Landscaping tool system including tamp, scuffle hoe, and rake

Abstract

Methods, systems and tools used for landscaping are described. In particular, a system is provided for maintaining the landscape features of a baseball or softball field. The system can realize several different tools from interchangeable components without compromising the structural integrity and tool performance necessary to accomplish the job. Embodiments of tools include an improved tamp comprising a metallic plate with a first surface and a second surface disposed parallel to the first surface, wherein the second surface is configured such that the surface can compact particulate material into a more compressed state when pounded against it; and an open columnar member, for receiving a handle, disposed on and fixed to the first surface of the metallic plate; wherein the metallic plate has sides of equal length forming a square outline and the open columnar member has a height that is greater than the length of the metallic plate sides.

1 . A tamp comprising:
 a metallic plate with a first surface and a second surface disposed parallel to the first surface, wherein the second surface is configured such that the second surface can compact particulate material into a more compressed state when pounded against the material; and   an open columnar member, for receiving a handle, disposed on and fixed to the first surface of the metallic plate;   wherein the metallic plate has sides of equal length forming a square outline and the open columnar member has a height that is greater than the length of the metallic plate sides.   
     
     
         2 . The tamp of  claim 1 , wherein the ratio of the height of the hollow shaft to the length of the tamp face sides is about 1.4:1. 
     
     
         3 . The tamp of  claim 1 , wherein the second surface is planar. 
     
     
         4 . The tamp of  claim 1 , further comprising multiple support members disposed on and extending from the first surface of the metallic plate to the open columnar member. 
     
     
         5 . The tamp of  claim 4 , wherein the multiple support members are fins. 
     
     
         6 . The tamp of  claim 5 , wherein the fins are disposed on and extend from the first surface of the metallic plate to the open columnar member, wherein an edge of each fin is disposed relative to the shaft at an angle. 
     
     
         7 . The tamp of  claim 6 , wherein each fin is triangular, and an edge of each fin is disposed relative to the shaft at an angle of 45 degrees or less. 
     
     
         8 . The tamp of  claim 5 , wherein each fin has a semi-circular cut out in the fin. 
     
     
         9 . The tamp of  claim 5 , wherein the metallic plate, hollow shaft, and multiple support fins are made of the same material. 
     
     
         10 . The tamp of  claim 9 , wherein the material is steel and the metallic plate has a thickness ranging from 0.1 inch to 0.5 inches. 
     
     
         11 . The tamp of  claim 1  further comprising a handle of wood disposed in the shaft, which handle is removable. 
     
     
         12 . A tamp comprising:
 a steel plate with an upper surface and a lower flat planar tamp face;   a hollow shaft, for receiving a handle, extending upwardly and perpendicularly from the upper surface of the steel plate and away from the lower flat planar tamp face; and   multiple support fins in communication with both the upper surface of the steel plate and the hollow shaft, wherein an edge of each fin is disposed relative to the shaft at an angle of 45 degrees or less.   
     
     
         13 . The tamp of  claim 12 , wherein the lower flat planar tamp face has sides of equal length forming a square outline and the hollow shaft has a height that is greater than the length of one of the tamp face sides. 
     
     
         14 . The tamp of  claim 13 , wherein the ratio of the height of the hollow shaft to the length of one of the tamp face sides is in the range of 1.2:1 to 2.3:1. 
     
     
         15 . The tamp of  claim 14 , wherein the ratio of the height of the hollow shaft to the length of one of the tamp face sides is about 1.4:1. 
     
     
         16 . The tamp of  claim 15 , wherein the shaft has a height of 11 inches and the sides of the lower flat planar tamp face each have a length of 8 inches. 
     
     
         17 . The tamp of  claim 12 , further comprising a handle of wood disposed in the shaft, which handle is removable. 
     
     
         18 . The tamp of  claim 17 , wherein a portion of the handle and the hollow shaft have a square cross section. 
     
     
         19 . The tamp of  claim 12 , wherein each fin is triangular and has a semi-circular cut out in a side of the fin. 
     
     
         20 . A method of using the tamp of  claim 1  comprising repeatedly pressing the lower flat planar tamp face against a ground surface to compact the soil with a downward force.