GB2324950A - Turf management apparatus - Google Patents

Turf management apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2324950A
GB2324950A GB9709312A GB9709312A GB2324950A GB 2324950 A GB2324950 A GB 2324950A GB 9709312 A GB9709312 A GB 9709312A GB 9709312 A GB9709312 A GB 9709312A GB 2324950 A GB2324950 A GB 2324950A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
management apparatus
turf management
turf
cutting
storage means
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.)
Ceased
Application number
GB9709312A
Other versions
GB9709312D0 (en
Inventor
David Michael Matthews
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB9709312A priority Critical patent/GB2324950A/en
Publication of GB9709312D0 publication Critical patent/GB9709312D0/en
Publication of GB2324950A publication Critical patent/GB2324950A/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
    • A01D43/00—Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing
    • A01D43/06—Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material
    • A01D43/077—Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material with auxiliary means, e.g. fans, for transporting the mown crop
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
    • A01D43/00—Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing
    • A01D43/14—Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with dispensing apparatus, e.g. for fertilisers, herbicides or preservatives
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
    • A01D2101/00—Lawn-mowers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
    • A01D34/00—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters
    • A01D34/01—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus
    • A01D34/412—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters
    • A01D34/42—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a horizontal axis, e.g. cutting-cylinders

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Harvester Elements (AREA)
  • Soil Working Implements (AREA)

Abstract

A turf management apparatus (A) comprises a cutting means (B), suitably positioned so as to be in close proximity to the turf to be managed, and having associated therewith a conduit means (13, 15) defining a circuit between said cutting means (B) and a storage means (16). The circuit comprises a first conduit member (13) providing passage for debris in a first direction and a second conduit member (15) providing passage for debris in a second direction. Associated with the conduit means (13, 15) there is an air-pressure control means (11) for directing air-flow in said first (13) and second (15) conduit members. Debris from said cutting means (B) is collected through one of said conduit members (13) and deposited in said storage means (16), the air used for this purpose then being directed via the other conduit member (15) towards said cutting means (B) so as to blow debris into the circuit. The apparatus may optionally be employed for dispensing fertiliser or the like from the storage means 16 via either of the conduit means 13,15. Additionally, the cutting means B may be replaced by a scarifier or the like for an alternative turf management.

Description

TURF MANAGEMENT APPARATUS The invention relates to a turf management apparatus, adapted so as to cut turf and/or dispense material to said turf and/or perform maintenance operations thereon, for use particularly but not exclusively on garden, and/or sporting, and/or race, and/or golf turf surfaces and the like.
Small turf areas are typically maintained by non-motorised or motorised lawn mowers which are pushed and/or guided by an individual over the turf surface so as to clip grass blades to selected length. Clippings and garden debris is directed or blown towards a collection means. The collection means is typically placed rearward of a cutting means, and when an appropriate amount of grass clippings/garden debris has been collected an individual removes the collection means, empties same and replaces it on the lawn mower so as to continue the job. Some lawn mowers such as the "FLYMO" variety do not direct and collect grass clippings in a collection means but merely cut and blow/disperse clippings side-ways, forward and rearward of a cutting means. Employing such a device requires subsequent gathering of clippings by a rake or the like. Fertilising a small turf area is typically achieved by manually dispensing appropriate agrochemicals from a watering can or a portable/hand-held dispensing unit or the like and applying said agrochemical to the appropriate area of turf. Management of small turf areas is therefore almost invariably a manual operation employing few, if any, motorised/powered accessory deives.
Management of larger turf areas such as gardens of some acreage, golf courses and the like typically employ ride-on type mowers. These mowers are designed to reduce the manual labour input from an individual. Ride-on mowers are motorised and generally provide a seat or standing platform upon which an individual can rest and be transported on the vehicle whilst concomitantly directing the path of the vehicle. The individual guides the vehicle by means of a steering assembly and controls the speed by means of a gear arrangement and acceleration pedal or the like. Clippings are blown/directed so as to be collected rearward of the cuttings means and upon a sufficient amount of clippings being collected said clippings are dispensed from a collection means at an area remote from the site of cutting. The collection means is then replaced in order to collect more clippings whilst the operation is continued.
The problems associated with this form of prior art is that cutting is not always effective because not all the clippings are blown/directed towards a collection means. Clippings generated at either end of the cutting means are not subjected to sufficient drawing[blowing force so as to be adequately gathered into a collection means, hence the turf surface may be littered with uncollected grass cuttings. Additionally an individual has to cease the cutting operation in order to empty the collection means and take it to a disposal site, thereby increasing the time and amount of labour involvement. Furthermore, the cutting means itself generally comprise a multiple number of cutting cylinders adjacent one another and appropriately configured so as to cooperate with a neighbouring cutting cylinder. Each cutting cylinder is provided with associated blades, said blades are phased so as to cooperate with neighbouring blades on an adjacent cutting cylinder. The problems associated with this configuration, is that by increasing the number of moveable parts in the machine there is an increased tendency towards breakdown and/or failure and/or jamming consequently increasing the cost of maintenance and the potential for frequency of breakdown. An apparatus that could effectively draw up all clippings into an easily disposable and removable collection means with a cutting cylinder configuration offering improved reliability would overcome many of the problems associated with the prior art and offer a significant advantage to turf management Turf management of larger turf areas not only involves cutting grass but also fertilisation, scarification and combing of same. Typically these additional activities are achieved by a variety of separate machines each suitably adapted to perform the required task and not always of the ride-on variety.
Consequently total turf management is costly both in terms of the number of different machines required for the job and, if the individual does not have the appropriate machine, then is costly in terms of manual labour. An apparatus that combined total turf management to a single ride-on machine would automatically overcome many of the problems associated with the prior art and offer significant advantage in cost and/or labour efficiency.
The invention of this application has elegantly overcome the problems associated by the prior art by providing a total turf management apparatus that is adapted so as to improve efficiency of cutting a turf surface by employing suction of clippings and directing the suction towards a removable storage means. The suction being aided by directional airflow at an edge of a cutting means. The apparatus is further provided with reversible air pressure controls so as to dispense fertilisers or the like to a turf surface, furthermore the apparatus may be suitably adapted so as to perform scarification and/or combing of said turf surface.
It is therefore a first object of the invention to provide a total turf management apparatus.
It is a further object of an invention to provide a turf management apparatus of improved reliability.
It is a yet further object of the invention to provide a turf management apparatus so as to facilitate disposal of grass cuttings/garden debris or the like.
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a turf management apparatus so as to be cost effective and reduce manual input.
It is a yet further object of the invention to provide a turf management apparatus that efficiently utilises recycled air.
It is a yet further object of the invention to provide a turf management apparatus that efficiently and completely removes all garden debris from the area around a cutting means.
It is a yet further object of the invention to provide a turf management apparatus that improves maintenance quality of a turf surface.
It is a yet further object of the invention to provide a turf management apparatus with improved manoeuvrability.
It is a yet further object of the invention to provide a turf management apparatus that indicates the level of debris collected/material to be dispensed to an operator.
Reference herein to debris is intended to include grass cuttings/clippings and/or leaves and/or any other material which may be growing or have fallen onto on a turf surface but which it is desirable to remove, and is not intended to limit the scope of the application.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a turf management apparatus comprising a cutting means suitably positioned so as to be in close proximity to the turf to be managed and associated therewith a conduit means defining a circuit between said cutting means and a storage means, wherein said circuit comprises a first conduit means providing passage in a first direction and a second conduit means providing passage in a second direction, and associated with said conduit means an air-pressure control means for directing air-flow in said first and second conduit means, whereby debris from said cutting means is collected by one of said conduit means and deposited in said storage means and air used for this purpose is then directed via said other conduit means towards said cutting means so as to blow debris into the circuit.
In a further preferred embodiment of the invention at least one conduit means is dissociable and at least one conduit means is provided with a means for reversing the direction of air flow therethrough.
In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said turf management apparatus is mobile and suitably adapted so as to comprise a pair of forwardly positioned wheels or the like and at least one rearwardly positioned wheel or the like.
In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said turf management apparatus is suitably powered, ideally by means of a fuel driven engine and more ideally said engine is an 81/2 HP "Briggs Stratton" type engine, and even more ideally associated with said engine there is provided a gear box unit comprising a plurality of forward gears and a reverse gear wherein said gear box unit is suitably positioned so as to be trans-axial to said front wheels and suitably connected thereto by means of a single V-belt.
In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said cutting means comprises a single elongate cutting cylinder ideally said cutting cylinder is of a length 20-40 inches and most ideally is 30 inches in length, preferably said cutting cylinder diameter is in the region of 3-10 inches and most preferably is 5 inches in diameter.
In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said cutting means cylinder is associated with at least one cutting blade, and ideally is associated with a plurality of blades and more ideally is associated with 6 cutting blades and most ideally said blades are auto-engaged in the instance of being lowered into a cutting position.
In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said cutting cylinder is adjustable in height in the range of 5 to 55 mm from a turf surface and most ideally from 12 to 40 mm.
In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said turf management apparatus is provided with a tow bar means or the like suitably positioned rearward of said apparatus and adapted so as to engage a trailer means or the like, whereby said trailer means or the like is towed behind said apparatus and ideally said trailer means or the like is adapted so as to provide a suitable surface upon which to store a removable storage means and even more ideally said trailer means or the like is walled so as to provide suitable containment of a storage means thereon. It will be understood that the size and shape of the trailer means or the like, is not intended to limit the scope of the application, and that any such trailer means that provides appropriate containment and temporary storage for at least one storage means will be appropriate.
In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said conduit means comprises flexible hoses or the like, and associated at one end of each of said hoses is a releasably sealed lid means of a storage means housing.
In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said first conduit means is associated with a fan drive wherein said fan drive is suitably positioned so as to be attached to or associated with a vehicle frame ideally said fan drive acts so as to suck, by means of a generated vacuum, debris away from a cutting means and ideally to direct the debris upwardly into a storage means whereby the debris gathers at a bottom surface of a storage means and air is recycled free from said debris.
In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said fan drive comprises a fan of dimensions in the order 10-20 inches and ideally 15" in diameter and more ideally said fan drive is associated with at least one blade means and preferably a plurality of blade means.
In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention at least one conduit means is provided with a vacuum force, ideally said vacuum force is directed toward a cutting cylinder and is provided from an aperture wherein the dimension of said aperture is in the region of 15-40 inches in diameter and ideally is 30 inches in diameter and more ideally said aperture is suitably positioned off-centre in said cutting cylinder housing.
In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said turf management apparatus comprises a removable storage and/or disposable means, wherein said storage means comprises a flexible and/or biodegradable bag or the like ideally in the instance of said storage means being full of debris, said storage means is appropriately sealed so that contents are prevented from spilling and/or leaking to the environment and more ideally said storage means is held in an upright position by a rigid structure which supports said storage means, most ideally said storage means is removed from the turf management apparatus so as to be temporarily stored upon a trailer for subsequent disposal at a site remote from the operation optionally said storage means is sealed and deposited on the turf surface for subsequent collection.
In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said storage means is supported by an upright support means ideally said support means is telescopic so in the instance of a storage means being full, said support means is in an extended position, and in the instance of said storage means being empty said support means is in a contracted position, thereby the position of said upright support means indicates to an individual operating the turf management apparatus the level of contents within the storage means.
In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said turf management apparatus is provided with detachable turf management attachment means, ideally said detachable turf management attachment means comprise a fertiliser distributor and/or lawn spiker and/or a lawn comb and/or scarifier and/or the like.
In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said second conduit means is associated at one end with a cutting cylinder housing wherein said second conduit means is suitably positioned so as to provide an outlet port at a side of said cutting cylinder housing thereby directing peripheral garden debris generated at the side of said cutting cylinder housing, towards said first conduit means aperture in said cutting cylinder housing, ideally the air used to direct peripheral garden debris is derived from recycled air from said first conduit means.
In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a turf management apparatus adapted so as to turn within a circle of diameter 8-17 ft ideally in a diameter of 13 ft.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a turf management apparatus comprising a cutting means and/or delivery means suitably positioned so as to be in close proximity to turf to be managed and associated therewith a conduit means connecting said cutting means and/or said delivery means to a storage means, said conduit means having additionally associated therewith reversible air pressure means for directing air in said conduit means in either a first direction away from said cutting means or in a second direction towards said dispensing means, whereby in a first instance debris from said cutting means can be collected and stored in said storage means and in a second instance material from said storage means can be delivered to said delivery means for dispensing.
Reference herein to dispensing is intended to include dispersion and/or spraying and/or spreading and is not intended to limit the scope of the application.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a turf management apparatus as hereinbefore described in a kit form so that a traditional type ride-on mower can be suitably equipped with components as hereinbefore described.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the Figures wherein: Figure 1 Represents a side perspective view of a turf management apparatus, Figure 2 Represents an opposite side perspective view to Figure 1 of a turf management apparatus, Figure 3 Represents a front perspective view a turf management apparatus.
Referring now to Figure 1 there is shown a side perspective view of a turf management apparatus (A) comprising a main frame (4) adapted so as to be mobile by means of front wheels (1A) (in this perspective of the invention a second front wheel (1B) is not shown) and rear wheel (3). Furthermore wheel (1A) is provided with a protective wheel arch (2A) so as to protect a driver from the moving wheel. Additionally there is provided a seat means (5) suitably elevated via stem (5A) and attached to frame (4), wherein a driver seated on said seat means (5) may have easy access to a gear lever (6) and a steering handle (7A) positioned on steering column (7B). Forward of said seat means (5) is a cutting cylinder assembly (B) and a cutting cylinder housing outer safety protective cover (8) and associated therewith or attached thereto there is provided a rear roller (9) suitably positioned so as to roll over a turf surface and provide rear balance to a cutting cylinder assembly. The turf management apparatus is motorised by engine (10).
A first conduit means (13) is appropriately positioned so as to enter cutting cylinder housing outer safety protective cover (8) at a first end and then to pass behind wheel (1A), enter fan housing (11) at a position (12A), which position is appropriately fortified. Subsequently said conduit means (13) exits fan housing (11) at a fortified position (13A) so as to upwardly pass into lid means (14) at a position (14A) at a second end. Lid (14) provides an upper supporting structure for disposable/removable storage means bag (16), said storage bag (16) is further held in position by upright supporting member (17) which provides support in a vertical direction, said upright supporting member (17) is telescopic and accordingly lid means (14) is raised/lowered according to the level of contents within storage bag (16).
Furthermore, associated with lid means (14) at position (14B) is a first end of second conduit means (15). The second conduit means (15) then passes along an opposite side of the turf management apparatus (not shown in this particular perspective of the invention). When in operation grass clippings are sucked by means of a vacuum generated by a fan in fan housing (11), from the area beneath cutting cylinder housing outer safety protective cover (8), said grass cuttings are directed along and up conduit means (15), whereby debris is deposited in removable storage means (16) until such time as the storage means is full. A driver may regulate speed and direction of the vehicle in a manner so as to complete the operation.
Referring now to Figure 2 there is shown the opposite side perspective view of Figure 1 of the turf management apparatus, wherein disposable/removable storage means bag (16) has been removed from the storage supporting members (14, 17) and there is shown a base support means (18) comprising a tray, upon which storage means bag (16) when in position, rests.
Associated or attached rearward of said turf management apparatus (A) is a tow bar means (19) adapted so as to tow a trailer the like. At a front portion of said turf management apparatus (A) there is shown an attachment means (21) suitably positioned so as to attach cutting cylinder assembly (B) to main frame (4). Furthermore a side support structure (22) is adapted so as to accommodate a connector means (20) of second conduit means (15) at a side of housing (8). When in operation, and in the instance of cutting turf, recycled air is drawn out of the top of storage means bag (16) and is directed along the length of conduit means (15) and out of connector means (20), thereby directing peripheral garden debris toward the first conduit means aperture in cover (8) consequently increasing efficiency of grass collection.
Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown a front perspective view of a turf management apparatus (A) wherein steering column (7B) is provided with steering handle (7A) forward of a seat means (5) upon which an individual intending to operate said turf management apparatus is seated. The disposable/removable storage means bag (16) is appropriately supported and positioned rearward and to one side of a driver and held in position by supporting members (14, 17), and tray (18). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and wishing to provide a turf management apparatus that the exact position of components is not intended to limited the scope of application but merely to exemplify the possible siting on a main frame (4) of said components, and that any suitable configuration of the components, so as to achieve efficient grass collection and/or fertiliser dispensing will be appropriate.
At a front portion of main frame (4) there is provided a cutting cylinder assembly (B) and housing main body (26), in this instance the cutting cylinder housing outer safety protective cover (8) has been removed.
Furthermore there is shown an air outlet port/aperture (27) of conduit means (13) and an air outlet port/aperture (24) of second conduit means (15). The configuration of the cutting cylinder (26) is a single elongate body provided with a plurality of blades (25) each blade is suitably turned so as to be attached at either end thereof to cutting cylinder (26) and to provide an outer honed cutting edge that is to be presented to a turf surface. The cutting cylinder assembly (B) is provided with a front roller support (29) upon which a plurality of front rollers (28) are suitably positioned so as to provide stability and an even running track for the cutting cylinder assembly (B). The front roller (29) support is suitably attached via attachment means (30) to opposite sides (31A and B) of cylinder body (26). Cutting cylinder assembly (B) is attached to main frame (4) by support structures (23 and 32), each support structure is suitably angled so as to be attached to main frame (4) and provide a sufficient distance therefrom for cutting cylinder assembly (B).
In operation grass is clipped along a length "X", air is blown from outlet port/aperture (24) and directed towards outlet port/aperture (27), whereupon grass is sucked up via off-centre port (27) aided by blowing debris from the direction of port (24) which is positioned adjacent edge (31B) of cutting cylinder assembly (B) and is positioned on the edge farthest from port (27).
The suction force, and therefore debris collecting capability, along the length 'X' is greatest in the immediate vicinity of outlet port/aperture (27) and weakest in the area around outlet port/aperture (24), hence by activating the second conduit means to blow air from outlet port/aperture (24) towards outlet port/aperture (27), all debris is collected from that region and there is a relatively uniform collecting capability along the length 'X'. Debris is effectively and efficiently transported along the length of the first conduit means (13) towards storage means bag (16) thus the apparatus collects all grass within a cutting zone of defined length "X".
It will be understood that in the instance of employing the turf management apparatus to dispense fertiliser or the like, said storage means bag (16) is adapted to contain the appropriate material to be dispensed. Additionally the fan means, housed in fan housing (11), is suitably adapted so as to blow material out of outlet port/aperture (27) or (24) along the length "X" of the cutting cylinder assembly (B) i.e. the air direction is reversed, furthermore the second conduit means (15) may optionally be disconnected from lid means (14) or in the instance of being connected may aid the dispensing process by appropriate direction of air currents. Additionally cutting cylinder (26) is removed and a distributer assembly suitably positioned so as to distribute fertilizer along length 'X' of cutting cylinder assembly (B).
Additionally it will be understood that detachable turf management attachment means such as a scarifier or the like may be suitable positioned in the cutting cylinder assembly (B) along length "X" in the place of cutting cylinder (26) so as to perform alternative functions concerning total turf management.
Furthermore the essential components of the turf management apparatus, as hereinbefore described, may be provided in a kit form so that appropriate attachment to an existing ride-on type mower of said kit components may confer the advantages of the total turf management apparatus to said existing, traditional ride-on type mower.
Thus the invention in operation and according to the apparatus as hereinbefore described, represents an elegant and novel way of total turf management by a single apparatus.

Claims (32)

1. A turf management apparatus comprising a cutting means, suitably positioned so as to be in close proximity to the turf to be managed, and having associated therewith a conduit means defining a circuit between said cutting means and a storage means, wherein said circuit comprises a first conduit member providing passage in a first direction and a second conduit member providing passage in a second direction and having associated therewith an air-pressure control means for directing air-flow in said first and second conduit members, whereby debris from said cutting means is collected through one of said conduit members and deposited in said storage means, air used for this purpose then being directed via the other conduit member towards said cutting means so as to blow debris into the circuit.
2. A turf management apparatus according to Claim 1 in which at least one conduit member is dissociable and at least one conduit member is provided with a means for reversing the direction of air-flow therethrough.
3. A turf management apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which, the apparatus is mobile and is suitably adapted so as to comprise a pair of forwardly positioned wheels or the like and at least one rearwardly positioned wheel or the like.
4. A turf management apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the apparatus is self-propelled and is suitably powered by means of a fuel-driven engine.
5. A turf management apparatus according to Claim 4 in which, the engine has associated therewith a gear box unit comprising a plurality of forward gears and a reverse gear, said gear box unit being suitably positioned so as to be trans-axial to said front wheels and suitably connected thereto by means of a single V-belt.
6. A turf management apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which, said cutting means comprises a single elongate cutting cylinder.
7. A turf management apparatus according to Claim 6 in which, said cutting cylinder is between 20-40 inches in length and has a diameter in the region of 3-10 inches.
8. A turf management apparatus according to Claim 6 or Claim 7 in which, the cutting cylinder length is approximately 30 inches and has a diameter of approximately 5 inches.
9. A turf management apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which, the cutting means comprises a cylinder having associated therewith at least one cutting blade.
10. A turf management apparatus according to Claim 9 in which the cutting cylinder is provided with at least 6 cutting blades, said blades being auto engagable when lowered into a cutting position.
11. A turf management apparatus according to Claim 9 or Claim 10 in which, said cutting cylinder is adjustable in height in the range of 5 to 55 mm from a turf surface.
12. A turf management apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 11 in which the cutting cylinder is adjustable in height in the range of from 12 to 40 mm.
13. A turf management apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which, the apparatus is provided with a tow bar positioned rearwardly of said apparatus and adapted so as to engage a trailer, whereby said trailer is towed behind said apparatus so as to provide a suitable surface upon which to store a removable storage means.
14. A turf management apparatus according to Claim 13 in which, said trailer is walled so as to provide suitable containment of a storage means thereon.
15. A turf management apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which, said conduit members comprise flexible hoses or the like, and have associated at one end of each hose a releasably sealed lid means of a storage means housing.
16. A turf management apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which, the first conduit member is associated with a fan drive which is suitably positioned so as to be attached to or associated with a vehicle frame.
17. A turf management apparatus according to Claim 16 in which, said fan drive is operable, by means of a generated vacuum, to suck debris away from the cutting means and to direct the debris upwardly into a storage means.
18. A turf management apparatus according to Claim 17 in which, a debris/air mixture generated by the operation of the fan drive is separated such that the debris is gathered at a bottom surface of a storage means and the air is recycled free from said debris.
19. A turf management apparatus according to any one of Claims 16 to 18 in which, the fan drive comprises a bladed fan having a diameter in the order of 10 - 20 inches.
20. A turf management apparatus according to any one of Claims 16 to 19 in which, the fan drive comprises a multi-bladed fan having a diameter of approximately 15 inches.
21. A turf management apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which, at least one conduit member is provided with a vacuum force, directed towards a cutting cylinder, and is provided from an aperture of 15 - 40 inches in diameter.
22. A turf management apparatus according to Claim 21 in which, the aperture is positioned off-centre in said cutting cylinder housing and is approximately 30 inches in diameter.
23. A turf management apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which, the apparatus comprises a removable storage and/or disposal means which comprises a flexible and/or biodegradable bag or the like which is sealable when full so that contents are prevented from spilling and/or leaking to the environment.
24. A turf management apparatus according to Claim 23 in which, the storage means is held in an upright position by a rigid support structure, said storage means being removable from the turf management apparatus so as to be temporarily stored upon a trailer for subsequent disposal at a site remote from the operation.
25. A turf management apparatus according to Claim 23 in which, the storage means is sealed when full and deposited on the turf surface for subsequent collection.
26. A turf management apparatus according to Claim 23 or Claim 24 in which, said storage means is supported by an upright support means which is telescopic so that when the storage means is full, said support means is moved to an extended position, and when the storage means is empty, the support means is retained in a contracted position, whereby the position of the upright support means indicates to a turf management apparatus operator the level of content within the storage means.
27. A turf management apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which, the apparatus is provided with a removable attachment means which comprises any one or more of a fertiliser distributor, lawn spiker, lawn comb, scarifier or the like.
28. A turf management apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which, said second conduit member is associated at one end with a cutting cylinder housing, said second conduit member being suitably positioned so as to provide an outlet port at a side of said cutting cylinder housing thereby directing peripheral garden debris, generated at the side of said cutting cylinder housing, towards an aperture in said cutting cylinder housing.
29. A turf management apparatus according to Claim 28 in which, the air used to direct peripheral garden debris is derivable from recycled air.
30. A turf management apparatus comprising a cutting means and/or delivery means suitably positioned so as to be in close proximity to turf to be managed and having associated therewith a conduit means connecting said cutting means and/or said delivery means to a storage means, said conduit means having additionally associated therewith reversible air pressure means for directing air in said conduit means in either a first direction away from said cutting means or in a second direction towards said dispensing means, so that debris from a cutting means can be collected and stored in said storage means and material from said storage means can be delivered to the delivery means for dispensing.
31. A turf management apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus being provided in kit form to suitably equip a traditional ride-on mower with a conduit means and an air circuit substantially as herein described.
32. A turf management apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
GB9709312A 1997-05-07 1997-05-07 Turf management apparatus Ceased GB2324950A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9709312A GB2324950A (en) 1997-05-07 1997-05-07 Turf management apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9709312A GB2324950A (en) 1997-05-07 1997-05-07 Turf management apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9709312D0 GB9709312D0 (en) 1997-06-25
GB2324950A true GB2324950A (en) 1998-11-11

Family

ID=10811972

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9709312A Ceased GB2324950A (en) 1997-05-07 1997-05-07 Turf management apparatus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2324950A (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004066712A1 (en) * 2003-01-31 2004-08-12 John Robert Bishop Machine for removing vegetation
GB2400297B (en) * 2003-01-31 2006-01-04 John Robert Bishop Machine for removing vegetation
WO2009007509A1 (en) * 2007-07-06 2009-01-15 Actioneco Oy Arrangement for handling recovered waste
RU2476084C1 (en) * 2011-06-29 2013-02-27 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "Агромастер" Preserving agents introduction device
US20150033693A1 (en) * 2013-08-05 2015-02-05 Kubota Corporation Lawn mower
US11178814B2 (en) * 2017-03-01 2021-11-23 Hurricane, Inc. Vehicle with debris blower and lawn mower
US12127501B2 (en) 2019-08-28 2024-10-29 Hurricane, Inc. Vehicle with debris blower and lawn mower

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4631909A (en) * 1985-07-23 1986-12-30 Mclane Frank E Lawn mower vacuum apparatus
US4848070A (en) * 1987-07-14 1989-07-18 Berglund Andrew L Grass catching apparatus for mower
GB2279858A (en) * 1993-07-15 1995-01-18 Electrolux Outdoor Prod Ltd Hover mower.

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4631909A (en) * 1985-07-23 1986-12-30 Mclane Frank E Lawn mower vacuum apparatus
US4848070A (en) * 1987-07-14 1989-07-18 Berglund Andrew L Grass catching apparatus for mower
GB2279858A (en) * 1993-07-15 1995-01-18 Electrolux Outdoor Prod Ltd Hover mower.

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004066712A1 (en) * 2003-01-31 2004-08-12 John Robert Bishop Machine for removing vegetation
GB2400297B (en) * 2003-01-31 2006-01-04 John Robert Bishop Machine for removing vegetation
WO2009007509A1 (en) * 2007-07-06 2009-01-15 Actioneco Oy Arrangement for handling recovered waste
RU2476084C1 (en) * 2011-06-29 2013-02-27 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "Агромастер" Preserving agents introduction device
US20150033693A1 (en) * 2013-08-05 2015-02-05 Kubota Corporation Lawn mower
US9686912B2 (en) * 2013-08-05 2017-06-27 Kubota Corporation Lawn mower having a grass collection system with air flow recycle for standing up grass for cutting
US11178814B2 (en) * 2017-03-01 2021-11-23 Hurricane, Inc. Vehicle with debris blower and lawn mower
US12127501B2 (en) 2019-08-28 2024-10-29 Hurricane, Inc. Vehicle with debris blower and lawn mower

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9709312D0 (en) 1997-06-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5107566A (en) Directed discharge blower chute and method
CA2008713C (en) Lawn mower discharge opening cover and deflector
US7337602B1 (en) Mulch plate apparatus with adjustable handle mechanism
US5020309A (en) Leaf shredder attachment for a mower bagging system
US5685134A (en) Simultaneous litter removal and grass cutting apparatus
US4076460A (en) Convertible lawn care apparatus
US20060236670A1 (en) Front mounted dethatcher unit for power mower
US3813725A (en) Vacuum cleaner construction
US3802173A (en) Mowing and bagging machine
US20140075714A1 (en) Apparatus for cleaning up grassy areas, in particular for removing sand from grassy areas
US20040007402A1 (en) Multipurpose power transferring device and working attachments
US7650739B2 (en) Mulch plate apparatus with adjustable handle mechanism
US7043890B2 (en) Decontaminating lawn vehicles and tree shredders
US20020189221A1 (en) Hybrid mower, edger, trimmer, blower
US3588179A (en) Power mower clipping-collecting attachment-collecting trailer therefor
EP0204573B1 (en) Lawn mower
GB2324950A (en) Turf management apparatus
US20070163221A1 (en) Edging attachment for riding lawn mowers
US5483788A (en) Cutting apparatus mulch recycle system
DE2818314A1 (en) FAN DEVICE FOR THE REMOVAL OF LEAVES, MAEHGUT OR DGL.
US5408813A (en) Dethatching apparatus with independently rotating sets of tines
US5400576A (en) Mulching device for reel-type lawn mowers
CA2295677A1 (en) Brush mower with deflection plate
US3367092A (en) Power mower attachment
US3496977A (en) Power mower clipping-collecting attachment - blower unit therefor

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)
710B Request of alter time limits

Free format text: IN RESPECT OF PATENT APPLICATION GB9709312.4 (GB2324950) PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED AS TERMINATED (AFTER PUBLICATION) ON 25TH AUGUST 1999, THE OFFICE RECEIVED ON 9TH MARCH 2000 A REQUEST UNDER RULE 110(4) OF THE PATENTS RULES 1995 TO EXTEND THE PERIOD PRESCRIBED IN RULE 33 (2).

Free format text: TURF MANAGEMENT APPARATUS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED AS TERMINATED IN THE PATENTS AND DESIGNS JOURNAL DATED 25 AUG 1999. APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF THE PERIOD(S) PRESCRIBED BY RULE(S) 33 (2) FILED ON 09 MAR 2000.

9110 Period prescribed has been extended under rule 110(6)/1990

Free format text: TURF MANAGEMENT APPARATUS PERIOD(S) PRESCRIBED BY RULE(S) 33 (2) EXTENDED UNDER RULE 110(6) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DECISION OF THE COMPTROLLER DATED 29 AUG 2000. THE PATENT/APPLICATION IS REINSTATED SUBJECT TO SPECIAL TERMS FOR THIRD PARTY INTERESTS.

AT Applications terminated before publication under section 16(1)