EP0636393A1 - Process of marking a lawn and apparatus for the application of this process - Google Patents

Process of marking a lawn and apparatus for the application of this process Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0636393A1
EP0636393A1 EP94810427A EP94810427A EP0636393A1 EP 0636393 A1 EP0636393 A1 EP 0636393A1 EP 94810427 A EP94810427 A EP 94810427A EP 94810427 A EP94810427 A EP 94810427A EP 0636393 A1 EP0636393 A1 EP 0636393A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rollers
brushes
lawn
strands
turf
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP94810427A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0636393B1 (en
Inventor
Carlo Nicodemo
Ewald Möhring
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Athar International Services SA
Original Assignee
Athar International Services SA
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP0636393A1 publication Critical patent/EP0636393A1/en
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Publication of EP0636393B1 publication Critical patent/EP0636393B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63CSKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C19/00Design or layout of playing courts, rinks, bowling greens or areas for water-skiing; Covers therefor
    • A63C19/06Apparatus for setting-out or dividing courts
    • A63C19/065Line markings, e.g. tapes; Methods therefor
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63CSKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C19/00Design or layout of playing courts, rinks, bowling greens or areas for water-skiing; Covers therefor
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63CSKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C19/00Design or layout of playing courts, rinks, bowling greens or areas for water-skiing; Covers therefor
    • A63C19/06Apparatus for setting-out or dividing courts
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01CCONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C13/00Pavings or foundations specially adapted for playgrounds or sports grounds; Drainage, irrigation or heating of sports grounds
    • E01C13/08Surfaces simulating grass ; Grass-grown sports grounds
    • E01C13/083Construction of grass-grown sports grounds; Drainage, irrigation or heating arrangements therefor
    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09FDISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F19/00Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63CSKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C19/00Design or layout of playing courts, rinks, bowling greens or areas for water-skiing; Covers therefor
    • A63C19/06Apparatus for setting-out or dividing courts
    • A63C19/065Line markings, e.g. tapes; Methods therefor
    • A63C2019/067Machines for marking

Definitions

  • the present invention relates essentially to mass communication techniques, and more particularly to advertising display techniques.
  • the invention particularly relates to the exploitation of spaces not yet used to date for advertising, namely sports fields.
  • the present invention aims to allow the recording of messages, in particular advertising, on the turf surface itself, without these messages creating confusion with the markings with sporting significance.
  • the present invention aims to provide a method for marking the turf with signs, such as for example letters forming words or names, or numbers, or images, and to provide an apparatus capable of carrying out such marking.
  • the marking method for turf fields is characterized in that a part of the strands of a lawn surface is oriented in one direction, and that or that at least one other part of the strands of said turf surface is oriented in at least one other direction, so that at least one of the parts constitutes an image or a sign.
  • the method according to the first embodiment is characterized in that the strands of at least part of the lawn surface are oriented by means of one or more brushes.
  • the method according to the second embodiment is characterized in that rotary brushes are used.
  • the method according to the first embodiment is characterized in that the strands of at least part of the lawn surface are oriented by means of one or more rollers.
  • the method according to the first embodiment is characterized in that the strands of the turf surface are oriented by means of one or more brushes and by means of one or more rollers.
  • the method according to one of the last three embodiments described above is characterized in that the model of the image or sign to be marked on the lawn surface is divided into several points, in that the lawn area is divided into several sectors, and in that the action is controlled, and in particular the lowering, raising and / or rotation of the brushes and / or rollers according to their position on determined sectors which correspond to determined points of the model, sign or image to be marked on the lawn surface.
  • the method according to the last embodiment described above is characterized in that the control of the action, and in particular of the lowering, raising and / or rotation brushes and / or rollers is slaved to a computer into which are introduced the model or models of signs or images to be marked on the turf surface divided into points, the position of the brushes and / or rollers relative to that of the various sectors of the turf surface and instructions controlling said action as a function of said position.
  • the method is characterized in that an apparatus is used on which the brushes or rollers are fixed and in that the position of said apparatus on the lawn surface is observed by sensors which detect the presence of magnetizable bodies which are deposited or buried at determined locations on or under said surface.
  • the method is characterized in that an apparatus is used on which the brushes or rollers are fixed and in that the position of said apparatus on the lawn surface is observed by a device emitting and receiving electromagnetic or sonic waves.
  • the method is characterized in that the device receives signals from geostationary satellites.
  • the apparatus for marking turf fields in a first embodiment, is characterized in that it comprises wheels allowing its movement, brushes and / or rollers, and means making it possible to lower to lawn and raise so that they no longer touch the lawn at least some of said brushes and / or rollers.
  • the apparatus is characterized in that it comprises rotary brushes, such as the rollers, and means for rotating the brushes in both directions.
  • the apparatus comprises means making it possible to lower at least some of the rotary brushes to the lawn and to raise them so that they no longer touch the lawn .
  • the apparatus according to one of the above embodiments is characterized in that the brushes and / or the rollers are joined together in groups.
  • the apparatus according to one of the embodiments described above is characterized in that at least a portion of the rollers are assembled on one or more rotary barrels on which they are mounted so as to rotate freely.
  • the apparatus in a sixth embodiment, is characterized in that the brushes and / or the rollers and / or the groups of rollers and / or brushes are mounted in a staggered arrangement.
  • the apparatus in a seventh embodiment, is characterized in that it comprises means making it possible to raise the wheels, and rollers making it possible to support and move the when the wheels are raised.
  • 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 making it possible to direct when the wheels are raised.
  • the apparatus according to one of the 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 different motor .
  • the apparatus comprises a counter actuated by the carrying rollers of the apparatus or by a wheel which rolls on the lawn surface and which determines the position of said device on the lawn surface.
  • the apparatus according to one of the 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 .
  • the apparatus is characterized in that it comprises a computer into which are introduced one or more models of the image or images or of the sign or signs to be marked on the lawn and the position of the apparatus on the lawn surface and means allowing the computer to actuate the brushes and / or the rollers according to these data so as to orient at least part of the strands of the turf surface in a direction different from that of the other strands, so that at least one part of the turf surface constitutes an image or a sign corresponding to that which is introduced into the computer.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in a simple embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of FIG. 1.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in another embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of FIG. 3.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in a variant of the embodiment of Figure 3, in which the brushes are staggered.
  • FIG. 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.
  • FIG. 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, wherein the rollers are arranged in staggered rows.
  • FIG. 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, wherein the rollers are arranged in rotating barrels.
  • FIG. 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 Figures 11 and 12, wherein the rotary barrels carrying the rollers are staggered.
  • FIG. 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 apparatus are arranged in rotating barrels.
  • FIG. 16 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of FIG. 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 rotary barrels carrying the rollers are staggered.
  • FIG. 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 of the carrier rollers.
  • FIG. 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 non-carrying rollers arranged in rotating barrels being replaced by rotating brushes.
  • FIG. 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 rotary barrels carrying rollers being replaced by rotary brushes.
  • FIG. 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 non-carrying rollers arranged in rotary barrels being replaced by rotary brushes.
  • FIG. 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 the movement of the motor is by belts.
  • FIG. 28 is a view in longitudinal section along A-A of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 27.
  • FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view along B-B of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 27.
  • FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view along C-C of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 27.
  • Figure 31 is a diagram of an electronic and electrical control device of an apparatus according to the invention.
  • FIG. 32 represents a surface of grass divided into several sectors with a mark inscribed by points in selected sectors, the set of points forming the mark.
  • Figure 33 shows a network of cables or metallic wires buried in the lawn surface and allowing the positioning of the device on the ground.
  • FIG. 34 represents a sports field with four surfaces to be marked and two transceivers allowing the positioning of the device on the ground.
  • 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 device to the turf surface to be treated, and to move it on this surface.
  • the wheels are driven by one or more motors, preferably electric, not shown here. They are equipped with a steering device.
  • Each brush is equipped with a device allowing it to be lowered to the lawn and raised above the lawn. When the device passes over the turf surface to be treated, the brushes are lowered at the right moment.
  • each brush has a width which corresponds to that of a determined sector on the surface to be treated.
  • This embodiment of the device is the first which is described above, and the simplest.
  • the surface of turf to be treated is treated as a network of small sectors 13, preferably quadrangular, as shown in FIG. 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 in several parallel tracks 14 whose width corresponds to the length of the row of brushes of the apparatus.
  • the surface shown in FIG. 32 is thus divided into four tracks, the width of which corresponds to eight sectors, the latter number itself corresponding to the number of brushes with which the apparatus is provided.
  • 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 rises, thus marking the lawn of the two sectors in question by orienting their strands of lawn . 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 pass the apparatus a first time, all brushes lowered, in one direction, to orient all the strands of the lawn on an entire track. Then, the device is passed in the other direction, lowering the brushes only on the sectors representing the sign or the image to be represented. In this way, the strands are oriented, roughly, in two directions only, which gives a sharper image.
  • the apparatus is placed again on the starting line, at the beginning of the second track, which is parallel to the first and which is adjacent to it, and the process begins again, until that the entire lawn area is treated.
  • the brushes 2 are always in a row, but they are rotatable and can rotate independently of one another in one direction or the other. Likewise, they can be braked or blocked, or even rotate freely, independently of each other.
  • a brush is blocked or turns back, the strands of the lawn 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 an opposite direction.
  • the device can thus process an entire track in a single pass. Arrived at the end of a track, it turns around and immediately begins the next track, in the opposite direction.
  • Figures 5 and 6 show an embodiment in which the brushes are staggered, which facilitates the installation of transmissions and control members, and allows to treat the entire surface of lawn, without gaps.
  • An automatic device, of the conventional type makes it possible to operate the brushes at the right time, despite the shift in their position.
  • the row of brushes is replaced by a row of rollers 3 mounted so as to rotate freely.
  • the rollers are staggered.
  • An automatic device, of the conventional type makes it possible to lower the rollers at the right time, despite the offset of their position.
  • the rollers of Figures 7 and 8 have a central division which makes it possible to press them on bearings, bearings or central bearings, while the rollers of FIGS. 9 and 8 are carried by bearings, bearings or bearings placed on each side.
  • the rollers are mounted on a device which makes it possible to lower and raise them independently of each other.
  • the apparatus operates like that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In other words, the apparatus must pass twice on the same track if the entire surface is to be treated.
  • the row of brushes of 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 parallel axes to that of the barrel.
  • the barrels 15 can rotate in both directions, or be braked, independently of each other, by means of motors which are not shown.
  • a barrel is blocked or turns back, the strands of the lawn tilt in the direction of travel of the device.
  • 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 a single pass. Arrived at the end of a track, it turns around and immediately begins the next track, in the opposite direction.
  • the apparatus is preferably provided with a device making it possible to raise the barrels so as not to damage them during the journey to the lawn surface and during the return journey.
  • Figures 13 and 14 show a variant of this latter embodiment, in which the rotary barrels 15 are mounted in staggered rows, with the advantages mentioned in relation to Figures 5 and 6.
  • a device makes it possible to adapt the operation to offset between the barrels.
  • the apparatus is provided with eight barrels 15 carrying rollers 3 and four rollers 3 placed in pairs.
  • the axes of wheels 1 are perpendicular to those of the rollers.
  • the device is provided with means making it possible to raise the wheels so that the device rests on the two pairs of rollers.
  • the device is brought onto the lawn surface to be treated by means of the lowered wheels.
  • 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 rollers 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 with which the transmission is fitted. A differential is not necessary if each roller is driven by a different motor.
  • the device which raises and lowers the wheels is not shown here. It is a classic device, as it has existed for example for decades on certain models of trucks or airplanes.
  • each pair of rollers and of the set of rotating barrels 15 corresponds to the width of a track 14 of the lawn surface.
  • the strands of the entire turf of the track are first oriented in the direction of movement of the device by the carrying rollers. Then the rotary barrels pass and give a different or identical orientation, depending on the direction and the speed of their rotation, as has been explained concerning FIGS. 11 and 12.
  • a track can therefore be treated in a single pass. However, if you want to mark the next track on the way back, you must turn the device over to prevent the carrying rollers, following the passage of the rotating barrels, erasing the marks made by them.
  • Figures 17 and 18 show a variant of this latter embodiment, in which the rotary barrels are staggered, with the advantages mentioned in relation to Figures 5 and 6 and 13 and 14.
  • a device makes it possible to adapt the offset operation between the barrels.
  • Figures 19 and 20 show a variant of the embodiment of Figures 15 and 16, in which the two pairs of carrying rollers are surrounded by two rows of rotating barrels carrying rollers.
  • the presence of a row of barrels on each side of the carrying rollers makes it possible to mark the next track in the opposite direction, without turning the device. It should however be noted that it is preferable in principle to treat each track in the same direction in order to obtain as uniform an orientation as possible of the strands of the lawn.
  • the device in the embodiment of Figures 19 and 20 carries rotary barrels mounted in staggered rows, with the advantages described above.
  • FIGS 21 to 26 show variants of the embodiments shown in Figures 15 to 20, in which the barrels are replaced by rotary brushes. Like the barrels in the previous embodiments, each rotating brush can rotate in one direction or the other independently of the others.
  • FIGs 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 such an arrangement has.
  • 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 the grass, but do not touch the ground.
  • the pins 7 carrying the brushes are fixed at their ends to the main chassis 5.
  • Each pair of carrier rollers is carried by an axis 6.
  • the carrier rollers rotate freely around the axis.
  • At the two ends of each axis are pulleys 10, each of which is integral with the carrying roller 3.
  • Each motor transmits its movement via a gear train 12.
  • the carrying axes of the rollers, as well as the motor-gear assemblies, are fixed to a secondary chassis 8.
  • This secondary chassis 8 is itself fixed to a main chassis 5 by means of a ball bearing 9 which allows the chassis to rotate at a small angle to steer the device.
  • the fact that each roller 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 be possible to use a different means of transmission than belts and pulleys, for example chains or gears.
  • the motors and transmissions which drive the rollers assure the apparatus, 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 at not.
  • roller motors are started manually, by switches or switches controlled by the driver.
  • the latter can manually steer the steering device, which allows the two secondary chassis to pivot relative to the main chassis.
  • the computer directs the device automatically.
  • FIG. 31 gives the diagram of the relations between the various electric and electronic organs which control the apparatus. It should be noted that the torque required to rotate a brush, either in the direction of operation of the device or in the direction of on the contrary, is substantially constant. The flexibility of the brush filaments plays an important role here.
  • the advantage of the preferred embodiment lies in the better distribution of the weight.
  • the preferred embodiment avoids the marking of furrows by the wheels in the ground.
  • the advantage also lies in the large mass and also in the large dimensions of the barrels.
  • the number of members can vary according to requirements, whether they are rollers, barrels, brushes, motors, pulleys or even wheels.
  • the method of marking turf fields is automatic.
  • Controlling the device to a computer is essential.
  • the image or images, or the sign or signs, for example a name or a word constituting a mark, which must be reproduced on the lawn, are introduced into the computer.
  • the image (s) and / or the sign (s) are cut at several points which correspond to a cutting into several sectors 13 of the lawn surface.
  • the driver first places the device on the starting line 15. He first directs it along the first track, manually.
  • the apparatus is equipped with a device which places on the edge of the runway, to the left of the apparatus in the embodiment shown in FIG. 33, at regular intervals, for example at the limit of each sector 13, small ferromagnetic metal balls.
  • the device is also equipped with magnetic sensors connected to the computer, and with a magnetic device which makes it possible to recover the balls on the way.
  • the balls are deposited during the passage of the device on the first track.
  • the computer causes the balls to be released and activates the use of brushes and / or rollers when the device is in a determined position.
  • the preferred method consists in providing the device with a distance counter, which is activated 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 meters are common instruments, for example on automobiles.
  • the meter transmits its indications to the computer, which transmits its instructions to the engines according to the program introduced by the driver.
  • the sensors transmit to the computer the data which they collect as to the position of the device relative to that of the balls. It is no longer the counter that is decisive.
  • the position of the balls not only determines the direction given to the device, but also the moment when the brush or the roller must come into action to give the lawn the desired direction in a given sector, as well as the position of the new series. balls to be deposited along the second track: while the device collects the balls placed on the edge of the first track, it deposits them at the edge of the second track. Of course, it can be the same balls which are transferred by the device from the edge of the first to the edge of the second track.
  • the driver After processing the second track, the driver places the aircraft on the start line again, at the start of the next track, and the process begins again. Arrived at the last track, the computer orders the device which deposits the balls not to function any more, only functioning the one which ensures the collection of the balls at the edge of the penultimate track.
  • the computer causes the marking of a line in the lawn, at the edge of the track.
  • the driver thus guides the apparatus for the next track along the line thus drawn.
  • the line will be drawn so that the passage of the device for processing the next track causes its erasure.
  • the device will have to pass over it.
  • the device erases this first line, it draws a second one, on the edge of the second track. This second line will be deleted by the passage of the device on the third track. The process begins again until the entire surface has been treated.
  • Another embodiment of the method consists in burying in the ground, a few centimeters from the surface, a metal grid which corresponds to the edges of the tracks and the start and finish lines, as shown in Figure 33.
  • the device is equipped with sensors which transmit the position of the device to the computer.
  • a measuring device signals to the computer and to the driver any deviation between the actual position of the device and the position predicted and stored in the computer.
  • the control can be automatic or manual.
  • transceivers on the ground and on the device.
  • Such devices make it possible to measure the distance and / or the angle, which allows the computer to calculate the position of the device relative to the transceivers placed on the ground.
  • Figure 34 schematically shows that such transceivers could be placed at A and B. Microwaves, ultrasound or infrared can be used in such a system.
  • the piloting can be automatic or manual.

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

La présente invention a trait essentiellement aux techniques de communication de masse, et plus particulièrement aux techniques d'affichage publicitaire. L'invention a particulièrement pour objet l'exploitation d'espaces non encore utilisés à ce jour pour la publicité, à savoir les terrains de sport.The present invention relates essentially to mass communication techniques, and more particularly to advertising display techniques. The invention particularly relates to the exploitation of spaces not yet used to date for advertising, namely sports fields.

Dans les événement qui se déroulent sur des terrains de gazon, c'est-à-dire essentiellement des manifestations sportives, de nombreux panneaux publicitaires bordent habituellement le terrain. Le gazon lui-même, qui est pourtant l'endroit que le public voit le plus fréquemment, et qui est la plus grande surface que les spectateurs ont sous les yeux, ne porte cependant aucune publicité. Les seules marques inscrites sur le terrain sont celles qui ont une signification sportive.In events that take place on turf fields, that is to say essentially sporting events, many advertising signs usually line the field. The lawn itself, which is the place that the public sees most frequently, and which is the largest area that spectators have in front of them, however, does not carry any advertising. The only brands registered on the field are those that have a sporting meaning.

La présente invention vise à permettre l'inscription de messages, notamment publicitaires, sur la surface de gazon elle-même, sans que ces messages créent de confusions avec les marquages à signification sportive.The present invention aims to allow the recording of messages, in particular advertising, on the turf surface itself, without these messages creating confusion with the markings with sporting significance.

La présente invention vise à fournir un procédé permettant de marquer le gazon avec des signes, comme par exemple des lettres formant des mots ou des noms, ou des chiffres, ou des images, et à fournir un appareil apte à effectuer un tel marquage.The present invention aims to provide a method for marking the turf with signs, such as for example letters forming words or names, or numbers, or images, and to provide an apparatus capable of carrying out such marking.

Dans une première forme d'exécution, le procédé de marquage pour terrains en gazon, notamment terrains de sport, est caractérisé en ce qu'on oriente une partie des brins d'une surface de gazon dans une direction, et qu'on oriente ou qu'on laisse orientés dans au moins une autre direction au moins une autre partie des brins de ladite surface de gazon, de façon qu'au moins une des parties constitue une image ou un signe.In a first embodiment, the marking method for turf fields, in particular sports fields, is characterized in that a part of the strands of a lawn surface is oriented in one direction, and that or that at least one other part of the strands of said turf surface is oriented in at least one other direction, so that at least one of the parts constitutes an image or a sign.

Dans une deuxième forme d'exécution, le procédé selon la première forme d'exécution est caractérisé en ce qu'on oriente les brins d'au moins une partie de la surface de gazon au moyen d'une ou de plusieurs brosses.In a second embodiment, the method according to the first embodiment is characterized in that the strands of at least part of the lawn surface are oriented by means of one or more brushes.

Dans une troisième forme d'exécution, le procédé selon la deuxième forme d'exécution est caractérisé en ce qu'on utilise des brosses rotatives.In a third embodiment, the method according to the second embodiment is characterized in that rotary brushes are used.

Dans une quatrième forme d'exécution, le procédé selon la première forme d'exécution est caractérisé en ce qu'on oriente les brins d'au moins une partie de la surface de gazon au moyen d'un ou de plusieurs rouleaux.In a fourth embodiment, the method according to the first embodiment is characterized in that the strands of at least part of the lawn surface are oriented by means of one or more rollers.

Dans une cinquième forme d'exécution, le procédé selon la première forme d'exécution est caractérisé en ce qu'on oriente les brins de la surface de gazon au moyen d'une ou de plusieurs brosses et au moyen d'un ou de plusieurs rouleaux.In a fifth embodiment, the method according to the first embodiment is characterized in that the strands of the turf surface are oriented by means of one or more brushes and by means of one or more rollers.

Dans une sixième forme d'exécution, le procédé selon l'une des trois dernières formes d'exécution décrites plus haut est caractérisé en ce qu'on divise le modèle de l'image ou du signe à marquer sur la surface de gazon en plusieurs points, en ce qu'on divise la surface de gazon en plusieurs secteurs, et en ce qu'on commande l'action, et notamment l'abaissement, l'élévation et/ou la rotation des brosses et/ou rouleaux en fonction de leur position sur des secteurs déterminés qui correspondent à des points déterminés du modèle, du signe ou de l'image à marquer sur la surface de gazon.In a sixth embodiment, the method according to one of the last three embodiments described above is characterized in that the model of the image or sign to be marked on the lawn surface is divided into several points, in that the lawn area is divided into several sectors, and in that the action is controlled, and in particular the lowering, raising and / or rotation of the brushes and / or rollers according to their position on determined sectors which correspond to determined points of the model, sign or image to be marked on the lawn surface.

Dans une septième forme d'exécution, le procédé selon la dernière forme d'exécution décrite ci-dessus est caractérisé en ce que la commande de l'action, et notamment de l'abaissement, de l'élévation et/ou de la rotation des brosses et/ou rouleaux est asservie à un ordinateur dans lequel sont introduits le ou les modèles de signes ou images à marquer sur la surface de gazon divisés en points, la position des brosses et/ou rouleaux par rapport à celle des divers secteurs de la surface de gazon et des instructions commandant ladite action en fonction de ladite position.In a seventh embodiment, the method according to the last embodiment described above is characterized in that the control of the action, and in particular of the lowering, raising and / or rotation brushes and / or rollers is slaved to a computer into which are introduced the model or models of signs or images to be marked on the turf surface divided into points, the position of the brushes and / or rollers relative to that of the various sectors of the turf surface and instructions controlling said action as a function of said position.

Dans une autre variante de la septième forme d'exécution décrite plus haut, le procédé est caractérisé en ce qu'on utilise un appareil sur lequel sont fixés les brosses ou rouleaux et en ce que la position dudit appareil sur la surface de gazon est constatée par des senseurs qui détectent la présence de corps magnétisables qui sont déposés ou enterrés à des endroits déterminés sur ou sous ladite surface.In another variant of the seventh embodiment described above, the method is characterized in that an apparatus is used on which the brushes or rollers are fixed and in that the position of said apparatus on the lawn surface is observed by sensors which detect the presence of magnetizable bodies which are deposited or buried at determined locations on or under said surface.

Dans une autre variante encore de la septième forme d'exécution décrite plus haut, le procédé est caractérisé en ce qu'on utilise un appareil sur lequel sont fixés les brosses ou rouleaux et en ce que la position dudit appareil sur la surface de gazon est constatée par un dispositif émetteur et récepteur d'ondes électromagnétiques ou soniques.In yet another variant of the seventh embodiment described above, the method is characterized in that an apparatus is used on which the brushes or rollers are fixed and in that the position of said apparatus on the lawn surface is observed by a device emitting and receiving electromagnetic or sonic waves.

Dans une forme d'exécution particulière de cette dernière variante, le procédé est caractérisé en ce que le dispositif reçoit des signaux de satellites géostationnaires.In a particular embodiment of this latter variant, the method is characterized in that the device receives signals from geostationary satellites.

L'appareil pour marquer les terrains en gazon, dans une première forme d'exécution, est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des roues permettant son déplacement, des brosses et/ou des rouleaux, et des moyens permettant d'abaisser jusqu'au gazon et de relever de façon qu'ils ne touchent plus le gazon au moins certains desdits brosses et/ou rouleaux.The apparatus for marking turf fields, in a first embodiment, is characterized in that it comprises wheels allowing its movement, brushes and / or rollers, and means making it possible to lower to lawn and raise so that they no longer touch the lawn at least some of said brushes and / or rollers.

Dans une deuxième forme d'exécution, l'appareil est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des brosses rotatives, comme les rouleaux, et des moyens de faire tourner les brosses dans les deux sens.In a second embodiment, the apparatus is characterized in that it comprises rotary brushes, such as the rollers, and means for rotating the brushes in both directions.

Dans une troisième forme d'exécution, qui est une variante de la deuxième, l'appareil comprend des moyens permettant d'abaisser au moins certaines des brosses rotatives jusqu'au gazon et de les relever de façon qu'elles ne touchent plus le gazon.In a third embodiment, which is a variant of the second, the apparatus comprises means making it possible to lower at least some of the rotary brushes to the lawn and to raise them so that they no longer touch the lawn .

Dans une quatrième forme d'exécution, l'appareil selon l'une des formes d'exécution ci-dessus est caractérisé en ce que les brosses et/ou les rouleaux sont réunis par groupes.In a fourth embodiment, the apparatus according to one of the above embodiments is characterized in that the brushes and / or the rollers are joined together in groups.

Dans une cinquième forme d'exécution, l'appareil selon l'une des formes d'exécution décrites ci-dessus est caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une partie des rouleaux sont réunis sur un ou plusieurs barillets rotatifs sur lesquels ils sont montés de façon à tourner librement.In a fifth embodiment, the apparatus according to one of the embodiments described above is characterized in that at least a portion of the rollers are assembled on one or more rotary barrels on which they are mounted so as to rotate freely.

Dans une sixième forme d'exécution, l'appareil selon l'une des formes d'exécution décrites ci-dessus est caractérisé en ce que les brosses et/ou les rouleaux et/ou les groupes de rouleaux et/ou de brosses sont montés en quinconce.In a sixth embodiment, the apparatus according to one of the embodiments described above is characterized in that the brushes and / or the rollers and / or the groups of rollers and / or brushes are mounted in a staggered arrangement.

Dans une septième forme d'exécution, l'appareil selon l'une des formes d'exécution décrites ci-dessus est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens permettant de relever les roues, et des rouleaux permettant de soutenir et de déplacer l'appareil lorsque les roues sont relevées.In a seventh embodiment, the apparatus according to one of the embodiments described above is characterized in that it comprises means making it possible to raise the wheels, and rollers making it possible to support and move the when the wheels are raised.

Dans une huitième forme d'exécution, l'appareil selon la septième forme d'exécution décrite ci-dessus est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins un moteur actionnant les rouleaux qui soutiennent l'appareil et un dispositif de direction permettant de diriger l'appareil lorsque les roues sont relevées.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 making it possible to direct when the wheels are raised.

Dans une neuvième forme d'exécution, l'appareil selon l'une des deux dernières formes d'exécution décrites ci-dessus est caractérisé en ce que chaque rouleau ou groupe de rouleaux et chaque brosse ou groupe de brosses est commandé par un moteur différent.In a ninth embodiment, the apparatus according to one of the 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 different motor .

Dans une dixième forme d'exécution, l'appareil selon l'une des formes d'exécution décrites ci-dessus comprend un compteur actionné par les rouleaux porteurs de l'appareil ou par une roue qui roule sur la surface de gazon et qui détermine la position dudit appareil sur la surface de gazon.In a tenth embodiment, the apparatus according to one of the embodiments described above comprises a counter actuated by the carrying rollers of the apparatus or by a wheel which rolls on the lawn surface and which determines the position of said device on the lawn surface.

Dans une onzième forme d'exécution, l'appareil selon l'une des quatre dernières formes d'exécution décrites ci-dessus est caractérisé en ce que les axes de rotation des roues sont perpendiculaires aux axes de rotation des rouleaux et/ou des brosses.In an eleventh embodiment, the apparatus according to one of the 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 .

Selon une variante de toutes les formes d'exécution décrites jusqu'ici, l'appareil est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un ordinateur dans lequel sont introduits un ou des modèles de l'image ou des images ou du ou des signes à marquer sur le gazon et la position de l'appareil sur la surface de gazon et des moyens permettant à l'ordinateur d'actionner les brosses et/ou les rouleaux en fonction de ces données de façon à orienter au moins une partie des brins de la surface de gazon dans une direction différente de celle des autres brins, de façon qu'au moins une des parties de la surface de gazon constitue une image ou un signe correspondant à celui qui est introduit dans l'ordinateur.According to a variant of all the embodiments described so far, the apparatus is characterized in that it comprises a computer into which are introduced one or more models of the image or images or of the sign or signs to be marked on the lawn and the position of the apparatus on the lawn surface and means allowing the computer to actuate the brushes and / or the rollers according to these data so as to orient at least part of the strands of the turf surface in a direction different from that of the other strands, so that at least one part of the turf surface constitutes an image or a sign corresponding to that which is introduced into the computer.

Les dessins montrent, à titre d'exemples, quelques formes d'exécution de l'invention.The drawings show, by way of examples, some embodiments of the invention.

La figure 1 est une vue schématique en plan d'un appareil selon l'invention dans une forme d'exécution simple.Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in a simple embodiment.

La figure 2 est une vue schématique latérale d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la forme d'exécution de la figure 1.FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

La figure 3 est une vue schématique en plan d'un appareil selon l'invention dans une autre forme d'exécution.Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in another embodiment.

La figure 4 est une vue schématique latérale d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la forme d'exécution de la figure 3.FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of FIG. 3.

La figure 5 est une vue schématique en plan d'un appareil selon l'invention dans une variante de la forme d'exécution de la figure 3, dans laquelle les brosses sont disposées en quinconce.Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in a variant of the embodiment of Figure 3, in which the brushes are staggered.

La figure 6 est une vue schématique latérale d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante de la figure 5.FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 5.

La figure 7 est une vue schématique en plan d'un appareil selon l'invention dans une variante de la forme d'exécution représentée aux figures 1 et 2, dans laquelle les brosses sont remplacées par des rouleaux.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.

La figure 8 est une vue schématique latérale d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante de la figure 7.FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 7.

La figure 9 est une vue schématique en plan d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante représentée aux figures 7 et 8, dans laquelle les rouleaux sont disposés en quinconce.Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant shown in Figures 7 and 8, wherein the rollers are arranged in staggered rows.

La figure 10 est une vue schématique latérale d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante de la figure 9.FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 9.

La figure 11 est une vue schématique en plan d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante de la forme d'exécution représentée aux figures 7 et 8, dans laquelle les rouleaux sont disposés en barillets rotatifs.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, wherein the rollers are arranged in rotating barrels.

La figure 12 est une vue schématique latérale d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante de la figure 11.FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 11.

La figure 13 est une vue schématique en plan d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante représentée aux figures 11 et 12, dans laquelle les barillets rotatifs portant les rouleaux sont disposés en quinconce.Figure 13 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant shown in Figures 11 and 12, wherein the rotary barrels carrying the rollers are staggered.

La figure 14 est une vue schématique latérale d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante de la figure 13.FIG. 14 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 13.

La figure 15 est une vue schématique en plan d'un appareil selon l'invention dans une autre forme d'exécution, dans laquelle les rouleaux qui ne soutiennent pas l'appareil sont disposés en barillets rotatifs.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 apparatus are arranged in rotating barrels.

La figure 16 est une vue schématique latérale d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la forme d'exécution de la figure 15.FIG. 16 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of FIG. 15.

La figure 17 est une vue schématique en plan d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la forme d'exécution représentée aux figures 15 et 16, dans laquelle les barillets rotatifs portant les rouleaux sont disposés en quinconce.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 rotary barrels carrying the rollers are staggered.

La figure 18 est une vue schématique latérale d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante de la figure 17.FIG. 18 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 17.

La figure 19 est une vue schématique en plan d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la forme d'exécution des figures 15 et 16, dans laquelle les barillets rotatifs sont disposés de part et d'autre des rouleaux porteurs.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 of the carrier rollers.

La figure 20 est une vue schématique latérale d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante de la figure 19.FIG. 20 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 19.

La figure 21 est une vue schématique en plan d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la forme d'exécution de la figure 15, les rouleaux non porteurs disposés en barillets rotatifs étant remplacés par des brosses rotatives.Figure 21 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of Figure 15, the non-carrying rollers arranged in rotating barrels being replaced by rotating brushes.

La figure 22 est une vue schématique latérale d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante de la figure 21.FIG. 22 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 21.

La figure 23 est une vue schématique en plan d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la forme d'exécution de la figure 17, les barillets rotatifs porteurs de rouleaux étant remplacés par des brosses rotatives.Figure 23 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of Figure 17, the rotary barrels carrying rollers being replaced by rotary brushes.

La figure 24 est une vue schématique latérale d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante de la figure 23.FIG. 24 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 23.

La figure 25 est une vue schématique en plan d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la forme d'exécution de la figure 19, les rouleaux non porteurs disposés en barillets rotatifs étant remplacés par des brosses rotatives.Figure 25 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention in the embodiment of Figure 19, the non-carrying rollers arranged in rotary barrels being replaced by rotary brushes.

La figure 26 est une vue schématique latérale d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante de la figure 25.FIG. 26 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 25.

La figure 27 est une vue en plan d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la forme d'exécution de la figure 25, dans laquelle les brosses rotatives sont disposées en quinconce et dans laquelle la transmission du mouvement du moteur se fait par courroies.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 the movement of the motor is by belts.

La figure 28 est une vue en coupe longitudinale selon A-A d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante de la figure 27.FIG. 28 is a view in longitudinal section along A-A of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 27.

La figure 29 est une vue en coupe transversale selon B-B d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante de la figure 27.FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view along B-B of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 27.

La figure 30 est une vue en coupe transversale selon C-C d'un appareil selon l'invention dans la variante de la figure 27.FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view along C-C of an apparatus according to the invention in the variant of FIG. 27.

La figure 31 est un schéma d'un dispositif de commande électronique et électrique d'un appareil selon l'invention.Figure 31 is a diagram of an electronic and electrical control device of an apparatus according to the invention.

La figure 32 représente une surface de gazon divisée en plusieurs secteurs avec une marque inscrite par des points dans des secteurs choisis, l'ensemble des points formant la marque.FIG. 32 represents a surface of grass divided into several sectors with a mark inscribed by points in selected sectors, the set of points forming the mark.

La figure 33 représente un réseau de câbles ou fils métalliques enterré dans la surface de gazon et permettant le positionnement de l'appareil sur le terrain.Figure 33 shows a network of cables or metallic wires buried in the lawn surface and allowing the positioning of the device on the ground.

La figure 34 représente un terrain de sport avec quatre surfaces à marquer et deux transceivers permettant le positionnement de l'appareil sur le terrain.FIG. 34 represents a sports field with four surfaces to be marked and two transceivers allowing the positioning of the device on the ground.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE QUELQUES FORMES D'EXECUTION ET DE LA FORME D'EXECUTION PREFEREEDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXECUTION FORM AND PREFERRED EXECUTION FORM

Dans la forme d'exécution représentée schématiquement dans les figures 1 et 2, l'appareil selon l'invention est équipé de quatre roues 1 et d'une rangée de brosses 2 dont les filaments sont dirigés verticalement vers le gazon. Les roues servent à transporter l'appareil jusqu'à la surface de gazon à traiter, et à le déplacer sur cette surface. Les roues sont mues par un ou des moteurs, de préférence électriques, non représentés ici. Elles sont équipées d'un dispositif de direction. Chaque brosse est équipée d'un dispositif permettant de l'abaisser jusqu'au gazon et de la relever au-dessus du gazon. Lorsque l'appareil passe sur la surface de gazon à traiter, les brosses s'abaissent au moment voulu. De préférence, chaque brosse a une largeur qui correspond à celle d'un secteur déterminé sur la surface à traiter.In the embodiment shown schematically in 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 device to the turf surface to be treated, and to move it on this surface. The wheels are driven by one or more motors, preferably electric, not shown here. They are equipped with a steering device. Each brush is equipped with a device allowing it to be lowered to the lawn and raised above the lawn. When the device passes over the turf surface to be treated, the brushes are lowered at the right moment. Preferably, each brush has a width which corresponds to that of a determined sector on the surface to be treated.

Cette forme d'exécution de l'appareil est la première qui est décrite plus haut, et la plus simple.This embodiment of the device is the first which is described above, and the simplest.

Dans une forme d'exécution préférée du procédé, la surface de gazon à traiter est traitée comme un réseau de petits secteurs 13, de préférence quadrangulaires, comme le montre la figure 32. Si la largeur de la surface à traiter est plus grande que la longueur de la rangée de brosses, il est utile de traiter la surface en plusieurs pistes 14 parallèles dont la largeur correspond à la longueur de la rangée de brosses de l'appareil. La surface représentée à la figure 32 est ainsi divisée en quatre pistes dont la largeur correspond à huit secteurs, ce dernier nombre correspondant lui-même au nombre de brosses dont est pourvu l'appareil. L'appareil roule le long de la première piste. Lorsqu'une brosse passe au-dessus d'un secteur à traiter, elle est abaissée sur le gazon et elle oriente les brins du gazon au passage, jusqu'au moment ou elle est relevée au-dessus du gazon. La figure 32 montre que, sur la quatrième piste, la troisième brosse de la rangée s'abaisse sur les douzième et treizième secteurs depuis la gauche, et se relève ensuite, marquant ainsi le gazon des deux secteurs en question en orientant leurs brins de gazon. Une partie de la lettre A est ainsi marquée sur le gazon. Le reste de la surface de gazon peut bien entendu rester telle qu'elle était, sans aucun traitement. Il est cependant nettement préférable de faire passer l'appareil une première fois, toutes brosses abaissées, dans un sens, pour orienter l'ensemble des brins du gazon sur une piste entière. Ensuite, on fait passer l'appareil dans l'autre sens, en abaissant les brosses seulement sur les secteurs représentant le signe ou l'image à représenter. De la sorte, les brins sont orientés, en gros, dans deux directions seulement, ce qui donne une image plus nette. Une fois que la première piste est traitée, l'appareil est placé à nouveau sur la ligne de départ, au début de la deuxième piste, qui est parallèle à la première et qui lui est adjacente, et le processus recommence, jusqu'à ce que la totalité de la surface de gazon soit traitée.In a preferred embodiment of the method, the surface of turf to be treated is treated as a network of small sectors 13, preferably quadrangular, as shown in FIG. 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 in several parallel tracks 14 whose width corresponds to the length of the row of brushes of the apparatus. The surface shown in FIG. 32 is thus divided into four tracks, the width of which corresponds to eight sectors, the latter number itself corresponding to the number of brushes with which the apparatus is provided. The aircraft rolls along the first track. When a brush passes over an area to be treated, it is lowered onto the lawn and it directs the strands of the lawn as it passes, until it is raised above the lawn. 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 rises, thus marking the lawn of the two sectors in question by orienting their strands of lawn . 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 pass the apparatus a first time, all brushes lowered, in one direction, to orient all the strands of the lawn on an entire track. Then, the device is passed in the other direction, lowering the brushes only on the sectors representing the sign or the image to be represented. In this way, the strands are oriented, roughly, in two directions only, which gives a sharper image. Once the first track is processed, the apparatus is placed again on the starting line, at the beginning of the second track, which is parallel to the first and which is adjacent to it, and the process begins again, until that the entire lawn area is treated.

Dans la forme d'exécution des figures 3 et 4, les brosses 2 sont toujours sur une rangée, mais elles sont rotatives et peuvent tourner indépendamment l'une de l'autre dans un sens ou dans l'autre. De même, elles peuvent être freinées ou bloquées, ou encore tourner librement, indépendamment l'une de l'autre. Lorsqu'une brosse est bloquée ou tourne en arrière, les brins du gazon s'inclinent dans la direction de la course de l'appareil. Lorsqu'elle tourne en avant, à une vitesse qui dépasse celle de l'appareil, les brins du gazon s'inclinent dans une direction opposée. L'appareil peut ainsi traiter la totalité d'une piste en un seul passage. Arrivé au bout d'une piste, il fait demi-tour et commence immédiatement la piste suivante, dans le sens opposé.In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the brushes 2 are always in a row, but they are rotatable and can rotate independently of one another in one direction or the other. Likewise, they can be braked or blocked, or even rotate freely, independently of each other. When a brush is blocked or turns back, the strands of the lawn 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 an opposite direction. The device can thus process an entire track in a single pass. Arrived at the end of a track, it turns around and immediately begins the next track, in the opposite direction.

Pendant le trajet nécessaire pour amener l'appareil jusqu'à la surface à traiter, il suffit de laisser les brosses tourner en roue libre si l'appareil n'est pas muni d'un dispositif permettant de les relever. Il peut cependant être utile, dans certains cas, d'équiper l'appareil d'un tel dispositif.During the journey necessary to bring the device to the surface to be treated, it suffices to let the brushes rotate freely if the device is not fitted with a device enabling them to be raised. It may however be useful, in certain cases, to equip the apparatus with such a device.

Les figures 5 et 6 montrent une forme d'exécution dans laquelle les brosses sont disposées en quinconce, ce qui facilite l'installation des transmissions et organes de commande, et permet de traiter toute la surface de gazon, sans lacunes. Un dispositif automatique, de type classique, permet de faire fonctionner au bon moment les brosses, malgré le décalage de leur position.Figures 5 and 6 show an embodiment in which the brushes are staggered, which facilitates the installation of transmissions and control members, and allows to treat the entire surface of lawn, without gaps. An automatic device, of the conventional type, makes it possible to operate the brushes at the right time, despite the shift in their position.

Dans la forme d'exécution montrée aux figures 7 et 8, la rangée de brosses est remplacée par une rangée de rouleaux 3 montés de façon à tourner librement. Dans la forme d'exécution des figures 9 et 10, les rouleaux sont disposés en quinconce. Un dispositif automatique, de type classique, permet d'abaisser au bon moment les rouleaux, malgré le décalage de leur position. Les rouleaux des figures 7 et 8 présentent une division centrale qui permet de les appuyer sur des paliers, coussinets ou roulements centraux, alors que les rouleaux des figures 9 et 8 sont portés par des paliers, coussinets ou roulements placés de chaque côté. Dans les deux formes d'exécution, les rouleaux sont montés sur un dispositif qui permet de les abaisser et de les élever indépendamment les uns des autres. Dans ces deux formes d'exécution, l'appareil fonctionne comme celui qui est représenté aux figures 1 et 2. Autrement dit, l'appareil doit passer deux fois sur la même piste si l'ensemble de la surface doit être traité.In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the row of brushes is replaced by a row of rollers 3 mounted so as to rotate freely. In the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, the rollers are staggered. An automatic device, of the conventional type, makes it possible to lower the rollers at the right time, despite the offset of their position. The rollers of Figures 7 and 8 have a central division which makes it possible to press them on bearings, bearings or central bearings, while the rollers of FIGS. 9 and 8 are carried by bearings, bearings or bearings placed on each side. In both embodiments, the rollers are mounted on a device which makes it possible to lower and raise them independently of each other. In these two embodiments, the apparatus operates like that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In other words, the apparatus must pass twice on the same track if the entire surface is to be treated.

Dans la forme d'exécution montrée aux figures 11 et 12, la rangée de brosses des figures 3 et 4 est remplacée par une rangée de barillets 15 rotatifs sur la périphérie desquels des rouleaux 3 sont montés de façon à tourner librement autour d'axes parallèles à celui du barillet. Les barillets 15 peuvent tourner dans les deux sens, ou être freinés, indépendamment les uns des autres, grâce à des moteurs qui ne sont pas représentés. Lorsqu'un barillet est bloqué ou tourne en arrière, les brins du gazon s'inclinent dans la direction de la course de l'appareil. Lorsqu'il tourne en avant, à une vitesse qui dépasse celle de l'appareil, les brins du gazon s'inclinent dans une direction opposée. L'appareil peut ainsi traiter la totalité d'une piste en un seul passage. Arrivé au bout d'une piste, il fait demi-tour et commence immédiatement la piste suivante, dans le sens opposé. L'appareil est de préférence muni d'un dispositif permettant de relever les barillets de façon à ne pas les abîmer pendant le trajet jusqu'à la surface de gazon et pendant le trajet de retour.In the embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12, the row of brushes of 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 parallel axes to that of the barrel. The barrels 15 can rotate in both directions, or be braked, independently of each other, by means of motors which are not shown. When a barrel is blocked or turns back, the strands of the lawn 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 an opposite direction. The device can thus process an entire track in a single pass. Arrived at the end of a track, it turns around and immediately begins the next track, in the opposite direction. The apparatus is preferably provided with a device making it possible to raise the barrels so as not to damage them during the journey to the lawn surface and during the return journey.

Les figures 13 et 14 montrent une variante de cette dernière forme d'exécution, dans laquelle les barillets rotatifs 15 sont montés en quinconce, avec les avantages mentionnés concernant les figures 5 et 6. Ici aussi, un dispositif permet d'adapter le fonctionnement au décalage entre les barillets.Figures 13 and 14 show a variant of this latter embodiment, in which the rotary barrels 15 are mounted in staggered rows, with the advantages mentioned in relation to Figures 5 and 6. Here too, a device makes it possible to adapt the operation to offset between the barrels.

Dans la forme d'exécution représentée schématiquement aux figures 15 et 16, l'appareil est pourvu de huit barillets 15 porteurs de rouleaux 3 et de quatre rouleaux 3 placés par paires. Les axes des roues 1 sont perpendiculaires à ceux des rouleaux. L'appareil est pourvu de moyens permettant de relever les roues de façon que l'appareil repose sur les deux paires de rouleaux. L'appareil est amené sur la surface de gazon à traiter au moyen des roues abaissées. Une fois arrivé, les roues sont relevées et l'appareil se meut, perpendiculairement à sa direction d'arrivée, sur la surface grâce aux deux paires de rouleaux, qui sont entraînés par un ou plusieurs moteurs. Les deux rouleaux de chaque paire sont séparés par un petit espace qui évite les frottements. Il est facile faire tourner l'appareil en freinant les rouleaux situés d'un même côté, ce qui est possible grâce à un différentiel dont la transmission est équipée. Un différentiel n'est pas nécessaire si chaque rouleau est entraîné par un moteur différent.In the embodiment shown schematically in Figures 15 and 16, the apparatus is provided with eight barrels 15 carrying rollers 3 and four rollers 3 placed in pairs. The axes of wheels 1 are perpendicular to those of the rollers. The device is provided with means making it possible to raise the wheels so that the device rests on the two pairs of rollers. The device is brought onto the lawn surface to be treated by means of the lowered wheels. 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 rollers 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 with which the transmission is fitted. A differential is not necessary if each roller is driven by a different motor.

Le dispositif qui permet de relever et d'abaisser les roues n'est pas représenté ici. Il s'agit d'un dispositif classique, comme il en existe par exemple depuis des decennies sur certains modèles de camions ou d'avions.The device which raises and lowers the wheels is not shown here. It is a classic device, as it has existed for example for decades on certain models of trucks or airplanes.

La longueur de chaque paire de rouleaux et de l'ensemble des barillets rotatifs 15 correspond à la largeur d'une piste 14 de la surface de gazon. Les brins de l'ensemble du gazon de la piste sont d'abord orientés dans la direction de déplacement de l'appareil par les rouleaux porteurs. Puis les barillets rotatifs passent et donnent une orientation différente ou identique, selon le sens et la vitesse de leur rotation, comme cela a été expliqué concernant les figures 11 et 12. Une piste peut donc être traitée en un seul passage. Cependant, si l'on veut marquer la piste suivante sur le chemin du retour, il faut retourner l'appareil pour éviter que les rouleaux porteurs, en suivant le passage des barillets rotatifs, effacent les marques faites par ces derniers.The length of each pair of rollers and of the set of rotating barrels 15 corresponds to the width of a track 14 of the lawn surface. The strands of the entire turf of the track are first oriented in the direction of movement of the device by the carrying rollers. Then the rotary barrels pass and give a different or identical orientation, depending on the direction and the speed of their rotation, as has been explained concerning FIGS. 11 and 12. A track can therefore be treated in a single pass. However, if you want to mark the next track on the way back, you must turn the device over to prevent the carrying rollers, following the passage of the rotating barrels, erasing the marks made by them.

Les figures 17 et 18 montrent une variante de cette dernière forme d'exécution, dans laquelle les barillets rotatifs sont montés en quinconce, avec les avantages mentionnés concernant les figures 5 et 6 et 13 et 14. Ici aussi, un dispositif permet d'adapter le fonctionnement au décalage entre les barillets.Figures 17 and 18 show a variant of this latter embodiment, in which the rotary barrels are staggered, with the advantages mentioned in relation to Figures 5 and 6 and 13 and 14. Here too, a device makes it possible to adapt the offset operation between the barrels.

Les figures 19 et 20 montrent une variante de la forme d'exécution des figures 15 et 16, dans laquelle les deux paires de rouleaux porteurs sont entourées de deux rangées de barillets rotatifs porteurs de rouleaux. La présence d'une rangée de barillets de chaque côté des rouleaux porteurs permet de marquer la piste suivante en sens inverse, sans retourner l'appareil. Il est toutefois à noter qu'il est préférable en principe de traiter chaque piste dans le même sens pour obtenir une orientation aussi uniforme que possible des brins du gazon.Figures 19 and 20 show a variant of the embodiment of Figures 15 and 16, in which the two pairs of carrying rollers are surrounded by two rows of rotating barrels carrying rollers. The presence of a row of barrels on each side of the carrying rollers makes it possible to mark the next track in the opposite direction, without turning the device. It should however be noted that it is preferable in principle to treat each track in the same direction in order to obtain as uniform an orientation as possible of the strands of the lawn.

Dans une variante non représentée ici, l'appareil dans la forme d'exécution des figures 19 et 20 porte des barillets rotatifs montés en quinconce, avec les avantages décrits plus haut.In a variant not shown here, the device in the embodiment of Figures 19 and 20 carries rotary barrels mounted in staggered rows, with the advantages described above.

Les figures 21 à 26 montrent des variantes des formes d'exécution représentées aux figures 15 à 20, dans lesquelles les barillets sont remplacés par des brosses rotatives. Comme les barillets dans les formes d'exécution précédentes, chaque brosse rotative peut tourner dans un sens ou dans l'autre indépendamment des autres.Figures 21 to 26 show variants of the embodiments shown in Figures 15 to 20, in which the barrels are replaced by rotary brushes. Like the barrels in the previous embodiments, each rotating brush can rotate in one direction or the other independently of the others.

Les figures 27 à 30 montrent la forme d'exécution préférée de l'appareil. Il s'agit de la forme d'exécution représentée schématiquement aux figure 25 et 26, à la différence près que les brosses sont disposées en quinconce, avec les avantages qu'une telle disposition comporte.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 such an arrangement has.

Chaque brosse rotative 2 peut tourner librement autour de l'axe 7 et est commandée par une courroie 4 qui entraîne la brosse par une poulie 10 solidaire de la brosse. Chaque courroie 4 est entraînée par un moteur 11, de préférence électrique, indépendant des autres. Les brosses sont placées à une hauteur telle qu'elles pénètrent dans le gazon, mais ne touchent pas le sol. Les axes 7 porteurs des brosses sont fixés par leurs extrémités au châssis principal 5.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 the grass, but do not touch the ground. The pins 7 carrying the brushes are fixed at their ends to the main chassis 5.

Chaque paire de rouleaux porteurs est portée par un axe 6. Les rouleaux porteurs tournent librement autour de l'axe. Aux deux extrémités de chaque axe se trouvent des poulies 10 dont chacune est solidaire du rouleau porteur 3. Des courroies 4, dont chacune est entraînée par un moteur 11 indépendant, transmettent aux rouleaux le mouvement des moteurs. Chaque moteur transmet son mouvement par l'intermédiaire d'un train d'engrenages 12. Les axes porteurs des rouleaux, ainsi que les ensembles moteurs-engrenages, sont fixés sur un châssis secondaire 8. Ce châssis secondaire 8 est lui-même fixé à un châssis principal 5 par l'intermédiaire d'un roulement à billes 9 qui permet au châssis de tourner d'un petit angle pour diriger l'appareil. Le fait que chaque rouleau soit commandé par un moteur indépendant rend un différentiel superflu.Each pair of carrier rollers is carried by an axis 6. The carrier rollers rotate freely around the axis. At the two 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, transmits the movement of the motors to the rollers. Each motor transmits its movement via a gear train 12. The carrying axes of the rollers, as well as the motor-gear assemblies, are fixed to a secondary chassis 8. This secondary chassis 8 is itself fixed to a main chassis 5 by means of a ball bearing 9 which allows the chassis to rotate at a small angle to steer the device. The fact that each roller is controlled by an independent motor makes a differential unnecessary.

Les moteurs sont électriques et sont alimentés par un accumulateur. Il va de soi que d'autres types de moteurs pourraient être utilisés, mais ils seraient moins pratiques. De même, il serait possible d'utiliser un autre moyen de transmission que des courroies et des poulies, par exemple des chaînes ou des engrenages.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 be possible to use a different means of transmission than belts and pulleys, for example chains or gears.

Les moteurs et les transmissions qui entraînent les rouleaux assurent à l'appareil, grâce à l'importante démultiplication donnée par les engrenages, et même avec des variations de charge, une vitesse sensiblement constante, qui est à peu près celle d'un homme au pas.The motors and transmissions which drive the rollers assure the apparatus, 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 at not.

Le démarrage des moteurs des rouleaux se fait manuellement, par des interrupteurs ou commutateurs commandés par le conducteur. Pour la première ligne, ce dernier peut diriger manuellement le dispositif de direction, qui permet de faire pivoter les deux châssis secondaires par rapport au châssis principal. Pour les lignes suivantes l'ordinateur dirige l'appareil automatiquement.The roller motors are started manually, by switches or switches controlled by the driver. For the first line, the latter can manually steer the steering device, which allows the two secondary chassis to pivot relative to the main chassis. For the following lines the computer directs the device automatically.

Chacun des moteurs qui commandent les brosses est piloté par un ordinateur en fonction de sa position sur la surface de gazon. Les données fournies à l'ordinateur sont enregistrées sur une carte RAM. La figure 31 donne le schéma des relations entre les divers organes électriques et électroniques qui commandent l'appareil. Il est à noter que le couple nécessaire pour faire tourner une brosse, que ce soit dans le sens de la marche de l'appareil ou dans le sens contraire, est sensiblement constant. La souplesse des filaments de la brosse joue ici un rôle important.Each of the motors controlling the brushes is controlled by a computer according to its position on the lawn surface. The data supplied to the computer is saved on a RAM card. Figure 31 gives the diagram of the relations between the various electric and electronic organs which control the apparatus. It should be noted that the torque required to rotate a brush, either in the direction of operation of the device or in the direction of on the contrary, is substantially constant. The flexibility of the brush filaments plays an important role here.

Par rapport aux versions décrites plus haut dans lesquelles les roues ne peuvent pas être relevées, l'avantage de la forme d'exécution préférée réside dans la meilleure répartition du poids. La forme d'exécution préférée évite le marquage de sillons par les roues dans le terrain. Par rapport aux versions dans lesquelles les brosses sont remplacées par des barillets portant des rouleaux, l'avantage réside également dans la grande masse et aussi dans les grandes dimensions des barillets.Compared to the versions described above in which the wheels cannot be raised, the advantage of the preferred embodiment lies in the better distribution of the weight. The preferred embodiment avoids the marking of furrows by the wheels in the ground. 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.

Il va de soi que, dans chaque forme d'exécution envisagée, le nombre des organes peut varier selon les nécessités, qu'il s'agisse des rouleaux, des barillets, des brosses, des moteurs, des poulies ou encore des roues.It goes without saying that, in each embodiment envisaged, the number of members can vary according to requirements, whether they are rollers, barrels, brushes, motors, pulleys or even wheels.

Dans sa forme d'exécution préférée, le procédé de marquage de terrains en gazon est automatique. Un asservissement de l'appareil à un ordinateur est indispensable. L'image ou les images, ou le ou les signes, par exemple un nom ou un mot constituant une marque, qui doivent être reproduits sur le gazon, sont introduits dans l'ordinateur. La ou les images et/ou le ou les signes sont découpés en plusieurs points qui correspondent à un découpage en plusieurs secteurs 13 de la surface de gazon. Le conducteur place d'abord l'appareil sur la ligne de départ 15. Il le dirige d'abord le long de la première piste, manuellement. L'appareil est équipé d'un dispositif qui place sur le bord de la piste, à gauche de l'appareil dans la forme d'exécution montrée à la figure 33, à intervalles réguliers, par exemple à la limite de chaque secteur 13, des petites billes en métal ferromagnétique. L'appareil est en outre équipé de senseurs magnétiques reliés à l'ordinateur, et d'un dispositif magnétique qui permet de récupérer les billes au passage. Les billes sont déposées lors du passage de l'appareil sur la première piste. L'ordinateur provoque le lâchage des billes et actionne la mise en oeuvre des brosses et/ou des rouleaux au moment où l'appareil se trouve dans une position déterminée. Afin de déterminer cette position, au premier passage, la méthode préférée consiste à munir l'appareil d'un compteur de distance, qui est actionné par un ou plusieurs des rouleaux qui soutiennent l'appareil, ou par une roue attachée à l'appareil et qui roule librement sur le gazon. De tels compteurs sont des instruments courants, par exemple sur les automobiles. Le compteur transmet ses indications à l'ordinateur, qui transmet ses instructions aux moteurs selon le programme introduit par le conducteur. Lors du passage sur la deuxième piste, les senseurs transmettent à l'ordinateur les données qu'ils récoltent quant à la position de l'appareil par rapport à celle des billes. Ce n'est plus alors le compteur qui est déterminant. La position des billes ne détermine pas seulement la direction donnée à l'appareil, mais aussi le moment où la brosse ou le rouleau doit entrer en action pour donner au gazon la direction voulue dans un secteur déterminé, ainsi que la position de la nouvelle série de billes à déposer le long de la deuxième piste : pendant que l'appareil récupère les billes posées au bord de la première piste, il en dépose au bord de la deuxième piste. Bien entendu, ce peuvent être les mêmes billes qui sont transférées par l'appareil du bord de la première au bord de la deuxième piste. Après avoir traité la deuxième piste, le conducteur place de nouveau l'appareil sur la ligne de départ, au début de la piste suivante, et le processus recommence. Arrivé à la dernière piste, l'ordinateur ordonne au dispositif qui dépose les billes de ne plus fonctionner, seul fonctionnant celui qui assure le ramassage des billes au bord de l'avant-dernière piste.In its preferred embodiment, the method of marking turf fields is automatic. Controlling the device to a computer is essential. The image or images, or the sign or signs, for example a name or a word constituting a mark, which must be reproduced on the lawn, are introduced into the computer. The image (s) and / or the sign (s) are cut at several points which correspond to a cutting into several sectors 13 of the lawn surface. The driver first places the device on the starting line 15. He first directs it along the first track, manually. The apparatus is equipped with a device which places on the edge of the runway, to the left of the apparatus in the embodiment shown in FIG. 33, at regular intervals, for example at the limit of each sector 13, small ferromagnetic metal balls. The device is also equipped with magnetic sensors connected to the computer, and with a magnetic device which makes it possible to recover the balls on the way. The balls are deposited during the passage of the device on the first track. The computer causes the balls to be released and activates the use of brushes and / or rollers when 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 activated 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 meters are common instruments, for example on automobiles. The meter transmits its indications to the computer, which transmits its instructions to the engines according to the program introduced by the driver. During the passage on the second track, the sensors transmit to the computer the data which they collect as to the position of the device relative to that of the balls. It is no longer the counter that is decisive. The position of the balls not only determines the direction given to the device, but also the moment when the brush or the roller must come into action to give the lawn the desired direction in a given sector, as well as the position of the new series. balls to be deposited along the second track: while the device collects the balls placed on the edge of the first track, it deposits them at the edge of the second track. Of course, it can be the same balls which are transferred by the device from the edge of the first to the edge of the second track. After processing the second track, the driver places the aircraft on the start line again, at the start of the next track, and the process begins again. Arrived at the last track, the computer orders the device which deposits the balls not to function any more, only functioning the one which ensures the collection of the balls at the edge of the penultimate track.

Selon une autre forme d'exécution de la méthode, l'ordinateur provoque le marquage d'une ligne dans le gazon, au bord de la piste. Le conducteur guide ainsi l'appareil pour la piste suivante le long de la ligne ainsi tracée. De préférence, la ligne sera tracée de façon que le passage de l'appareil pour le traitement de la piste suivante provoque son effacement. Autrement dit, il faudra que l'appareil passe par dessus. En même temps que l'appareil efface cette première ligne, il en trace une deuxième, au bord de la deuxième piste. Cette deuxième ligne sera effacée par le passage de l'appareil sur la troisième piste. Le processus recommence jusqu'à ce que toute la surface ait été traitée.According to another embodiment of the method, the computer causes the marking of a line in the lawn, at the edge of the track. The driver thus guides the apparatus for the next track along the line thus drawn. Preferably, the line will be drawn so that the passage of the device for processing the next track causes its erasure. In other words, the device will have to pass over it. At the same time as the device erases this first line, it draws a second one, on the edge of the second track. This second line will be deleted by the passage of the device on the third track. The process begins again until the entire surface has been treated.

Une autre forme d'exécution de la méthode consiste à enterrer dans le terrain, à quelques centimètres de la surface, une grille métallique qui correspond aux bords des pistes et aux lignes de départ et d'arrivée, comme le montre la figure 33. L'appareil est équipé de senseurs qui transmettent à l'ordinateur la position de l'appareil. Un dispositif de mesure signale à l'ordinateur et au conducteur tout écart entre la position réelle de l'appareil et la position prévue et mise en mémoire dans l'ordinateur.Ici encore, le pilotage peut être automatique ou manuel.Another embodiment of the method consists in burying in the ground, a few centimeters from the surface, a metal grid which corresponds to the edges of the tracks and the start and finish lines, as shown in Figure 33. L The device is equipped with sensors which transmit the position of the device to the computer. A measuring device signals to the computer and to the driver any deviation between the actual position of the device and the position predicted and stored in the computer. Here again, the control can be automatic or manual.

Une autre forme encore d'exécution de la méthode consiste à placer des transceivers sur le terrain et sur l'appareil. De tels dispositifs permettent de mesurer la distance et/ou l'angle, ce qui permet à l'ordinateur de calculer la position de l'appareil par rapport aux transceivers placés sur le terrain. La figure 34 montre schématiquement que de tels transceivers pourraient être placés en A et B. Des micro-ondes, des ultrasons ou des infrarouges peuvent être utilisés dans un tel système. Ici encore, le pilotage peut être automatique ou manuel.Yet another embodiment of the method is to place transceivers on the ground and on the device. Such devices make it possible to measure the distance and / or the angle, which allows the computer to calculate the position of the device relative to the transceivers placed on the ground. Figure 34 schematically shows that such transceivers could be placed at A and B. Microwaves, ultrasound or infrared can be used in such a system. Here again, the piloting can be automatic or manual.

Enfin, on peut envisager d'employer un dispositif dans lequel les transceivers se trouvent sur des satellites, comme cela se fait dans le système GPS.Finally, we can consider using a device in which the transceivers are on satellites, as is done in the GPS system.

Claims (22)

Procédé de marquage pour terrains en gazon, notamment terrains de sport, caractérisé en ce qu'on oriente une partie des brins d'une surface de gazon dans une direction, et qu'on oriente ou qu'on laisse orientés dans au moins une autre direction au moins une autre partie des brins de ladite surface de gazon, de façon qu'au moins une des parties constitue une ou plusieurs images ou signes.Marking method for turf fields, in particular sports fields, characterized in that a part of the strands of a lawn surface is oriented in one direction, and that is oriented or left oriented in at least one other directing at least one other part of the strands of said turf surface, so that at least one of the parts constitutes one or more images or signs. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'on oriente les brins d'au moins une partie de la surface de gazon au moyen d'une ou de plusieurs brosses (2).Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the strands of at least part of the lawn surface are oriented by means of one or more brushes (2). Procédé selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce qu'on utilise des brosses (2) rotatives.Method according to claim 2, characterized in that rotary brushes (2) are used. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'on oriente les brins d'au moins une partie de la surface de gazon au moyen d'un ou de plusieurs rouleaux (3).Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the strands of at least part of the lawn surface are oriented by means of one or more rollers (3). Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'on oriente les brins d'au moins une partie de la surface de gazon au moyen d'une ou de plusieurs brosses (2) et au moyen d'un ou de plusieurs rouleaux (3).Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the strands of at least part of the lawn surface are oriented by means of one or more brushes (2) and by means of one or more rollers (3 ). Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce qu'on divise le modèle de l'image ou du signe à marquer sur la surface de gazon en plusieurs points, en ce qu'on divise la surface de gazon en plusieurs secteurs (13), et en ce qu'on commande l'action des brosses (2) ou rouleaux (3) sur le gazon en fonction de leur position sur des secteurs déterminés qui correspondent à des points déterminés du modèle du signe ou de l'image à marquer sur la surface de gazon.Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the model of the image or sign to be marked on the lawn surface is divided into several points, in that the lawn surface is divided into several sectors (13), and in that the action of the brushes (2) or rollers (3) on the grass is controlled as a function of their position on determined sectors which correspond to determined points of the model of the sign or of the image to mark on the grass surface. Procédé selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que la commande de l'action des brosses (2) ou rouleaux (3) est asservie à un ordinateur dans lequel sont introduits le ou les modèles de signes ou images à marquer sur la surface de gazon divisés en points, la position instantanée des brosses et/ou rouleaux sur la surface de gazon et des instructions commandant ladite action pour chaque secteur en fonction du point correspondant du modèle et de ladite position desdits brosses et/ou rouleaux.Method according to Claim 6, characterized in that the control of the action of the brushes (2) or rollers (3) is controlled by a computer into which the model or models of signs or images to be marked on the lawn surface are introduced. divided into points, the instantaneous position of the brushes and / or rollers on the turf surface and instructions controlling said action for each sector as a function of the corresponding point of the model and of said position of said brushes and / or rollers. Procédé selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce qu'on utilise un appareil sur lequel sont fixés les brosses (2) ou rouleaux (3) et en ce que la position dudit appareil sur la surface de gazon est constatée par des senseurs qui détectent la présence de corps magnétisables qui sont déposés ou enterrés à des endroits déterminés sur ou sous ladite surface.Method according to claim 7, characterized in that an apparatus is used on which the brushes (2) or rollers (3) are fixed and in that the position of said apparatus on the lawn surface is detected by sensors which detect the presence of magnetizable bodies which are deposited or buried at determined locations on or under said surface. Procédé selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce qu'on utilise un appareil sur lequel sont fixés les brosses (2) ou rouleaux (3) et en ce que la position dudit appareil sur la surface de gazon est constatée par un dispositif au moins récepteur d'ondes électromagnétiques ou soniques.Method according to claim 7, characterized in that an apparatus is used on which the brushes (2) or rollers (3) are fixed and in that the position of said apparatus on the lawn surface is ascertained by at least one receiving device electromagnetic or sonic waves. Procédé selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif reçoit des signaux de satellites géostationnaires.Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the device receives signals from geostationary satellites. Appareil pour marquer les terrains en gazon, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des roues (1) permettant son déplacement, des brosses (2) et/ou des rouleaux (3), et des moyens permettant d'abaisser jusqu'au gazon et de relever de façon qu'ils ne touchent plus le gazon au moins certains desdits brosses (2) et/ou rouleaux (3).Apparatus for marking turf fields, characterized in that it comprises wheels (1) allowing its movement, brushes (2) and / or rollers (3), and means making it possible to lower to the lawn and to raise so that they no longer touch the grass at least some of said brushes (2) and / or rollers (3). Appareil pour marquer les terrains en gazon, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des roues (1) permettant son déplacement, des brosses (2) rotatives et des moyens de faire tourner les brosses dans les deux sens.Apparatus for marking turf fields, characterized in that it comprises wheels (1) allowing its movement, brushes (2) rotatable and means for rotating the brushes in both directions. Appareil selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens permettant d'abaisser jusqu'au gazon et de relever de façon qu'elles ne touchent plus le gazon au moins certaines desdites brosses (2).Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises means making it possible to lower to the grass and to raise so that they no longer touch the grass at least some of said brushes (2). Appareil selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins certains des brosses (2) et/ou rouleaux (3) sont réunis par groupes (15).Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that at least some of the brushes (2) and / or rollers (3) are joined in groups (15). Appareil selon la revendication 14, caractérisé en ce que les rouleaux (3) réunis sont fixés sur au moins un barillet (15) rotatif de façon à pouvoir tourner librement.Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the rollers (3) together are fixed on at least one rotary barrel (15) so that they can rotate freely. Appareil selon l'une des revendications 11 à 15, caractérisé en ce que les brosses (2) et/ou rouleaux (3) et/ou les groupes (15) de brosses (2) ou de rouleaux (3) sont placés en quinconce.Apparatus according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the brushes (2) and / or rollers (3) and / or the groups (15) of brushes (2) or rollers (3) are staggered . Appareil selon l'une des revendications 11 à 16, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens permettant de relever les roues (1), et des rouleaux (3) permettant de soutenir et de déplacer l'appareil lorsque les roues (1) sont relevées.Apparatus according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that it comprises means for lifting the wheels (1), and rollers (3) for supporting and moving the apparatus when the wheels (1) are noted. Appareil selon la revendication 17, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins un moteur (11) actionnant les rouleaux (3) qui soutiennent l'appareil et un dispositif de direction permettant de diriger l'appareil lorsque les roues (1) sont relevées.Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that it comprises at least one motor (11) actuating the rollers (3) which support the apparatus and a steering device making it possible to steer the apparatus when the wheels (1) are raised . Appareil selon l'une des revendications 11 à 18, caractérisé en ce que chaque rouleau (3) ou groupe (15) de rouleaux et chaque brosse (2) ou groupe (15) de brosses est commandé par un moteur (11) différent.Apparatus according to one of claims 11 to 18, 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). Appareil selon l'une des revendications 11 à 19, caractérisé en ce que la position de l'appareil sur la surface de gazon est déterminée par un compteur actionné par les rouleaux (3) porteurs de l'appareil ou par une roue qui roule sur ladite surface de gazon.Device according to one of Claims 11 to 19, characterized in that the position of the device on the lawn surface is determined by a counter actuated by the rollers (3) carrying the device or by a wheel which rolls on said turf surface. Appareil selon l'une des revendications 17 à 20, caractérisé en ce que les axes de rotation des roues (1) sont perpendiculaires aux axes de rotation des rouleaux (3) et/ou des brosses (2) lorsque les dispositifs de direction sont en position neutre.Apparatus according to one of Claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the axes of rotation of the wheels (1) are perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the rollers (3) and / or of the brushes (2) when the steering devices are in the neutral position. Appareil selon l'une des revendications 11 à 21, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un ordinateur dans lequel est introduit le modèle de l'image ou du signe à marquer sur le gazon, des moyens de déterminer la position de l'appareil sur la surface de gazon et des moyens permettant d'abaisser ou d'élever et/ou de faire tourner au moins certaines brosses (2) et/ou certains rouleaux (3) et/ou groupes (15) de rouleaux de façon à orienter une partie des brins de la surface de gazon dans une direction différente de celle des autres brins, de façon qu'au moins une des parties de la surface de gazon constitue au moins une image ou un signe correspondant à celui qui est introduit dans l'ordinateur.Apparatus according to one of claims 11 to 21, characterized in that it comprises a computer into which is introduced the model of the image or sign to be marked on the lawn, means for determining the position of the apparatus on the grass surface and means making it possible to lower or raise and / or rotate at least certain brushes (2) and / or certain rollers (3) and / or groups (15) of rollers so as to orient a part of the strands of the turf surface in a direction different from that of the other strands, so that at least one of the parts of the turf surface constitutes at least one image or sign corresponding to that which is introduced into the computer .
EP94810427A 1993-07-28 1994-07-20 Process and apparatus for marking a lawn Expired - Lifetime EP0636393B1 (en)

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TW279961B (en) 1996-07-01
CA2128948A1 (en) 1995-01-29
US5540516A (en) 1996-07-30
KR950004080A (en) 1995-02-17
DE69410709D1 (en) 1998-07-09
AU6864194A (en) 1995-02-09
CN1102353A (en) 1995-05-10
DE69410709T2 (en) 1999-05-20
JPH07152336A (en) 1995-06-16
PL304453A1 (en) 1995-02-06
US5681129A (en) 1997-10-28
CZ180594A3 (en) 1995-02-15
EP0636393B1 (en) 1998-06-03
ATE166793T1 (en) 1998-06-15
BR9402941A (en) 1995-04-11

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