Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of now pending U.S. Ser. No. 10/251,731, filed Sep. 21, 2002, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates in general to the field of augers. More particularly, the present invention relates to an auger for use in boring and weeding. Specifically, one preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to an auger having an extension for use primarily around the home, lawn, or garden.  
         [0004]     2. Discussion of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Historically, it was known in the prior art to use an auger device to make holes or to mix various liquids and solids.  
         [0006]     As is known to those skilled in the art, such auger attachments can be affixed to common hand tools with power sources such as an electric drill or weed eater device. However, a previously recognized problem has been that such augers are specifically usually manufactured for use with one device or the other. Needless to say, it is desirable to have an auger that can be used in the sitting or kneeling position and in a standing position with various power sources.  
         [0007]     Therefore, what is needed is an auger that can be used with a variety of household power tools and has an adjustable length. Such an auger is also preferably lightweight, yet is sufficiently strong enough to bore into harder soils. Heretofore these requirements have not been fully met without incurring various disadvantages.  
         [0008]     Previously recognized solutions also have the disadvantage of relatively high cost. As such, a preferred solution will be seen by the end-user as being cost effective.  
         [0009]     The below-referenced U.S. patents disclose embodiments that were at least in-part satisfactory for the purposes for which they were intended. The disclosures of all the below-referenced prior United States patents in their entireties are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application for purposes including, but not limited to, indicating the background of the present invention and illustrating the state of the art.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,269 discloses an auger with replaceable tips designed to cut openings through sheet plastic or fiberglass in a continuous operation making an appropriate diameter hole for planting seedlings or seeds as may be desired. The invention is comprised of a shaft with a spiral auger and a cutting tip with a cylindrical cutting edge and a recessed drilling portion as an assembly which is removably attached to the shafts with flights in it. The device can be driven by a conventional electric drill with a one-half inch chuck.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,787 discloses an auger planting tool for boring holes to conveniently implant plants into the soil. The auger planting tool can be attached to a drill or a weed trimming device. By triggering the rotating drive device, the auger tool is driven to the intended depth made for the soil. A detent ring controls the penetration of the auger tool into the soil. An auger spiral flange simultaneously provides a cutting and a screwing action attributable to the spiral configuration thereof. The auger spiral flange is fixedly attached to a shaft and includes a plurality of cutting blades and a plurality of contiguous spiral surfaces.  
       SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     By way of summary, the present invention is directed to an auger which is both lightweight and durable. One object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that can be used in a standing or sitting position and can be used with a variety of power tools. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that has one or more of the characteristics discussed above but which is relatively simple to manufacture and assemble using a minimum of equipment and is relatively inexpensive.  
         [0013]     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, these objects are achieved by providing an apparatus comprising a shaft having a first end and a second end. The first end of the shaft contains a hexagonal shape portion and the second end includes a pointed tip which is offset from center and has one flat side at a preferred angle. A disc is attached a distance from the second end. In another embodiment, a second or extension shaft is provided which is longer than the first. The second shaft has a first end and a second end. Located at the first end is a hexagonal shaped portion. At the second end there is a first shaft receiving portion with the bore therethrough. The first shaft is attached to the second shaft by a shaft locking device or pin. Having a first shaft and a second shaft allows versatility of use with different types of power tools. Moreover, it also allows the user to use the auger in both a kneeling or sitting position and a standing position. Another object of the invention is to provide a method that has one or more of the characteristics discussed above but which is relatively simple to set up and operate.  
         [0014]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, these objects are achieved by providing an inventive method. First, preferably an auger is inserted into an electric drill having opened chuck jaws. Next, a hexagonal head of the auger is inserted into the chuck jaws of the drill. The chuck jaws are then tightened around the auger&#39;s hexagonal head. A pointed, sharpened end of the auger is then inserted into the soil. And, finally, power is applied to the drill to burrow a hole into the soil or to mix a liquid or a particular solid.  
         [0015]     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the disc is provided with a serrated portion. In one embodiment, the serrated portion is a serrated edge made by a plurality of spikes lining the outside edge of the disc. Each spike is formed from at least one angled surface, which is a surface that extends from the outside edge of the disc at an angle not tangential to the circumference of the disc at the proximal end of the spike. The angled surface is not meant to include only surfaces of a single angle. The angled surface may be a planar single-angle surface, a planar multiple-angle surface, or curved surface having an arcuate shape.  
         [0016]     In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the second shaft has a plurality of holes near the second end. This allows the user to adjust the height of the tool more acutely when the first and second shafts are connected.  
         [0017]     These, and other, aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]     A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective of one preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  shows one embodiment of the auger of the device shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  shows a side view of the hexagonal shaped portion at the first end of the first shaft shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  shows a top plan view of the hexagonal shaped portion of the first end shown in  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the second shaft of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a side view of specific portions of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  shows an alternative embodiment of the auger of the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  shows an alternative embodiment of the auger attached to an alternative power source with portions of the chuck cut away for better visibility;  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative embodiment of an auger of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  shows an alternative embodiment of the second shaft;  
         [0029]      FIG. 11  shows an alternative embodiment of an auger of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 12  shows an alternative embodiment of the auger of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 13  shows an alternative embodiment of the auger attached to an alternative power source with portions of the chuck cut away for better visibility;  
         [0032]      FIG. 14  shows an alternative embodiment of an auger of the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 15  shows an alternative embodiment of the second shaft; and  
         [0034]      FIG. 16  shows an alternative embodiment of an auger of the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 17  shows an alternative embodiment of an auger of the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 18  shows an alternative embodiment of an auger of the present invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 19  shows an alternative embodiment of an auger of the present invention.  
         [0038]      FIG. 20  shows an alternative embodiment of an auger of the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 21  shows still another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0040]     In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode currently contemplated which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word “connected” or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.  
       DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0041]     The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.  
         [0000]     1. System Overview  
         [0042]     In its most basic form, the invention is an attachment to a device that provides power, such as a hand-held drill or a weed trimmer. The auger portion contains 1 to 4 discs which are rotated. They are connected to a shaft with a hex head which prevents it from slipping when power is applied. The attachment can be extended to about 26 inches long so the user can stand up while using it, and does not have to stoop over. A pin mechanism holds the first shaft to a second or extension shaft. The device is preferably zinc-coated steel so it is somewhat rust free. However, it may also be made of stainless steel. The power source can be a typical 12 volt or better electric drill, either portable, battery-operated type, or electrical or can be an electric or gas-powered weed trimmer.  
         [0000]     2. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments  
         [0043]      FIG. 1  shows a device  5  of the present invention which can be used for gardening, weeding, or the mixing of various liquids and particulate solids such as dirt, cement, and paint. The device  5  has an auger  10  including a first shaft  15 . Preferably, the first shaft  15  is approximately 15 inches long, or less, and has a first end  20  and a second end  25 . The auger  10  also has at least one disc  27  which is preferably spiraled as shown to permit a better digging and mixing capacity. The disc  27  is preferably located toward the second end  25  approximately 2 or 3 inches from a tip  28 . With the extension attached, it can also be used, for example, to dig a fencepost hole. A three-inch diameter disc is for cultivating soil and weeding, and a four-inch disc is for planting and post hole digging. Other disc sizes will be discussed below.  
         [0044]     As shown in one preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the tip  28  has an offset shaved flat side  29  which is angled approximately 15-20 degrees from center. More preferably, in another embodiment the tip has an offset shaved flat side which is angled 20 degrees from the center. In other embodiments, the tip may be triangle or diamond shaped, or screw-like to enhance boring. The tip  28  is approximately 1 inch long.  
         [0045]     At the other or first end  20  of the first shaft  15 , is a hexagonal shaped portion  50 . In the preferred embodiment shown at  FIG. 1 , the first shaft  15  is connected to a second shaft  30 . The second shaft  65  is in turn connected to a power source  35 . The power source  35  is preferably an electric drill which has a battery pack  38  and ⅜″ or ½″ chuck jaws  40 . In one preferred embodiment, a stabilizer handle  42  is also present. The power source  35  may have a forward and reverse control  45  as well as an on/off control  48 .  
         [0046]     As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the disc  27  has a leading edge  90  and a trailing edge  95  and is flexed in a spiral configuration to form the angle β. The angle β is preferably approximately 35 degrees. In an alternative embodiment, this angle is preferably approximately between 50 and 60 degrees. The outermost portion of the edges  90  and  95  are preferably sharper for enhanced digging capabilities. The disc  27  is preferably welded to the shaft  15 .  
         [0047]     In the top down angled view shown in  FIG. 2 , the spiral disc portion forms angle α. Preferably, α is less 5 degrees. More preferably, α is approximately 0.5 degrees. The disc  27  may be 2 inches, 3 inches, or 4 inches in diameter, depending on the use for the auger. The disc  27  is preferably welded to the shaft  15 .  
         [0048]     In one embodiment, the disc  27  is approximately 1¼ to 13/4 inches in diameter. This smaller diameter disc  27  is particularly advantageous when a user wishes to remove weeds from the soil. When this embodiment is placed in the soil it will grab the entire weed, including the roots and remove it without the user ever having to touch the weed itself. Furthermore, the relatively small diameter of the disc  27  will leave a smaller portion of the soil disturbed by the weed removal as opposed to any larger disc. A disc diameter less than 1¼ inch is best for punching holes in the soil to plant seeds.  
         [0049]     The second shaft  30  is preferably approximately 22-26 inches long and, as mentioned previously, has a first end  55  and a second end  65 . At the first end  55  of the second shaft, is a hexagonal portion  60 . The hexagonal portion  60  of the second shaft  30  is approximately 1.5 inches long as is the hexagonal portion  50  of the first shaft  15 .  
         [0050]     The second end  65  of the second shaft  30  includes a receiving portion  70 . The receiving portion  70  has a bore  78  (best shown in  FIG. 6 ). Preferably, the length of the receiving portion  70  is 2.75 inches and the depth of the bore  78  is approximately 2 inches while the diameter of the bore is approximately 0.5 inches. The receiving portion  70  receives the portion  50  of the first shaft  15 . In one alternative embodiment, the bore is hex shaped for receiving the hex shaped portion. In another embodiment, the shaft has a threaded portion in place of the hex portion and the bore has threads for receiving the threaded portion which is screwed therein.  
         [0051]     As best shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the hex portions  50 ,  60  have preferably diameters of less than 0.5 inches. A hole  75  is preferably located on the first shaft  15  approximately 2 inches from its outermost end.  
         [0052]      FIG. 4  shows a top down view best illustrating the outermost end of the hexagonal shaped portion  50  or  60  which are located at the first ends  20 ,  55  of the rounded shafts  15 ,  30 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 5  shows second shaft  30  which acts as an extension bar for the device  5  (not shown) adding additional length to the auger tool  10  (not shown) to allow for use of the device  5  while standing instead of stooping or bending. This extension shaft is particularly useful for older people and those with back or limb problems.  
         [0054]      FIG. 6  shows a close-up view of how the first shaft  15  is connected to the second shaft  30 . In  FIG. 6 , the tip  28  is shown at the second end  25  of the first shaft  15  as is the shaved flat side  29  of the tip. Again the flat side is offset from center and is shaved at an angle θ. Angle θ is preferably approximately 20 degrees.  
         [0055]     In  FIG. 6 , the first end  20  of the first shaft  15  is shown engaged in the receiving portion  70  at the second end  65  of the second shaft  30  as shown. The hexagonal portion  50  of the first end  20  of the first shaft  15  fits into the bore  78  at the shaft-receiving portion  70 . The first shaft  15  has hole  75  which is aligned with hole  80  in the second shaft  30 . The shafts preferably are connected by a shaft-locking device. In one embodiment, the locking device is a pin is inserted through the aligned holes  75  and  80 . The pin is preferably a U-shaped pin  82  that has a finger loop  85  and a bend  89 . The finger loop  85  is configured to receive a finger  87  of a user for quick detachment of the pin and thus the first shaft  15  from the second shaft  30 . The bend  89  is configured to fit snugly around the receiving portion  70  of the second shaft  30  to hold the pin  82  in place during use. The diameter of the bend  89  is preferably slightly larger than the diameter of the portion  70 . The U-shaped pin  82  is preferably steel or stainless steel and is formed from a thicker and stronger gauge of wire. These materials and this thickness help to prevent the pin  82  from easily shearing during operation.  
         [0056]      FIG. 7  shows an alternative embodiment of the device  5 . This embodiment is much smaller in dimension than the one previously described. However, it has many of the same features. The reason why this embodiment is smaller is because it is configured to fit on the end of a powered weed trimming tool. The features that remain the same are the device  205  including an auger  210  having a first end  220  and a second end  225 . The first end has a hex portion  250 . There is also a shaft  215 . One slight modification in this embodiment is that at the second end  225  a tip  228  has a shallow cavity  235  instead of a shaved flat portion. This shallow cavity and the outside edges of the shaft help form a cutting surface or portion  229  which can better bore into hard soil. What is also different about this embodiment is that there are two discs  227  and  226 . Each of these discs  226 ,  227  contains a leading edge and a trailing edge,  290  and  291  and  294  and  295 , respectively. The cavity on the tip  225  can be made with a boring tool.  
         [0057]     As shown in  FIG. 8 , this embodiment can fit in a threaded chuck  105  of the weed trimmer  100 , which is also designated  135  as an alterative power source. The threaded chuck is attached to a threaded shaft  109  which is connected to the weed trimming alternative power source  135 . On one end of the threaded chuck is a hexagonal-shaped hole  108 . Pin  110  is inserted through a bore  111  in the threaded chuck  105  then through the hole in the auger  210  and out the other side of the chuck  105  to connect the shaft  215  to the power source  135 . The pin  110  may be held in place by a cotter key  115 .  
         [0058]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative embodiment of the auger  300 . This embodiment is extremely similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , however this embodiment preferably has a cutting portion  305  on the disc  310 . The cutting portion  305  may be a serrated portion along the edge of the disc  310 , specifically a serrated edge. This cutting portion  305  is preferably formed from a plurality of spikes  315  placed along the outside edge of the disc  310 . Each spike is identical and therefore it is only necessary to describe one spike  320  in order to understand all of the spikes forming the serrated edge. The spike  320  has a proximal end connected to the disc and distal end forming a tip  325 . In the present embodiment, the tip  325  points radially outward, but in alternative embodiments may also be angled downward from the plane of the disc. Two angled surfaces  330 ,  335  preferably form the spike  320  as each extends from the disc  310  at the proximal end of the spike  320  and terminate at their intersection, which is the tip  325 . These angled surfaces  330 ,  325  are depicted as planar, but may also contain multiple angles or be curved. Furthermore, a spike need only be formed by at least one angular surface. Finally, in another alternative embodiment, the spikes may be angled upward or down ward from the plane and each successive spike may also alternate in its angle.  
         [0059]     An alternative embodiment of the second shaft  340  is shown in  FIG. 10 . The second shaft  340  (not drawn to scale) shown is nearly identical to the second shaft of  FIG. 5 , but this second shaft  340  has a longer receiving portion  345  in the second end  350  and four equally spaced holes  355 ,  360 ,  365 ,  370  in the receiving portion. The spacing between the holes  355 ,  360 ,  365 ,  370  is preferably approximately 2 inches. The receiving portion  345  may have lesser or more holes, e.g. two or six holes total. The receiving portion has a bore  375 . The overall length of the shaft is still preferably 26 inches. The length of the receiving portion  345  is preferably 10 inches and the depth of the bore  375  is approximately 9.25 inches while the diameter of the bore  375  is approximately 0.5 inches. A first end  20  of a first shaft  15  may be inserted into the receiving portion  345  of the second shaft  340 . The first hole  355  is preferably placed approximately 2 inches from the terminal end  380  of the second end  350 . The user may then select a desired overall height by aligning the hole  75  of the first shaft  15  with one of the four holes  355 ,  360 ,  365 ,  375  in the receiving portion  345  and then inserting a U-shaped pin  82  to securely connect the two shafts. For example, this adjustable shaft  340  allows the same tool to be used by people of different heights or by a person in a wheel chair and a position using a walker (i.e., someone in a seated position and someone in a stooping or standing position).  
         [0060]     An alternative embodiment of a cutting portion  390  of a disc  395  can best be seen in  FIG. 11 . In this embodiment a plurality of spikes  400  are angled downward on a disc  395 . These spikes  400  allow for a more direct engagement with the soil or material to be mixed. These spikes  400  generally extend out of the bottom surface of the disc  395  and are formed from a plurality of curved surfaces  405 . These surfaces may come in a plethora of forms including single angle linear forms, multiple angle linear forms, or the curved surfaces shown. Furthermore, ridges  410  are added to the distal end of the spikes  400  to provide additional cutting surfaces for the disc. Although a disc with a leading edge and trailing edge is not shown, this disc in one embodiment may be formed with such edges.  
         [0061]      FIGS. 12 through 14  each shows a device  5  having an auger  10 . Each device  5  has a different type of tip  28 . For example,  FIG. 12  shows an auger having a screw type tip  428 .  FIG. 13  shows a device  10  having a frusto-conical shaped tip  528  with the hole  530  therethrough. One function of the hole is to prevent dirt and other matter from reducing the effectiveness of the frusto-conical shape.  FIG. 14  shows a tip  628  having a traditional arrow shape, that is, a triangular shape having a thin outer edge and with a thicker inner portion. All of these tips provide for improved digging into the soil or into plant or vegetative matter.  
         [0062]      FIGS. 15 and 16  show a modification to the auger  10  design of device  5 . In these embodiments, a member  177 ,  277  preferably having a quartered circular shape is connected to disc  27  and shaft  30 . The quartered circular shaped member  177 ,  277  is preferably perpendicular to shaft  15 . This added member helps the auger  10  better pull weeds. For example, the weed material is captured by this quartered circular shape  177 ,  277  as the auger removes the weed from the ground. Therefore, it is easier to remove the weed from the auger once the weed has been pulled from the ground and it is ready to be discarded. Member  177  has a serrated edge while member  277  has holes  279  therein and an inner cavity portion  281 .  FIG. 17  shows a device  5  with at least one square-shaped disc  329 . A diamond-shaped tip  728  is also possible for this embodiment.  FIG. 18  shows a disc arrangement  427  having small vertical sidewalls  430  that are similar to winglets on an aircraft. These winglets  430  reduce drag and increase the speed of the auger  10 . Holes  431  can be added through the sides of the winglets  430  to increase soil aeration. Such winglets may also be added to auger embodiments having a single disc.  
         [0063]      FIG. 19  shows another embodiment of the auger  10 . Here, the auger disc  527  has a series of weldments  530  that form a serrated edge and shaft  15  has a squared portion  550  instead of a hex portion at one end of the shaft.  
         [0064]      FIG. 20  shows an alternative embodiment of the device  5  of the present invention. In this embodiment, auger  10  has a disc  27  and is connected to an extension bar  30 . The auger  10  is secured to the extension bar with pin  85 . The extension bar  30  is then attached to a handle  610  which may be V-shaped. The handle  610  has a receiving end for receiving the extension bar and a Cotter pin  185 , which secures the extension bar  30  to the handle  610  in the same way that the extension bar secured to the auger. The handle  610  allows the user to provide rotational force to the auger. In one embodiment, the handle is used remove an auger that has been trapped for example by roots. The handle preferably has foam handle grips  620  to provide cushioning. In another possible embodiment, the manual power-providing handle is similar to that of an auger used for making holes in ice for ice fishing. See, for example, US patent number.  
         [0065]      FIG. 21  shows another embodiment of an auger  10 . The auger  10  here preferably has a first disc  710  attached to shaft  715 . A second disc  720  is larger than first disc  710 . This auger is preferably used for weed pulling the disc  710 ,  720 . Diameters may be 1¼ to 1¾ inches and 2 to 4 inches, respectively. Note the discs here are not drawn to scale.  
         [0000]     3. In Use and Operation  
         [0066]     When the device  5  is in use, the auger  10  must first be attached to the power source  35 . To do this, the preferred embodiment auger  10  is inserted into an electric drill  35  by first ensuring the chuck jaws  40  of the drill  35  are open to receive the auger  10 . The hexagonal portion or head  50  of the auger  10  is placed into the chuck jaws  40  of the drill  35 . Preferably, the chuck jaws are tightened around the augers hexagonal head  50 . In one preferred embodiment, the pointed, sharpened end  29  of the auger  10  is inserted into soil for mixing or boring. Finally, power is applied to the drill  35  through preferably an on/off control switch or trigger  48 .  
         [0067]     In devices  5  that have power sources with a forward and reverse switch  45 , the power source  35  control lever is first switched to a forward position. In devices  5  that have multiple speeds, the low speed control  49  is selected. Next, the trigger or on/off control switch  48  is then depressed by preferably a finger of the user to apply power to the auger  10 . The auger sharpened tip  27  which has been resting on the dirt is kept in preferably a perpendicular position while a downward pressure is applied to the drill. This pressure and the forward drilling action of the spiral disc  27  of the auger tip  29  push the auger into the soil, thus drilling a hole.  
         [0068]     In one preferred embodiment after the hole is drilled, the reverse position is selected on the forward/reverse control  45 . When the on/off control  48  is depressed the auger  10  reverses its original downward drilling motion to raise the auger  10  back out of the soil along with loosened dirt.  
         [0069]     In one preferred embodiment, an extension shaft  30  can be added to the auger shaft  15  in order to allow the user to use the auger  10  in an upright position. This is preferably done by inserting a hexagonal head  50  of the auger shaft  15  into a receiving portion  70  of the second shaft  30 . Next holes  75 , and  80  of the shafts  15 , and  30  are aligned. A locking pin  82  is inserted through the holes  75 , and  80  to attach the shafts  15 , and  30  together and thus provide an extension to the auger  10 . Preferably this is done while the drill  35  and the auger  10  are in a horizontal position.  
         [0070]     When the soil boring or mixing project is complete, the auger  10  is preferably laid in a horizontal position and the chuck jaws  40  are loosened to release the auger&#39;s hexagonal head  50 . The auger  10  is then lifted from the power source  35 . The open chuck jaws  40  thus release the auger  10  so that the user can remove it and store it for use on another occasion.  
         [0071]     In addition to weeding, mixing, and boring, there are virtually innumerable uses for the present invention, all of which need not be detailed here. Moreover, all the disclosed embodiments can be practiced without undue experimentation.  
         [0072]     Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept.  
         [0073]     The individual components mentioned herein need not be fabricated from the disclosed materials, but could be fabricated from virtually any suitable durable and strong materials.  
         [0074]     Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any suitable configuration. For example, the entire shaft may have a hex shape and the disc itself can also have a hex or some other shape to enhance the disc&#39;s ability to bore into the soil.  
         [0075]     Further, although the discs described herein are physically separate modules, it will be manifest that the discs may be integrated into the shaft.  
         [0076]     Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.  
         [0077]     It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.

Technology Category: 7