| |
| United States Patent
|
6,986,393 |
| Johnston, Jr. , et al.
|
January 17, 2006 |
Turf aerator core-cleaning systems
Abstract
An aerator plug-core cleaning system for ground surface
collection of turf cores extracted from a turf core-aerating
apparatus. The core-cleaning system comprises a core-cleaner that
primarily attaches to either a walk-behind or tractor pulled aerator
machine. The core-cleaner entraps and pushes the extracted cores
along behind the core-aeration machine until being lifted in about a
vertical manner by secondary attachment to a rear raise-able portion
of the core-aeration machine at which point the cores are left in a
pile for disposal.
| Inventors: |
Johnston, Jr.; Donald F.
(Waddell, AZ), Johnston; Andrew (Waddell, AZ),
Johnston; Ian (Waddell, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
10/993,691 |
| Filed: |
November 19, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60526463 |
Dec., 2003 |
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| Current U.S.
Class: |
172/21 ;
172/684.5; 56/16.6 |
| Current
International Class: |
A01B
45/00 (20060101) |
| Field of
Search: |
172/21,22,684.5
56/16.4R,16.6,16.4A,16.4B 298/17R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Will; Thomas B.
Assistant Examiner: Pechhold; Alexandra
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman Law Offices, Ltd. Stoneman; Martin L.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is related to and claims priority from prior
provisional application Ser. No. 60/526,463, filed Dec. 2, 2003,
entitled "TURF AERATOR CORE-CLEANING SYSTEM", the content of which
is incorporated herein by this reference and is not admitted to be
prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in
this cross-reference section.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An aerator plug-core cleaning system, relating to ground surface
collection of turf cores extracted by at least one turf
core-aerating apparatus, comprising a) at least one entrapper
adapted to entrap the turf cores; b) at least one connector to
connect said at least one entrapper to the at least one turf
core-aerating apparatus; and c) at least one positioner adapted to
assist positioning said at least one entrapper in at least one
lowered position and at least one raised position when connected to
a raise-able portion of the at least one turf core-aerating
apparatus; d) wherein said at least one entrapper comprises at least
one pusher to push the extracted turf cores across the ground
surface; e) wherein positioning said at least one entrapper in such
at least one lowered position assist entrapping the turf cores; and
f) wherein positioning said at least one entrapper in such at least
one raised position releases the turf cores in position; g) wherein
said at least one entrapper comprises a substantially bottomless,
generally U-shaped entrapper having i) at least one first side, ii)
at least one second side, iii) at least one adjoining bar between
said at least one first side and said at least one second side, and
iv) at least one open side; h) wherein said at least one first side
and said at least one second side are about perpendicular to said at
least one adjoining bar.
2. The aerator plug-core cleaning system, according to claim 1,
wherein said at least one positioner comprises at least one lifter
structured and arranged to assist substantially vertical lifting of
said at least one entrapper.
3. The aerator plug-core cleaning system, according to claim 1,
wherein said at least one positioner comprises at least one scraper
adapted to scrape the ground surface.
4. The aerator plug-core cleaning system, according to claim 1,
wherein said at least one entrapper comprises at least one fin el
adapted to funnel the extracted cores into said at least one
entrapper.
5. The aerator plug-core cleaning system, according to claim 4,
wherein said at least one funnel comprises at least one friction
reducer adapted to reduce the friction of said at least one funnel
along the ground surface.
6. The aerator plug-core cleaning system, according to claim 1,
wherein said at least one pusher comprises said at least one
adjoining bar.
7. The aerator plug-core cleaning system, according to claim 1,
wherein said at least one connector comprises at least one
substantially rigid bar, attachable to the at least one turf
core-aerating apparatus.
8. The aerator plug-core cleaning system, according to claim 7,
wherein: a) said at least one substantially rigid bar comprises at
least two substantially rigid bars; and b) each respective said at
least one substantially rigid bar connects to a respective rear
portion of the at least one turf core-aerating apparatus.
9. The aerator plug-core cleaning system, according to claim 1,
wherein said at least one lifter further comprises: a) at least two
chains, each respective said at least two chains having at least one
first end and at least one second end; b) wherein at least one first
end of said at least two chains is connected to said at least one
first side; c) wherein at least one first end of said at least two
chains is connected to said at least one second side; and d) wherein
when each respective said second end is connected to a raise-able
portion of the at least one core-aerator machine, said at least two
chains will assist substantially vertical lifting of said at least
one entrapper.
10. The aerator plug-core cleaning system, according to claim 5,
wherein said at least one friction reducer comprises at least one
radiused edge to reduce friction along the ground surface.
Description
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to providing improved turf aerator
core-cleaning systems. Further, this invention relates to providing
a system for improved collection of turf-cores extracted during the
process of turf aeration. More specifically, this invention relates
to the collection of turf-cores produced from the use of a turf-core
aerating machine, most typically used on lawns, golf course greens
and fairways.
Typically, golf course fairways and greens are aerated to provide a
healthier more lush turf. Over time and with use, soils have a
tendency to compact, especially those soils with higher clay
content. Compact soils have less pore space and increased density,
resulting in lower soil-oxygen levels as well as decreased water and
nutrient movement. Compaction smothers turf, making it less tolerant
to stress and more susceptible to weeds, insect infestation and
disease. Most soil compaction problems in turf occur just below
turf's surface, in the top three inches of soil. Compaction is
especially prevalent in clay-based soils. Sandy or drier soils are
more resistant to compaction. Core aeration removes a small core or
"plug" of soil from the ground, leaving a hole in turf. In general,
core aeration improves turf-growing conditions near the surface by
loosening soil and reducing thatch. This is the typical choice for
residential and commercial turf care.
There are multiple aerator machines available to perform such
aeration, for example, core-aeration machines made by Ryan, John
Deere and Toro companies.
Most typically, the core-aeration machine removes a cylindrical plug
of turf and soil utilizing a series of mechanical core extractors,
typically providing about six core removals per square foot with a
typical depth of about three inches. The core-aeration machine may
be self-propelled (known as a walk-behind) or pulled behind a
secondary vehicle, typically a tractor.
In operation, the core-aeration machine moves (or is pulled) along
the turf in a relatively straight line much like mowing. The
core-aeration machine punches out cores of turf and the extracted
cores typically are discharged behind the core-aeration machine.
Typically, the cores are raked up into piles by hand and are hauled
away for re-mulching. Such raking and hauling can be extremely time
consuming and costly. For example, it typically takes nine to eleven
workers from one to two days to aerate an eighteen (18) hole golf
course green.
Therefore, a need exists for a core-cleaning machine accessory that
easily collects and dispenses the turf-cores for collection.
OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide
turf aerator core-cleaning systems to overcome the above-mentioned
problems. A further primary object and feature of the present
invention is to provide systems for easily collecting the extracted
cores from a core-aeration machine.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system that adapts to the contours of the turf
surface.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system that lifts the core-cleaner in about a
vertical lift such that the extracted and collected cores are left
in a pile when the core-cleaner is lifted.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system that is adapted to work on a variety of
aeration machines both self-propelled and tractor pulled.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy.
Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent
with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides an aerator plug-core cleaning system for ground surface
collection of turf cores extracted from a turf core-aerating
apparatus comprising, in combination: entrapper means for entrapping
the turf cores; connector means for connecting such entrapment means
to the turf core-aerating apparatus; and positioner means for
assisting positioning such entrapper means in at least one lowered
position and at least one raised position when connected to a
raise-able portion of the turf core-aerating apparatus; wherein such
entrapper means comprises pusher means for pushing the extracted
turf cores across the ground surface; wherein positioning such
entrapper means in such at least one lowered position assists
entrapping the turf cores; and wherein positioning such entrapper
means in such at least one raised position releases the turf cores
in position.
Furthermore, it provides such an aerator plug-core cleaning system
wherein such entrapper means is bottomless. Additionally, it
provides such an aerator plug-core cleaning system wherein such
positioner means comprises lifter means for assisting substantially
vertical lifting of such entrapper means. Also, it provides such an
aerator plug-core cleaning system wherein such pusher means
comprises scraper means for scraping the ground surface. In
addition, it provides such an aerator plug-core cleaning system
wherein such entrapper means comprises funnel means for funneling
the extracted cores into such entrapper means. And, it provides such
an aerator plug-core cleaning system wherein such funnel means
comprises friction reducer means for reducing the friction of such
funnel means along the ground surface.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides an aerator plug-core cleaning system for ground
surface collection of turf cores extracted from a turf core-aerating
apparatus comprising, in combination: at least one entrapper adapted
to entrap the turf cores; at least one connector to connect such at
least one entrapper to the turf core-aerating apparatus; and at
least one positioner adapted to assist positioning such at least one
entrapper in at least one lowered position and at least one raised
position when connected to a raise-able portion of the turf
core-aerating apparatus; wherein such at least one entrapper
comprises at least one pusher to push the extracted turf cores
across the ground surface; wherein positioning such at least one
entrapper in such at least one lowered position assists entrapping
the turf cores; and wherein positioning such at least one entrapper
in such at least one raised position releases the turf cores in
position.
Further, it provides such an aerator plug-core cleaning system
wherein such at least one entrapper is bottomless. Even further, it
provides such an aerator plug-core cleaning system wherein such at
least one positioner comprises at least one lifter structured and
arranged to assist substantially vertical lifting of such at least
one entrapper. Moreover, it provides such an aerator plug-core
cleaning system wherein such at least one pusher comprises at least
one scraper adapted to scrape the ground surface. Additionally, it
provides such an aerator plug-core cleaning system wherein such at
least one entrapper comprises at least one funnel adapted to funnel
the extracted cores into such at least one entrapper. Also, it
provides such an aerator plug-core cleaning system wherein such at
least one funnel comprises at least one friction reducer adapted to
reduce the friction of such at least one funnel along the ground
surface.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides an aerator plug-core cleaning system wherein such
at least one entrapper comprises: a substantially bottomless,
generally U-shaped entrapper having at least one first side, at
least one second side, at least one adjoining bar between such at
least one first side and such at least one second side, at least one
open side; wherein such at least one first side and such at least
one second side are about perpendicular to such at least one
adjoining bar. In addition, it provides such an aerator plug-core
cleaning system wherein such at least one pusher comprises such at
least one adjoining bar. And, it provides such an aerator plug-core
cleaning system wherein such at least one connector comprises at
least one substantially rigid bar, attachable to the turf
core-aerating apparatus. Further, it provides such an aerator
plug-core cleaning system wherein such at least one substantially
rigid bar comprises at least two substantially rigid bars and each
respective such rigid bar connects to a respective rear portion of
the turf core-aerating apparatus.
Even further, it provides such an aerator plug-core cleaning system
wherein such at least one lifter further comprises: at least two
chains, each respective such at least two chains having at least one
first end and at least one second end; wherein at least one first
end of such at least two chains is connected to such at least one
first side wherein at least one first end of such at least two
chains is connected to such at least one second side; wherein when
each respective such second end is connected to a raise-able portion
of the core-aerator machine and such at least two chains will assist
substantially vertical lifting of such at least one entrapper. Even
further, it provides such an aerator plug-core cleaning system
wherein such at least one friction reducer comprises at least one
radiused edge to reduce friction along the ground surface.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides an aerator plug-core cleaning system for ground
surface collection of turf cores extracted from a turf core-aerating
apparatus comprising, in combination: at least one entrapper adapted
to entrap the turf cores; at least one connector to connect such at
least one entrapper to the turf core-aerating apparatus; and at
least one positioner adapted to assist positioning such at least one
entrapper in at least one lowered position and at least one raised
position when connected to a raise-able portion of the turf
core-aerating apparatus; wherein such at least one entrapper
comprises at least one pusher to push the extracted turf cores
across the ground surface; wherein positioning such at least one
entrapper in such at least one lowered position assists entrapping
the turf cores; and wherein positioning such at least one entrapper
in such at least one raised position releases the turf cores in
position. Even further, it provides such an aerator plug-core
cleaning system wherein such core-aerating apparatus is structured
and arranged to be pulled by a tractor. Even further, it provides
such an aerator plug-core cleaning system further comprising a
tractor structured and arranged to pull the core-aerating apparatus.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides each and every novel feature, element,
combination, step and/or method disclosed or suggested by this
provisional patent application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an aerator core-cleaning system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the core-cleaner of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows a side view, partially in section, of the core-cleaner
of FIG. 1 in an operable position.
FIG. 4 shows a side view, partially in section, of the core-cleaner
of FIG. 1 in a transport/core dumping position.
FIG. 5 shows a tractor-pulled aerator machine and core-cleaner
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF
THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of aerator core-cleaning system 100
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1 further shows a core-aerator machine 102, (preferably a John
Deere model number 800) with a core-cleaner 104 attached.
Preferably, the core-cleaner 104 (at least embodying herein at least
one entrapper adapted to entrap the turf cores; and at least
embodying herein entrapper means for entrapping the turf cores)
attaches to the core-aerator machine 102 to be pulled along behind
the core-aerator machine 102 and entrap and push along the cores 112
extracted by the core-aerator machine 102, as shown. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference,
etc., other arrangements, such as a core-cleaner that is not
attached to a turf aerator, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, on the John Deere machine shown in FIG. 1, the
core-cleaner 104 attaches to right angle brackets 106, typically
referred to as "Winrow" blade brackets, that are normally available
as an accessory with the John Deere model shown. As will be further
explained below, different core-aerator machines may comprise
different attachments for the core-cleaner 104 to attach to the
core-aerator machine 102. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other
arrangements, such as core-cleaners attached to the sides of the
core-aerator machine, custom attachment brackets, etc., may suffice.
Most preferably, the core-cleaner 104 attaches to the core-aerator
machine 102 such that the core-cleaner 104 may be pulled along the
ground/turf 108 closely adjacent the surface 110, as shown.
Preferably, as the aerator machine 102 proceeds along the
ground/turf 108, the extracted cores 112 are pushed along by the
core-cleaner 104, as shown. Most preferably, the attachment 114 (at
least embodying herein connector means for connecting such
entrapment means to the turf core-aerating apparatus; and at least
embodying herein at least one connector to connect such at least one
entrapper to the turf core-aerating apparatus) comprises an arm
assembly that allows the core-cleaner 104 to closely move along the
surface 110 of the turf as the contour of the surface 110 changes.
Preferably, the attachment 114 comprises a rigid arm 116 on each
respective side 118 and 120 of the core-cleaner 104, as shown and
further detailed below (at least embodying herein wherein such at
least one connector comprises at least one substantially rigid bar,
attachable to the turf core-aerating apparatus; and at least
embodying herein wherein such at least one substantially rigid bar
comprises at least two substantially rigid bars; and each respective
such rigid bar connects to a respective rear portion of the turf
core-aerating apparatus). Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other arm
assemblies, such as a single arm, multiple arms, an articulated arm,
other turf-contour following methods, etc., may suffice.
FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the core-cleaner 104 of
FIG. 1. Preferably, the core-cleaner 104 further comprises a first
lateral sidewall 122 (at least embodying herein at least one first
side), a second lateral sidewall 124 (at least embodying herein at
least one second side) and a rear lateral cross member 126
preferably integrally connected between the first lateral sidewall
122 and second lateral sidewall 124, as shown (at least embodying
herein at least one adjoining bar between such at least one first
side and such at least one second side). Preferably, there is one
open side 125 opposite the rear lateral cross member 126, as shown
(at least embodying herein at least one open side). Most preferably,
the first lateral sidewall 122 and second lateral sidewall 124 are
about perpendicular to the rear lateral cross member 126 such that
they comprise about a U-shaped core-cleaner 104, as shown (this
arrangement at least embodies herein wherein such at least one first
side and such at least one second side are about perpendicular to
such at least one adjoining bar). Preferably, the U-shaped
core-cleaner is bottomless, as shown (at least embodying herein a
substantially bottomless, generally U-shaped entrapper). Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering such issues as economics, user
preference, design preference, etc., shapes other than a U-shape,
such as V-shape, square-shape, rectangular-shape, half-circle shape,
a bottom portion, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, the bottom inside edge 128 (shown in FIG. 3) of the
lateral cross member 126 also acts as a scraper to assist in
cleaning the extracted cores 112(shown in FIG. 3) from the surface
110 as the core-cleaner 104 moves across the extracted core areas,
as shown (thereby collecting the extracted cores and scarifying the
surface). Preferably, first lateral sidewall 122, second lateral
sidewall 124 and rear lateral cross member 126 are made from
heavy-gauge steel to provide additional weight to assist the
scraping along the surface 110 and to provide a more sturdy material
to reduce deflection of the first lateral sidewall 122, second
lateral sidewall 124 and a rear lateral cross member 126 as they
scrape along the surface 110. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as economics, user preference, etc., other material
selection, such as stainless steel, brass, wood, aluminum, plastics,
etc., may suffice.
Preferably, a respective rigid arm 116 is connected to both the
first lateral sidewall 122 and second lateral sidewall 124, as
shown. Preferably, one end 144 of each respective rigid arm 116 is
attached to the respective first lateral sidewall 122 and second
lateral sidewall 124 along the inside portion 132, preferably
closely adjacent the rear lateral cross member 126, of the
respective first lateral sidewall 122 and second lateral sidewall
124, as shown. Preferably, each respective rigid arm 116 is attached
to the respective first lateral sidewall 122 and second lateral
sidewall 124 using bolts 134, washers 136, nuts 138 and locking
washers 140, as shown. Preferably, each respective rigid arm 116
comprises a sturdy metal bar 142, preferably hollow metal to reduce
unnecessary weight, preferably thick-wall two-inch square tubing.
Preferably, a second end 146 of each respective rigid arm 116 is
attached to the core-aerator machine 102, for example, onto the "Winrow"
brackets, or other bolt-able areas, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as economics, user preference, etc., other
installation methods, bolting arrangements, material choices and
dimensions, etc., such as those necessary to provide the needed
strength for larger or smaller core-aerator machines, etc., may
suffice.
Preferably, a positioning chain 150 is attached to the first lateral
sidewall 122, preferably along the upper portion 152, preferably
about the center of gravity of the core-cleaner 104, preferably
weldably attached, as shown. Preferably, a positioning chain 154 is
attached to the second lateral sidewall 124, preferably along the
upper portion 156, preferably about the center of gravity of the
core-cleaner 104, preferably weldably attached, as shown. Most
preferably, each respective positioning chain 154 is welded to a
respective steel plate 160 to facilitate a better-welded connection
to the core-cleaner 104, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as economics, user preference, material selection, etc.,
other attachments, such as mechanical attachments, etc., may
suffice.
Further, upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as economics,
user preference, material availability, manufacturing preference,
etc., materials other than a chain may be used for the positioning
of the core-cleaner 104, such as a cable, an articulated bar, etc.
Preferably, one first end of each respective positioning chain 150
and 154 is attached to the core-cleaner and one second end of the
positioning chain 150 and 154 is attached to a portion of the
aerator machine 102 that can be raised (as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
4). For example, the John Deere Model No. 800 illustrated in FIG. 1
has the "Winrow" brackets attached to a hydraulically liftable
portion 155 of the aerator machine 102 that lifts the core-extractor
portion 157 when the aerator machine 102 is to be moved or
transported and when not in use extracting cores 112. By attaching
the positioning chain 150 and 154 to this liftable portion 155 the
core-cleaner 104 is preferably lifted in an almost vertical manner,
as shown. This arrangement at least embodies herein wherein such
positioner means comprises lifter means for assisting substantially
vertical lifting of such entrapper means; and at least embodies
herein wherein such at least one positioner comprises at least one
lifter structured and arranged to assist substantially vertical
lifting of such at least one entrapper. This arrangement also at
least embodies herein wherein such at least one lifter further
comprises: at least two chains, each respective such at least two
chains having at least one first end and at least one second end;
wherein at least one first end of such at least two chains is
connected to such at least one first side; wherein at least one
first end of such at least two chains is connected to such at least
one second side; and, wherein when each respective such second end
is connected to a raise-able portion of the core-aerator machine,
such at least two chains will assist substantially vertical lifting
of such at least one entrapper.
Preferably, corner-braces 162 are attached at the corners 164 of the
core-cleaner 104, as shown. Preferably, the corner-braces 162 are
angled, are preferably metal, and are preferably welded to the
core-cleaner 104, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as economics, user preference, material selection, etc.,
other types of bracing and strengthening, such as thicker material,
top-mounted bracing, square bracing, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, each respective first lateral sidewall 122 and second
lateral sidewall 124 comprises a flared front portion 166, as shown.
Preferably, the flared front portion 166 assists funneling the
extracted cores 112 into the path of the core-cleaner 104, as shown
(at least embodying herein wherein such entrapper means comprises
funnel means for funneling the extracted cores into such entrapper
means; and at least embodying herein wherein such at least one
entrapper comprises at least one funnel adapted to funnel the
extracted cores into such at least one entrapper).
Preferably, each flared portion 166 comprises a radiused edge 168 to
assist the core-cleaner 104 in reducing friction along the surface
110 as it is pulled across the turf by the core-aerator machine 102
or by the pulling apparatus, for example, a tractor 170, as shown in
FIG. 5. This arrangement at least embodies herein wherein such at
least one friction reducer comprises at least one radiused edge to
reduce friction along the ground surface; and at least embodies
herein wherein such funnel means comprises friction reducer means
for reducing the friction of such funnel means along the ground
surface. This arrangement also at least embodies herein wherein such
at least one funnel comprises at least one friction reducer adapted
to reduce the friction of such at least one funnel along the ground
surface. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in
technology, user preference, etc., other friction reducers, such as
skids, low wheels, bearings, etc., may suffice.
FIG. 3 shows a side view, partially in section, of the core-cleaner
104 of FIG. 1 in an operable position 180. FIG. 4 shows a side view,
partially in section, of the core-cleaner 104 of FIG. 1 in a
transport/core dumping position 190. Preferably, as the core-cleaner
104 is pulled along it scrapes along the turf surface 110 and the
rear lateral cross member 126 pushes the extracted cores 112 along
within the U-shaped core-cleaner 104 (at least embodying herein
wherein such entrapper means comprises pusher means for pushing the
extracted turf cores across the ground surface; and at least
embodying herein such at least one entrapper comprises at least one
pusher to push the extracted turf cores across the ground surface)
and simultaneously scrapes the surface 110 as the rear lateral
cross-member 126 is pulled by the core-aerator machine (or tractor).
The above described arrangement at least embodies herein wherein
such at least one pusher comprises at least one scraper adapted to
scrape the ground surface; and at least embodies herein wherein such
pusher means comprises scraper means for scraping the ground
surface; and further embodies wherein such at least one pusher
comprises such at least one adjoining bar.
Eventually, the gathered extracted cores 112 need to be "dumped",
preferably in a pile, as shown. Preferably, the positioning chain
154 is placed onto the core-cleaner 104 near the center of gravity
of the core-cleaner such that when the positioning chain 154 is
pulled taught by the core-aerator machine 102 "Winrow" blade
brackets as the core-extractor portion 157 is lifted for transport
of the core-aerator machine 102, the core-cleaner will be raised in
about a parallel position to the surface 110 and the extracted cores
112 will be left in a pile 182, as shown. Further, when the
core-extractor portion 157 is lowered the core-cleaner 104 is also
lowered and operable to entrap the extracted cores 112, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as economics,
user preference, weight balance, core-aerator machine differences,
etc., other methods of raising the core-cleaner, such as cables,
offset balance weights, etc., may suffice. This arrangement at least
embodies herein positioner means for assisting positioning such
entrapper means in at least one lowered position and at least one
raised position when connected to a raise-able portion of the turf
core-aerating apparatus; wherein positioning such entrapper means in
such at least one lowered position assists entrapping the turf
cores; and wherein positioning such entrapper means in such at least
one raised position releases the turf cores in position; and at
least embodies herein at least one positioner adapted to assist
positioning such at least one entrapper in at least one lowered
position and at least one raised position when connected to a
raise-able portion of the turf core-aerating apparatus; wherein
positioning such at least one entrapper in such at least one lowered
position assists entrapping the turf cores; and wherein positioning
such at least one entrapper in such at least one raised position
releases the turf cores in position.
FIG. 5 shows a tractor-pulled aerator machine 192 and core-cleaner
104 according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention (at least embodying herein wherein such core-aerating
apparatus is structured and arranged to be pulled by a tractor).
Tractor pulled aerator machines 192 tend to be much larger than
self-propelled or walk-behind models and therefore core-cleaners 104
for such usage may be custom made for each application. Preferably,
the basic functions and structure are similar to those described
above; however, the tractor pulled aerator machines 192 tend to be
significantly wider (as much as six-feet in width) and will require
wider core-cleaners 104 (or multiple core-cleaners 104). Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering such issues as economics, user
preference, aerator size, tractor size, etc., other core-cleaner
sizes, dimensions, connections, etc., may suffice.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
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