Tool and associated method for removing sunken post from subsurface position

Abstract

A tool for use in removing a post from the ground includes a housing having a recess therein for slidably receiving the post. A hinged support arm extends from the housing into the recess, wherein the support arm is initially angled relative to the recess such that a protrusion extending from the post received within the recess causes a ramp-up movement relative to the support arm when the tool is being lowered onto the post as the protrusion impacts the support arm and a locked-in-place orientation when the support arm is wedged onto a lower surface of the protrusion as the tool is being translated upwardly. The hinged support arm is biased into the locked-in-place orientation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tool for use in removing a post from the ground, the tool comprising:
 a housing having a recess therein for slidably receiving the post;   a hinged support arm extending from the housing into the recess, wherein the support arm is initially angled relative to the recess such that a protrusion extending from the post received within the recess causes a ramp-up movement relative to the support arm when the tool is being lowered onto the post as the protrusion impacts the support arm, and a locked-in-place orientation when the support arm is wedged onto a lower surface of the protrusion as the tool is being translated upwardly,   wherein the hinged support arm is biased into the locked-in-place orientation.   
     
     
         2 . The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the recess in the housing has a main channel for receiving a back portion of the post, and a planar section defining the channel for receiving another portion of the post. 
     
     
         3 . The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the hinged support arm is biased into the locked-in-place orientation by a spring extending from a tab off the hinged support arm to the housing. 
     
     
         4 . The tool according to  claim 3 , wherein pressing of the tab imparts hinged movement of the hinged support arm. 
     
     
         5 . The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the hinged support arm is biased into the locked-in-place orientation by a spring. 
     
     
         6 . The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the housing defines an opening for receiving a chain or other fastener to couple the tool to an equipment for imparting the upward translation. 
     
     
         7 . The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the hinged support arm extends between two opposing panels that protrude from the housing. 
     
     
         8 . The tool according to  claim 7 , wherein the hinged support arm is carried by a pin or fastener extending between the two opposing panels. 
     
     
         9 . The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the post being worked on by the tool is a t-post. 
     
     
         10 . The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the housing defines a vertically extending support to which a chain or other fastener couples the tool to an equipment for imparting the upward translation.