U.S. patent application number 15/014292 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-11 for lawn stickerweed bur collection apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is James Shannon Prew. Invention is credited to James Shannon Prew.
Application Number | 20160230361 15/014292 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56565786 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160230361 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Prew; James Shannon |
August 11, 2016 |
Lawn Stickerweed Bur Collection Apparatus
Abstract
The improved bur collection apparatus includes a primary roller
member that may be pushed using an attached handle or pulled using
an attached tow bar. The roller member includes an outer surface to
which stickerweed burs removably attach during the bur collection
process. A brushing member in contact with the outer surface
imparts friction upon the outer covering to remove attached burs as
the roller rotates. The ejected burs are captured in a detachable
bur container for ease of disposal without direct contact with the
burs. The outer surface of the roller member and the brushing
member are replaceable when worn. The brushing member may be driven
directly from the roller motion, or may be driven from a powered
motive means. The container may be removably attached to the device
frame, or may be towed closely therebehind. The apparatus may be
manually operated or may be self-propelled.
Inventors: |
Prew; James Shannon;
(Abilene, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Prew; James Shannon |
Abilene |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56565786 |
Appl. No.: |
15/014292 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62113105 |
Feb 6, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01H 15/00 20130101;
A01D 51/00 20130101; A01G 20/43 20180201 |
International
Class: |
E01H 15/00 20060101
E01H015/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for collecting stickerweed burs from a surface, the
apparatus comprising: a roller member having an outer surface
covering to which a plurality of burs may releasably attach; a
brushing member in contact with the roller member outer surface
covering, the brushing member adapted to rotate to create friction
with the roller member outer surface covering to cause detachment
of the burs attached thereto; and a container member for containing
the detached burs.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: a
friction adjustment mechanism for adjusting the friction of the
brushing member in relation to the roller member.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: a
frame assembly for pushing or pulling the apparatus across a
surface.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: an
operating handle member for pushing the apparatus by an
operator.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: a
drive belt or drive chain through which the brushing member
rotation is effected by the roller member rotation.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the surface covering is
closed-cell foam.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the surface covering is
open-cell foam.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the roller member outer
surface may be resurfaced with an outer covering material.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container member structure
is perforated or mesh material.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container member is
removable for emptying.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: a
drive mechanism adapted to rotate the brushing member at a higher
rotational rate than the roller member.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the brushing member is nylon
bristled.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: an
attachment for a tow bar.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the brushing member rotates
counter to the roller member.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the brushing member rotates
in the same direction as the roller member.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: a
self-powered motive means for powering the brushing member.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the self-powered motive
means is chosen from the group consisting of an electric motor, a
combustion engine, and a PTO.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: a
self-powered motive means for powering the brushing member and the
roller member.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the self-powered motive
means is chosen from the group consisting of an electric motor, a
combustion engine, and a PTO.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/113,105, filed Feb. 6, 2015.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not Applicable
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0004] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates to an implement for collecting
burs from a surface.
[0007] 2. Description of Related Art Including Information
Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 AND 1.98
[0008] Common in prairie states throughout the United States,
Stickerweed (also known as lawn burweed, spurweed, sandbur, sanbur,
sandspur, goathead, and puncturevine) is an extreme nuisance that
ruins the enjoyment of a lawn. A "bur" is a prickly seed case or
flower head that clings to clothing and animal fur, among other
things. The spiky burs that give sticker weeds their name are a
health hazard that causes physical pain and in some cases serious
allergic reaction. The stickerweed plant bears fruit, or stickers,
during the summer and fall months, whereby the stickers (also known
as the seeds of the plant) lay dormant on the surface of the
topsoil during the late fall, winter, and early spring months.
However, as temperatures warm in the early spring, or about the
same time as spring sports activities, the dormant stickers, or
seeds begin to germinate, and grow, causing a new generation of
annual sticker weeds. The grassbur weed can attain an overall
diameter of up to 6 inches and a height of about 3 to 4 inches,
quickly overtaking large portions of a lawn as it continues to
spread and drop the spine-tipped burs. The goathead burr weed, lie
prostrate to the ground in circular formations forming dense mats
that can cover 2 feet or more. Each of these burr varieties spread
throughout the lawn and quickly become a hazard to humans and
animals alike.
[0009] Other than picking the sticker weeds by hand or raking them
into a pile (and then picking them up by hand) there currently is
no effective solution for their efficient removal without direct
contact. Others have proposed using a roller-type collection
apparatus (U.S. Pat. No. 8,752,233) for collecting the sticker
weeds without handling. However, this "solution," which consists of
a fabric sleeve material that surrounds a large cylinder to which
the spine-tipped burs attach when in contact, is not effective and
is not cost-efficient. As this cylinder is rolled over the typical
lawn with burs, there are usually so many burs in the average lawn
that the fabric sleeve quickly overloads with attached burs,
requiring manual removal of the burs from the sleeve or requires
frequent replacement of the fabric sleeve. This can be hazardous to
the hands and can also be quite costly due to the frequent sleeve
replacement, not to mention the attendant lost time in changing
such sleeves. The present invention solves these problems and
others, as a detailed reading and understanding of the disclosure
below demonstrates.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention describes an embodiment of an
apparatus that features a primary roller member that may be pushed
by a user using an attached handle or pulled by a lawn or farm
tractor using an attached tow bar. The roller member includes an
outer surface to which stickerweed burs become removably attached
during the collection process. A brushing member in contact with
the outer surface imparts friction upon the outer covering to
remove attached burs as the roller rotates. The removed burs are
subsequently captured in a detachable bur container for ease of
disposal. The outer surface of the roller member, in addition to
the brushing member, may be replaced when excessively worn. The
brushing member may be directly driven from the roller motion, or
may be driven from a separate motive means, for example, an
electric or combustion powered device. The container may be
removably attached to the device frame, or may be towed closely
therebehind. The apparatus may be manually operated or may be
self-propelled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0011] The present invention will be more fully understood by
reference to the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments of the present invention when read in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a left-rear facing perspective view of an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a left-side facing view of the roller assembly of
the embodiment, emphasizing the arrangement of the components;
and
[0014] FIG. 3 is a rear facing view of the roller assembly of the
embodiment, emphasizing the arrangement of the brushing member and
the detachable bur container.
[0015] The above figures are provided for the purpose of
illustration and description only, and are not intended to define
the limits of the disclosed invention. Use of the same reference
number in multiple figures is intended to designate the same or
similar parts. Furthermore, if and when the terms "top," "bottom,"
"first," "second," "upper," "lower," "height," "width," "length,"
"end," "side," "horizontal," "vertical," and similar terms are used
herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference
only to the structure shown in the drawing and are utilized only to
facilitate describing the particular embodiment. The extension of
the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and
dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be
explained or will be within the skill of the art after the
following teachings of the present invention have been read and
understood.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] FIG. 1 presents a left-rear facing perspective view of an
embodiment of the present invention. The lawn stickerweed bur
collection apparatus (100) embodiment depicted is intended for
manual operation by a user, and features an operating handle (102)
attached to a cylindrical roller member (104) by a metal handle
frame (106). The handle frame (106) arms removably engage a roller
frame assembly (108) through mating brackets (110) that allow for
positive retention of the frame arms (106) thereto. The embodiment
depicts use of a threaded fastener that retains the handle frame
arms (106) when engaged, while also allowing for removal of the
handle frame arms when the threaded fastener is disengaged. A
forward facing mating bracket (112) is also provided to allow for
the removable attachment of a tow bar assembly (not shown) for
attachment of the apparatus to the rear of a powered tractor or
other riding lawn or farm implement. Although threaded fasteners
are utilized in this embodiment, other retention means are
envisioned. For example, clevis pins, hitch pins, tab-lock pins,
lynch pins, and the like may also be utilized for positive
retention.
[0017] The roller member (104) is mounted on an axle shaft (114)
that attaches to and is supported by the roller frame assembly
(108) with sleeve or roller bearings to reduce operating friction.
Near the handle frame attachment is a rotating brushing member
(116) that likewise is supported by an axle shaft (118) that
attaches to and is supported by the roller frame assembly (108)
through a left and right side adjustment mechanisms (124 and 130,
respectively). A drive pulley (122) is attached to the left side of
the roller member (104), and is coupled with a driven pulley (120)
that is attached with a drive belt to the left side of the brushing
member (116) axle shaft (118). In this configuration, the rolling
action of the roller member (104) is thereby transferred through
the drive mechanism to the brushing member axle shaft (118),
causing the brushing member (116) to turn in concert with the
roller member (104). The ratio of the drive pulley (122) to the
driven pulley (120) causes the driven pulley (120) to turn at a
higher rate of rotation. Thus, during operation a forward pushing
force imparted on the apparatus handle (102) by a user causes the
roller member (104) to rotate due to friction with the surface
therebeneath. This roller member (104) rotation is then transferred
to the brushing member (116) through the drive (122) and driven
(120) pulleys causing the brushing member (116) to rotate in the
same axial direction of rotation. In another embodiment the drive
and driven pulleys are instead drive and driven sprockets,
utilizing a drive chain for power transfer, or may instead utilize
a Gilmer belt drive with appropriate pulleys. The brushing member
(116) to roller member (104) spacing is established by the left and
right adjustment mechanisms (124), which controls the friction
imparted on the roller member outer surface by the brushing member
(116).
[0018] In another embodiment a self-powered motive means is
utilized to rotate the brushing member (116). This self-powered
motive means may be an electric motor or a combustion engine
mounted on the roller frame assembly (108) and adapted to engage
the brushing member (116) driven pulley (120) or the axle shaft
(118) directly. The motive means may also provide power to the
roller member (104) to allow the apparatus to be self-propelled for
ease of operation by a user. This power may also be obtained from a
PTO (power take-off) feature available on a typical farm or lawn
tractor to which the apparatus is attached.
[0019] A bur container (126) is detachably mounted to the roller
frame assembly (108), and is proximate the brushing member (116) to
capture and contain stickerweed burs ejected therefrom. A bur guide
(128) assists in directing the ejected stickerweed burs to the
container member (126). The bur guide (128) substantially spans the
gap between the brushing member (116) and the bur container (126)
to prevent ejected stickerweed burs from dropping into the space
therebetween, increasing the efficiency of the apparatus. However,
it is also possible to utilize the apparatus without this bur guide
(128).
[0020] The bur container (126) may be disengaged from the roller
frame assembly (108) periodically, by the user, to empty the burs
contained therein. In another embodiment the bur guide (128) is
part of the bur container (126). The bur container (126), in
another embodiment, may also be detachably mounted to another
feature, for example the handle frame (106), so long as its
position is such that ejected stickerweed burs are substantially
captured and contained therein. Such alternate attachment points
are envisioned herein, and are part of the invention as claimed.
The bur container (126) of this embodiment is constructed from
perforated or mesh metal, which allows the container to capture
burs while allowing dirt/sand to pass therethrough. One of ordinary
skill will appreciate that the bur container may also be
constructed from other materials, for example, fiberglass or
plastic, and may be solid to capture substantially all dirt/sand
and matter captured and lifted by the roller member.
[0021] FIG. 2 presents a left-side facing view of the roller
assembly of the embodiment, emphasizing the arrangement of the
components. Again, the roller member (104) is manually coupled to
the drive gear (122), transmitting rotational action of the roller
member (104) to the brushing member (116). Arrows of rotation
indicate how counter-clockwise rotation of the roller member (206)
creates counter-clockwise rotation of the brushing member (208). In
another embodiment the brushing member (116) rotates counter to the
direction of rotation of the roller member. This can be easily
accomplished by use of a powered brushing member drive or through
use of an intermediate gear between the drive (122) and driven
(120) gears. Such rotation, however, would require placement of the
bur container (126) near the front of the roller member (104), or
would require a front and a rear bur container, for example, in the
case of use of an idler gear (which would allow for bur collection
moving in either rolling direction.
[0022] Also visible in this view is the cylindrical form (204) of
the roller member (104), and its relation to the outer surface
covering (202). The cylindrical form (204) is rigid to support the
weight of the apparatus (100) and to resist distortion and
deformation during operation. Moreover, the cylindrical form (204)
supports an outer covering (202) that is applied thereto. The outer
covering (202) of the embodiment is comprised of open-celled
polyurethane (urethane) foam material that is adhered to the
cylindrical form (204). In another embodiment a closed cell foam
material (PVC, rubber, or the like) is utilized. Other embodiments
utilize vinyl nitrile foam, PVC foam, or the like, or some
combination of the above materials. This outer covering material is
sufficiently durable to resist abrasion caused by the brushing
member (116), yet capable of sufficient penetration by stickerweed
bur spine tips such that the burs attach thereto. During operation
of the apparatus the brushing action of the brushing member (116)
dislodges the bur spines causing ejection of the bur from the outer
surface covering and into the bur container (126).
[0023] The outer surface covering (202) material may be attached to
the cylindrical form (204) by any acceptable means. For example, a
flat sheet of the outer surface covering material may be attached
to the cylindrical form using adhesive and "bent" or "formed"
around the cylinder to establish a full surface covering. The
surface covering material may also be supplied in a cylindrical
sleeve form that is appropriately sized such that its inside
diameter approximates the outside diameter of the cylindrical form.
The cylindrical form may then be inserted into the outer surface
covering cylindrical sleeve to complete the assembly. In the
present embodiment the cylindrical form is an eight-inch, ten-inch,
or twelve-inch diameter section of PVC pipe material, but may be an
equivalent wood, metal, or other polymer capable of accepting an
outer covering. The outer surface covering (202) may also be
applied to the outer surface of the cylindrical form by
spraying.
[0024] The outer covering thickness in the present embodiment is
approximately 0.5 inches, but may be more or less depending on
material availability, budget, desired wear characteristics, or
other such considerations. The choice of adhesive or other adhering
method would be dependent upon the materials chosen for the roller
member, and would be within the skill of one of ordinary skill in
the art to which the invention pertains.
[0025] FIG. 3 presents a rear facing view of the roller assembly of
the embodiment, emphasizing the arrangement of the brushing member
and the detachable bur container. As depicted the brushing member
(116) spacing to the roller member (104) surface is controlled by a
left side adjustment mechanism (124) and a right side adjustment
mechanism (130). Manipulation of either or both adjustment
mechanisms causes the respective side of the brushing member (116)
to move relative the roller member (104), thereby establishing the
amount of friction imparted by the brushing member on the outer
surface of the roller member. In this embodiment the brushing
member utilizes nylon bristles that provide suitable wear during
operation. The bristles are sufficiently rigid to effect the
removal (ejection) of embedded stickerweed burs from the surface of
the roller member (104). As the bristles wear, the brushing member
(116) may be moved closer to the roller member (104) through the
adjustment mechanisms as needed. It is also possible to utilize
other materials for the brushing member (116). For example, metal
bristles, tabs, or even scrapers may be utilized to provide a more
positive engagement or increased amount of friction with the burs
to effect ejection. Such alternate materials are within the scope
of the invention as claimed.
[0026] In operation a user rolls the roller member (104) over a
surface that is covered with stickerweed burs. Due to the weight of
the apparatus (100) and the ability of the outer surface covering
(202) to be perforated, the stickerweed burs embed in the outer
surface covering (202). The brushing member (116), which is
rotating at a higher rate of speed than the roller member (104),
brushes against the embedded burs. The friction of the brushing
ejects the burs from the surface covering (202) in the area of the
bur container (126), capturing the ejected bur therein. Once the
bur container (126) fills, the user may halt the apparatus (100),
detach the bur container (126), empty the burs into a suitable
disposal container, reattach the bur container (126), and continue
bur collection. The outer surface covering (202) material allows
for repeated perforation by bur spine-tips for extended
operation.
[0027] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in
all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the
scope of the invention is established by the claims rather than by
the foregoing description. While various alterations and
permutations of the invention are possible, the invention is to be
limited only by the following claims and equivalents.
* * * * *