AU2478301A - Improvements in and relating to a hand tool - Google Patents

Description

01/03 '01 THU 16:28 FAX 61 3 9243 8333 GR1k7FITH HACK 61 3 9243 8333

AUJSTRAL.,IA

Patents At19 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT APplicant(s): MARTIN JOHN FLEETWOOD Inlvention Title: IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO A HAND

TOOL

The following statement -is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: Z~ 004 RECEIVED TIME 1.MAR. 16:23 PITTM 91 PRINT TIME 2. MAR. 9 18 U1/U3 '01 THU 16:29 FAX 61 3 9243 8333 GR1AFITH HACK I0005 6 13 9243 8333 Th4IPROVEMENTS INT AN~'D RELATING TO A HAND) TOOL TECIJIMCAL FIELD This invention relates to an improved hand tool.

It Is envisaged the hand tool will have particular application when extractize nails from timber. In particular, the hand tool is designed to facilitate removal of nails deeply embedded in timber as a result of either the softness of the timber, or the use of a compressed air nail gun- However, the tool may also be used to extract other fastening devices typically used in joining together wood and other products, such as staples, screws, tacks, pins and so forth.

In addition, this invention may have applications outside this &1ed.

BACKGROUND -Ap In the budlding and carpentry trades it is a common occurrence when structures are being dismantled or altered, for nails, screws, sftapes and so forth typically used to 'fix various parts of the structure together, needing to be removed.

Removal of the nails and so forth is preferable if the timber is to be reused, or for safety reasons. However, where the timber i~s soft or where nail guns, stapling guns, powered screwdrivers and so forth have been used, such fastening apparata may be deeply embedded in the timber or surface of the structure.

A number of hand tools are available that are either specifically RECEIVED TIME EEIE TIE 1 MAR. '16: 23I PRINJT TIME 2. MAR. 9 :18 01/03 '01 THU 16:29 FAX 61 3 9243 8333 GRIA:FITH HACK i1JOO6 6 13 9243 8I33 designed for use in extracting particula faste ig appa ata. o tradespeople and, home handy people tend to use other tools not specifically designed for this purpose, but which may Suffice.

However, there ae a number of problems associated with both these techniques, and with the tools used in this process.

For example, there is a range of tools available such as claw ha-mmers, crowbars, nail pullers, pry bars and gripping bars designed for this purpose. In some instances, people may choose inatead to make use of whatever tool is available, fincluding screwdrivers, chisels and so forth.

Whilst these tools are useful, they have very little effect when the nail is significantly inset below the surface of the wood. ft may therefore be necessary to chip away some of the wood to expose the broadened flat head or to mrate a gap between the fastering apparatus such a~s a nail, screw, tack, or staple in order to insert something underneath it to lever the fastening apparatus out.

In addition, many of the tools available are heavy to use, cumbersome to carry or may be far too long to be practical in confined spaces.

Where tools are used that are not specifically designed for the job, damage may be done to the tools. For eiaznple, where chisels are used the sharpened edge of the chisel may be damaged thereby requiring the chisel to be resharpened.

As a result of the above mentioned problems, the extraction of nails or other fastening apparata that have been, deeply embedded into a surface may be both time cow~uming and frustrating. Where it is preferable fobr the fastening apparatus to be removed smoothly and 2 RECEIVED TIME 1. MAR. 16:23 PITTM 91 PRINT TIME 2. MA R. 9 18 U1/UJ '01 iTU 16:29 FAX 61 3 9243 8333 GR1A3ITH HACK Z00O7 613. 9243 8333 neatly, use of the above mentioned tools can obviate against' the desired 'finished product by leaving indentations in the Wood or damage to the surface that may consequently need repairing if the wood is to be reused- Cumbersome claw hanm~ers, pry barra and so forth tend to be l .eft behind rather than carried on the job sixnply'because of their weight. It may be necessary therefore to stop a job to look for the tool as and when it is required.

Therefore, it would he preferable if there was a hand held tool available that: a) Had dimensions suitable for use of the tool within corifred spaces, ouch as between dwangs/niogs, studs ana so forth; and bo) Was able to be carried around easily in a carpenter's apron anid so forth without it being unduly heavy or cumbersome, thereby enabling the tool to be on hand as requred, and c) Was configured to enable a nail or similar fastening apparatus to be easily extracted fr-om, a surface with mninimaal damage to the surface and in an effcient and effective manner; and.

d) Could be used to extract a range of fastening apparatus such as nail$, =cews, staples, tacks and 50 forth, particularly those inserted deeply into a surface throuagh use of powered tools; and e) Could be used in conjunction with- a standard claw 'hammer to achieve required leverage to extract the fastening app arata.

It is an object of the present invention to address at least the foregoing RECEIVED TIME RCIE TIE 1. MAR. 16 23 PRINT TIME 2. MAR. 9 :18 uiiVJU1 ui U iU:ZU FAA 61 3 9243 8333 GR1A3ITH HACK 0 008 613 9243 8333 problems or to at leasnt to provide the public with a useful choice- Further aspects and advantages of the' present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description given by way of example only.

DxTSCLOWunE OFJ 0NIO According to one aspect of the present invention. there is provided a hand tool for use in the extraction of fastening apparata embedded in a surface, said tool includling a body, said body being substantially elongate and including at one distal end, two substantially tapered claws and at the opposite distal end a substantially reinforced portion, said body s~o including hitching mneans, said hitching means including an internal bearing surface, said bearing surface in conjunction with leverage apparatus providing at least one fixed leverage point for use in attracting the fastening apparata from the surface.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a hand tool substantially as described above wherein the body optionally includes a second fixed leverage point in the form, of a bevelled aperture capable of receiving a portion of the fastening apparatus and capable of further levering the fastening apparatus from the surface.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a hand tool substantially as described above wherein the body is substantially curved to aid leverage during removal of the fastening apparata from the surface.

For the purpose of this specification, the term fastening apparata* shall RECEIVED TIME 1. MAR. 16:23 PRINT TIME 2. MAR. 9:18 u±,vJ V1J i .LO;JU MA 01 j 9243 8333 GR1'FITH HACK 0 00O9 61 3 9243 8333 mnean and include a range of fastening apparata such as nails, screws, tacks, staples, pine and so forth capable of being used to fix one structure to a another. Whilst the ensuing description will refer to the hand tool being used primarily ini the extraction of nails embedded in a surface, it should be appreciated that reference to nails alone is not intended to limit the scope of this invention.

For the purpose of this specification the surface shall mean and include any surface into which fastening apparata have been inserted, and shall include wooden surfaces, plaster board su~rfaces, and so forth- Whilist the ensuing description in relation to the hand tool shall refer.

primarily to the extraction of nails from wooden surfaces, it should be appreciated that the description is not intended to limit the scope of this invention.

A typical problem experienced as a result of using powered tools for hammering in nails, or inserting staples and screws is that the head of the fastening apparatus Is generally below the upper surface of the material being joined. The problem is exacerbated where the surface is comprised of relatively soft material. The indented head can make extraction of the fastening apparatus awkward, time consuming arnd the worker can become increasingly frustrated. In addition, significant damage may be done to the surface during the extraction process.

Whilst there are a range of tools such as pry bars and so fbrth available in the prior art, these tools are ideally suited where the nail head is relatively level with the upper surface of the wood. Where the nail is deeply embedded it is often necessary to try to excavate around the nail head to enable a tool to then be inserted between the RECEIVED TIME 1. MAR. 16:23 PRINT TIME 2. MAR. 9:18 'JJfU1 Vv ±IL i.Qjv rtA oi i UZ4j ojjj (kaFITH HACK U0j10 6 13 .9243 8333 excavated surface and the nail head in order to pry the nail out.

For the purpose of this specification the term hitching means shall mean and include any configured struicture attached to and extending vertically fromn the body of the hand tool. In the embodiments to be described herein, the hitching mean's comprises at least a substantially inverted U-shaped structure iniclu ding two substantially vertical side portions connected by at least one substantially horizontal portion.

The hitching means includes at least one internal bearing surface.

The side portions raise an upper horizontal portion above the upper surface of the body aud are preferably of a length sufficient to enable leverage apparatus such as a claw hammer or similar to be inserted through the U-shaped structure. The claw portion of the claw hammer is able to bear against at least one intem~al bearing surface provided by the lower surface of the horizontal portion, thereby providing a fixed leverage point to aid the extraction of fastening apparata. from the suface. In use, the internal faces of the diie portions may also operate as beazng surfaces w~here removal of the fastening apparatus may require lateral leverage.

In some embodiments, there may also be a second horizontal portion positioned below the underside. of the body. This second horizontal portion not only also connects the two side portions but provides a support or point about which the body may pivot in a see-saw motion to improve leverage and hence extraction of the fastening apparatus from the surface. In such an embodiment, the structure including the bearing surface(s) may be substantially square or rectangular in shape.

6 RECEIVED TIME 1. MAR. 16:2 3 PRINT TIME 2. MA R. 9:17 Uiiuj U1In 1111b:JU FAX 61 3 9243 8333 GR147FITH HACK iljoii 61 3 9243 8333 As can be appreciated, the kWtcing mens anid its associated bearing surface(s) may take any shape or for= and be used in conjunction writh any lev~erage apparatus (not just restricted to a claw hammer). The bearing surface, in conjunction with the levering apparatus, creates in effect a fuilcr-um at a fixed leverage point.

For ease of reference, the hand tool shall now be referred to as a pry bar. However, use of this term is not intended to limit the scope of this application. The term -is merely used as the tool in operation prises out the nail (and other fastening apparata) by levering the nail upwards. As can be appreciated therefore the tool could also be referred to as levering apparatus.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the body while substantially elongate is typically shorter than monst prior art pry bars, nail pullers, ripping bars and crowbars. For example, in one preferred embodiment of the present invention the length of the pry bar in less than 250mmn long. However, the length of the pry bar may vary as required.

The shortened length of the pry bar improves the versatility of the hand tool. For example, the shorter bar is more easily carried in a carpenter's apron, suspendd from a belt and so forth. Its shortened length also makes the tool substantially lighter than the longer anid heavier crowbars and so forth.

In addition, the shortened length of the pry bar maker it suitable for use when removing nails in confined spaces. Longer prior art systemis are cumbersome and are unable to be used where there is limited ispace in which to rzinoeuvre the tool. This is particularly the case in 7 RECEIVED TIME 1. MAR. '16:23 PRINT TIME 2. MAR. 9:17 01/03 '01 THU 16:31 FAX 61 3 9243 8333 GRIAFITH HACK Q~012 61 3 9243 8333 smaller areas such as between studs and dwangs/iiogs where manoeuvrability of a tool can be severely impeded simply because of the close proximity of the various strizctuxesfsmrfaces.

The body of the pry bar is al so preferably substantially flattened along the majority of its length. Again, the flattened configuration contributes to the lesser weight of the tool, its ease of handling and so forth. However, in other embodiments, the pry bar may be flattened only tow~ards the front distal end of the tool. For example, for half the length of the tool, the body of the pry bar may be substantially flattened, whilst the rear half of the tool may be otherwise configured (circular, rectangular, square, hexagonal and so forth as required). Any variations to the overall configuation of the body are possible, including variations in the proportions of flattened to thickened regions along the length of the body.

The front distal exd* of the pry bar is not only preferably flattened, but also includes two substantially tapered claws. The claws are pointed at their most dista end and may be tapered not only lateraly (on either side of each claw) but also be tapered along its length, so the most distal end of the claw is substantially thinner.

The claws may be substantially pointed or may include a square or otherwise angled head. The overall configuration of the claws are such to enable the claws to be capable of insertion at least part way in to.

the surface on either side of the head or upper portion of the particular fastening apparatus to be removed. For exammple, where the fastening apparatus is a nail that has been more deeply embedded into a wooden surface, each claw of the pry bar would be inserted into the surface of RECEIVED TIME 1. MAR. 16 23 PRINT TIME 2. MA R. 9:17 uJ.,U. JL I u XO-.ji rjA oi .3 Z4J 533 Wl-T HACK 401~3 61 3 9243 8333 9 the wood to lie adjacent and below the head of the nail. Accordingly, as the pry bar is levered the claws are able to engage underneath the head of the nail and pry the nail out of the surface.

In some embodiments, the interior edge of each claw arid the apex between the claws may be substantially bevelled to provide a further surface against which the nail.head may co-operate during the pising action.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the overall width of the pry bar may be substantially conmsistent along its length. However in other embodiments, either or both the front and rear diota ends of the pry bar may have varying dimetisions, The front distal end may be Qorerall tapered towards the region of the claws, whilst. the rear distal end may be -substantially widened.

The rear distal end may be varyingly configured as required to complement its preferred purpose, for in use, the rear distal end provides an impact point For example, in use, insertion of the claws of the pry bar into the surface as facilitated by applying pressure (either downwards or forwards) to the pry bar to achieve the required insertion of the claws into the surface. This may be, achieved by using a hammer or similar heavy object and tapping or applying force to the rear distal end of the pry bar. Aa force is applied the claws become embedded into the surface.

Accordingly, the rear distal end of the pry bar may be strengthened to withstand the impact force required. Such strenigthening may be achieved by increasing the dimension~s of the body in that region, or by curving a portion of the pry bar back over onto itself and providing RECEIVED TIME 1. MAR. 16:23 PRINT TIME 2. MAR. 9:17 u±L VOvLiu iu.-ji rIAA oi .3 Z43 8333 G,14FITH HACK Z0j14 6 13 9243 8333 bracing in the curved portion to strengthen the curved portion. Any configuration to acieve the required. strength mmay be employed_ When the claws are inserted into the surface and adjacent the head of the fastening apparatus, the fastening apparatus is removed by levering the faatezung apparatrus out of the surface. To facilitate this levering action, it is preferable that the body of the pry bar be substantially curved. Accordingly, when the pry bar is resting on a level surface, the body takes a substantially concave shape. However, other embodiments of the present invention may vary un the degree of curvature, if any at all.

To further improve thle leverage action, the pry bar also preferably includes a beating surface positioned directly above the body of the pry bar. As previously described the bearing surface may take any shape.

However, it is preferably distanced fro= the top surface of the body to allow a auffcient gap betvweenx the bearing surface and the upper surface of the body to enable leverage apparatus such as another tool (for exwnple the claws of a claw hammier) to be inserted therethrough.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the bearing surface is positioned towards. the frot distal end of the pr bar (distance firom the front tip of the pry bar equating to about a quarter of the overall length of the pry bar).

In use therefore a claw hammer or simflar apparatus may provide the additional leverage required. to prise the nail out of a wooden surface, for exaraple- The combination of the bearing surface, the substantially curved body and the use of the leverage apparatus provides at least one fixed leverage point (operating as a pivot point or fulcrum).

RECEIVED TIME 1. MAR. 16:23 PRINT TIME 2. MA R. 9:11 UVf.L/ UI315X 1 iv;jz rAA 01 J 9Z43 8333 GR1&:FITH HACK 20O15 613 9243 8333 In some embodiments of the present invention the pry bar body may also include at least one further fxed leverage point in tba form of an, aperture distanced frorm the forward distal and of the pry bar. The aperture is essentially a bevelled nai claw and may be used in some instances to pry the nail from the surface.

In preferred emabodiment of the present invention, the pry bar ir, preferably made fro= forged, spring tempered steel for heavy duty use.

In some embodiments, the rear* distal end of the pry bar may be made from a block of steel simply welded onto a section of flattenedl spring tempered steel. However, any method of manufacturing variously configured versions of the tool. The claws may also be tungsten coated, hard chromed and so forth, for additional strengtb- As can be' appreciated the description has related primarily to the extzraction of nails. However, the tool also is capable of extracting staples, tacks, screws anid so forth. from. surfaces. Variations may of course be madd to the configuration of the pry bar to specifically tailor the pry bar for use in the extraction of a particular fastening apparatus.

NJON OF DBAnrNGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drtWingS in Wbiehb Figue is a top perspective view of the hand tool ini accordance -with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; and RECEIVED TIME 1, MAR. 16:23 PRIN~T TIME 2. MA R. 9:17/ &SamU r1A 01 .3 V4IJ dJJJ (lIAITH HACK 10016 6 13 9243 8333 Fjgsre 2 is a side perspective view of the hand tool in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the preisexxt inventionl, and kigie is a top perspective view showing insertion of the claws of the hand tool into a surface adjacent to the top of a, fastening apparatus to be extracted from the surface in accordance with otis preferred embodirment of the present invention; and Mor is a side perspective view showing the use of leverae apparatus in the form of a claw hammer in combination with the hand tool to lever Et nail out of a block of wood in accoidance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Fige 5 is a side perspective view of the hand tool in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Ejg= is a side view of the -hand tool in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention., and Figmn 7 is a top plan view of the hand tool in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Fifr is a side view of the hand tool in accordance with ano ther preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Figl is a diagrammnatic sid~e view of the hand tool in a sheath in 12 RECEIVED TIME 1. MAR. 16:23 PRINT TIME 2. MA R. 9:17 VnLU± J V z4 31 )J3J IIKAR1'iH ktACI L10017 *61 3 9243 8333 accord ce with another preferred embodiment of the presen invention, and Figmms 1 are to plan views of the hand tool in a sheath in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Fi~ure11ame diagrammatic views of the sheath in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODES I= CaNRYN OU HEJVBTO With reference to the diagrams Figures 1 to 10b inclusive and by way of example only there is provided a band tool (generally indicated by arrow for use in the extraction of fastening apparata such as nails, tacks, staples, screws and so forth erobedded in a surface The hand tool (or pry bar) includes a sulbstantially elongate body (4) as shown in Figures 1, 5-10a particularly. At the front distal. end generally indicated by arrow 5 there are two substantially tapered claws The clawsi may be tapered not only laterally (from side to side) but also in terms of their overall thickness being diminished towards the tip of the claws.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 5 the tip of the claws (6) are pointed to aid inaertiou of the claws into the surface as required in order to extract a nail or simoilar fastening apparata. In Figures 6 to 10a the claws are substantially squared at their leading edge.

The apex between the claws may also include a bevelled region to aid insertion of the claws below and adjacent to the head of 13 RECEIVED TIME REEVDTM MAR. '16 :23 PRINT TIME 2. MAR. 9 :17 6 613 9243 8333 the fastening apparatus required to be removed from the surface At the rear distal eind (indicated by ar-row 9) the body is substantially reinforced. The reinforced section (10) may be a substantially thicker portion of the boy as the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 through 4. Alternatively, the substantially reinforced portion (10) may. simply be an extension of the length of the body as in figures 6 to 10a or curved back onto itself to provide reinforcement as in Figure 5. Additional bracing in Figuare 5, such as illustrated at (11) may ftwther strengthen the rear distal portion of this embodiment.

As can be seen in Figure 3 a hammer or similar heavy tool in used to apply a force against the reinforced portion (10) of the pry bar The pry bar is angled towards the top of the surface with each claw straddling the particular fiAteningf apparata or nail as illustrated. The claws bite into the surface whea the force is applied to the rear reinforced portion (10) of the pry bar The bevelled internal edges of the claws are accordingly' positioned below but adjacent- the head or upper surface of the fastening apparata.

A person using the pry bar simply grasps the body directly posterior to the hitching means and anterior to the reinforced portion in order to steady the pry bar as the claws are' forced into the surface. Whilst the hitching means is not intended to be used as a stop to sliding movemernt of the hand it may serve this function.

Di splaced towards the front distal. end of the pry bar the hitching means and its associated bearingf surface (12) is positioned RECEIVED TIME 1. MAR. 16:23 PRINT TIME 2. MAR. 9:17 ~UU UIA 0± ~J .J4i t IUAlil HMA LjO 09 61 3 9243 8333 directly above t he body to provide at least one ffixed leverage point.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 through 5 inclusive the internal bearing surface (12) is the underside or lower surface of the substantially flattened horizontal. section raised above the top surface (13) by vertical side portions (14).

Accordingly in Figures 1 through 5 the arrangement is either a substantially inverted U-shaped or. a square-shaped arrangement.

where the side portions (14) are attached either to the side (15) of the body or to the under-surface (16) of the body. In the latter embodiment, and those of Figure 6 to 10a the attachment of the bearing swrfce structure as described above provides a further structure about which the pry bar may pivot (in a rocking motion if required) to facilitate removal/leverage of fastening apparata from the surface The internal bearing surface (12) is displaced from the top surface (13) of the body by a distance sufficient; to enable inerton of the body of leverage apparatus between the bearing surface (12) and the top surface As shown in Figaxe 3 the leverage apparatus is a claw harnmer The claws (18) of. the claw ham~mer (17) are inserted between the bearing surface (12) and the upper surface (13) of the pry bar As shown in Figure 4, and Figure 8 a person applies downward pressure against the reinforced rear portion (10) of the pry bar and at the same time pivots the handle of the hammer (17) towards the body of the user. As this pivoting operation is achieved, the claws (18) of the claw hainmer (17) contribute to pivoting the pry box at the fixed RECEIVED TIME 1. MAR. 16:23 PITTM 91 PRINT TIME 2-MAR. 9:16 JV C* L% FAA U1. ~j ~J ULk1~1H HACYK tI020 61 3 9243 8333 leverage point, pivot or fulcrum operating directly below the hitching Means and its bearing surface (12).

As downward pressure is applied to the reinforced portion (10) the claws are raised out of the surface anid prise out the fastening apparata The body of a pry bar may als o be substantially curved along its length to aid leverage during removal of the fastening apparata (2) from the surface Accordingly, as shown in Figure 2 when the lower surface (16) of the pry bar is resting on the surface the overall shape of the pM bar may be substantially concave.

In some embodiments as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a second fixed leverage point may be izcluded in the body of the pry bar In this embodiment, the second fixed leverage point is an optional bevelled nail s lot (20) located posteially to the bearing surface structure (12) but anterior to the reinforced portion AU can he seen inthe embodimnt shown in the Figures the body is substantially flattened for most of its length except in the region of the reinforced portion This flattened shape contributes to the overall lighter weight and less cumbersome structure of the pry bar (1) enabling it to be more easily suspendad from a carpenter's belt or in a carpenter's tool pocket so that it can be carried around on the job and readily available when required- In the embodiment illustrated. in Figure 5, the substantially curved reinforced portion (10) may operate as a hook for hookirng over a belt or an edge of a tool pocket.

RECEIVED TIME ],MAR. '16:23 PITTM 91 PRINT TIME 2-MAR, 9:16 61 3 9243 8333 In the embodiment of figures 6: to 10 the hitching apparatus is pivotable, so that it may lie flat against the body of the tool when not in use, or its position be altered as required to effect optimumn leverage.

Figures 9 to 11b also illustrate a sheath (21) configured to receive the front distal end (claws of the tool) to protect the tool claws from damage when not in use aiid also for safety reasons. The sheath may also include a hook (22) for securing. the horizontal portion, of the bitching apparatus when the claws have been inserted into the sheath.

This mechanism sexves to secure the sheath in place over the claws.

Aspects of the present inv~ention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing fromn the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is-referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common, general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

For the purposes of this specification it will be clearly understood that the word "comprising- means "including but not limited toff, and that the word "comprises- has a corresponding meaning.

17 RECEIVED TIME EEIE TIE 1. MAR. 16 23 PRINT TIME 2. MA R. 9 :16

Claims (20)

1. A hand tool for use in the extraction of fastening apparata embedded in a surface, said tool including a body, said body including at one distal end two claws and at the opposite distal end a substantially reinforced portion, said body also including bitching means, said hitcing means iucluding an internal bearing suarface, said internal bearing surface in conjunction with leverage apparatus providing at least one fixed leverage point for use in extracting the fastening apparata from the sur~ce.

2. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the body optionally mncludea a second fixed leverage point in the form of a bevelled aperture capable of receiving a portion of the fastening apparatus and capable of further levering the fastening apparatus from the surface.

3. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the body is sublstantially curvedl to aid leverage during removal of the fastening apparata from the surface.

4. A hand tool as claimed in Claim -1 wherein the fasteng apparata includes nails, screws, tacks, staples, pins, used to ft one structure to another.

5. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the surface includes amy surface into which fastening apparata have been inserted, and includes wooden arnd plaster board surfaces where the surface is comprised of relatively soft material.

6. A hand tool as claimned in Claim 1 wherein the bitcbing means RECEIVED TIME 1. MAR. 16:23 PITTM 91 PRINT TIME 2-MAR, 9:16 V±,/Vj vxi mu xo;.'i rAA 01 J VZ4J U33 GHiAFITH HACK lj 023 61 3 9243 8333 is connected to and extends vertically from the body of the hand tool.

7. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the hitching means comprises at least a substantially inverted LU-shaped structure including two substantially vertical side portions connected by at least one substantially horizontal portion.

8. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 7 wherein either or both the horizontal and the vertical portions of the hitching means include at least one internal bearIng surface.

9. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the two suibstantially vertical side portions distance an upper horizontal portion' of the hitching means from the body to enable leverage apparatus to be inserted through the U-shaped structure- A hand tool as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the leverage apparatus includes a claw ha-mmer.

11. A hand tool as claimed in Claimn 10 when dependent on Claim 8 wherein a portion of the leverage apparatuA, including the claw portion of the claw hammer bears against at least one internal bearing su 'rface provided by the lower surface of the horizontal portion, th ereby creating a fulcrum at a fixed leverage point to aid the extraction of fastening apparata. from the surface.

12. A hand tool as claimed in Claimn 8 wherein the internal face6 of the vertical side portions also operate as bearing surfaces where removal of the fastening apparatus req~uires lateral leverage.

13. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 6 wherein a second horizontal L9 RECEIVED TIME 1.MAR. 16:23 PITTM 91 T PRINI TIME 2-MAR, 9:16 viwuivj' AA u1 j 9243 8333 GR1&'FITH HACK 0024 61 3 9243 8333 portion is optionally positioned below the body.

14. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the second horizontal portion either or both connects the two side portions and Provides a Support Or Point about which the body may pivot in a see- saw motion to improve leverage and hence extraction of the fastening apparatua from the surface. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the body is substantially elongate.

16. Ahand tool asacLaed inClaim5wheren thelength of the body is equal to or less than 250mnm long, for u~se when removing fastening apparata. in confined spaces where manoeuvrabiity of a tool can be severely impeded simply because of the close proximity of the various stmuctures/surfaces.

17. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 16 wherein the substantially elongate body is substantially flattened along the majority of its length.

18- A hand tool as claimed in Claim 17 wherein the substantially flattened body optionally includes reinforced regions towards the rear distal end of the body.

19.- A hand tool aB claimed in Claim, 1 wherein the claws are tapered at any one of the front distal end, on. either side of each claw, along the length of the claw to facilitate insertion of the claws at least partway. into the surface,

23. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the claws optionally RECEIVED TIME REEVE.IM MAR. 16 23 PRINT TIME 2. MAR. 9: 16 LvU.1,i FJA 01 .3 Vz4 5JJJ (,HIATITH HACK~ 141025 6 13 9243 8333 include any on& of a square head, an angled head. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 19 wherein each claw includes either or both a substantially bevelled interior edge and a substantially bevelled apex between the claws to provide an additional co-operating surface against which a portion of the fasteuing apparatus may contact during the prising action. 21. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 20 wherein in use the claws are configured to be itiaerted into the surface on either side of the head or upper portion of the particular fastening apparatus to be removed and to lie adjacent and below the head of the fastening apparatus. 22. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 18 wherein the rear distal end is configured for use as an. impact point against which a force mnay be applied to drive the claws into the surface. 23. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 1 whezein the body is substantially curved along its longitudinal axis to provide additional leverage when otherwise used cm a level surface.

24. A hand tool as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the front diatal end of the body may be secured in a sheath when not in use. A sheath for use with a hand tool as claki-ed, in any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. A method of manufacturing a hand tool for use in the extraction of fastening apparat5 embedded* in a surface, said tool including a body, said body including at one distal end two claws andl at the opposite dlistal end a substantially reinforced portion, said body also 21 *RECEIVED TIME 1. MAR. '16: 23 PRINT TIME 2. MA R, 9:16 UIIUj V UIU xf~ o~3' rtA 01 J UZ43 8i5333 GRICFITH HACK 61 3 9243 8333 including hitching meonw, said hitching means irxcluding am internal bearing surface, said internal bearing surface in conjunction with leverage apparatus providing at least one fixed leverage point for use in extracting the fastening apparata fromn the surface. Dated this 1st day of March 2001 MARTIN JOHN FLEETWOOD By his Patent Attorneys GRIFFITE BACK Fellows Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of* Australia 22 I1026 RECEIVED TIME 1. MAR. 16:23PR TTIE 2MA. 91 PRINT TIME 2. MA R. 9 16