EP0636393B1 - Process and apparatus for marking a lawn - Google Patents

Abstract

This method consists in marking turfed sports pitches by laying down the strands of the lawn (blades of grass) in certain zones and in raising it (them) up in other zones, so as to form an image and/or a word. The difference in orientation of the strands of the lawn is highly visible to the spectator. The strands are laid down by means of an apparatus mounted on rollers (3) and which rolls over the lawn surface. The same apparatus is provided with brushes (2) which rotate and which stand the strands of lawn up over certain defined sectors (13). The sectors form an image or the letters of a word. The motors (11) which control the path of the apparatus and the brushes (2) are electric and are controlled by a computer, the image to be reproduced and the position of the apparatus on the surface to be treated being stored in the computer. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates essentially to the techniques of mass communication, and more specifically to techniques advertising display. The subject of the invention is particularly the exploitation of spaces not yet used to date for the advertising, namely sports fields.

In events that take place on turf fields, that is to say essentially sporting events, many billboards usually line the field. The grass itself, which is the place the public sees the more frequently, and that is the larger area than the spectators have before their eyes, however does not carry any advertising. The only brands registered in the field are those with a sporty or decorative significance. The former are generally white or colored. As for the seconds, they are frequently printed simply by varying the direction of the passages in the mower, so as to form, for example, checkerboards or bands in which the blades of grass are oriented differently on adjacent surfaces. The idea of subjecting part of a turf surface treated differently from a other part of the surface, so as to form inscriptions or advertising designs, has been exposed in patent FR 2 567 359. The process described in this document, however, uses a template to cover part of the grass and to prevent treatment, for example applying a fertilizer or mowing followed by brushing or rolling, to reach the parts masked by the chablon.

The present invention aims to allow the recording of messages, including advertising, on the grass surface itself, without that these messages create confusion with the markings to sporty significance and without the use of a stencil.

The present invention aims to provide a method for mark the grass with signs, such as letters forming words or names, or numbers, or images, and at provide a device capable of carrying out such marking.

In the marking method according to the invention, a part of the strands of a grass surface in one direction, and we orient or let it orient in at least one other direction at least one other part of the strands of said turf surface, so that at least one of the parts constitutes an image or a sign. This is the same process already known and used by means mowers, the method according to the invention however not necessarily related to mowing. The method according to the invention is further distinguishes from the known state of the art by various characteristics. In a first embodiment, the method marking for turf fields, in particular sports fields, is characterized in that a model is introduced into a computer of the sign or image to mark on the lawn, in that we divide said model in several points, in that we divide the area of lawn in several sectors, in that we also introduce the computer the instant position of means (2, 3) to orient the strands of the lawn, and in that we control the action of said resources, depending on their position in specific sectors which correspond to determined points of the model, sign or the image to be marked on the grass surface.

In a second embodiment, the method according to the first embodiment is characterized in that the strands are oriented at least part of the lawn surface using one or more several brushes.

In a third embodiment, the method according to the second embodiment is characterized in that brushes are used rotary.

In a fourth embodiment, the method according to the first embodiment is characterized in that the strands are oriented at least part of the lawn surface using one or more multiple rolls.

In a fifth embodiment, the method according to the first embodiment is characterized in that the strands of the grass surface using one or more brushes and at by means of one or more rollers.

In a sixth embodiment, the method according to one of the five first embodiments described above is characterized by what the control of the action of the strand orientation means turf, and in particular the lowering, raising and / or rotation of brushes and / or rollers is controlled by the computer in which are introduced the model or models of signs or images to mark on the grass surface divided into points, the position of brushes and / or rollers compared to that of the various sectors of the turf surface and instructions commanding said action by depending on said position.

In another variant of the sixth embodiment described above, the process is characterized in that a device on which the brushes or rollers are fixed and that the position of said device on the lawn surface is detected by sensors that detect the presence of bodies magnetizable which are deposited or buried in places determined on or under said surface.

In yet another variant of the sixth embodiment described above, the method is characterized in that one uses a device on which the brushes or rollers are fixed and in this that the position of said device on the lawn surface is observed by a wave transmitter and receiver device electromagnetic or sonic.

In a particular embodiment of this latter variant, the method is characterized in that the device receives signals from geostationary satellites.

The device for marking turf fields, in a first embodiment, includes wheels allowing its displacement, brushes and / or rollers, and means for selectively lowering to the grass and raising so that they no longer touch the grass some of said brushes and / or rollers.

In a second embodiment, the device includes rotating brushes, such as rollers, and ways to rotate the brushes back and forth.

In a third embodiment, which is a variant of the second, the apparatus includes means for lowering the minus some of the rotary brushes down to the lawn and raise so that they no longer touch the lawn.

In a fourth embodiment, the apparatus according to one of above embodiments is characterized in that the brushes and / or the rollers are grouped together.

In a fifth embodiment, the apparatus according to one of embodiments described above is characterized in that at at least part of the rollers are joined on one or more rotary barrels on which they are mounted so as to rotate freely.

In a sixth embodiment, the apparatus according to one of embodiments described above is characterized in that the brushes and / or rollers and / or groups of rollers and / or brushes are mounted in staggered rows.

In a seventh embodiment, the device according to one of embodiments described above is characterized in that it includes means for lifting the wheels, and rollers to support and move the device when the wheels are raised.

In an eighth embodiment, the apparatus according to the seventh embodiment described above is characterized in that it comprises at least one motor actuating the rollers which support the apparatus and a steering device for directing when the wheels are raised.

In a ninth embodiment, the apparatus according to one of last two embodiments described above is characterized in that each roller or group of rollers and each brush or group of brushes is controlled by a motor different.

In a tenth embodiment, the apparatus according to one of embodiments described above includes an activated counter by the carrying rollers of the device or by a rolling wheel on the grass surface and which determines the position of said device on the grass surface.

In an eleventh embodiment, the apparatus according to one of last four embodiments described above is characterized in that the axes of rotation of the wheels are perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the rollers and / or brushes.

According to a variant of all the described embodiments so far, the device is characterized in that it comprises a computer in which one or more models of the image are introduced or pictures or sign (s) to mark on the grass and the position of the device on the turf surface and means allowing the computer to operate the brushes and / or rolls based on this data so as to orient at least part of the strands of the turf surface in one direction different from that of the other strands, so that at least one of the parts of the turf surface constitutes an image or sign corresponding to the one that is entered into the computer.

The drawings show, as examples, some shapes of the invention.

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in a simple embodiment.

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in another embodiment.

Figure 4 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in a variant of the embodiment of the figure 3, in which the brushes are staggered.

Figure 6 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 5.

Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in a variant of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, in which the brushes are replaced by rollers.

Figure 8 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 7.

Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant shown in Figures 7 and 8, in which the rollers are staggered.

Figure 10 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 9.

Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, in which the rollers are arranged in rotating barrels.

Figure 12 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 11.

Figure 13 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in which the rotating barrels carrying the rollers are staggered.

Figure 14 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 13.

Figure 15 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in another embodiment, in which the rollers which do not support the device are arranged in rotating barrels.

Figure 16 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of Figure 15.

Figure 17 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment shown in Figures 15 and 16, in which the rotating barrels carrying the rollers are staggered.

Figure 18 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 17.

Figure 19 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of Figures 15 and 16, in which the rotating barrels are arranged on either side carrier rollers.

Figure 20 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 19.

Figure 21 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of Figure 15, the rollers non-carriers arranged in rotating barrels being replaced by rotating brushes.

Figure 22 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 21.

Figure 23 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of Figure 17, the rotating barrels carrying rollers being replaced by rotating brushes.

Figure 24 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 23.

Figure 25 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of Figure 19, the rollers non-carriers arranged in rotating barrels being replaced by rotating brushes.

Figure 26 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 25.

Figure 27 is a plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of Figure 25, in which the rotary brushes are staggered and in which the transmission of motor movement is by belts.

Figure 28 is a longitudinal sectional view along A-A of apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 27.

Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view along B-B of a apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 27.

Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view along C-C of a apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 27.

Figure 31 is a diagram of an electronic control device and electric of an apparatus according to the invention.

Figure 32 shows a lawn area divided into several sectors with a mark inscribed by points in sectors chosen, all the points forming the mark.

Figure 33 shows a network of metallic cables or wires buried in the grass surface and allowing the positioning of the device in the field.

Figure 34 shows a sports field with four surfaces to mark and two transceivers allowing the positioning of the device in the field.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXECUTION FORMS AND FORM PREFERRED EXECUTION

In the embodiment shown schematically in the Figures 1 and 2, the device according to the invention is equipped with four wheels 1 and a row of brushes 2 whose filaments are directed vertically towards the lawn. The wheels are used to transport the appliance to the grass surface to be treated, and to move it over this surface. The wheels are moved by one or more motors, preferably electric, not shown here. They are equipped with a steering device. Each brush is equipped a device allowing it to be lowered to the lawn and lift above the lawn. When the device passes over the surface of grass to be treated, the brushes are lowered at the right time. Of preferably, each brush has a width which corresponds to that of a determined area on the surface to be treated.

This embodiment of the device is the first which is described above, and the simplest.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the turf surface to be treated is treated as a network of small sectors 13, of preferably quadrangular, as shown in Figure 32. If the width of the surface to be treated is greater than the length of the row of brushes, it is useful to treat the surface with several parallel tracks 14 whose width corresponds to the length of the appliance's brush row. The surface shown in Figure 32 is thus divided into four tracks including the width corresponds to eight sectors, the latter number corresponding to the number of brushes provided the device. The aircraft rolls along the first track. When a brush passes over an area to be treated, it is lowered onto the turf and it directs the strands of the turf to passage, until it is raised above the lawn. The figure 32 shows that, on the fourth track, the third brush of the row lowers on the twelfth and thirteenth sectors from the left, and then gets up, marking the lawn of two sectors in question by orienting their strands of grass. A part of the letter A is thus marked on the lawn. The rest of the grass surface can of course remain as it was, without any treatment. It is however clearly preferable to run the device for the first time, all brushes lowered in one direction to orient all the strands of the turf on an entire track. Then we pass the device in the other direction, lowering the brushes only on the sectors representing the sign or image to be represented. Of the so the strands are oriented, basically, in two directions only, which gives a sharper image. Once the first track is processed, the device is placed again on the starting line, at the start of the second track, which runs parallel to the first one and which is adjacent to it, and the process starts again, until the entire lawn area is treated.

In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the brushes 2 are always in a row, but they are rotatable and can turn independently of one another in one direction or in the other. Likewise, they can be braked or blocked, or still rotate freely, independently of each other. When a brush is blocked or turns back, the bristles of the grass tilt in the direction of travel of the device. When it turns forward, at a speed that exceeds that of the device, the strands of the lawn tilt in one direction opposite. The device can thus process an entire track by one pass. At the end of a track, it turns around and immediately begins the next track, in the opposite direction.

During the journey necessary to bring the device to the surface to be treated, just let the brushes spin free if the device is not equipped with a device allowing raise them. It may, however, be useful in some cases to equip the device with such a device.

Figures 5 and 6 show an embodiment in which the brushes are staggered, which facilitates installation transmissions and control elements, and allows processing the entire lawn area, without gaps. An automatic device, classic type, allows to operate at the right time brushes, despite the shift in their position.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the row of brushes is replaced by a row of rollers 3 mounted so to rotate freely. In the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, the rollers are staggered. An automatic device, classic type, allows the rollers to be lowered at the right time, despite the shift in their position. The rollers of Figures 7 and 8 have a central division which allows them to be pressed bearings, central bearings or bearings, while the rollers of Figures 9 and 8 are carried by bearings, bearings or bearings placed on each side. In both forms of execution, the rollers are mounted on a device which allows to lower and raise them independently of each other. In these two embodiments, the apparatus functions like that which is shown in Figures 1 and 2. In other words, the device must pass twice on the same track if the entire surface must be treated.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12, the row of brushes in figures 3 and 4 is replaced by a row of rotating barrels 15 on the periphery of which rollers 3 are mounted so as to rotate freely around axes parallel to that of the barrel. Barrels 15 can rotate in both sense, or be held back, independently of each other, thanks to motors which are not shown. When a barrel is blocked or turns back, the strands of the lawn tilt into the direction of travel of the device. When it turns forward, at a speed that exceeds that of the device, the strands of the lawn tilt in an opposite direction. The device can thus process an entire track in one pass. Arrived at the end of a track, he turns around and immediately starts the track next, in the opposite direction. The device is preferably provided a device for raising the barrels so as not to not damage them during the journey to the lawn surface and during the return journey.

Figures 13 and 14 show a variant of this latter form of execution, in which the rotary barrels 15 are mounted in staggered, with the advantages mentioned regarding Figures 5 and 6. Here too, a device makes it possible to adapt the operation the offset between the barrels.

In the embodiment shown schematically in the figures 15 and 16, the device is provided with eight barrels 15 carrying rolls 3 and four rolls 3 placed in pairs. The axes of wheels 1 are perpendicular to those of the rollers. The device is provided with means enabling the wheels to be raised so that the device rests on the two pairs of rollers. The device is brought to the grass surface to be treated by means of the wheels lowered. Once arrived, the wheels are raised and the device moves, perpendicular to its direction of arrival, on the surface thanks to the two pairs of rollers, which are driven by one or more motors. The two rolls of each pair are separated by a small space which avoids friction. It is easy to turn the device by braking the rollers located on the same side, which is possible thanks to a differential whose transmission is equipped. A differential is not necessary if each roller is driven by a different motor.

The device for raising and lowering the wheels is not not shown here. This is a classic device, as it for example, for decades on some models of trucks or planes.

The length of each pair of rollers and the set of rotary barrels 15 corresponds to the width of a track 14 of the turf surface. The strands of the entire runway turf are first oriented in the direction of movement of the device by the carrying rollers. Then the rotating barrels pass and give a different or identical orientation, depending on the direction and the speed of their rotation, as explained regarding Figures 11 and 12. A track can therefore be treated as a single passage. However, if you want to mark the next track on the way back, you must return the device to prevent carrying rollers, following the passage of the rotating barrels, erase the marks made by them.

Figures 17 and 18 show a variant of this latter form in which the rotating barrels are mounted in staggered, with the advantages mentioned regarding Figures 5 and 6 and 13 and 14. Here too, a device makes it possible to adapt the offset operation between the barrels.

Figures 19 and 20 show a variant of the embodiment Figures 15 and 16, in which the two pairs of rollers carriers are surrounded by two rows of rotating barrels roller carriers. The presence of a row of barrels of each side of the carrying rollers allows to mark the track next in reverse, without turning the unit over. It is however note that it is preferable in principle to treat each track in the same direction to get orientation too uniform as possible of the strands of the lawn.

In a variant not shown here, the device in the form for the execution of FIGS. 19 and 20 carries rotating barrels staggered, with the advantages described above.

Figures 21 to 26 show alternative embodiments shown in Figures 15 to 20, in which the barrels are replaced by rotating brushes. Like the barrels in previous embodiments, each rotary brush can turn in one direction or the other independently of the others.

Figures 27 to 30 show the preferred embodiment of the device. This is the embodiment shown schematically in Figures 25 and 26, with the difference that the brushes are staggered, with the advantages that a such provision includes.

Each rotary brush 2 can rotate freely around the axis 7 and is controlled by a belt 4 which drives the brush by a pulley 10 secured to the brush. Each belt 4 is driven by a motor 11, preferably electric, independent of the others. The brushes are placed at a height such that they penetrate in the grass, but do not touch the ground. The main axes 7 brushes are fixed by their ends to the main frame 5.

Each pair of carrying rollers is carried by an axis 6. The carrier rollers rotate freely around the axis. Both ends of each axis are pulleys 10 each of which is integral with the carrying roller 3. Belts 4, each of which is driven by an independent motor 11, transmit to rollers move the motors. Each motor transmits its movement via a gear train 12. The axes roller carriers, as well as motor-gear assemblies, are fixed on a secondary chassis 8. This secondary chassis 8 is itself fixed to a main frame 5 by means of a ball bearing 9 which allows the chassis to turn a small angle to steer the device. The fact that each roll is controlled by an independent motor makes a differential unnecessary.

The motors are electric and are powered by an accumulator. It goes without saying that other types of motors could be used, but they would be less practical. Likewise, it would possible to use a different means of transmission than belts and pulleys, for example chains or gears.

The motors and transmissions that drive the rollers ensure the device, thanks to the significant reduction given by the gears, and even with variations in load, a substantially constant speed, which is roughly that of a man in step.

The roller motors are started manually, using switches or switches controlled by the driver. For the first line, the latter can manually direct the device steering, which allows the two chassis to be pivoted secondary to the main chassis. For the lines the computer directs the device automatically.

Each of the motors controlling the brushes is controlled by a computer based on its position on the turf surface. The data supplied to the computer is saved on a card RAM. Figure 31 gives a diagram of the relationships between the various electrical and electronic components that control the device. he note that the torque required to rotate a brush, whether in the direction of travel of the device or in the direction on the contrary, is substantially constant. The flexibility of the filaments of the brush plays an important role here.

Compared to the versions described above in which the wheels cannot be lifted, the advantage of the shape preferred execution lies in the best weight distribution. The preferred embodiment avoids marking of train paths by wheels in the field. Compared to the versions in which the brushes are replaced by barrels carrying rollers, the advantage also lies in the large mass and also in the large dimensions of the barrels.

It goes without saying that, in each embodiment envisaged, the number of organs can vary according to the needs, whether rollers, barrels, brushes, motors, pulleys or wheels.

In its preferred embodiment, the method of marking grass land is automatic. A device enslavement to a computer is essential. The image or images, or the or the signs, for example a name or a word constituting a mark, which must be reproduced on the grass, are introduced in the computer. The image (s) and / or the sign (s) are cut out at several points which correspond to a division into several sectors 13 of the turf surface. Driver places first the apparatus on the starting line 15. It directs it first along of the first track, manually. The device is equipped with a device that places on the edge of the runway, to the left of the apparatus in the embodiment shown in Figure 33, at regular intervals, for example at the edge of each sector 13, small ferromagnetic metal balls. The device is in additionally equipped with magnetic sensors connected to the computer, and a magnetic device which allows the beads to be recovered passage. The balls are deposited when the device passes over the first track. The computer causes the balls to drop and operates the brushes and / or rollers when where the device is in a determined position. In order to determine this position, on the first pass, the preferred method consists in providing the device with a distance counter, which is operated by one or more of the rollers which support the device, or by a wheel attached to the device and which rolls freely on the lawn. Such counters are instruments common, for example on automobiles. The meter transmits its indications to the computer, which transmits its instructions to engines according to the program introduced by the driver. During the passage on the second track, the sensors transmit to the computer the data they collect as to the position of the device compared to that of the balls. It is no longer the counter which is decisive. The position of the balls does not determine not only the direction given to the device, but also the when the brush or roller must come into action to give on the lawn the desired direction in a given sector, as well as the position of the new series of balls to be deposited along the second track: while the aircraft retrieves the balls placed at the edge of the first track, he deposits it at the edge of the second track. Of course, it can be the same balls that are transferred by the device from the edge of the first to the edge of the second track. After processing the second runway, the driver places the aircraft again on the starting line, at the start of the next track, and the process starts again. Arrived at the last track, the computer orders the device that deposits the balls of no longer work, only the one who ensures the collection of logs at the edge of the penultimate runway.

According to another embodiment of the method, the computer causes a line to be marked in the grass, at the edge of the track. The driver thus guides the aircraft to the next runway along the line thus drawn. Preferably, the line will be plotted so that the passage of the device for the treatment of the next track will erase it. In other words, it will take the device goes over. At the same time as the device erase this first line, he draws a second one, at the edge of the second track. This second line will be deleted by passing of the aircraft on the third track. The process starts again until the entire surface has been treated.

Another form of method execution is to bury in the ground, a few centimeters from the surface, a grid metallic which corresponds to the edges of the tracks and the lines of departure and arrival, as shown in figure 33. The device is equipped with sensors which transmit the position of the device. A measuring device signals to the computer and driver any deviation between the actual position of the device and the predicted position and stored in the computer. Here again, the piloting can be automatic or manual.

Yet another form of performing the method is to place transceivers in the field and on the aircraft. Such devices to measure distance and / or angle, which allows the computer to calculate the position of the device by compared to the transceivers placed on the ground. Figure 34 shows schematically that such transceivers could be placed in A and B. Microwaves, ultrasound or infrared can be used in such a system. Here again, piloting can be automatic or manual.

Finally, we can consider using a device in which the transceivers are found on satellites, as is done in the GPS system.

Claims (21)

1. Method for marking grass fields, particularly sports fields, in which one part of the blades on a grass surface is oriented in one direction and at least one other part of the blades on the said grass surface is oriented or is left oriented in at least one other direction, in such a way that at least one of the parts constitute one or more images or signs, characterized in that at least one model of the image or sign to be marked on the grass surface is entered in a computer, in that said model is divided into several points, in that the grass surface is divided in several sectors (13), moreover in that the instantaneous position of grass blade orienting means (2, 3) is entered in the computer, and in that the action of said means (2, 3) is controlled in relation to the position of said means on given sectors (13) which correspond to given points of the model or sign to be marked on the grass surface.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the blades of grass on at least one part of the grass surface are oriented by means of one or several brushes (2).
3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that rotating brushes (2) are used.
4. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the blades of grass on at least one part of the grass surface are oriented by means of one or more rollers (3).
5. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the blades of grass on at least one part of the grass surface are oriented by means of one or more brushes (2) and by one or more rollers (3).
6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the action of the grass blade directing means (2, 3) is controlled by the computer in which are programmed the model or models of signs or images to be marked on the grass surface, divided into points, the instantaneous position of said means on the grass surface, and commands controlling the said action for each sector depending on the corresponding point of the model and the said position of the said means.
7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that an apparatus is used on to which are fixed the grass blades orienting means (2, 3), and in that the position of the said apparatus on the grass surface is registered by sensors which detect the presence of magnetizable bodies which are placed or burried at give places on or under the said surface.
8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that an apparatus is used on which are fixed the grass blade orienting means (2,3) and in that the position of the said apparatus on the grass surface is registered by a device which is at least able to receive electromagnetic or sonic waves.
9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the device receives signals from geostationary satellites.
10. Apparatus for marking grass fields comprising wheels (1) enabling it to move, brushes (2) and/or rollers (3), and means for selectively lowering some of the said brushes (2) and/or rollers (3) onto the grass and raising them so that they no longer touch the grass .
11. Apparatus for marking grass fields, comprising wheels (1) enabling it to move, rotating brushes (2) and means for rotating the brushes in both directions.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises means for lowering at least some of the said brushes onto the grass and for raising them so that they no longer touch the grass.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that at least some brushes (2) and/or rollers (3) are assembled in groups (15).
14. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the grouped rollers (3) are mounted on at least one rotating barrel (15) in such a way as to be able to rotate freely.
15. Apparatus according to one of the claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the brushes (2) and/or rollers (3) and/or the groups (15) of brushes and/or rollers are positioned in staggered rows.
16. Apparatus according to one of the claims 10 to 15, characterized in that it comprises the means for raising the wheels (1), and rollers (3) for supporting and moving the apparatus when the wheels are raised.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises at least one motor (11) activating the rollers (3) which support the apparatus and a steering device for guiding the apparatus when the wheels (1) are raised.
18. Apparatus according to one of the claims 10 to 17, characterized in that each roller (3) or group (15) of rollers and each brush (2) or group (15) of brushes is controlled by a different motor (11).
19. Apparatus according to one of the claims 10 to 18, characterized in that the position of the apparatus on the grass surface is determined by a counter [odometer] activated by the rollers (3) supporting the apparatus or by a wheel which rolls on the said grass surface.
20. Apparatus according to one of the claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the (1) axes of rotation of the wheels are perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the rollers (3) and/or the brushes (2) when the steering device is in neutral position.
21. Apparatus according to one of the claims 10 to 20, characterized in that it comprises a computer in which is entered the model of the image or sign to be marked on the grass, means for determining the position of the apparatus on the grass surface and means for allowing at least some brushes (2) and/or some rollers (3) and/or groups (15) of rollers to be lowered or raised and/or rotated in such a way as to direct one part of the blades on the grass surface in a direction different from that of the other blades of grass, so that at least one of the parts of the grass surface constitutes at least one image or one sign corresponding to that which is programmed in the computer.

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