Patent Publication Number: US-2009223685-A1

Title: Soil aerator device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention features a hand tool that would effectively and efficiently plug the edges of a lawn or turf during an aeration task. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the present aerator. 
         FIG. 2A  shows a front view of the present aerator. 
         FIG. 2B  shows an insert close up of the tines. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention features an aerator  100  comprising an elongated base component  110  with an upper surface  112  and a lower surface  114 , a handle  120  spaced apart from the elongated base component  110 , a U-shaped bracket  130  connected to the handle  120  and also connected to the elongated base component  110 . In some embodiments, a first arm  132  and second arm  134  of the U-shaped bracket  130  connecting to the upper surface  112  of the elongated base component  110  and a region between the two shoulders  136 / 138  of the U-shaped bracket  130  connecting to the handle  120 . 
     In some embodiments, a plurality of hollow tines  140  is attached to the elongated base component  110  wherein each tine  140  has an earth-piercing end such that the earth-piercing end  142  is downwardly directed from the elongated base component  110 . The hollow tines  140  further comprising an entry hole  150  at the earth piercing end and an exit hole  160  on the side of the tine wherein dirt enters the entry hole and exits the exit hole. 
     In some embodiments, the elongated base component comprises a first bar  111 A and a second bar  111 B, each with an upper and a lower surface making up the upper and lower surface of the elongated base component. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the components of the present invention may be constructed from wood. In some embodiments, one or more of the components of the present invention may be constructed from a metal (including galvanized metal). 
     In some embodiments, the handle comprises a T-shaped, wherein a user can hold on to the top part of the T. In some embodiments, the handle has a length of about 11.5 inches to about 13 inches, preferably about 12 inches. 
     In some embodiments, the U-shaped bracket  130  forms a cavity  200  for a user to insert one foot or both feet therein to step onto the elongated base component  110 . In some embodiments, the distance from the first arm  132  to the second arm  134  is about 6 inches to about 7 inches, preferably about 6.5 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the upper surface of the elongated base component to the region between the shoulders  139  of the U-shaped bracket is about 3 inches to about 3.5 inches, preferably about 3.25 inches. 
     The tines  140  may comprise a cross section having a circular shape, square shape, rectangular shape, or oval shape. The cross-sectional size of the tine may be any size deemed appropriate by one of ordinary skill, for use in aerating the earth. 
     Various modifications of the invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Each reference cited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims.