GB2615097A

GB2615097A - Lawn aerator

Info

Publication number: GB2615097A
Application number: GB2201052.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clifford Price Geoffrey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-01-27
Filing date: 2022-01-27
Publication date: 2023-08-02
Also published as: GB202201052D0

Abstract

A lawn aerator has a support frame (3, fig. 1), a rotary boring member 5 mounted thereon arranged to penetrate into the lawn in response to a downward force applied to the support frame, a drive system (7) for rotating the boring member and a return mechanism (9) biasing the support frame (3) upwards. Ideally, the lawn aerator has wheels 73, 83 mounted on pivoting levers 77, 87 at the front and back, the levers being attached to springs 91, 81. When a downforce is applied, levers splay and the front and back wheels move apart while the whole support frame (3) moves lower such that the boring member 5 drills into the ground. When the force is removed, the support frame returns to its higher position, removing the boring member from the ground. A cordless power drill (43) may be the drive source.

Description

LAWN AERATOR

The invention relates to a lawn aerator.

It is often desirable for gardeners to aerate their lawns to improve the quality of their lawns. For example, excess lawn thatch or heavy organic 5 debris buried under the grass surface can also starve the roots from these essential elements. Soil can become compacted, for example due to people walking on the lawn or due to heavy rainfall. The aeration process involves perforating the law with relatively small holes to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps the grass roots penetrate 10 more deeply, which provides a better quality of lawn. Aeration also alleviates soil compaction, which can inhibit root access to air, water and nutrients.

Aeration is a manual process, and is typically undertaken with, a tool such as a garden fork. However, the process can be very time consuming and is 15 hard work, possibly leading muscular discomfort and back pain.

Accordingly the invention seeks to provide a lawn aerator that mitigates at least one of the above-mentioned problems, or at least provides alternative arrangement to known lawn aerators.

According to one aspect, there is provided a lawn aerator according to claim 1. The invention enables the user to push downwards on the support frame such that the at least one rotary boring member bores into the lawn to form at least one hole therein, thereby aerating the lawn. The return mechanism biases the support frame upwards to assist the user to withdraw the at least one rotary boring member from the lawn after the at least one hole is formed. Thus the user is able to form multiple holes in the lawn quickly and easily, and the invention reduces the risk of back strain occurring due to the return mechanism assisting removal of the at least one rotary boring member from the lawn. While the lawn aerator can be used to aerate garden lawns, the aerator can be used in many other contexts where grassland exists, such as golf courses, bowling greens, football pitches, tennis courts, rugby pitches, park land, cricket pitches, etc. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a lawn aerator.

The lawn aerator can include a support frame.

The lawn aerator can include at least one rotary boring member mounted on the support frame.

The at least one rotary boring member can be arranged to penetrate into the lawn in response to a downward force applied to the support frame.

The lawn aerator can include a return mechanism. The return mechanism can be arranged to bias the support frame in an upwards direction. The return mechanism can be arranged to assist removal of the at least one rotary boring member from the lawn.

The at least one rotary boring member can depend downwards from the 15 support frame. For example, the at least one rotary boring member can depend vertically downwards from the support frame. The at least one rotary boring member can be elongate.

The support frame can be moveable from a first vertical position, wherein the at least one rotary boring member is located above the lawn, to a second 20 vertical position wherein the at least one rotary boring member penetrates into the lawn.

In an operational condition wherein the support frame is located at the second vertical position, the return mechanism can be arranged to bias the support frame upwards towards the first vertical position.

The return mechanism can include a first lawn engagement member. The return mechanism can include at least one first lever. The at least one first lever can be pivotally attached to the support frame. The arrangement can be such that the angular orientation of the at least one first lever is adjustable with respect to the support frame as the support frame moves from the first vertical position to the second vertical position and from the second vertical position to the first vertical position. The arrangement can be such that the angular orientation of the first lawn engagement member is adjustable with respect to the support frame as the support frame moves from the first vertical position to the second vertical position and from the second vertical position to the first vertical position. The arrangement can be such that the position of the first lawn engagement member is adjustable with respect to the support frame as the support frame moves from the first vertical position to the second vertical position and from the second vertical position to the first vertical position.

The at least one first lever can be pivotally attached to a lower end of the support frame. The first lawn engagement member can be rotatably mounted at a first end of the at least one first lever.

The first lawn engagement member can be arranged to rotate relative to the at least one first lever about a first axis of rotation. For example, the first lawn engagement member can comprise a first roller and/or a first wheel mounted on a first axle. The first roller and/or first wheel enables the lawn aerator to roll over the lawn surface, thereby assisting movement of the aerator. The first lawn engagement member can comprise a plurality of first wheels mounted on the first axle.

The at least one first lever can comprise a plurality of first levers, for example a pair of first levers. For example, one first lever can be mounted on a left side of the support frame, and one first lever can be mounted on a right side of the support frame. The first axle can be attached to, and supported by, the plurality of first levers, typically towards a first end of each of the first levers. The first axle can be located on a rear side of the support frame.

In the first condition, the at least one first lever can have a first angular orientation with respect to the support frame. The return mechanism can include at least one first resilient member. The at least one first resilient member can be arranged to bias the at least one first lever towards the first angular orientation with respect to the support frame.

The at least one first resilient member can have a first end connected to the support frame. The at least one first resilient member can have a second end connected to the at least one first lever. The second end of the at least one first resilient member can be connected to a second end of the at least one first lever, that is, an end opposite to the end at which the first lawn engagement member is connected.

The lawn aerator can include a plurality of first resilient members. For example, at least one first resilient member on each side of the support frame. Each first resilient member is arranged to bias a respective one of the first levers towards its first angular orientation with respect to the support frame.

A pivot pin connecting the at least one first lever to the support frame can be located between the first and second ends of the at least one first lever.

The return mechanism can include a second lawn engagement member. The return mechanism can include at least one second lever. The at least one second lever can be pivotally attached to the support frame. The arrangement can be such that the angular orientation of the at least one second lever is adjustable with respect to the support frame as the support frame moves from the first vertical position to the second vertical position and from the second vertical position to the first vertical position. The arrangement can be such that the angular orientation of the second lawn engagement member is adjustable with respect to the support frame as the support frame moves from the first vertical position to the second vertical position and from the second vertical position to the first vertical position.

The arrangement can be such that the position of the second lawn engagement member is adjustable with respect to the support frame as the support frame moves from the first vertical position to the second vertical position and from the second vertical position to the first vertical position.

The at least one second lever can be pivotally attached to a lower end of the 5 support frame. The second lawn engagement member can be rotatably mounted at a first end of the at least one second lever.

The second lawn engagement member can be arranged to rotate relative to the at least one second lever about a second axis of rotation. For example, the second lawn engagement member can comprise a second roller and/or a second wheel. The second roller and/or second wheel enables the lawn aerator to roll over the lawn surface, thereby assisting movement of the aerator. The second lawn engagement member can comprise a plurality of second wheels mounted on a common axis. For example, the second lawn engagement member can comprise a second roller or a second wheel mounted on a second axle. The second lawn engagement member can comprise a plurality of second wheels mounted on the second axle.

The at least one second lever can comprise a plurality of second levers, for example a pair of second levers. For example, one second lever can be mounted on the left side of the support frame, and one second lever can be mounted on the right side of the support frame. The second axle can be attached to, and supported by, the plurality of second levers, typically towards a first end of each of the second levers. The second axle can be located on a front side of the support frame.

In the first condition, the at least one second lever can have a second angular orientation with respect to the support frame. The return mechanism can include at least one second resilient member that is arranged to bias the at least one second lever towards its second angular orientation with respect to the support frame.

The at least one second resilient member can have a first end connected to the support frame. The at least one second resilient member can have a second end connected to the at least one second lever. The second end of the second resilient member can be connected to a second end of the at least one second lever, i.e. an end opposite to the end at which the second lawn engagement member is connected.

The lawn aerator can include a plurality of second resilient members. For example, at least one second resilient member on each side of the support frame. Each second resilient member is arranged to bias a respective one of the second levers towards its second angular orientation with respect to the support frame.

A pivot pin connecting the at least one second lever to the support frame can be located between the first and second ends of the at least one second lever.

The at least one first lever and the at least one second lever can be pivotally attached to the support frame in a manner such that, the horizontal distance between the first and second lawn engagement members can be greater in a condition wherein the support frame is in the second vertical position compared with the horizontal distance between the first and second lawn engagement members in a condition wherein the support frame is in the first vertical position. The horizontal distance between the first and second lawn engagement members can be measured, for example between the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation (between the first axel and the second axle). Typically the measurement is made in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first and second axes of rotation.

In use, a user of the lawn aerator pushes downwards on the support frame to drive the at least one rotary boring member into the lawn. As the support frame moves from the first vertical position to the second vertical position, the first and second levers flare outwards, thereby increasing the horizontal distance between the first and second lawn engagement members. This action tensions the first and second resilient members, thereby biasing the first and second levers towards their first and second angular orientations respectively, which has the effect of biassing the support frame upwards towards the first vertical position. Removal of the rotary boring member(s) from the lawn is typically assisted by the user pulling upwards on handles attached to the support frame. As the support frame moves towards the first vertical position, the distance between the first and second lawn engagement members decreases, and the tension in the first and second resilient members is reduced.

The at least one first lever and the at least one second lever can be arranged to flare outwards as the support frame moves from the first vertical position to the second vertical position.

The lawn aerator can include a plurality of rotary boring members. Each rotary boring member can depend downwards from the support frame.

Each rotary boring member can depend vertically downwards from the support frame. Each rotary boring member can be elongate. Each rotary boring member can be located above the lawn when the support frame is located in the first vertical position. Each rotary boring member penetrates into the lawn when the support frame is located in the second vertical position.

The lawn aerator can include at least 4 rotary boring members, and preferably at least 6 rotary boring members.

The lawn aerator can include less than or equal to 20 rotary boring members, at less than or equal to 16 rotary boring members, less than or 25 equal to 12 rotary boring members. Typically the lawn aerator include between 4 and 10 rotary boring members.

The lawn aerator can include a drive system. At least one rotary boring member can comprise a rotary boring member that is arranged to rotate relative to the support frame. The drive system can be arranged to rotate the at least one rotary boring member relative to the support frame.

The at least one rotary boring member can comprise a drill bit. Typically, each rotary boring member comprises a drill bit. However, any rotary 5 boring tool that is suitable for rotary boring into soil to form an aeration hole can used.

The at least one rotary boring member can be releasably attached to the support frame. For embodiments having a plurality of rotary boring members, at least some, and preferably each rotary boring member is releasably attached to the support frame. This enables the rotary boring members to be replaced, for example if they are worn, or to change the size and or type of the rotary boring members. Each rotary boring member can be attached to the support frame by a respective drill chuck.

The drive system can include a drive source, such as an electric motor.

The drive system can include a transmission arranged to transmit drive from the drive source to the at least one rotary boring member, thereby rotating the at least one rotary boring member relative to the support frame.

For embodiments having a plurality of rotary boring members, the drive system can be arranged to rotate each rotary boring member relative to the support frame. Each rotary boring member can be arranged to rotate about its respective central longitudinal axis, which is typically arranged vertically.

The transmission can include at least one drive belt. The transmission can include a pulley wheel associated with the at least one rotary boring member. The at least one drive belt can be driven by the drive source to rotate, relative to the support frame, the pulley wheel and the at least one rotary boring member associated with the pulley wheel. For embodiments having a plurality of rotary boring members, the transmission can include a respective pulley wheel for each rotatory rotary boring tool, and the at least one drive belt can be arranged to rotate each pulley wheel and its respective rotary boring member.

The transmission can include a plurality of drive belts.

At least one of the drive belts can comprise a toothed drive belt. At least some of the pulley wheels can comprise toothed pulley wheels.

The transmission can include an arrangement of guide wheels that are arranged to ensure the drive belt maintains good driving contact with the 10 pulley wheels arranged to drive their respective rotary boring members.

The transmission can include a drive belt tensioning device. The drive belt tension device can be arranged to adjust the tension in at least one of the drive belts.

The transmission can include a drive shaft. The drive shaft can be driveably 15 connected to the drive source. At least one drive belt can be driven by the drive source via the drive shaft.

The drive system can include at least one gear. For example, the transmission include an arrangement of gears to provide drive to each rotary boring member.

The electric motor can be included in a tool, such as a hand drill, and the tool can be releasably attached to the support frame. The tool can be attached to the support frame in any suitable way, for example by way of straps, clips, and/or a dedicated tool support. This enables the tool to be detached from the support frame and used for its primary purpose, for

example as a drill.

The drive system can include a power source, such as a rechargeable battery, for powering the drive source.

The drive system can include a manually operable actuator arranged to actuate the drive source.

The manually operably actuator can include a mechanism, that is arranged to acuate the drive source. The mechanism can include a manually operable 5 lever, a cable, a pulley, a lever, and a drive pin. The manually operable lever can be located adjacent a handle located towards an upper part of the support frame. The user manually actuates the lever to rotate the rotary boring members. For embodiments wherein the drive source comprises a tool, such as a drill, the mechanism can be arranged to actuate the tool 10 switch. Typically, the user will rotate the rotary boring members whilst pushing down on the support frame so that the rotary boring members bore their way into the lawn, thereby forming holes in the lawn.

The manually operably actuator can include an electrical switch and an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit can include the power source and the drive source. The switch can be located adjacent a handle located towards an upper part of the support frame. The user actuates the switch to rotate the rotary boring members.

The lawn aerator can include at least one footrest. The footrest can be arranged to enable a user to push the support frame downwards by foot.

The footrest enables the user to increase the downward force applied to the support frame, which helps to drive the rotary boring members into the lawn. This can be useful, for example when the ground is firm. The lawn aerator can include a plurality of footrests. For example, a first footrest on the left side of the support frame, and a second footrest on the second side of the support frame.

The at least one footrest can be pivotally attached to the support frame. The at least one footrest can be pivoted from a storage position to an active position. In the active position, the user can press downwards on the footrest to force the support frame downwards, thereby driving the rotary boring members into the lawn.

The lawn aerator can include at least one foot guard. The lawn aerator can include at least one of: a front foot guard; a rear foot guard; and a side foot guard. Typically, the lawn aerator includes a left side foot guard and a right side foot guard. The footguards are located towards a lower end of the lawn aerator and are arranged to prevent a user's feet coming into contact with the rotary boring members.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a lawn aerator according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged isometric view of a drive system included in the lawn aerator of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged isometric view of an actuator mechanism included in the lawn aerator of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of the lawn aerator of Figure 1 in a first configuration, with covers removed to show internal detail, wherein rotary boring members are above the surface of the lawn; Figure 5 is a side view of the lawn aerator of Figure 1 in a second configuration, with covers removed to show internal detail, wherein rotary boring members contact the surface of the lawn; Figure 6 is a side view of the lawn aerator of Figure 1 in a third configuration, with covers removed to show internal detail, wherein rotary boring members have bored into the lawn; Figure 7 is an enlarged isometric view of a footrest included in the lawn aerator of Figure 1; Figure 8 is an enlarged isometric view of an underside of the lawn aerator of Figure 1, which more clearly shows the arrangement of the boring members; and Figure 9 is an isometric view of a lawn aerator according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figures 1 to 8 show a lawn aerator 1 (hereinafter "the aerator 1") according to a first embodiment of the invention. The aerator 1 is arranged to form a multiplicity of holes in a lawn. A lawn is a grassed area in any context, for example a garden, golf course, football pitch, rugby pitch, cricket pitch, etc. The holes allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grassroots, and reduce soil compaction, thereby improving the condition of the lawn.

The aerator 1 includes a support frame 3 (hereinafter "the frame 3"), rotary boring members 5, a drive system 7 arranged to rotate the rotary boring members 5, and a return mechanism 9 arranged to assist removal of the 15 rotary boring members 5 from the lawn.

The frame 3 includes side panels ii mounted at the left and right sides of the frame 3. The side panels 11 are arranged parallel to one another. A longitudinal axis of each side panel ii has a substantially vertical orientation. Cross members 13 connect upper parts of the side panels ii together.

The frame 3 includes a first compartment 15. The first compartment 15 is located between the left and right side panels ii, for example in a mid-portion in relation to a vertical height of the frame 3. The first compartment 15 includes a base 17 and a roof panel (not shown). Typically, the base and roof panel are attached to the side panels ii. Optionally, the first compartment 15 can include at least one hinged door 19, which provides access to a storage volume within the first compartment 15. For example, a first hinge door 19 can be located on a front side of the frame 3. A second hinged door 19 can be provided on a rear side of the frame 3. Each hinged door provided can be hinged to one of the side panels ii; the roof panel; and the base.

The frame 3 includes two handles 21. Each handle 21 is attached to a respective one of the side panels 11, for example at an upper end thereof (see Figure 1). Each handle 21 can have a generally horizontal orientation.

The handles 21 are arranged to enable a user to apply a downward component of force on the frame 3, in particular with the intention of driving the rotary boring members 5 into the lawn. The handles 21 are arranged to enable a user to apply an upward component of force on the frame 3, in particular with the intention of withdrawing the rotary boring members 5 from the lawn. The handles 21 are arranged to enable a user to apply a horizontal component of force to the frame 3 in order to move the aerator 1 over the lawn to a desired position. The handles 21 also enable a user to carry the aerator 1, for example from a shed or garage, to the lawn to be aerated.

The frame 3 includes a second compartment 23. The second compartment 23 can be located at lower end of the frame 3. For example, the second compartment 23 can be attached to lower ends of the side panels 11 by bolts 24. The second compartment 23 includes a base 25, a roof panel 27, a front panel 29, a rear panel 31, a left side panel 33a and a right side panel 33b. A left side cover 35a is mounted over the left side panel 33a. A right side cover 35b is mounted over the right side panel 35b.

Each side panel 11 can include at least one hole 37 formed through the panel that is arranged to simultaneously reduce the weight of the panel ii and to 25 stiffen the panel ii by providing a rim 39 around the hole 37 (see Figure 1). Typically, each panel 11 includes several such rimmed holes 37,39.

The rotary boring members 5 are rotatably attached to the frame 3, for example via a journal bearing, bush and/or a drill chuck 41. Each rotary boring member 5 is elongate and has a central longitudinal axis. Each 30 central longitudinal axis is arranged generally vertical, in normal use. Each rotary boring member 5 is arranged to rotate relative to the frame 3 about its respective central longitudinal axis. For example, each rotatory boring member 5 can be rotatably attached to the base 25 of the second compartment 23. The plane of the base 25 is arranged generally horizontal, in normal use. The rotary boring members 5 protrude perpendicularly downwards from the base 5. Each rotary boring member 5 has a leading end, which can include a cutting tip, and a trailing end that is rotatably attached to the base 25. The rotary boring members 5 are arranged substantially parallel to one another.

The arrangement shown in Figure 8 shows an array of eight boring members 5, however a different number of rotary boring members 5 can be used to suit the application. Typically, each rotary boring member 5 in the array is similar, however different boring members 5 can be used in the array, if desirable.

Each boring member 25 can comprise any suitable boring tool that can form in the lawn a hole having a diameter of around 5mm to 15mm and a length around loomm to 150mm. Each boring member 5 can comprise a boring tool that includes at least one helical thread and/or at least one helical groove, such a drill bit.

Each rotatory boring member 5 can be releasably attached to the frame 3. This enables the rotary boring members to be replaced with another boring member 5, if the rotary boring member 5 is worn or it is desirable to use a different sized and/or shaped rotary boring tool 5. For example, the rotary boring member 5 can be mounted in a drill chuck 41 which is attached to the frame 3. Each drill chuck 41 is mounted in a respective hole formed through the base 25 of the second compartment 23. Each drill chuck 41 has a first part that is arranged to receive its respective rotary boring tool 5 and that protrudes downwards from the base 25 of the second compartment 23, and a second part that protrudes upwards from the base 25 into the second compartment 23. A tool can be used to open the drill chuck 41 to remove the current boring member 5. A new boring member 5 can be inserted, and the tool can be used to tighten the chuck 41.

The drive system 7 is arranged to rotate the rotary boring members 5. The drive system 7 includes a drive source 43 and a transmission 44. Typically, the transmission includes a drive shaft 45, drive belts 47 and toothed pulley wheels 49. The drive shaft 45, drive belts 47, and toothed pulley wheels 49 communicate drive from the drive source 43 to the rotary boring members 5.

The drive source 43 typically comprises an electric motor. In the arrangement shown in Figure 1 to 8, the drive source comprises a standard battery 46 operated electric tool, such as an electric drill, which includes an electric motor. When the drill 43 is operated, the electric motor in the drill rotates the drill chuck 51.

The drive source 43 is predominately located in the first compartment 15.

Preferably, the drill 43 is mounted in a manner that allows the drill 43 to be removed from the frame 3 so that it can be used for its primary purpose. A hole 53 is formed through the base 17 of the first compartment. The drill 43 is mounted within the first compartment 15 in a manner such that the drill chuck 51 protrudes the hole. The drill chuck 51 is connected to a first end of the drive shaft 45. The drive shaft 45 has a longitudinal axis that is preferably arranged in a generally vertical orientation. The drive shaft 45 extends into the second compartment 23, via a hole 55 formed in the roof panel 27.

A second end of the drive shaft 45 is attached to a toothed pulley wheel 49a.

The pulley wheel 49a is fixed for rotation with the drive shaft 45. The transmission can include a flexible coupling 48. The drive shaft 45 can be coupled to the flexible coupling 48, and the toothed pulley wheel 49a can be connected to the flexible coupling 48. The flexible coupling 48 allows for any misalignment of the drive source 43, with respect to the toothed pulley wheel 49a. The flexible coupling 48 can be located outside of the second compartment 23.

Each drill chuck 41 has a respective toothed pulley wheel 49b,49B connected to its second part. Each toothed pulley wheel 49b,49B is fixed for rotation with its respective drill chuck 41. A first drive belt 4721 is wrapped around the toothed pulley wheel 4921 and one of the toothed pulley wheels 49B. A second drive blet 47b is wrapped around the toothed pulley wheels 49b,49B associated with the drill chucks 41, and a number of guide wheels 49c, which help to ensure that the second drive belt 47b maintains good contact with toothed pulley wheels 49b,49B associated with the drill chucks 41.

The toothed pulley wheel 49B is longer than the other toothed pulley wheels 49b associated with the drill chucks 41 to enable toothed pulley wheel 49B to engage both the first and second drive belts 47a,47b. The first and second drive belts 47a,47b are vertically offset so that they do not interfere with one another. Rotating the drive shaft 45 causes the toothed pulley wheel 49a to rotate. Rotation of the toothed pulley wheel 4921 causes the first drive belt 47a to rotate the toothed pulley wheel 49B. Rotation of the toothed pulley wheel 49B drives the second drive belt 47b, which causes the toothed pulley wheels 49b to rotate. Rotation of the toothed pulley wheels 49b,49B causes their respective drill chucks 41, and the rotary boring tools 5 that are fixed for rotation with their respective drill chucks 41, to rotate.

An adjustable tensioning device 57 is arranged to apply a load to at least one of the first and second drive belts 47a,47b in order to adjust the tension 25 in the first and/or second drive belt 47a,47b.

The toothed pulley wheels 49a,49b, the guide wheels 49c, the drive belts 47 and the tensioning device are located in the second compartment 23.

The drive system 7 in includes an actuator mechanism 59 that is arranged to selectively actuate the drive source 43. The actuator mechanism 59 includes a manually operable lever 6i, which is located adjacent one of the handles 21, a cable 63, pulley wheel 65, a lever 67, and drive pin 69. The drive source 43 is actuated by the user operating the manually operable lever 61. This causes the cable to adjust the position of the lever 67, which 5 in turn causes the drive pin 69 to impinge upon a drill operating switch 71. Depressing the drill operating switch 71, causes the drill motor to operate, which rotates the drill chuck 51, drive shaft 45, the flexible coupling 48, toothed pulley wheels 49a,49b,4913, the drill chucks 41, and rotary boring tools 5. IAThen the user releases the manually operable lever 61, the drill 43 10 ceases operation and the rotary members 5 cease rotation.

The return mechanism 9 is arranged to assist removal of the rotary boring members 5 from the lawn by biassing the frame 3 in an upwardly direction when the rotary boring members have penetrated into the lawn.

The return mechanism 9 includes a first lawn engagement member in the form of a first set of wheels 73 rotatably mounted on a first axle 75. The first set of wheels are located on a rear side of frame 3. The first axle 75 is pivotally attached to frame 3, at the side panels 33a,33b of the second compartment 23, by a pair of first levers 77. One of the first levers 77 is pivotally attached to the left side panel 33a and the other first lever 77 is pivotally attached to the right side panel 33h by respective pivot pins 79. Each first lever 77 has a first end 77a and a second end 77b. The first axle 75 is attached to each first lever 77 towards the first end 77a. Each pivot pin 79 is positioned between the first and second ends 77a,77b of its respective first lever 77, preferably around 1/3 to 1/4 the length of the respective first lever when measured from the second end 77b. The return mechanism 9 includes a pair of first helical springs 81. Each first helical spring Si has a first end 81a and a second end 81b. The first end 81a of each first helical spring is pivotally attached to its respective side panel 33a,33b of the second compartment 23, typically at a position above the respective pivot pin 79 (see Figure 4). The second end 811) of each first helical spring is attached to the second end 77b of its respective first lever 77.

The return mechanism 9 includes a second lawn engagement member in the form of a second set of wheels 83 rotatably mounted on a second axle 85. The second set of wheels 83 are located on a front side of frame 3. The second axle 85 is pivotally attached to frame 3 at side panels 33a,33b of the second compartment 23 by a pair of second levers 87. One of the second levers 87 is pivotally attached to the left side panel 3321 and the other second lever 87 is pivotally attached by a pivot pin 88 to the right side panel 33b by respective pivot pins 89. Each second lever 87 has a first end 87a and a second end 87b. The second axle 85 is attached to each second lever 87 towards the first end 87a. Each pivot pin 89 is positioned between the first and second ends 87a,87b of its respective second lever 87, preferably around 1/3 to 1/4 the length of the respective second lever when measured from the second end 87b. The return mechanism 9 includes a pair of second helical springs 91. Each second helical spring 91 has a first end 91a and a second end 91b. The first end 91a of each second helical spring 91 is pivotally attached to its respective side panel 33a,33b of the second compartment 23 by a pivot pin 92, typically at a position above the respective pivot pin 89 (see Figure 4). The second end 91b of each second helical spring 87 is attached to the second end 87b of its respective second lever 87.

The first axle 75 is arranged generally parallel with the second axle 85.

In a first condition, when a user is not pushing vertically downwards on handles 21, the frame 3 is located at a first vertical position wherein the rotary boring members 5 are located above the lawn, i.e. have not penetrated into the lawn (see Figure 4). In this first condition, the first and second helical springs 81,91 are unloaded, or have a relatively low tensile force applied thereto. The first levers pare inclined to a vertical axis Z at a first angular orientation a of approximately 45 degrees. The second levers 87 are inclined to a vertical axis Z at second angular orientation 13 of approximately 45 degrees. The distance between the first and second axles 75,85, in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the first and second axles 75,85, is at a minimum.

In a second condition, when a user pushes vertically downwards on handles 21, the frame 3 is located at a second vertical position wherein the rotary boring members 5 have penetrated into the lawn, to approximately the maximum depth allowable (see Figure 6). In this second condition, the first and second helical springs 81,91 are loaded and have extended. The first and second levers 77,87 are pivoted about their respective pivot pins 79,89 through an angle of approximately 45 to 70 degrees (compare angles a,P in Figures 4 and 6), thereby flaring outwards, such that the first and second axles 75,85 have a vertical position that is higher than or equal to the vertical positions of the respective pivot pins 79,89. The distance between the first and second axles 75,85, in a direction that is sustainably perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the first and second axles 75,85, is greater than in the first condition. That is, when the user pushes vertically downwards on the handles 21, thereby forcing the frame 3 to move vertically downwards, the pivoting action of the first and second levers 77,87 about their respective pivot pins 79,89 causes the first and second sets of wheels 73,83 to move away from one another, which enables the frame 3 to move vertically downwards and the rotary boring members 5 to penetrate into the lawn. This action loads the helical springs 81,91.

Figure 5 shows an intermediate position between the first and second conditions, wherein the user has applied a downward force on the handles 21, such that the first and second sets of wheels 73,83 have stated to move away from each other and the frame 3 has moved vertically downwards to a position wherein rotatory boring members have just penetrated into the lawn.

It will be appreciated that, because the ground engaging members 73,83 are pivotally attached to the frame 3 via levers 77,87, the support frame 3 is 30 pivotable by a limited amount with respect to a vertical plane. However, since the boring members 5 are located towards the lower end of the support frame 3, and the pivot pins 79,89 are also located towards the lower end of the support frame 3, the boring members retain a generally vertical orientation even when the support frame 3 pivots away from the vertical axis.

It will be apparent that, when the aerator 1 is in the second condition, as shown in Figure 6, and the user releases the downward force on the handles 21, and possibly starts to pull upwards on the handles 21 so that there is an upward force on the frame 3, the tension in the first and second helical springs 81,89 acts on the first and second levers 77,87 respectively, and hence the first and second sets of wheels 73,83, to bias them towards their orientations in the first condition. The biasing action generates an upwards force on the frame 3, which assists the user to remove the rotary boring members 5 from the lawn, and reduces the amount of upward force that the user would otherwise have to apply to the frame 3 to remove the rotary boring members 5 from the lawn. This makes it easier for a user to use the device, and reduces the possibility of the user developing strains, for example in the lower back.

The aerator 1 includes at least one of a front and rear foot guard 93, which 20 comprises a panel arranged to prevent a user from placing his/her foot under the frame 3 adjacent the rotatory boring members 5.

The aerator 1 includes lateral foot guards 95, each of which comprises an elongate wire frame having first and second ends, wherein the first end is pivotally attached to the first axle 75, and a second end rest on top of the second axle 85. The lateral foot guards 95 are arranged to prevent a user from placing his/her foot under the frame 3 adjacent the rotatory boring members 5.

The aerator 1 includes at least one, and preferably a plurality, of footrests 97 (see Figure 7). The footrests 97 are provided to enable a user to apply a 30 downward force on the frame 3 to help drive the rotary boring members 5 into to lawn, for example when the lawn soil is highly compacted and/or is very dry. The footrests 97 are attached to a lower part of the frame 3, in particular to lateral covers 95 that are mounted over side panels 33a,33b to protect the levers 77,87 and helical springs 81,91. Each footrest 97 include a rod 99 that is pivotally attached to its respective lateral cover 97 by pivot formations 101, and a footrest portion 103 arranged substantially perpendicularly to the rod 99. The footrest portion 101 can be pivoted between a storage position (see Figure 8) and an operational position (see Figure 7). In the storage position a longitudinal axis of the footrest portion is has a generally vertical orientation. In the operation position, the longitudinal axis of the footrest portion has a generally horizontal orientation.

In use, the user moves the aerator 1 to a start position on the lawn. The aerator 1 is in the first condition. The user actuates the manually operable lever 61, which causes the rotary boring members 5 to rotate. The user pushes downwards on handles 21 and/or pushes downwards on at least one of the footrests 97, thereby driving frame 3 downwards and the rotary boring members 5 into the lawn. Since the rotary boring members 5 are rotating and comprise cutting / boring tools, they bore into the lawn easily and create a set of eight holes in the lawn to the required depth. At this time the frame bottoms out on the lawn, and the user stops pressing downwards on frame 3. The aerator 1 is in the second condition. The biassing action of the return mechanism 9 urges the frame 3 in an upwards direction, and the user may assist by pulling upwards on handles 21, to extract the rotary boring tools 5 from the lawn. The aerator 1 is thus returned to the first condition.

The user pushes the aerator 1 forwards to a new position on the lawn and repeats the process to form eight further holes in the lawn. The process is repeated until the user has aerated the entire lawn, or at least a section of 30 the lawn requiring treatment.

Figure 9 shows a second embodiment of the invention, which is similar to the first embodiment, except that the power source 143 comprises an electric motor rather than an electric drill. That is, a dedicated electrical motor is provided to drive the rotary boring members 5 rather than an electrical drill that can be removed from the aerator 1 to be used as a drill.

Also, an electrical switch 161 is used to actuate the drive source instead of the actuator mechanism 59 used in the first embodiment. The electrical switch 161 is part of an electrical circuit that includes the drive source and a power source, such as a rechargeable battery.

The output from the electric motor 143 can be connected to the drive shaft 45, for example by bevelled gears (not shown). A first bevel gear can be connected to the motor output shaft and a second bevel gear can be connected to the drive shaft 45.

It will be appreciated by the skilled person that modifications can be made to the above embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention, for example the aerator 1 can include a different number of rotary boring members. The aerator 1 includes at least one rotary boring member, and preferably includes a plurality of rotary boring members. Typical embodiments include at least four rotary boring members, and may for example include at least six rotary boring members. For an aerator 1 that is intended for use in a domestic garden, typically the aerator 1 includes less than or equal to 20 rotary boring members, preferably less than or equal to 16 rotary boring members, and more preferably still less than or equal to 12 rotary boring members. For example, an aerator 1 that is intended for use in a domestic garden use can include between 4 and 12 rotary boring members, and can include between 6 and 10 rotary boring members.

The drive system 7 can include a transmission comprising gears. The transmission including gears can be in addition, or as an alternative, to the drive belts and toothed pulley wheels.

Other ground engaging members can be used, for example the ground engaging member can include at least one roller.

Different types of springs can be used to load the first and second levers.

The description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments or exact adherence with all method installation steps, since variations will be apparent to a skilled person and are deemed also to be covered by the claims. Terms for components used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. In some cases, several alternative terms (synonyms) for structural features have been provided but such terms are not intended to be exhaustive.

Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "including" such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "upper" and "lower" may be used for convenience of explanation usually with reference to the illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension and/or direction.

The description herein refers to embodiments with particular combinations of configuration steps or features, however, it is envisaged that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible steps or features between embodiments will be possible. Indeed, isolated features may function independently as an invention from other features and not necessarily require implementation as a complete combination. Any feature from an embodiment can be isolated from that embodiment and included in any other embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lawn aerator, including * a support frame; at least one rotary boring member mounted on the support frame, the at least one rotary boring member being arranged to penetrate into the lawn in response to a downward force applied to the support frame; a drive system arranged to rotate the at least one rotary boring member relative to the support frame; and a return mechanism arranged to bias the support frame in an upwards direction to assist removal of the at least one boring member from the lawn.
2. A lawn aerator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rotary boring member depends downwards from the support frame.
3. A lawn aerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support frame is moveable from a first vertical position, wherein the at least one rotary boring member is located above the lawn, to a second vertical position wherein the at least one rotary boring member penetrates into the lawn; and, in an operational condition wherein the support frame is located at the second vertical position, the return mechanism is arranged to bias the support frame upwards towards the first vertical position.
4. A lawn aerator according to claim 3, wherein the return mechanism includes a first lawn engagement member and at least one first lever, wherein the at least one first lever is pivotally attached to the support frame, the arrangement being such that the angular orientation of the at least one first lever, and the position of the first lawn engagement member, is adjustable with respect to the support frame as the support frame moves from the first vertical position to the second vertical position and from the second vertical position to the first vertical position.
5. A lawn aerator according to claim 4, wherein the first lawn engagement member is arranged to rotate relative to the at least one first lever about a first axis of rotation.
6. A lawn aerator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, in the first condition, the at least one first lever has a first angular orientation with respect to the support frame, and the return mechanism includes at least one first resilient member arranged to bias the at least one first lever towards the first angular orientation with respect to the support frame.
7. A lawn aerator according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the return mechanism includes a second lawn engagement member and at least one second lever, wherein the at least one second lever is pivotally attached to the support frame, the arrangement being such that the angular orientation of the at least one second lever, and the position of the second lawn engagement member, is adjustable with respect to the support frame as the support frame moves from the first vertical position to the second vertical position and from the second vertical position to the first vertical position.
8. A lawn aerator according to claim 7, wherein the second lawn engagement member is arranged to rotate relative to the at least one second lever about a second axis of rotation.
9. A lawn aerator according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, in the first condition, the second lever has a second angular orientation with respect to the support frame, the return mechanism includes at least one second resilient member that is arranged to bias the at least one second lever towards the second angular orientation with respect to the support frame.io.
A lawn aerator according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the at least one first lever and the at least one second lever are pivotally attached to the support frame in a manner such that, the horizontal distance between the first and second lawn engagement members is greater in a condition wherein the support frame is in the second vertical position compared with the distance between the first and second lawn engagement members in a condition wherein the support frame is in the first vertical position.
A lawn aerator according to claim 10, wherein the at least one first lever and the at least one second lever are arranged to flare outwards as the support frame moves from the first vertical position to the second vertical position.
12.A lawn aerator according to any one of the preceding claims, including a plurality of rotary boring members.
13. A lawn aerator according to claim 12, including at least 4 rotary boring members, and preferably at least 6 rotary boring members.
14. A lawn aerator according to claim 12 or 13, including less than or equal to 20 rotary boring members, and preferably at less than or equal to 12 rotary boring members.
15. A lawn aerator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one rotary boring member comprises a drill bit.
16.A lawn aerator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive system includes a drive source and a transmission arranged to transmit drive from the drive source to the at least one rotary boring member, thereby rotating the at least one rotary boring member relative to the support frame.
17. A lawn aerator according to claim 16, wherein the transmission includes at least one drive belt and a pulley wheel associated with the at least one rotary boring member, wherein the at least one drive belt is driven by the drive source to rotate the pulley wheel and the at least one rotary boring member associated with the pulley wheel.
18. A lawn aerator according to claim 17, the transmission can include a drive belt tensioning device arranged to adjust the tension in at least one of the drive belts.19.
A lawn aerator according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the transmission includes a drive shaft that is driveably connected to the drive source, and at least one drive belt is driven via the drive shaft.zo.
A lawn aerator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive system includes at least one gear.
21. A lawn aerator according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the drive source comprises an electric motor.
22. A lawn aerator according to claim 21, wherein the electric motor is included in a tool, and the tool is releasably attached to the support frame.
23. A lawn aerator according to claim 22, wherein the tool comprises a hand drill.
24. A lawn aerator according to any one of claims 16 to 23, wherein the drive system includes a power source, such as a rechargeable battery, for powering the drive source.
25. A lawn aerator according to any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein the drive system includes a manually operable actuator arranged to actuate the drive source.
26. A lawn aerator according to claim 25, wherein the manually operably actuator includes a mechanism, that is arranged to acuate the drive source.
27. A lawn aerator according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the manually operably actuator includes an electrical switch and an electrical circuit, that is arranged to acuate the drive source.
28. A lawn aerator according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one footrest, wherein the footrest is arranged to enable a user to push the support frame downwards by foot.
29. A lawn aerator according to claim 27, wherein the at least one footrest is pivotally attached to the support frame, and can be moved from a storage position to an active position.
30. A lawn aerator according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one of: a front foot guard; a rear foot guard; and a lateral foot guard.
31.A lawn aerator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one rotary boring member is releasably mounted to the frame.