CA2185514C - Device and process for cutting grass with a controlled thickness from grass land - Google Patents
Device and process for cutting grass with a controlled thickness from grass land Download PDFInfo
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- CA2185514C CA2185514C CA002185514A CA2185514A CA2185514C CA 2185514 C CA2185514 C CA 2185514C CA 002185514 A CA002185514 A CA 002185514A CA 2185514 A CA2185514 A CA 2185514A CA 2185514 C CA2185514 C CA 2185514C
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- grass
- cutting blade
- land
- cutting
- sod
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G20/00—Cultivation of turf, lawn or the like; Apparatus or methods therefor
- A01G20/10—Pre-cultivated sod or turf; Apparatus therefor
- A01G20/12—Apparatus for cutting sods or turfs
- A01G20/15—Apparatus for cutting sods or turfs specially adapted for stacking sods or sod rolls
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Harvester Elements (AREA)
- Soil Working Implements (AREA)
Abstract
When cutting grass sods from a grass land by a cutting apparatus, the cutting blade of the cutting apparatus is adjusted in response to changes in the thickness of a cut grass sod or a surface profile of the grass land, or both . The apparatus may include adjusting means for adjusting the cutting blade. The apparatus may include detecting means measuring the surface profile of the grass land or sensing the thickness of the cut grass sod, which may be coupled to the adjusting means such that the adjusting means adjusts the cutting blade in response to a detected change. The cutting blade may be flexible. The cuttin g blade may be adjusted, such as automatically, to cut grass sods with a predetermined thickness or a substantially uniform thickness.
Description
DEVICE AND PROCESS FOR CUTTING GRASS WITH A
CONTROLLED THICKNESS FROM GRASS LAND
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to cutting grass sods from grass land.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
CONTROLLED THICKNESS FROM GRASS LAND
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to cutting grass sods from grass land.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Grass sod is utilized to quickly form large grass surfaces such as sports fields, golf courses and lawns. The grass sod is cut from a grass land and typically has a breadth of between 24 and 48 inches (60 - 120cm). The cut grass sod is collected as a roll or a slab. An exemplary device and method for cutting out large grass sods are described in WO 95/02317 (PCT/NL94/00159).
[0003] It is desirable that the cut grass sods have a constant or uniform thickness over its length and breadth. A problem with the conventional techniques for cutting broad grass sods is that, when the terrain is sloped over the breadth of the grass sod, such as having a slightly hollow or rounded surface profile, the thickness of the cut grass sods over the whole breadth is not constant or uniform.
This varying thickness yields problems during laying of sports fields and the like which must be as flat as possible. Moreover, the thickness of the cut grass sod is dependent on the application. For example, a golfing green or a high quality sports field would utilize a grass sod that is preferably cut as thinly as possible.
Conversely, for gardens or planting grass fields, the grass sods can be cut thicker.
If the grass sod is cut from a sloping terrain, a temporary "dead" spot can be produced. This is a particular problem when the grass sod is cut as thinly as possible, such as for golfing greens or high quality sports fields. In applications where thicker grass sods can be utilized, it may be important to cut the grass sod at a substantially constant thickness over its length or breadth, or both, in order to reduce transportation costs. Moreover, it is desirable to cut the grass sods at a substantially uniform thickness over its breadth in order to avoid a stack or roll of grass sods from sagging to one side or, in the case of narrow rolls or stacks of grass sods, from falling over.
This varying thickness yields problems during laying of sports fields and the like which must be as flat as possible. Moreover, the thickness of the cut grass sod is dependent on the application. For example, a golfing green or a high quality sports field would utilize a grass sod that is preferably cut as thinly as possible.
Conversely, for gardens or planting grass fields, the grass sods can be cut thicker.
If the grass sod is cut from a sloping terrain, a temporary "dead" spot can be produced. This is a particular problem when the grass sod is cut as thinly as possible, such as for golfing greens or high quality sports fields. In applications where thicker grass sods can be utilized, it may be important to cut the grass sod at a substantially constant thickness over its length or breadth, or both, in order to reduce transportation costs. Moreover, it is desirable to cut the grass sods at a substantially uniform thickness over its breadth in order to avoid a stack or roll of grass sods from sagging to one side or, in the case of narrow rolls or stacks of grass sods, from falling over.
[0004] It is thus desirable to provide a method and apparatus for cutting a grass sod of a substantially uniform thickness over its length and breadth.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for cutting grass sods from a grass land. The apparatus includes a chassis; a flexible cutting blade having a cutting edge, adjustably mounted on the chassis for cutting a grass sod from the grass land when the chassis is moved relative to the grass land, the cutting edge defining a lateral direction; and adjusting means mounted on the chassis for flexing the cutting blade so as to adjust a lateral profile of the cutting edge. The apparatus may include a frame attached to the chassis. The cutting blade may have two end portions and a middle portion between the end portions.
The cutting edge may extend from the middle portion towards the end portions.
The middle portion may be secured to the frame. The end portions may be adjustably supported by the adjusting means such that each one of the end portions is moveable with respect to the frame for adjusting the lateral profile of the cutting edge. The adjusting means may include two adjustable cylinders mounted on the frame, each one of the cylinders coupled to one of the end portions of the cutting blade for adjusting a position of the end portion relative to the middle portion. The apparatus may include measuring means for measuring changes in a lateral surface profile of the grass land, the measuring means being coupled to the adjusting means such that the adjusting means adjusts the cutting blade in response to a detected change in the lateral surface profile of the grass land. The measuring means may include at least three running wheels mounted adjacent a front end of the chassis, the running wheels distributed substantially parallel to the lateral direction for measuring the changes in the lateral surface profile of the grass land. The adjusting means may automatically adjust the cutting blade in response to the detected change. The apparatus may include sensing means for sensing a thickness of a cut grass sod, the sensing means being coupled to the adjusting means such that the adjusting means adjusts the cutting blade in response to a detected variation in the thickness of the cut grass sod. The sensing means may include a plurality of sensors distributed substantially parallel to the lateral direction for sensing a lateral variation of the thickness of the cut grass sod. At least one of the sensors may detect an electrical signal that is indicative of the thickness of the cut grass sod. The adjusting means may automatically adjust the cutting blade in response to the detected variation. The adjusting means may adjust the cutting blade as the chassis moves relative to the grass land such that a grass sod cut from the grass land by the cutting blade has a substantially uniform lateral thickness.
The cutting edge may extend from the middle portion towards the end portions.
The middle portion may be secured to the frame. The end portions may be adjustably supported by the adjusting means such that each one of the end portions is moveable with respect to the frame for adjusting the lateral profile of the cutting edge. The adjusting means may include two adjustable cylinders mounted on the frame, each one of the cylinders coupled to one of the end portions of the cutting blade for adjusting a position of the end portion relative to the middle portion. The apparatus may include measuring means for measuring changes in a lateral surface profile of the grass land, the measuring means being coupled to the adjusting means such that the adjusting means adjusts the cutting blade in response to a detected change in the lateral surface profile of the grass land. The measuring means may include at least three running wheels mounted adjacent a front end of the chassis, the running wheels distributed substantially parallel to the lateral direction for measuring the changes in the lateral surface profile of the grass land. The adjusting means may automatically adjust the cutting blade in response to the detected change. The apparatus may include sensing means for sensing a thickness of a cut grass sod, the sensing means being coupled to the adjusting means such that the adjusting means adjusts the cutting blade in response to a detected variation in the thickness of the cut grass sod. The sensing means may include a plurality of sensors distributed substantially parallel to the lateral direction for sensing a lateral variation of the thickness of the cut grass sod. At least one of the sensors may detect an electrical signal that is indicative of the thickness of the cut grass sod. The adjusting means may automatically adjust the cutting blade in response to the detected variation. The adjusting means may adjust the cutting blade as the chassis moves relative to the grass land such that a grass sod cut from the grass land by the cutting blade has a substantially uniform lateral thickness.
[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided another apparatus for cutting grass sods from a grass land. The apparatus includes a chassis; a cutting blade having a cutting edge, moveably mounted on the chassis for cutting a grass sod from the grass land when the chassis is moved relative to the grass land; adjusting means mounted on the chassis for adjusting a position of the cutting blade relative to the chassis; and sensing means mounted on the chassis for sensing a thickness of a cut grass sod, wherein the sensing means is coupled to the adjusting means such that the adjusting means adjusts a position of the cutting blade in response to a detected variation in the thickness of the cut grass sod. The adjusting means may automatically adjust the position of the cutting blade in response to the detected variation. The sensing means may include a sensor capable of detecting an electrical signal that is indicative of the thickness of the cut grass sod. The sensing means may include a plurality of sensors. The apparatus may include measuring means for measuring changes in a surface profile of the grass land, the measuring means being coupled to the adjusting means such that the adjusting means adjusts the position of the cutting blade in response to a detected change in the surface profile of the grass land. The measuring means may include a running wheel mounted adjacent a front end of the chassis for measuring the changes in the surface profile of the grass land.
The measuring means may include a plurality of running wheels mounted adjacent the front end of the chassis. The adjusting means may automatically adjust the position of the cutting blade in response to the detected change in the surface profile of the grass land. The adjusting means may adjust the cutting blade as the chassis moves relative to the grass land such that a grass sod cut from the grass land by the cutting blade has a substantially uniform thickness. The cutting blade may be flexible. The adjusting means may include an adjustable cylinder, the cutting blade at least partially supported by the adjustable cylinder. The adjusting means may include a plurality of adjustable cylinders each coupled to a portion of the cutting blade for adjusting a position of the portion of the cutting blade. The sensing means may be disposed between the cutting blade and a back end of the chassis.
The measuring means may include a plurality of running wheels mounted adjacent the front end of the chassis. The adjusting means may automatically adjust the position of the cutting blade in response to the detected change in the surface profile of the grass land. The adjusting means may adjust the cutting blade as the chassis moves relative to the grass land such that a grass sod cut from the grass land by the cutting blade has a substantially uniform thickness. The cutting blade may be flexible. The adjusting means may include an adjustable cylinder, the cutting blade at least partially supported by the adjustable cylinder. The adjusting means may include a plurality of adjustable cylinders each coupled to a portion of the cutting blade for adjusting a position of the portion of the cutting blade. The sensing means may be disposed between the cutting blade and a back end of the chassis.
[0007] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for cutting grass sods from a grass land. The apparatus includes a chassis having a front end and a back end; a cutting blade having a cutting edge, moveably mounted on the chassis for cutting a grass sod from the grass land when the chassis is moved relative to the grass land, the cutting edge defining a lateral direction; adjusting means mounted on the chassis for adjusting a position of the cutting blade relative to the chassis; and at least three measuring means disposed in front of the cutting blade, the at least three measuring means laterally distributed for measuring a lateral surface profile of the grass land, wherein the at least three measuring means are coupled to the adjusting means such that the adjusting means adjusts a position of the cutting blade in response to a detected change in the lateral surface profile of the grass land. Each one of the at least three measuring means may include a running wheel. The adjusting means may automatically adjust the position of the cutting blade in response to the detected change in the lateral surface profile of the grass land. The adjusting means adjusts the cutting blade as the chassis moves relative to the grass land such that a grass sod cut from the grass land by the cutting blade has a substantially uniform lateral thickness. The cutting blade may be flexible. The adjusting means may include an adjustable cylinder coupled to the cutting blade for adjusting the cutting blade. The adjusting means may include a plurality of adjustable cylinders each coupled to a portion of the cutting blade for adjusting a position of the portion of the cutting blade.
[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cutting from a grass land a grass sod having a predetermined thickness. The method includes the steps of setting a cutting blade to cut from the grass land the grass sod having the predetermined thickness; positioning sensing means to detect during cutting of the grass sod from the grass land a thickness of a cut grass sod, by detecting an electrical signal indicative of the thickness of the cut grass sod;
detecting a variation in the thickness of the cut grass sod; and in response to detecting the variation, adjusting the cutting blade to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness. The method may also include positioning measuring means to detect during the cutting of the grass sod from the grass land a surface profile of a grass sod to be cut; detecting a change in the surface profile;
and in response to detecting the change in the surface profile, adjusting the cutting blade to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness.
detecting a variation in the thickness of the cut grass sod; and in response to detecting the variation, adjusting the cutting blade to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness. The method may also include positioning measuring means to detect during the cutting of the grass sod from the grass land a surface profile of a grass sod to be cut; detecting a change in the surface profile;
and in response to detecting the change in the surface profile, adjusting the cutting blade to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness.
[0009] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cutting from a grass land a grass sod having a predetermined thickness.
The method includes setting a flexible cutting blade to cut from the grass land the grass sod having the predetermined thickness; detecting during cutting of the grass sod from the grass land changes in at least one of a thickness of a cut grass sod and a surface profile of the grass land; and in response to detecting a change in the at least one of a thickness of the cut grass sod and the surface profile of the grass land, flexing the cutting blade to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness.
The method includes setting a flexible cutting blade to cut from the grass land the grass sod having the predetermined thickness; detecting during cutting of the grass sod from the grass land changes in at least one of a thickness of a cut grass sod and a surface profile of the grass land; and in response to detecting a change in the at least one of a thickness of the cut grass sod and the surface profile of the grass land, flexing the cutting blade to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness.
[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for cutting grass sods from a grass land, comprising a chassis having a front end and a back end; a roller mounted on the chassis such that the roller contacts a surface of the grass land when the chassis is moved relative to the grass land; a cutting blade having a cutting edge, moveably mounted on the chassis adjacent the roller for cutting a grass sod between the roller and the cutting blade from the grass land when the chassis is moved relative to the grass land; adjusting means mounted on the chassis for adjusting a position of the cutting blade relative to the roller; and detection means for detecting at least one of a thickness of a cut grass sod and a surface profile of the grass land, wherein the detection means are coupled to the adjusting means such that the adjusting means adjusts a position of the cutting blade relative to the roller in response to a detected change in the at least one of the thickness of the cut grass sod and the surface profile of the grass land.
[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cutting grass sods from a grass land, comprising: setting a cutting blade relative to a roller to cut from the grass land a grass sod having a predetermined thickness between the cutting blade and the roller; positioning detecting means to detect during cutting of the grass sod from the grass land at least one of a thickness of a cut grass sod and a surface profile of the grass land;
detecting, with the detecting means, changes in the at least one of the thickness of the cut grass sod and the surface profile of the grass land; in response to detecting a change in the at least one of the thickness of the cut grass sod and the surface profile of the grass land, automatically adjusting, with adjusting means coupled to the detecting means, a position of the cutting blade relative to the roller to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness.
detecting, with the detecting means, changes in the at least one of the thickness of the cut grass sod and the surface profile of the grass land; in response to detecting a change in the at least one of the thickness of the cut grass sod and the surface profile of the grass land, automatically adjusting, with adjusting means coupled to the detecting means, a position of the cutting blade relative to the roller to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an exemplary device for cutting one or more grass sods from grass land may include a chassis, cutting means for cutting the sods, which cutting means are mounted on the chassis; and setting means for setting the cutting means. The exemplary device may include measuring means for measuring the sod thickness, which measuring means are workably coupled with the setting means. The measuring means may include rolling and/or dragging means for feeling thickness variations in the sods to be cut. The rolling means may include two or more running wheels mounted in front of the cutting means, as seen from a side elevation of the device. Sensing means may be mounted behind the cutting means as seen in the driving direction of the device. The cutting means may include a flexible blade wherein the extent of flexibility thereof is set up by the setting means.
[0013] Although an experienced driver of the exemplary device may be able to adjust the cutting means during driving, it is preferable, when the device is also provided with measuring means, that setting of the cutting means occurs for as much as is possible automatically, whereby the thickness of the grass sods can be kept constant or varied to a greater extent.
[0014] The measuring means, rolling and/or dragging means are preferably mounted on the cutting means so that the slopes in the terrain, from where the grass sods are to be cut, are constantly felt whereafter immediate adjustment of the depth setting of the cutting means can occur.
[0015] In another embodiment, which can also make use of the mentioned rolling and/or dragging means, sensing means are arranged behind the cutting means wherein the setting means are adjusted as quickly as possible when an undesirable depth is measured.
[0016] The cutting means preferably comprise a flexible blade since apart from the depth setting of the cutting means with respect to the underground, a partially hollow or rounded cutting blade can also be set up in order to follow the sloping terrain.
[0017] There is also provided an exemplary process for cutting one or more grass sods from grass land, wherein the thickness of the grass sods which have been cut out or which are to be cut out, is determined and wherein the cutting means are set up to depend on the measured thickness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Further advantages, characteristics and details of the present invention will be clarified with respect to the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, which refers to the appended drawings which show:
[0019] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with which a process according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can also be carried out;
[0020] Fig. 2 is a more detailed perspective view of the portion II from Fig.
1 in a first working condition; and
1 in a first working condition; and
[0021] Fig. 3 is a more detailed perspective view of portion I I I from Fig. 2 in a second working position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0022] A device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a chassis 2 whereon wheels 23, 24 are mounted and which is connected with a tractor (not shown) via a coupling 3 and a rod 4. The device 1 can also make use of a driven axle 5 of the tractor, in the schematically shown manner, and also of other provisions thereof.
[0023] A cutting unit 6 is disposed adjacent the front end of the chassis 2 for cutting a grass sod S from a grass land. A carrying up transporter 7 and transport units 8, 9 and 10 are mounted on the chassis 2 for stacking up the grass sods, for example with large breadth, in large rolls or in a zig-zag manner on the holder P.
Further details of the device illustrated in Fig. 1 are described in the above mentioned international patent application W095/02317.
Further details of the device illustrated in Fig. 1 are described in the above mentioned international patent application W095/02317.
[0024] With reference to Fig. 2, and ongoing reference to Fig. 1, the cutting unit 6 may include a somewhat flexible roller 11 and a cutting blade 12. As is shown, and typical in conventional grass sod cutting machines, roller 11 is mounted on chassis 2 in such a manner that roller 11 can contact the surface of the grass land during operation, when chassis is moved relative to the grass land. Also as shown, the cutting blade 12 has a cutting edge, which defines a lateral direction.
The cutting blade 12 extends laterally between the sides of chassis 2, and is positioned behind the roller 11. The cutting blade 12 can be positioned to cut the sod under the surface of the grass land. The cutting blade 12 is mounted to a frame part which is movably connected to chassis 2. Frame part 14 is connected to a rotatable axle 13. As the axle 13 is driven to rotate, the frame part 14, and hence the cutting blade 12, will move back and forth with respect to the chassis 2 and the roller 11, as indicated by the double arrow A. The cutting blade 12 is adjustable with respect to the roller 11 by the adjustment of the frame part 14, or the suspending of the roller 11.
The cutting blade 12 extends laterally between the sides of chassis 2, and is positioned behind the roller 11. The cutting blade 12 can be positioned to cut the sod under the surface of the grass land. The cutting blade 12 is mounted to a frame part which is movably connected to chassis 2. Frame part 14 is connected to a rotatable axle 13. As the axle 13 is driven to rotate, the frame part 14, and hence the cutting blade 12, will move back and forth with respect to the chassis 2 and the roller 11, as indicated by the double arrow A. The cutting blade 12 is adjustable with respect to the roller 11 by the adjustment of the frame part 14, or the suspending of the roller 11.
[0025] The cutting blade 12 may be at least somewhat flexible. As shown, the cutting blade 12 has two end portions and a middle portion between the end portions. The cutting edge of cutting blade 12 extends from the middle portion towards the end portions. The middle portion may be secured in position relative to the frame part 14. Each of the end portions may be coupled to, such as supported by, an adjustable cylinder 16 or 17, which may in turn be mounted on opposite sides of the frame part 14. The adjustable cylinders 16 and 17 may be adjustable, and may move up and down, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 and indicated by the double arrows C and D.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the end portions of the cutting blade 12 may be flexible with respect to the frame part 14. The position of each end portion relative to the frame part 14, and the middle portion of the cutting blade 12, may be adjusted by moving adjustable cylinder 16 or 17, such as upwardly, to flex the cutting blade 12, as illustrated. As can be understood, the cutting edge of the flexed cutting blade 12 has a curved lateral profile, which may make it possible to cut out a grass sod from a somewhat hollow sloping terrain, where the grass sod has a substantially uniform lateral thickness over its whole breadth.
[0027] The hollows and bumps of the terrain may be measured, for example, with the aid of running wheels 30, 31 and 32 which are secured to the frame part 33, adjacent the front end of the chassis 2. As illustrated, the running wheels may be distributed substantially parallel to the cutting edge for detecting changes in the lateral surface profile of the grass land. As such, the running wheels 30, 31 and 32 form parts of the measuring means for measuring the surface profile of the grass land, which may be operatively coupled with the adjustable cylinders 16 and 17. No particular embodiment of coupling is shown in the figures as suitable coupling techniques for coupling the measuring means to the adjustable cylinders can be readily provided by persons skilled in the art. Such a coupling may utilize any suitable conventional coupling techniques. As can be appreciated, the coupling between the measuring means and the adjustable cylinders 16 and 17 makes it possible to adjust the cutting blade 12 in response to a measured change in the lateral surface profile of the grass land, in order to keep the thickness of the cut grass sod substantially constant or uniform. The adjustments may be made automatically, to adjust a position of the cuffing blade 12 relative to the roller 11.
[0028] As shown in Fig. 2, another preferred embodiment for keeping the thickness of the sods over the complete breadth constant, utilizes sensors 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 mounted on the frame (or the carrying-up transporter 7).
The sensors 40 to 46 may detect the thickness of the cut sods, or changes or variations thereof, for example, with the aid of capacitive signals that are indicative of the thickness of the cut sods. As can be appreciated, a capacitive signal is a kind of electrical signal. As shown, the sensors 40 to 46 may be disposed between the cutting blade 12 and the back end of the chassis 2, and may be distributed substantially parallel to the lateral direction, such that they can sense lateral variations in the thickness of the cut sods. The sensors 40 to 46 may be coupled to the adjustable cylinders 16 and 17, to provide immediate back coupling to the adjusting cylinders 16 and 17 for immediate adjustment of the positioning of the cutting blade 12 relative to the roller 11, in response to sensed irregularities in the sod thicknesses. Such adjustments may be made automatically. Thus, the resulting cut grass sods may have substantially uniform thickness, either laterally or longitudinally, or both.
The sensors 40 to 46 may detect the thickness of the cut sods, or changes or variations thereof, for example, with the aid of capacitive signals that are indicative of the thickness of the cut sods. As can be appreciated, a capacitive signal is a kind of electrical signal. As shown, the sensors 40 to 46 may be disposed between the cutting blade 12 and the back end of the chassis 2, and may be distributed substantially parallel to the lateral direction, such that they can sense lateral variations in the thickness of the cut sods. The sensors 40 to 46 may be coupled to the adjustable cylinders 16 and 17, to provide immediate back coupling to the adjusting cylinders 16 and 17 for immediate adjustment of the positioning of the cutting blade 12 relative to the roller 11, in response to sensed irregularities in the sod thicknesses. Such adjustments may be made automatically. Thus, the resulting cut grass sods may have substantially uniform thickness, either laterally or longitudinally, or both.
[0029] As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig.2, the sensors 40 to 46 and the running wheels 30 to 32 may be both provided in the same apparatus for detecting changes in cut sod thickness and grass land surface profile.
It can be appreciated that, regardless of where or when the changes or variations are detected during the cutting of the sods, either before the cutting out of the sods, or after the cutting out thereof, the detected changes or variations may be used to make a sufficiently accurate adjustment of the cutting blade 12 in order to keep as constant as possible the thickness of the sods, or indeed to vary the thickness thereof. Such a measurement or detection can of course take place elsewhere in the device, for example, at the holder P where the cut sods are stacked. An experienced driver can also visually determine the thicknesses of the sods stacked on holder P and adjust manually the cutting blade 12 accordingly.
It can be appreciated that, regardless of where or when the changes or variations are detected during the cutting of the sods, either before the cutting out of the sods, or after the cutting out thereof, the detected changes or variations may be used to make a sufficiently accurate adjustment of the cutting blade 12 in order to keep as constant as possible the thickness of the sods, or indeed to vary the thickness thereof. Such a measurement or detection can of course take place elsewhere in the device, for example, at the holder P where the cut sods are stacked. An experienced driver can also visually determine the thicknesses of the sods stacked on holder P and adjust manually the cutting blade 12 accordingly.
[0030] As can be appreciated, a grass sod cut according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a substantially uniform thickness, either laterally (or breadth-wise) or longitudinally (or length-wise), or both laterally and longitudinally.
[0031] The invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as inciuding all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
Claims (36)
1. An apparatus for cutting grass sods from a grass land, comprising:
a chassis;
a flexible cutting blade having a cutting edge, adjustably mounted on said chassis for cutting a grass sod from said grass land when said chassis is moved relative to said grass land, said cutting edge defining a lateral direction; and adjusting means mounted on said chassis for flexing said cutting blade so as to adjust a lateral profile of said cutting edge.
a chassis;
a flexible cutting blade having a cutting edge, adjustably mounted on said chassis for cutting a grass sod from said grass land when said chassis is moved relative to said grass land, said cutting edge defining a lateral direction; and adjusting means mounted on said chassis for flexing said cutting blade so as to adjust a lateral profile of said cutting edge.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a frame attached to said chassis, wherein said cutting blade has two end portions and a middle portion between said end portions, said cutting edge extending from said middle portion towards said end portions, said middle portion being secured to said frame, said end portions being adjustably supported by said adjusting means such that each one of said end portions is moveable with respect to said frame for adjusting said lateral profile of said cutting edge.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said adjusting means comprises two adjustable cylinders mounted on said frame, each one of said cylinders coupled to one of said end portions of said cutting blade for adjusting a position of said end portion relative to said middle portion.
4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising measuring means for measuring changes in a lateral surface profile of said grass land, said measuring means being coupled to said adjusting means such that said adjusting means adjusts said cutting blade in response to a detected change in said lateral surface profile of said grass land.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, said measuring means comprises at least three running wheels mounted adjacent a front end of said chassis, said running wheels distributed substantially parallel to said lateral direction for measuring said changes in said lateral surface profile of said grass land.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said adjusting means automatically adjusts said cutting blade in response to said detected change.
7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising sensing means for sensing a thickness of a cut grass sod, said sensing means being coupled to said adjusting means such that said adjusting means adjusts said cutting blade in response to a detected variation in said thickness of said cut grass sod.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said sensing means comprises a plurality of sensors distributed substantially parallel to said lateral direction for sensing a lateral variation of said thickness of said cut grass sod.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least one of said sensors detects an electrical signal that is indicative of said thickness of said cut grass sod.
10. The apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein said adjusting means automatically adjusts said cutting blade in response to said detected variation.
11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said adjusting means adjusts said cutting blade as said chassis moves relative to said grass land such that a grass sod cut from said grass land by said cutting blade has a substantially uniform lateral thickness.
12. An apparatus for cutting grass sods from a grass land, comprising:
a chassis;
a cutting blade having a cutting edge, moveably mounted on said chassis for cutting a grass sod from said grass land when said chassis is moved relative to said grass land;
adjusting means mounted on said chassis for adjusting a position of said cutting blade relative to said chassis; and sensing means mounted on said chassis for sensing a thickness of a cut grass sod, wherein said sensing means is coupled to said adjusting means such that said adjusting means adjusts a position of the cutting blade in response to a detected variation in said thickness of said cut grass sod.
a chassis;
a cutting blade having a cutting edge, moveably mounted on said chassis for cutting a grass sod from said grass land when said chassis is moved relative to said grass land;
adjusting means mounted on said chassis for adjusting a position of said cutting blade relative to said chassis; and sensing means mounted on said chassis for sensing a thickness of a cut grass sod, wherein said sensing means is coupled to said adjusting means such that said adjusting means adjusts a position of the cutting blade in response to a detected variation in said thickness of said cut grass sod.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said adjusting means automatically adjusts said position of the cutting blade in response to said detected variation.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said sensing means comprises a sensor capable of detecting an electrical signal that is indicative of said thickness of said cut grass sod.
15. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said sensing means comprises a plurality of sensors.
16. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 15, comprising measuring means for measuring changes in a surface profile of said grass land, said measuring means being coupled to said adjusting means such that said adjusting means adjusts said position of said cutting blade in response to a detected change in said surface profile of said grass land.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, said measuring means comprises a running wheel mounted adjacent a front end of said chassis for measuring said changes in said surface profile of said grass land.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, said measuring means comprises a plurality of running wheels mounted adjacent said front end of said chassis.
19. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein said adjusting means automatically adjusts said position of said cutting blade in response to said detected change in said surface profile of said grass land.
20. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein said adjusting means adjusts said cutting blade as said chassis moves relative to said grass land such that a grass sod cut from said grass land by said cutting blade has a substantially uniform thickness.
21. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein said cutting blade is flexible.
22. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein said adjusting means comprises an adjustable cylinder coupled to said cutting blade for adjusting said cutting blade.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said adjusting means comprises a plurality of adjustable cylinders each coupled to a portion of said cutting blade for adjusting a position of said portion of said cutting blade.
24. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 23, wherein said sensing means is disposed between said cutting blade and a back end of said chassis.
25. An apparatus for cutting grass sods from a grass land, comprising:
a chassis having a front end and a back end;
a cutting blade having a cutting edge, moveably mounted on said chassis for cutting a grass sod from said grass land when said chassis is moved relative to said grass land, said cutting edge defining a lateral direction;
adjusting means mounted on said chassis for adjusting a position of said cutting blade relative to said chassis; and at least three measuring means disposed in front of said cutting blade, said at least three measuring means laterally distributed for measuring a lateral surface profile of said grass land, wherein said at least three measuring means are coupled to said adjusting means such that said adjusting means adjusts a position of the cutting blade in response to a detected change in said lateral surface profile of said grass land.
a chassis having a front end and a back end;
a cutting blade having a cutting edge, moveably mounted on said chassis for cutting a grass sod from said grass land when said chassis is moved relative to said grass land, said cutting edge defining a lateral direction;
adjusting means mounted on said chassis for adjusting a position of said cutting blade relative to said chassis; and at least three measuring means disposed in front of said cutting blade, said at least three measuring means laterally distributed for measuring a lateral surface profile of said grass land, wherein said at least three measuring means are coupled to said adjusting means such that said adjusting means adjusts a position of the cutting blade in response to a detected change in said lateral surface profile of said grass land.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, each one of said at least three measuring means comprises a running wheel.
27. The apparatus of claim 25 or claim 26, wherein said adjusting means automatically adjusts said position of said cutting blade in response to said detected change in said lateral surface profile of said grass land.
28. The apparatus of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein said adjusting means adjusts said cutting blade as said chassis moves relative to said grass land such that a grass sod cut from said grass land by said cutting blade has a substantially uniform lateral thickness.
29. The apparatus of any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein said cutting blade is flexible.
30. The apparatus of any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein said adjusting means comprises an adjustable cylinder coupled to said cutting blade for adjusting said cutting blade.
31.The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said adjusting means comprises a plurality of adjustable cylinders each coupled to a portion of said cutting blade for adjusting a position of said portion of said cutting blade.
32. A method of cutting from a grass land a grass sod having a predetermined thickness, comprising:
setting a cutting blade to cut from the grass land the grass sod having the predetermined thickness;
positioning sensing means to detect during cutting of the grass sod from the grass land a thickness of a cut grass sod, by detecting an electrical signal indicative of the thickness of the cut grass sod;
detecting a variation in the thickness of the cut grass sod; and in response to detecting the variation, adjusting the cutting blade to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness.
setting a cutting blade to cut from the grass land the grass sod having the predetermined thickness;
positioning sensing means to detect during cutting of the grass sod from the grass land a thickness of a cut grass sod, by detecting an electrical signal indicative of the thickness of the cut grass sod;
detecting a variation in the thickness of the cut grass sod; and in response to detecting the variation, adjusting the cutting blade to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness.
33. The method of claim 32, comprising:
positioning measuring means to detect during the cutting of the grass sod from the grass land a surface profile of a grass sod to be cut;
detecting a change in the surface profile; and in response to detecting the change in the surface profile, adjusting the cutting blade to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness.
positioning measuring means to detect during the cutting of the grass sod from the grass land a surface profile of a grass sod to be cut;
detecting a change in the surface profile; and in response to detecting the change in the surface profile, adjusting the cutting blade to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness.
34. A method of cutting from a grass land a grass sod having a predetermined thickness, comprising:
setting a flexible cutting blade to cut from the grass land the grass sod having the predetermined thickness;
detecting during cutting of the grass sod from the grass land changes in at least one of a thickness of a cut grass sod and a surface profile of the grass land; and in response to detecting a change in the at least one of the thickness of the cut grass sod and the surface profile of the grass land, flexing the cutting blade to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness.
setting a flexible cutting blade to cut from the grass land the grass sod having the predetermined thickness;
detecting during cutting of the grass sod from the grass land changes in at least one of a thickness of a cut grass sod and a surface profile of the grass land; and in response to detecting a change in the at least one of the thickness of the cut grass sod and the surface profile of the grass land, flexing the cutting blade to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness.
35.An apparatus for cutting grass sods from a grass land, comprising:
a chassis having a front end and a back end;
a roller mounted on said chassis such that said roller contacts a surface of said grass land when said chassis is moved relative to said grass land;
a cutting blade having a cutting edge, moveably mounted on said chassis adjacent said roller for cutting a grass sod between said roller and said cutting blade from said grass land when said chassis is moved relative to said grass land;
adjusting means mounted on said chassis for adjusting a position of said cutting blade relative to said roller; and detection means for detecting at least one of a thickness of a cut grass sod and a surface profile of said grass land, wherein said detection means are coupled to said adjusting means such that said adjusting means adjusts a position of the cutting blade relative to said roller in response to a detected change in said at least one of said thickness of said cut grass sod and said surface profile of said grass land.
a chassis having a front end and a back end;
a roller mounted on said chassis such that said roller contacts a surface of said grass land when said chassis is moved relative to said grass land;
a cutting blade having a cutting edge, moveably mounted on said chassis adjacent said roller for cutting a grass sod between said roller and said cutting blade from said grass land when said chassis is moved relative to said grass land;
adjusting means mounted on said chassis for adjusting a position of said cutting blade relative to said roller; and detection means for detecting at least one of a thickness of a cut grass sod and a surface profile of said grass land, wherein said detection means are coupled to said adjusting means such that said adjusting means adjusts a position of the cutting blade relative to said roller in response to a detected change in said at least one of said thickness of said cut grass sod and said surface profile of said grass land.
36. A method of cutting grass sods from a grass land, comprising:
setting a cutting blade relative to a roller to cut from the grass land a grass sod having a predetermined thickness between the cutting blade and the roller;
positioning detecting means to detect during cutting of the grass sod from the grass land at least one of a thickness of a cut grass sod and a surface profile of the grass land;
detecting, with the detecting means, changes in the at least one of the thickness of the cut grass sod and the surface profile of the grass land;
in response to detecting a change in the at least one of the thickness of the cut grass sod and the surface profile of the grass land, automatically adjusting, with adjusting means coupled to the detecting means, a position of the cutting blade relative to the roller to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness.
setting a cutting blade relative to a roller to cut from the grass land a grass sod having a predetermined thickness between the cutting blade and the roller;
positioning detecting means to detect during cutting of the grass sod from the grass land at least one of a thickness of a cut grass sod and a surface profile of the grass land;
detecting, with the detecting means, changes in the at least one of the thickness of the cut grass sod and the surface profile of the grass land;
in response to detecting a change in the at least one of the thickness of the cut grass sod and the surface profile of the grass land, automatically adjusting, with adjusting means coupled to the detecting means, a position of the cutting blade relative to the roller to maintain the cut grass sod at the predetermined thickness.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL1001212A NL1001212C2 (en) | 1995-09-15 | 1995-09-15 | Apparatus and method for cutting turf with constant thickness from grassland. |
| NL1001212 | 1995-09-15 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2185514A1 CA2185514A1 (en) | 1997-03-16 |
| CA2185514C true CA2185514C (en) | 2007-12-18 |
Family
ID=19761581
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002185514A Expired - Fee Related CA2185514C (en) | 1995-09-15 | 1996-09-13 | Device and process for cutting grass with a controlled thickness from grass land |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2185514C (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2305101B (en) |
| NL (1) | NL1001212C2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN108760620B (en) * | 2018-06-27 | 2024-09-06 | 浙江亚特电器股份有限公司 | Grass density degree detection device and lawn mower |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3887013A (en) * | 1974-06-24 | 1975-06-03 | Tri County Machine Products In | Sod cutting and stacking machine |
| US4029152A (en) * | 1975-10-01 | 1977-06-14 | Brouwer Turf Equipment Limited | Sod cutting machine with oppositely reciprocating undercutting and side cutting knives |
| US4354556A (en) * | 1980-11-10 | 1982-10-19 | Evans Mervyn L | Turf cutting and rolling apparatus |
| NL192948C (en) * | 1987-08-14 | 1998-06-03 | Vuuren Johannes Van | Device for cutting turf from the bottom. |
| US5454433A (en) * | 1992-07-31 | 1995-10-03 | Turfco Manufacturing, Incorporated | High frequency, low amplitude, sod harvesting apparatus |
-
1995
- 1995-09-15 NL NL1001212A patent/NL1001212C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1996
- 1996-09-13 CA CA002185514A patent/CA2185514C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-09-16 GB GB9619303A patent/GB2305101B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2305101B (en) | 2000-03-22 |
| GB2305101A (en) | 1997-04-02 |
| CA2185514A1 (en) | 1997-03-16 |
| GB9619303D0 (en) | 1996-10-30 |
| NL1001212C2 (en) | 1997-03-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20140915 |