Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a lawn perforating tool and method of using same to prepare new lawn or garden areas or distressed regions of existing lawns or gardens for the planting of seed, example of which include, but are not limited to, grass seed, clover seed, wildflower seed, and the like. The lawn perforating tool of the present invention is particularly configured to provide in the soil and dead grass holes or indentations of a size, shape, and depth that is optimal for receiving and germinating new grass seed and of a density and distribution suitable to provide the resulting grass with a visually desirable pattern, rendering new growth indistinguishable from old growth.

Description:
PRIORITY 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/789,368 filed Apr. 5, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a tool for perforating lawn and garden areas in preparation for seed applications. More particularly, the invention relates to a lawn perforating tool and method of using same to prepare new lawn or garden areas or distressed regions of existing lawns or gardens for the planting of new seed, for example grass seed, clover seed, wildflower seed, and the like. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Diseases, pests, irrigation difficulties and other factors can create regions of dead and/or dying grass and/or bare soil in existing lawns. Prior to sowing seed in these regions, so as to restore the lawn, one must first prepare the ground for planting. To that end, it is necessary to produce indentations or holes (also referred to herein as “perforations”) in the lawn, preferably of a depth and size that maximizes seed-to-soil contact and is suitable for the germination of seed placed therein. The distribution of the holes must have density sufficient to allow the resulting plant growth to form a continuous grassy surface. In addition, it is desirable to provide spacing between the holes, and to the pattern the holes in a non-uniform manner to thereby prevent the resulting grass from having a visually objectionable pattern. A tool optimized for this utility should also be capable of tilling or plowing the neighboring earth; in particular, it is desirable to push up and loosen the soil around the hole so as to create a soft mound of soil that will readily crumble around the seed after watering. Finally, it is further desirable to configure the tool to minimize operator fatigue and muscle strain or, alternatively, to work in conjunction with a powered implement, such as a tractor or small engine. 
   There are a number of commercially available tools designed to loosen, cut, crumble and/or cultivate garden soil or the like. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,605,907 (Schuring et al.), 4,424,869 (vom Braucke et al.), and 4,678,043 (vom Braucke et al.) disclose various small hand tools specifically designed for such purposes. In addition, a variety of manual and automated lawn seeding machines are known in the art. However, none of the presently available options are capable of producing the optimized lawn perforations as described above while at the same time maximizing efficiency and minimizing operator fatigue. Thus, there remains a clear need in the art for a lawn tool capable of efficiently and effectively preparing a damaged area of lawn for reseeding. The present invention is directed to such a need. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved lawn perforating tool which allows a user to prepare a new lawn area or damaged area of lawn for seeding. To that end, the present invention provides a unique lawn perforating tool having working head composed of a series of intersecting, non-planar, wheel-like perforating plates that freely rotate about a working head axle, each of the perforating plates provided with two or more angled radial arms particularly configured to not only penetrate soil to a desired depth but also produce a non-uniform pattern of perforations optimal for new growth. 
   It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more aspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or more other aspects can meet certain other objectives. Each objective may not apply equally, in all its respects, to every aspect of this invention. As such, the following objects can be viewed in the alternative with respect to any one aspect of this invention. 
   It is, accordingly, an object of this invention to provide a lawn perforating tool which allows a user to prepare a lawn, particularly one or more damaged lawn areas, for seeding (or reseeding). 
   It is also an object of this invention to provide a lawn perforating tool which produces indentations or holes having non-uniform, irregular spacing and a controlled depth in areas of soil and dead grass. 
   It is further an object of the present invention to provide a lawn perforating tool that penetrates the soil in a sideways direction, creating an optimally sized, shaped, and positioned hole that can readily receive seed. In a preferred embodiment, this sideways action provides the tool with a tilling or plowing action, by loosening, and/or softening neighboring soil and creating soft mounds of soil that will readily crumble around a seed after watering. 
   It is further an object of this invention to provide a lawn perforating tool that prepares lawn areas for seeding while minimizing operator fatigue. To that end, in a preferred embodiment, it may be desirable to include an adjustable handle portion, for example utilizing telescoping shafts or tubes, and/or one or more ergonomic, elastomeric hand grips. In another embodiment, the lawn perforating tool may be coupled to powered implement such as a tractor of small engine. 
   These and other objects and features of the invention will become more fully apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying figures and examples. However, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are of a preferred embodiment, and not restrictive of the invention or other alternate embodiments of the invention. In particular, while the invention is described herein with reference to a number of specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative of the invention and is not constructed as limiting of the invention. Various modifications and applications may occur to those who are skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as described by the appended claims. 
   Likewise, other objects, features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from this summary and certain embodiments described below, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such objects, features, benefits and advantages will be apparent from the above as taken into conjunction with the accompanying examples, data, figures and all reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom, alone or with consideration of the references incorporated herein. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Various aspects and applications of the present invention will become apparent to the skilled artisan upon consideration of the brief description of the figures and the detailed description of the present invention and its preferred embodiments which follows: 
       FIG. 1  depicts a single shaft embodiment of a lawn perforating tool designed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a double shaft embodiment of a lawn perforating tool designed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3A  depicts a portion of a lawn having dead and dying grass, and bare soil following preparation for planting with seed using a lawn perforating tool designed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIG. 3B  depicts a hole created in soil by a lawn perforating tool designed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, more particularly a plurality seeds filling the hole. The mouth of the hole is sufficiently wide so as to readily accept seeds. The hole then tapers to a small niche, the taper funneling seeds down to contact the soil, enhancing seed-to-soil contact which is critical to germination. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  present perspective and front elevational views, respectively, of a first embodiment of the perforating plates of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the perforating plates of  FIG. 4  assembled in coordinating arrangement as rotatable subassemblies. 
       FIG. 6  is a front elevational sectional view of the objects of  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the perforating plates of a second embodiment, prior to assembly as facing pairs. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the facing pair of the perforating plates of  FIG. 7  in mating engagement. 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view depicting the engagement between opposing spikes and spike supports of the engaged pair of perforating plates of  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  is a front elevational sectional view depicting the engagement between opposing spikes and spike supports of the engaged facing perforating plates of  FIG. 8  as well as the inclusion of the intervening spacer element. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of exemplary telescoping handles that may be used in accordance with a lawn perforating tool of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. However, before the present materials and methods are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular sizes, shapes, dimensions, materials, methodologies, protocols, etc. described herein, as these may vary in accordance with routine experimentation and optimization. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims. 
   Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. However, in case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. 
   In the context of the present invention, the following definitions apply: 
   The words “a”, “an” and “the” as used herein mean “at least one” unless otherwise specifically indicated. Thus, for example, reference to a “rotatable plate” is a reference to one or more such plates and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. 
   The term “proximal” as used herein refers to that end or portion which is situated closest to the user of the device, farthest away from the working head and earthen area being treated. In the context of the present invention, the proximal end of the inventive device includes the handle portion. 
   The term “distal” as used herein refers to that end or portion situated farthest away from the user of the device, closest to the earthen site. In the context of the present invention, the distal end of the inventive device includes the working head and plurality of rotatable perforating plates. 
   The term “rotational” is used herein to refer to the revolutionary movement of the perforating plates, more particularly paired plate assemblies, about the axle. In the context of the present invention, rotation of the paired plate assemblies results in the production holes or indentations (i.e., perforations) in the soil, such perforations having size and shape optimized for receiving grass seed and present in a random or non-uniform pattern of perforations therein. 
   The term “axial” as used herein refers to the direction relating to or parallel with the longitudinal axis of the device. In the context of the present invention, the application of axial force to the device by the user, for example by pushing the handle portion and/or pressing the optional foot bar, results in both a downward pressure that drives the sharpened tines (i.e., spikes) of the perforating plates into the soil so as to produce one or more holes or indentations (i.e., perforations) in the soil suitable for receiving seeds, for example grass seeds, and a forward pressure that drives the rotation of the paired plate assemblies, which, in turn, results a random pattern of perforations in the soil. 
   As used herein, the term “tapered” refers to a gradual decrease in size toward a sharp point or tip. Likewise, the term “beveled” is used herein to refer to a surface or end that is slanted or inclined, at an angle other than 90 degrees. In the context of the present invention, each perforating plate is comprised of a plurality of radially projecting arms. In one embodiment, the free ends of the arms may be tapered spikes or tines, each of which is provided with a sharp knife-like edge. In another embodiment, the free arm ends are alternately tapered or beveled. The tapered arms are referred to herein as spikes or tines while the beveled arms are referred to as spike supports. In either embodiment, the spikes should be sufficiently sharp, provided with one or more cutting edges capable of slicing grass and puncturing soil, thereby creating holes or indentations (“perforations”) sized and shaped to readily receive grass seed and allow it to germinate and grow. More particularly, each spike is preferably sized and shaped to yield a perforation the can receive 1 to 5 seeds, more preferably 2 to 4 seeds, thereby avoiding the problems of overlapping and crowding of grass seed which, in turn, can result in dampening off or seed rot. To that end, the length of each spike is preferably 1 to 4 inches, more preferably about 3 inches. 
   As used herein, the term “acute” refers to an angle that is less than 90 degrees. Conversely, the term “obtuse” refers to an angle that is more than 90 degrees. 
   As used herein, the term “convex” refers to a surface or boundary that curves or bulges outward, as the exterior of a sphere. Conversely, the term “concave” refers to surface or boundary that curves inward, as the inner surface of a sphere. The perforating plates of the present invention have overall non-planar configuration that may be described as “convex” or “concave”, depending upon the point of reference. This configuration results from the fact that at least one of the radially projecting arms of each penetrating plate is disposed at an angle relative to a central bore axis. This angled arrangement allows one or more of the radial arms to penetrate the soil in a sideways direction, thereby creating holes of optimized size, shape, depth, and density. 
   As discussed above, the lawn perforating tool of the present invention is composed of a handle portion and a working portion. The handle portion preferably includes one or more drive shafts. It is desirable for each drive shaft to be “fitted” to the intended user or application, for example through the use of telescoping tubes that allow the overall length of the drive shaft to be adjusted as needed. In addition, depending upon the application, each drive shaft may be relatively straight or bent, at a fixed or adjustable angle. Each drive shaft is preferably formed from a suitably rigid and durable material capable of withstanding without bending. Examples of such materials include metals, particularly steel, iron and aluminum, and rigid plastics such as thermoset polyurethane, polycarbonates, and PVC. Materials with a tensile strength of at least 7,000 Psi, more preferably at least 10,000 Psi, even more preferably 12,000 Psi or higher are most suitable. The selected material be initially fabricated and subsequently formed into one or more tool components using any conventional process, for example through casting, molding or extrusion processes. 
   When designed for human powering, each drive shaft is preferably provided with one or more hand grips. The one or more hand grips are preferably formed from a soft elastomeric material, such as rubber, thermoplastic polyolefins, and polyethylenes. In one preferred embodiment, the hand grips are slidably disposed about the proximal end of the drive shafts and provided with one or more finger recesses. In a preferred embodiment, the hand grips extend from the drive shaft in a relatively transverse fashion. In certain preferred embodiments, the relative angle between each hand grip and drive shaft may be adjusted to suit the individual user or intended use. 
   When designed for use with a powered or motorized implement, such as tractor or small engine, the drive shaft(s) may be provided with a connecting means, for example a cupped element designed to engage a standard trailer hitch. 
   In contrast to conventional tools for loosening, cutting or crumbling garden soil, most of which are hand tools, the lawn perforating device of the present invention is in one embodiment designed to be powered by a user&#39;s leg or foot, with the user&#39;s hands serving to hold the device upright and guide it along its intended path. By placing one&#39;s foot on the working head end, foot pressure combine with human weight to drive the wheels in a downward direction, forcing the spikes to the requisite depth for seed germination (typically about 1 to 2 inches). Furthermore, moving the working head over grass areas in a back and forth fashion with one&#39;s leg or foot results in a random pattern of holes or indentations. This non-uniform hole pattern provides the best possible opportunity for seed to knit together to, in turn, create a uniform lawn. In contrast, conventional seeding tools typically plant seeds in rows, leaving obvious areas of bare soil. 
   In the context of the present invention, the working portion or working head of the lawn perforating tool of the present invention is mounted to the distal end of the handle portion, in a generally transverse direction. At a minimum, the working head is comprised of one or more non-planar perforating plates rotatably disposed about one or more axles. Although the number of perforating plates is not critical, for optimal performance it is preferable to utilize an even number of plates arranged in paired assemblies as discussed in detail below. In a preferred embodiment, the working head is provided with two to twenty plates, more preferably four to eighteen, even more preferably eight to sixteen. In that it is preferable to arrange the perforating plates along the axle in coordinating pairs, it is desirable to provide the working head with an even number of plates. To that end, the present invention contemplates a small version, comprised of about 2 to 6 plate pairs, as well as a larger version comprised of about 6 to 16 plate pairs. In addition, the present invention contemplates a working head composed of multiple axles, such an embodiment being particularly suited for use in conjunction with a motorized implement or engine or for being towed behind a tractor or the like. 
   The working head may also include a frame member, optimally composed of a foot bar mounted above and parallel to one or more axles, said foot bar and axle(s) connected at either end by a pair of side arms. The foot bar may optionally be fitted with a non-slip surface or coating, for example a grip tape layer or knurled metal surface. Each axle preferably comprises a straight shaft that distributes energy evenly across the perforating plates so as to allow for the application of a force sufficient to accomplish the creation of holes at the correct depth. 
   Each perforating plate is comprised of a central bore, sized to allow the working head axle to slide therethrough, and a plurality of radially projecting arms extending therefrom. Although the number of radial arms is not critical to the present invention, in a preferred embodiment each perforating plate is provided with two to twelve arms, more preferably four to ten, even more preferably four to eight. As noted above, over, one or more of the radial arms disposed at an angle relative to the axle, thereby affording each plate with a non-planar appearance, optimally a concave or convex configuration, depending upon the point of reference. The angled disposition of the radial arms provides the tool with a sideways “plowing” action that yields optimized indentations in the soil. Although the invention is not limited to a particular configuration, in order to achieve the sideways plowing action, it is preferable that the angle formed by each plate arm relative to a plane that includes the central bore axis of the plate ranges from 5 to 45 degrees, more preferably 10 to 30 degrees, even more preferably 10 to 20 degrees. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the perforating plates are arranged about the axle is coordinating pairs, referred to herein a rotatable subassemblies. In assembly, first and second concave plates are arranged in an offset facing relationship, such that the radially projecting spikes of the first plate interlace with those of the second plate. More particularly, in one preferred embodiment, each tapered arm (or spike) of the first plate extends between two opposing tapered arms (or spikes) of the second plate and vice versa. When the beveled spike supports are utilized, it is preferable that the beveled ends of each spike support of the first plate rests snugly against the surface of an opposing spike on the second plate and vice versa. This arrangement of opposing arms not only affords support to the spikes when penetrating soil, thereby allowing user to apply more pressure so as to reach a depth critical for seed germination, but also enhances the overall shape of the hole that each spike creates. In particular, the hole narrows from a wide mouth to a small niche hole. The wide opening is more accepting of seed spread across it (i.e., catches seeds more easily) and the narrowing furrow funnels the seed down to contact the soil, enhancing the soil to seed contact which is important for seed germination. The spike support also creates more of a plowing action. In use, it pushes up and loosens soil around the hole. The sideways puncture and the enhanced plowing together yield a soft mound of soil that will readily crumble around the seed after watering, causing increased soil to seed contact. 
   To maintain the coordinating relationship between paired plates, it is desirable to affix the plates to the axle, for example by means of brazing or welding, or alternatively to affix each plate to the other, for example by means of a spacer mechanism. The spacer should not only provide the requisite fixed axial separation between paired plates but also maintain correct alignment of neighboring radial arms and prevent relative movement between paired plates, thereby allowing the paired plates to form single rotatable subassembly. In that the spacer may also be slidably received about the axle, it too may be afforded with a central bore. Thus, in one preferred embodiment, the spacer takes the form of a tubular sleeve. To maintain the paired plates and intermediately disposed spacer as a fixed assembly, it may be desirable to provide each with engaging elements, for example screws and mating screw threads. Alternatively, the spacer sleeve may be provided with a plurality of splines that engage a keyway disposed in the central bore of one or more plates. Other fastening mechanisms are contemplated, including more permanent fastening means such as welding and brazing. In other embodiments, the rotatable paired plate subassemblies may be fabricated as a single unit, thereby avoiding the need to maintain axial separation and alignment. 
   In addition to providing a spacer element between facing plates, it may also be desirable to include a second spacer element to separate adjacent paired assemblies. Like the first spacer element(s), the second spacer element(s) may be permanently or removably affixed to its neighboring plates. Alternatively, the spacers may simply slide freely along the axle plate pairs. 
   The lawn perforating device of the present invention is designed to slice through dead grass then puncture the lawn soil, which is often quite hard. Furthermore, in order to achieve germination, it is important that the holes in the soil extend to a sufficient depth. Although seeds may be capable of germinating at depths of less than one inch or greater than two inches, for optimal germination it is preferable to utilize a depth of about 1 to 2 inches. Thus, it is clear that a certain amount of user strength and device integrity is required. The cupped and interlaced perforating plates of the lawn perforating tool of the present invention provide the needed rigidity to apply sufficient force to accomplish the creation of the holes at the necessary depth, typically about 1 to 2 inches. Bending of the spikes will cause the wheels to rotate and roll in a rough and uneven manner which, in turn, results in poor performance or failure of the device. As discussed above, the interlacing of the radial arms gain support from each other, thus preventing bending from applied force. Nevertheless, it is still desirable to construct the perforating plates and their radial arms of high tensile strength material sufficient to accomplish the creation of holes at the necessary depth without bending. Illustrative examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, stamped aluminum, laser cut aluminum, or other cast or cut metals, as well as certain hard plastics. 
   Hereinafter, the present invention is described in more detail by reference to Figures and Examples. However, the following materials, methods, figures, and examples only illustrate aspects of the invention and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention. As such, methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. 
   Multiple embodiments of the lawn perforating device of the present invention are contemplated herein.  FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment of the lawn perforating tool of the present invention, tool  100  having an elongated proximal portion  104  forming a handle having a proximal portion  104  and a distal portion  106 . In a preferred embodiment, proximal portion  104  is offset from distal portion  104  at an angle  112 . Proximal portion  104  has at its proximal end single hand grip  108 , and at its distal end transverse element  110  from which extend a pair of hand grips  111 A and  111 B, grips  108 ,  111 A, and  111 B being formed from a suitable flexible and/or elastomeric material. Distal portion  106  has at its distal end and mounted thereto transverse assembly  114  having a rigidly mounted frame portion  116 , and paired plate subassemblies  118  rotatably mounted to portion  116 . 
   Depending on the size of the damaged lawn area, one may opt for a smaller version ( FIG. 1 ) or larger version ( FIG. 2 ). For example, insect infestation, drought and disease situations typically result in large areas of damaged lawn. Accordingly, a larger model would be preferred. As shown in  FIG. 2 , in addition to a pair of longer shafts ( 204 ,  206 ), each of which is provided with hand grips ( 211 A,  211 B) formed from a suitable flexible and/or elastomeric material, the larger version ( 200 ) is further provided with additional paired plate subassemblies  218  rotatably mounted to portion  216  to allow coverage of a large area in less time and with less effort. Conversely, pets spot areas and areas along curbs tend to be smaller, more confined, and thus are more suited for treatment with the smaller model of  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the smaller model is provided with more concentrated spiking so as to confine perforating to the target damaged area and avoid puncturing healthy areas of the lawn. This concentrated effort maximizes efficiency while minimizing user fatigue. In either embodiment, the handle portion may be straight or optionally bent, for example at the midpoint, to maximize downward pressure and concentrate effort. 
     FIG. 3A  depicts a portion of a lawn having dead and dying grass, and bare soil following preparation for planting with seed using a lawn perforating tool designed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Specifically, lawn portion  2  has regions  4  of live grass, regions of dead grass  6 , and regions  8  with no grass. Perforations  10  formed by an implement formed in accordance with the principles of this invention, are of a size and depth suitable for the germination of grass seed placed therein. Perforations  10  occur in regions  6  of dead grass and regions  8  of bare soil. The pattern of perforations  10  when viewed in plan view as in  FIG. 3A , have an irregular spacing formed by a unique mechanism of the implement and method herein disclosed. 
     FIG. 3B  depicts a hole  20  created in soil  21  by a lawn perforating tool designed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, more particularly a plurality seeds  22  filling the hole. As depicted, the mouth  23  of the hole is sufficiently wide so as to readily accept one or more seeds, preferably one to five seeds. The hole then tapers to a small niche  24 , the taper funneling seeds down to contact the soil, enhancing seed-to-soil contact which is critical to germination. 
     FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  5  provide front elevational and perspective views of a first embodiment of the perforating plates of the present invention.  FIG. 6  is a front elevational sectional view of the objects of  FIG. 5 . Each subassembly  118  is composed of first perforating plate  120 , second perforating plate  122 , and spacer  124 , plates  120  and  122  being optionally secured to spacer  124  by welding, brazing or other suitable mechanical fastening means. In one preferred embodiment, plates  120  and  122  are secured to spacer  124  by welding. Perforating plates  120  and  122  are each provided with a plurality of radial arms  126  of width  128 , angularly spaced by angle  130  to create angular spaces  131  therebetween. Arms  126  terminate in tapered portions  132  forming knife edges  134 , herein referred to as “spikes”. Spikes  126  are formed to angle  136  with a plane normal to axis  138  of spacer  124 . Assembly  118  has a central bore or hole  142  of diameter  140  formed therethrough. 
   Multiple subassemblies are aligned for assembly onto an axle through axial holes  142 . As seen in  FIG. 5 , first subassembly  250  is separated from second subassembly  252  by second spacer  254 , which is preferably not affixed to either subassembly. Radial arms  126  (designated  226 ) of first subassembly  250  adjacent to second subassembly  252  are positioned within angular spaces  131  (designated  231  in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of second subassembly  252 . Arms  126  (designated  326  in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of second subassembly  252  are positioned within angular spaces  131  (designated  331  in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of first subassembly  250 . This relative positioning and loose meshing of arms  226  and  326  of adjacent subassemblies  118  allows first subassembly  250  to be angularly displaced (i.e., offset) relative to second subassembly  252 , the maximum amount of relative displacement being determined by width  128  of spikes  126 , and the angular spacing  130  between arms  126 . Arms  126  of subassemblies  250  and  252  together form a wedge having an included angle  156  equal to twice angle  136 . 
     FIGS. 7-10  depict an alternate embodiment of perforating plate and assembled plate pairs. Like the above-described embodiments, each subassembly  718  is composed of first perforating plate  720 , second perforating plate  722 , and spacer  724 . Assembly  718  has a central bore or hole  742  of diameter  740  formed therethrough. Plate  720  may be optionally secured to plate  722  via spacer  724 . In the embodiment depicted, the spacer is attached to first plate  720  and provided at its distal end with a series of splines  50  that interlock with the mating keyway  51  provided in the axial hole  742  of opposing plate  722 . Perforating plates  720  and  722  are each provided with a plurality of angularly spaced radial arms  726 . 
   Unlike the previous embodiment, the herein depicted alternate embodiment utilizes plates comprised of alternating tapered spikes  727  and spike supports  728 . Spikes  727  terminate in tapered portions  732  forming knife edges  734 . Both spikes and spike supports are preferably disposed at an angle  736  with a plane normal to axis  738  of spacer  724 . As best shown in  FIG. 9 , when assembled in coordinating facing pairs  718 , the beveled ends  729  of each spike support  728  of a first plate rests snugly against a side surface  730  of an opposing spike  727  on a second plate and vice versa. 
   This offset arrangement of opposing arms not only affords support to the spikes when penetrating soil, thereby allowing user to apply more pressure so as to reach a depth critical for seed germination, but also enhances the overall shape of the hole that each spike creates. In particular, the hole narrows from a wide mouth to a small niche hole. The wide opening is more accepting of seed spread across it (i.e., catches seeds more easily) and the narrowing furrow funnels the seed down to contact the soil, enhancing the soil to seed contact which is important for seed germination. The spike support also creates more of a plowing action. In use, it pushes up and loosens soil around the hole. The sideways puncture and the enhanced plowing together yield a soft mound of soil that will readily crumble around the seed after watering, causing increased soil to seed contact. 
   When assembled, the working head comprises a plurality of subassemblies  718 , the arms  726  of adjacent subassemblies loosely meshing so as to allows angular displacement between adjacent subassemblies  718 . Subassemblies  718  and spacers are designed to rotate freely on axle. 
   During use, downward force is applied to distal assembly  114  using handle  102  such that protrusions  126  are forced into the soil as assembly  114  is traversed over a region of dead grass and soil. Because subassemblies  118  and  718  are able to angularly displace from each other during rotation, the pattern of holes produced is non-uniform in spacing. The depth of the holes is determined by the downward force applied to the workhead and the wedge angle between angled arms  126  and  726 . Holes produced in this manner are optimal for the germination of seed placed therein. 
   In preferred embodiments, subassemblies  118  and  718  are formed from a suitably durable, high tensile strength material, for example a metallic material, polymeric material, or composite material. 
   In the embodiments herein described subassemblies  118  and  718  rotate on an axle mounted at its end to endplates. In other embodiments distal end  106  of elongated portion  102  is affixed to the center point of an axle and subassemblies  118  and  718  rotate on lateral portions of the axle. 
   Arms  126  and spikes  727  of the embodiments herein described are radial, of a constant width, and have a tapered end terminating in a knife-edge. Other embodiments are anticipated in which arms  126  have other, more complex shapes. For instance, the arms may be tapered over their entire length, and/or may terminate in a blunt end (e.g., spike support  728 ). Similarly, the arms may be disposed at an angle relative to a radial line when viewed in plan view. The number of protrusions on each plate may be increased or decreased. 
   Any embodiment of the lawn perforating tool of the present may be equipped with telescoping handles to ergonomically fit any body type. It is important that the tool be adjusted proportionately to the person using it as the action of the working head with leg/foot/arm requires the correct handle length to work comfortably and effectively. Furthermore, through correct adjustment of the telescoping handle, one can maximize the efficiency of energy transfer needed for effective use, i.e., to drive the spikes to the requisite 1 to 2 inch depth of soil penetration. An exemplary embodiment of telescoping handles, including relatively slidable proximal and distal shafts  304  and  306 ) is depicted in  FIG. 11 . Handles  311 A and  331 B may optionally be fitted with elastomeric covers (not shown) as desired. 
   INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
   The lawn perforating tool of the present invention is ideally suited to repairing damaged areas of existing lawn and preparing such for reseeding. 
   All patents and publications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. 
   While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is exemplary and explanatory in nature and is intended to illustrate the invention and its preferred embodiments. Through routine experimentation, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the invention disclosed could be provided with, for example, a larger or smaller handle, a motor and/or other attachments without departure from the spirit of the invention. 
   Other advantages and features will become apparent from the claims filed hereafter, with the scope of such claims to be determined by their reasonable equivalents, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. Thus, it should be understood that the invention is intended not to be defined by the foregoing description, but by the appended claims and their equivalents.