to the ejector handle146. When the ejector handle146is released, the ejector spring138returns to its uncompressed length, thereby returning the ejector handle146, and consequently the ejector rod120, to their respective stowed positions164.

A method of using the aquatic plant removal rake to remove aquatic plants from a body of water is also provided and illustrated in flowcharts depicted inFIGS. 20-21.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method200of using the aquatic plant removal rake to remove aquatic plants from a body of water includes: removing the cord26from the cord retaining clips76(202); unwinding the cord26from around the head12(204); deploying the aquatic plant removal rake10by placing the head12at a desired point within a body of water (205); orienting the rake with respect to vegetation to allow at least one row of tines to contact vegetation (206); retrieving the head12using the retrieval handle and cord26(208), whereby aquatic vegetation in the body of water is mechanically engaged and retained by the tines14; and removing the aquatic plants from the tines14(210).

In another embodiment of the invention, the method of using the aquatic plant removal rake may include allowing the head12to sink to a desired depth in the body of water, such that vegetation at the desired depth may be removed. The orientation of the rake with respect to a ground surface and to the respective vegetation may be in any direction that allows the rake head12to contact the vegetation. Either side of the head12may contact the vegetation to remove the vegetation thereby allowing for a “self-orienting” rake.

Conventional rakes with only one set of tines are typically formed such that the handle is perpendicular to downward facing tines (L-shaped rake) and removes vegetation when the rake is oriented such that the rake handle is substantially parallel handle to a ground surface. Unlike the rake of the present invention, conventional rakes function to remove vegetation only when the set of tines are properly oriented with respect to the ground surface.

FIG. 22illustrates an in use view of the rake head, in particular the tines14of the head12contacting aquatic vegetation702to remove the vegetation from the body of water704.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method210of removing the aquatic plants from the tines, depicted in the flowcharts referenced in FIGS.20-21, may include a user sliding the ejector handle146away from the head12(212) (shown inFIG. 21), such that aquatic plants engaged and retained by the plurality of tines14may be ejected therefrom by the ejector rod120.

In another embodiment of the invention, (illustrated inFIG. 21) the method of using the aquatic plant removal rake700may include a user releasing the ejector handle146(214), whereby the ejector rod120returns to a stowed position164.

In another embodiment of the invention including a pair of elastic members708a,708b, a user may eject aquatic vegetation from a rake900, similar to rakes700, and800described herein, by pulling a collar714, which in turn, stretches the elastic members708a,708band operates to eject vegetation from the rake900.

In another embodiment of the invention including a pair of elastic members708a,708b, the user may release the collar714, whereby the collar is retracted along the handle727toward a head712, thereby returning the elastic members708a,708bto each of their respective stowed positions716.

In an embodiment of the invention, the methods200,210may be repeated until a desired amount of aquatic vegetation has been cleared from a desired area of the body of water.

While several aspects have been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that a vast number of variations exist and these aspects are merely an example, and it is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description provides those of ordinary skill in the art with a convenient guide for implementing a desired aspect of the invention and various changes can be made in the function and arrangements of the aspects of the technology without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.