Abstract:
An apparatus to distribute materials in an artificial lawn includes a row of prongs joined to a transverse support, the row of prongs being configured to lift the blades of the artificial lawn, thereby enhancing penetration of the materials between the blades. The apparatus is configured to angularly preadjust the transverse support according to multiple adjustment positions so as to vary pressure of the prongs on the lawn; and a row of brushes configured to improve distribution of materials remaining on a surface of the lawn after the passage of the row of prongs.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a device designed for incorporation and distributing, by mixing, sand used to weigh down an artificial lawn as well as rubbery granules used to improve its flexibility. 
     TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND 
     An artificial lawn is comprised of supple blades joined to a carpet itself layed on a filling. 
     All the difficulty resides: 
     a) during the laying of the lawn: 
     in mixing the sand and the granules as closely as possible to the carpet because the blades of lawn are flattened by the spreading of sand and granulate; 
     in distributing them as homogeneously as possible either first in their mixture and second on the surface of the carpet; 
     in treating the edges of the carpet that are difficult to access by basic mixing and distribution modules; 
     and this by successive layers and passages; 
     b) during the maintenance of lawn: 
     in mixing the mixture of sand and granules as closely as possible to the carpet while maintaining the aforementioned homogeneous mixture in its composition as well as in its spatial distribution; 
     in treating the edges of carpet; 
     and this, in both cases, without attacking or pulling the blades and without displacing the carpet. 
     No known device, based on brushes or prongs, meets these various criteria. 
     Indeed, known is: 
     the document FR2813491, which describes a machine for the maintenance of an artificial lawn comprising at least one device for combing the fibers, consistuted by combs or teeth, driven in rotation by a “motor, pulleys and belts” assembly; 
     the document EP1356720, which describes an apparatus for the maintenance of a lawn comprising a central part and two lateral extensions deployable so as to work equally on a reduced surface or on an extended surface, the aforementioned parts being carriers of brush sets. 
     In the first document, the teeth are driven in rotation, in the manner as a lawn dethatcher, having major consequences: deterioration and pulling of the blades, displacement and abrasion of the carpet, wear and fouling of the belts, maintenance of the pulleys and of the engine. 
     In the second document, the edges of the field are not treated since the lateral extensions, which are simple expansion modules, do not have features provided for this purpose 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention aims to provide a device designed for the incorporation and the distribution, by mixing, of sand and granules which eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages. 
     To do this, the device according to the invention has been designed for: 
     during the first spreading, the layer of mixture to be distributed being thin, exerting a low pressure on the lawn in order to not displace the carpet; 
     as the layer thickens, exerting an increasingly greater pressure; 
     treating the edges of fields that are not accessible by the devices that do not have lateral means exclusively designed for this purpose; 
     increasing the number of rows as the spreading progresses, which is effectued by successive layers; 
     reducing the number of passages by its rapid mixing resulting from the combination of prongs and brushes on a common frame as well as their cooperation; 
     being useable with or without lateral extensions, apart from the fold-down aspect, which are also detachable (removable); 
     being equally useable for the installation and the maintenance of lawn, with or without its lateral extensions. 
     The device according to the invention is essentially characterized in that it comprises, supported by a common frame and successively acting in cooperation: 
     a) a first means designed to improve, with each passage, by lifting the blades, the penetration of sand and granules between the blades of the lawn as closely possible to the carpet, the aforementioned means being comprised of at least one row of prongs joined to a transverse support itself joined to a means configured to angularly preadjust the aforementioned support according to multiple adjustment positions so as to increase the pressure of the prongs on the lawn as the advancement of the spreading progresses, which is effected by successive passages 
     b) a second means designed to improve, at each passage, the distribution, on the aforementioned lawn, of the sand and granules remaining on the surface after the passage of the first means, the aforementioned second means being comprised of at least one row of brushes comprising: 
     two contiguous central brushes, positioned V-shaped, adapted for obliquely displacing, in the direction of the free ends of the aforementioned brushes, a portion of the sand and granules; 
     at least two lateral brushes, each positioned on each side of the central brushes, parallel to the one that it is opposing, adapted for obliquely displacing in the direction of the exterior ends of the aforementioned brushes, a portion of the sand and granules. 
     The action of brushs is effected immediately after the passage of prongs before the blades resettle. That which would not could be the case if this operation were being performed by another machine, carrier of brushes only, during a second passage. In addition, the latter could not treat in like manner the blades flattened by the wheels of the previous machine. 
     The device according to the invention is also characterized in that the the frame supports, in addition, lateral extensions, designed to improve the work on the edges of fields covered by artificial lawn, provided with means configured to enable the aforementioned extensions to be folded on the aforementioned frame or be detached from it, each comprising: 
     a) at least one row of prongs obliquely positioned in order that their ends extend beyond the external side of each lateral extension, the aforementioned prongs being joined to a transverse support itself joined to a means configured for angularly preadjusting the aforementioned support according to multiple adjustment positions so as to increase the pressure of the prongs on the lawn as the spreading progresses, which is effectuated by successive passages; 
     b) at least one brush obliquely positioned, in order that its effect tends to bring the sand and granules toward the interior of the field. 
     By way of example, the base module has a width of 2 meters and the lateral extensions have a width of 0.35 meters. The prongs and the brush of each lateral extension, because of their oblique positioning, extend 5 to 10 cm from their own frame, which enables working up to the edge of the lawn, which is not possible the central base module. 
     According to a particular implementation of the invention, the prongs are made of an elastic material designed to enable their disengagement when they encounter a resistance capable of damaging them. 
     In the preferred implementation of the invention: 
     a) the frame comprises three rows of prongs joined to three transverse supports themselves joined to a common means designed for: 
     first, angularly preadjusting, simultaneously, the aforementioned supports according to multiple adjustment positions so as to increase the pressure of the prongs on the lawn as the spreading progresses; 
     second, separately joining each of the aforementioned supports to the aforementioned means so as to increase the number of rows of operating prongs as the spreading progresses. 
     b) each lateral extension comprises two rows of prongs joined to two transversal supports themselves joined to a common means designed for: 
     first, angularly preadjusting, simultaneously, the aforementioned support according to multiple adjustment positions so as to increase the pressure of the prongs on the lawn as the spreading progresses; 
     second, separately joining each of the aforementioned supports to the aforementioned means so as to increase the number of rows of operating prongs as the spreading progresses. 
     In addition, the device according to the invention, by regular maintenance usage, avoids the formation of foam and the proliferation of grasses. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly upon reading the detailed description that follows of at least one preferred implementation mode of which, given by way of non limiting example and shown in the accompanying drawings. 
       In these drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom view of the device according to the invention showing only the frame comprising 3 rows of prongs and 1 row of 4 brushes as well as the extensions, deployed, each comprising two rows of prongs and 1 brush; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the device showing only the frame with its rolling means, the base of the towing boom and folded extensions each with the prongs and the brush; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view showing only 3 rows of prongs of the frame connected to the means adapted for preadjusting their pressure on the lawn; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view showing only 2 rows of prongs of the extensions connected to the means adapted for preadjusting their pressure on the lawn; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a lateral extension emphasizing its design and its mounting relative to the frame of the device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The device shown in the figures is designed to improve the incorporation and distribution, by mixing, in an artificial lawn, sand used to weigh it down, as well as rubber granules used to improve its flexibility, the aforementioned lawn being comprised of supple blades joined to a carpet. 
     The device according to the invention comprises, supported by a common frame ( 1 ) and acting successively and in cooperation: 
     a) a first means designed to improve, with each passage, by lifting the blades, the penetration of sand and granules between the blades of the lawn as closely possible to the carpet, the aforementioned means comprised of at least one row of prongs ( 2 ) joined to a transverse support ( 3 ) itself joined to a means ( 4 ,  21 ,  22 ) configured to angularly preadjust the aforementioned support ( 3 ) according to multiple adjustment positions ( 23 ) so as to increase the pressure of the prongs ( 2 ) on the lawn as the advancement of the spreading progresses which is effected by successive passages; 
     b) a second means designed to improve, at each passage, the distribution, on the aforementioned lawn, of the sand and granules remaining on the surface after passage of the first means, the aforementioned second means being comprised of at least one row of brushes ( 5 ,  6 ) comprising: 
     two contiguous central brushes ( 5 ), positioned V-shaped, adapted for obliquely displacing, in the direction of the free ends of the aforementioned brushes, a portion of the sand and granules; 
     at least two lateral brushes ( 6 ), each positioned on each side of the central brushes ( 5 ), parallel to the one that it is opposing, adapted for obliquely displacing in the direction of the exterior ends of the aforementioned brushes, a portion of the sand and granules. 
     The frame ( 1 ) supports, in addition, lateral extensions ( 7 ), designed to improve the work at the edges of fields covered by artificial lawn, provided with means ( 25 ,  26 ,  27 ) configured to enable the aforementioned extensions to be folded on the aforementioned frame ( 1 ) or be detached (removed) from it, each comprising: 
     a) at least one row of prongs ( 8 ) obliquely positioned in order that their ends extend beyond the external side of each lateral extension ( 7 ), the aforementioned prongs being joined to a transverse support ( 9 ) itself joined to a means ( 10 ,  30 ,  31 ) configured for angularly preadjusting the aforementioned support ( 9 ) according to multiple adjustment positions so as to increase the pressure of the prongs ( 8 ) on the lawn as the spreading progresses which is effectuated by successive passages; 
     b) at least one brush ( 11 ) obliquely positioned, in order that its effect tends to bring the sand and granules toward the interior of the field. 
     The prongs ( 2 ) and ( 8 ) are preferably made of a resilient material designed to enable their disengagement when they encounter a resistance capable of damaging them. 
     The device according to the invention can preferably comprise three rows of prongs ( 2 ) joined to three transverse supports ( 3 ) themselves joined to a common means ( 4 ) designed to: 
     first, angularly preadjuste, simultaneously, the aforementioned supports according to multiple adjustment positions in such manner as to increase the pressure of the prongs ( 2 ) on the lawn as the spreading progresses; 
     second, separately joining each of the aforementioned supports ( 3 ) to the aforementioned means ( 4 ) so as to increase the number of rows of operating prongs ( 2 ) as the spreading progresses. 
     The preadjusting means may be comprised of an actuating arm ( 4 ) connected to a connecter board ( 22 ) provided with multiple orifices ( 23 ) adapted to define multiple angular adjustment positions of the supports ( 3 ) that are connected to the aforementioned arm ( 4 ) by connecting rods means ( 21 ) ( 22 ). 
     Each support ( 3 ) can be individually detached from the preadjusting means ( 4 ) using a separating means ( 19 ), in particular of the screw and nut or quick coupler type, designed to disengage the corresponding end from the rod ( 21 ). 
     Each lateral extension ( 7 ) can preferably comprise two rows of prongs ( 8 ) joined to two transversal supports ( 9 ) themselves joined to a common means ( 10 ) designed to: 
     first, angularly preadjusting, simultaneously, the aforementioned supports according to multiple adjustment positions ( 32 ) so as to increase the pressure of the prongs ( 8 ) on the lawn as the spreading progresses; 
     second, separately joining each of the aforementioned supports ( 9 ) to the aforementioned means ( 10 ) so as to increase the number of rows of operating prongs ( 8 ) as the spreading progresses. 
     Each support ( 9 ) can be detached individually from the preadjustment means ( 10 ) using a separating means ( 20 ), in particular of the screw and nut or quick coupler type, designed to disengage the corresponding end from the connecting rod ( 30 ). 
     Each lateral extension, carrier of the prongs ( 8 ) and of the brush ( 11 ), is comprised of a horizontal connecter board ( 7 ) passing under the frame ( 1 ), a vertical or inclined offset wall ( 24 ), a horizontal upper wall ( 25 ) whose end is connected to a joint ( 26 ) joined to a support ( 27 ), itself joined to slide rails ( 28 ) of the frame ( 1 ), that enables, by sliding, the horizontal displacement (F 4 ) thereof between an inner working position, joint in position ( 26 ), wherein the connecter board ( 7 ) passes under the frame ( 1 ) and an external rest position, joint in position ( 29 ), where it is disengaged in order to be folded (F 5 ) on the aforementioned frame. 
     The frame ( 1 ) can comprise: 
     laterally, at the front, at the exterior of the working area, offset arms ( 12 ) supporting axels ( 13 ), carriers of wheels ( 14 ); 
     at the rear, supporting arms ( 15 ) supporting the axels ( 16 ), carrier of wheels ( 17 ). 
     The axels ( 13 ) and ( 16 ) can comprise means enabling preadjusting their height, thus that of wheels ( 14 ,  17 ), relative to their respective supports ( 12 ) and ( 15 ), thus of the frame ( 1 ). 
     The frame ( 1 ) can be connected to a motorized wheeled vehicle: 
     by means of a towing boom ( 18 ); or 
     by means of a 3 points device. 
     The arrow F 1  indicates the direction of advance of the frame. 
     The arrow F 2  indicates the linear movement of the preadjusting means ( 4 ,  10 ) which is translated by a rotary movement, indicated by the arrow F 3 , of the prong supports ( 3 ,  9 ). 
     The actuating arm ( 10 ) is connected to a connecter board ( 22 ) provided with multiple orifices ( 23 ) adapted to define various angular adjustment positions of the supports ( 9 ), thus of pressure of the prongs ( 8 ). 
     Each lateral extension, carrier of the prongs ( 8 ) and of the brush ( 11 ), is comprised of a horizontal connecter board ( 7 ) passing under the frame ( 1 ), a vertical or inclined wall offset wall ( 24 ), a horizontal upper wall ( 25 ) whose the end is connected to a joint ( 26 ) joined to a support ( 27 ), itself joined to slide rails ( 28 ) of the frame ( 1 ), that enables, by sliding, the horizontal displacement (arrow F 4 ) thereof between an inner working position (joint at position  26 ) where the connecter board ( 7 ) passes under the frame ( 1 ) and an external resting position (joint at position  29 ) where it is disengaged in order to be folded (arrow F 5 ) on the aforementioned frame. 
     The frame ( 1 ) can comprise: 
     laterally, at the front, at the exterior of the working area, offset arms ( 12 ) supporting axels ( 13 ), carriers of wheels ( 14 ); 
     at the rear of the supporting arms ( 15 ) supporting axels ( 16 ) carrier of wheels ( 17 ). 
     The axels ( 13 ) and ( 16 ) can comprise means, particularly including wedges or telescopic devices, enabling preadjusting their height, thus that of the wheels ( 14 ,  17 ), relative to their respective supports ( 12 ) and ( 15 ), thus of the frame ( 1 ). 
     The frame ( 1 ) can be connected: 
     to a motorized wheeled vehicle by means of a towing boom ( 18 ); or 
     to a motorized wheeled vehicle by means of a 3 points device. 
     Of course, the person of skill in the art will be able to implement the invention as described and shown by applying and adapting known means without it being necessary to describe or shown them. 
     He will also be able to also foresee other variations without departing from its scope, which is determined by the terms of the claims.