Apparatus for collecting objects from a surface

An apparatus for collecting objects from a surface by grasping the objects between a plurality of discs having resiliently deformable segments. Rotation of the discs with the objects therebetween transports the objects from the surface to a separate portion of the device where they are extracted by arcuate members beween the discs and collected. In another form, a plurality of axially spaced wheels each including a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced elongated elastically deformable members having diametrically enlarged balls at their tips rotates along the surface. Objects are received between the balls and retained by the members at locations radially inwardly of the balls. Extractors projecting between the wheels remove the objects and guide them to a collection container.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the collection of objects 
from a surface. 
The collection of objects dispersed about a surface, as for example, nuts 
or golf balls, is a time-consuming, difficult task to accomplish manually. 
Consequently, there have been proposed numerous devices for the mechanical 
collection of objects from a surface. The majority of these devices are 
complex and cumbersome. 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,482,355 to McBride, for example, discloses a collecting 
device to be attached to the front of a vehicle. The device consists of a 
pair of cage-like cylindrical components having parallel but axially 
displaced axes of rotation. The mismatch in the axes of rotation causes 
one of the cage-like members to disengage objects in the grasp of the 
other member engaging the objects to be collected. The configuration of 
the cage-like members of this device, in addition to being complex, 
results in the device being prone to clogging and the collection of 
undesirable products from the surface over which the device is passed. 
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,744,255 and 3,613,341 to Reeves, both disclose 
nut-harvesting machines with a plurality of driven discs. The discs define 
chambers in which the nuts are retained once placed within the discs. 
These references and the prior art in general disclose devices for 
collecting objects from surfaces that are unduly cumbersome and complex. 
The complexity of such devices not only makes such devices expensive to 
manufacture and maintain, but increases the weight of such devices to a 
degree that when nuts are collected, the device may crush nuts that do not 
correctly engage with the grasping portion of the device. 
Furthermore, where objects of various sizes are to be collected, the 
presence of a larger object between adjacent discs may force the discs 
apart to a degree that smaller objects near the larger ones are not 
retained. By providing a disc with a plurality of segments, this 
disadvantage of prior art devices is alleviated. 
A further advantage of the present invention is the ease of adjustment of 
the spacing between the adjacent discs. This allows the device to be 
readily altered to collect different types and shapes of objects or to be 
adjusted to a spacing that most efficiently engages the objects to be 
collected. 
Further advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the 
description of the preferred embodiment, or may be learned by practice of 
the invention. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In accordance with the purposes of the invention as embodied and broadly 
described herein, the apparatus of the present invention collects a 
plurality of objects from a surface by grasping the objects between 
axially deformable discs and transporting them to a portion of the 
apparatus where they are collected. 
The portion of the device that grasps the objects includes a central shaft 
substantially parallel to the surface with a plurality of radially 
disposed discs mounted on the shaft. The peripheral edges of the discs are 
in contact with the surface from which the objects are to be collected 
with the discs being separated along the shaft a distance less than the 
smallest cross-sectional dimension of the objects to be collected. Each of 
the discs is comprised of a plurality of radially disposed segments 
deformable in a direction parallel to the shaft to grasp the object 
between the segments. While the objects are grasped between the segments, 
they are transported to a different location on the apparatus when the 
discs are rotated. 
The apparatus further includes members between the discs for extracting the 
objects therefrom during the rotation of the discs. The objects, once 
extracted, are collected on a separate portion of the apparatus. 
Preferably, each of the radially disposed discs is comprised of a central 
hub mounted on the shaft with mounting on the shaft allowing movement of 
the hub along the length of the shaft. Resilient members between the discs 
separate adjacent discs one from the other. The radially disposed segments 
of the discs are affixed to the outer peripheral edge of the hub with 
spacers mounted to the hub of a thickness sufficient to substantially fill 
the space between adjacent discs. 
It is also preferred that the individual members between the discs for 
extracting the objects therefrom each comprise an arcuate member with one 
extremity of the member adjacent the spacer. The opposite extremity of the 
arcuate member is affixed to the apparatus outside the peripheral edge of 
the discs. The arcuate member presents a convex surface to objects between 
the segments that contact the arcuate member due to the rotation of the 
discs. 
It is also preferred that the apparatus include members affixed to the 
apparatus preceding the discs for aligning the objects on the surface 
prior to their contacting the discs. The aligning members orient the 
objects so the smallest cross-sectional dimension of the objects is 
parallel to the shaft. 
In another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a 
plurality of axially spaced wheels. Each wheel comprises a plurality of 
elongated elastically deformable members carried by a frame for rotation 
about an axis parallel to the surface. Each member includes a helical 
spring which has its long axis substantially coaxial with the radial 
extent of the member. Each member terminates in an enlarged ball which, 
with the balls of adjacent members, form an opening smaller than the 
opening defined between portions of such members radially inwardly of such 
balls. 
In the latter embodiment, rotation of the wheels locates objects between 
the balls on the surface, the objects forcing flexion of the members to 
enable the objects to pass upwardly into the wheels between the portions 
of the members radially inwardly of the balls. When so disposed, the 
elasticity of the members together with the enlarged balls at their distal 
ends enable the members to retain the objects within the wheel for 
transport to an extractor and for ultimate delivery to a container.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of 
the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying 
drawing FIGS. 1-5. 
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, it may be seen that the present invention 
is an apparatus useful for collecting objects from a surface. While the 
present invention has demonstrated utility for collecting nuts, the 
objects collected by the apparatus are determined primarily by the spacing 
of the discs comprising the grasping means and the force applied by the 
discs to the objects. Objects other than nuts may also be collected by the 
apparatus of the present invention. 
In accordance with the invention, there is provided a plurality of 
segmented axially resilient discs for grasping objects from a surface. As 
here embodied and depicted in the Figures, the apparatus 10 includes 
grasping means 12 having a central shaft 14 substantially parallel to the 
surface. The central shaft supports a plurality of radially disposed discs 
16 on the shaft with the peripheral edge 18 of the discs in contact with 
the surface 20. As depicted in FIG. 3, the discs 16 are separated along 
the shaft 14 a distance, indicated as A, which is less than the smallest 
cross-sectional dimension of objects to be collected. The objects, when 
placed between the discs, force the discs to separate with the force of 
the discs grasping the objects between the discs as shown in FIG. 4. 
The discs 16 are comprised of a plurality of radially disposed segments 22. 
The segments 22 and, hence, the discs 16 are deformable in a direction 
parallel the shaft 14 to grasp the objects between the segments. Rotation 
of the discs 16 transports the objects grasped within the segments as the 
discs are rotated. The movement of objects grasped between the segments 22 
is illustrated by the progress of the objects shown in phantom lines in 
FIG. 4. 
Preferably, each of the radially disposed discs 16 is comprised of a 
central hub 24 mounted on the shaft 14. It is also preferred that the 
means of mounting the hub to the shaft allow movement of the hub along the 
length of the shaft. As depicted in FIG. 3, the hole 26 through the hub 24 
is of sufficient clearance about the shaft 14 that the hub, if 
unrestrained, could move in a direction parallel the longitudinal axis of 
the shaft. The radially disposed segments 22 of the discs 16 are affixed 
to the outer peripheral edge 28 of the hub 24. 
One means of providing movement of the discs and the associated radially 
disposed segments is illustrated in FIG. 3 where resilient means, here 
shown as springs 34, are disposed to separate and space the adjacent discs 
16 one from the other. The embodiment depicted has the advantage of 
providing adjustment spacing of the discs as well as providing some means 
for altering the force required to separate the discs. 
By changing the spring constant of the elastic members interspersed between 
the discs, the force necessary to place and retain an object between the 
disc segments can be altered. In addition, by the adjustment of the nuts 
25 on the shaft 14, the array of discs can be compressed to reduce the 
space (A) between the discs. 
While the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 provides for the movement of the 
discs relative to one another in order to accommodate objects therebetween 
other means of providing that movement may also be used. For example, the 
hubs or the discs could be rigidly affixed to the shaft 14 with the 
movement of the segments 22 being solely by elastic deformation of the 
material comprising the segments. 
It is also preferred that some means for filling the space at the base of 
the radially disposed segments is provided and, as depicted in FIG. 3, a 
spacer 30 is affixed to the hub by means of the bolt 32. It is the 
function of the spacer to prevent movement of the objects grasped between 
the radially disposed segments from moving to the interior of the disc 
adjacent the shaft. 
In accordance with the invention, there is also provided means between the 
discs for extracting the objects therefrom during the rotation of the 
discs. 
As here embodied, and most clearly depicted in FIG. 4, the extracting means 
comprise an arcuate member 36 having one extremity 38 adjacent the spacer 
30. The opposite extremity 40 of the arcuate member 36 is affixed outside 
the peripheral edge 18 of the discs 16. The arcuate member 36 preferably 
presents a convex surface to objects 42 between the segments 22, 
contacting the arcuate member 36 by rotation of the disc 16. 
As here embodied, and most clearly depicted in FIGS. 3 an 4, the extremity 
40 of the arcuate member 36 is affixed to the apparatus within a container 
44. As depicted in FIG. 4, the objects between the discs are rotated 
within the grasp of the segments 22 and are extracted from between the 
discs by contact with the arcuate member 36 passing out from between the 
discs into the container 44. The configuration of the container is 
illustrative only and while the device may simply retain the objects 42 
within a box-like container 44, the objects may be transported by other 
means (not shown) to a separate portion of the device or completely off 
the device to other receiving means. 
As depicted herein, the apparatus includes a chassis 46 that supports the 
shaft 14 as well as providing means on which to attach various components 
of the apparatus. 
Preferably, the arcuate member 36 is pivotally connected to a portion of 
the chassis allowing rotation of the member 36 in a plane perpendicular to 
the shaft 14. As depicted in FIG. 4, the arcuate member 36 is affixed to a 
bracket portion 48 of the chassis, within the container 44. Since the 
spacing of the discs one from the other is adjustable by compression of 
the springs 34, it is also preferred that the arcuate members be 
adjustable in a direction parallel to the shaft 14. As depicted in FIG. 5, 
the bracket 48 includes an elongated slot 50 into which the fastener 52 
holding the extremity 40 of the arcuate member 36 is affixed. The slot 
allows the arcuate member 36 to be selectively attached to the bracket 48 
in various positions relative to the length of the shaft 14. 
The present invention is especially useful in the collection of nuts. In 
such an application the surface from which the nuts are collected includes 
other materials, such as sticks, weeds, etc., that would adhere to or 
lodge between the discs, thereby hindering the operation of the device. 
Therefore, it is preferred that the apparatus include means for cleaning 
the peripheral edge 18 of the segments 22. One means of cleaning the discs 
is depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 which comprises a brush 54 mounted to the 
chassis of the device with the bristles of the brush contacting the 
peripheral edge of the segments 22 adjacent to the space therebetween. 
It is also preferred that the apparatus include means for aligning the 
objects 42 with the smallest cross-sectional dimension of the object 
parallel to the shaft 14. With the spacing (A) between the discs in 
predetermined relation to the smallest cross-sectional diameter of the 
objects to be collected, pre-alignment of the objects improves the 
collection efficiency of the device. Furthermore, once the object is 
within the grasp of the discs, reorientation of the object cannot result 
in a lessening of the grasping force since the smallest dimension of the 
object is already engaged. As here embodied and depicted in FIG. 2, the 
apparatus may include a plurality of the guide members 56 for aligning the 
objects on the surface. The guide members are depicted herein as being 
affixed beneath the collecting means shown here as collector 44. 
As here embodied, the outer peripheral edges 18 of the discs 16 are in 
contact with the surface 20. As the device 10 is propelled over the 
surface 20 as shown in FIG. 2, in a direction causing the 
counter-clockwise rotation of the discs 16, the objects initially contact 
the guide member 56 (if present) and the discs 16 pass over the objects 42 
placing the objects within the spaces between the discs. As shown in FIG. 
4, the objects grasped by the disc segments 22, upon further rotation of 
the discs, transport the objects to a location on the apparatus where they 
are deflected from between the discs by the arcuate member 36. The objects 
are then in a position to be retained in the collection means, depicted 
herein as container 44. 
Referring now to the embodiment hereof illustrated in FIGS. 6-9, the 
collection apparatus of the present invention also comprises a plurality 
of axially spaced wheels, generally designated 60, for grasping objects 
from a surface. Wheels 60 are mounted on a shaft 62 rotatably carried by a 
frame 64. As best illustrated in FIG. 9, frame 64 has an upwardly 
extending handle 66 and a container 68 forwardly of wheels 60. 
Referring now particularly to FIGS. 7 and 8, each wheel 60 includes a disc 
or circular plate 70 which is keyed to the shaft 62. A plurality of spacer 
sleeves 72 are disposed between discs 70 to axially space them one from 
the other along shaft 62. The spacers may be varied in axial length such 
that the spacing between discs 70 and hence wheels 60 can be varied as 
desired. 
Each wheel further includes a plurality of elongated elastically deformable 
members 74 having their inner ends secured to the outer margins of the 
discs 70. Preferably, members 74 extend radially from discs 70 and are 
equally circumferentially spaced one from the other about the discs. From 
a review of FIGS. 7 and 8, it will be appreciated that each member 74 
terminates at its distal end, i.e., its end remote from the axis of 
rotation about shaft 62, in an enlarged ball 76 for reasons discussed 
hereinafter. Each member 74 includes a flexible helical spring 78 secured 
at its inner end to a rod 80 which is slotted or grooved to receive the 
margin of a disc 70. The rod is preferably welded to disc 70 while the 
inner end of the flexible spring 78 is also welded to the rod 80. Other 
suitable connections between these elements could obviously be provided. A 
smaller diameter helical spring 82 is connected to the outer end of the 
inner helical spring 78 and forms an extension thereof. Thus, springs 78 
and 82 lie coaxially one with the other and with the member 74. The outer 
end of the smaller helical spring 82 is suitably connected to the ball 76 
for example by welding. With this arrangement of coaxial springs, it will 
be appreciated that the spring forces permit deflection of the outer 
helical spring 82 in response to a lesser force than necessary to deflect 
inner spring 78 to a like extent. Consequently, the members are more 
flexible adjacent the outer circumference of wheels 60, i.e., adjacent the 
balls 76, than adjacent discs 70. It will be appreciated that while the 
tips of the members 74 terminate in enlarged elements, preferably in the 
shape of balls or spheres, shapes other than balls, for example 
rectilinear blocks, semi-spherical elements, or the like may be utilized 
if desired. As explained hereinafter, the tips of members 74 should, 
however, be enlarged relative to the diameter or lateral extent of the 
members 74, particularly at radial locations adjacent the balls. 
While not shown in the drawings of this embodiment, the extraction 
mechanism depicted in the embodiment hereof illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 
including the arcuate members 36 may be pivotally secured to the frame 64 
adjacent the container 68. Thus, the extremities of the arcuate members 
extend between wheels 60 while the base of each arcuate member extends 
beyond the outer periphery or beyond the radial extent of the balls 76 and 
adjacent container 68. Such arcuate members, as in the previous 
embodiment, guide the objects from between wheels 60 into the container 68 
upon movement of the apparatus to the left and rotation of the wheels 60 
in a counter-clockwise direction as illustrated in FIG. 9. 
As hereinbefore specified, the area between adjacent balls 76, i.e., the 
area between axially opposed pairs of next adjacent balls, defines an 
opening of predetermined size or area smaller than the opening between the 
members 74 at a radial location closely adjacent such four balls. Thus, 
upon rotation of wheels 60 and location of an object between the balls, 
the balls flex away from one another to enlarge the opening therebetween. 
Once the object has been grasped, it is displaced upwardly into the space 
between the wheels and between the members 74. The larger area into which 
such objects are thrust enables the members 74 to elastically flex 
inwardly toward one another thus decreasing the opening between the balls. 
The objects are thus retained between the members inwardly of the balls 
and transported about the apparatus for extraction by the arcuate members 
into the collection container 68. 
Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, there is illustrated a further form of 
wheel for use in picking up objects from a surface. In this form, the 
wheel is similar to the wheel of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-9 
and includes central discs 70a, a shaft 62a to which the central discs 70a 
are keyed and a plurality of elongated elastically deformable members 60a 
preferably equally circumferentially spaced about discs 70a. Each member 
74a includes a helical spring 78a suitably attached at its inner end to a 
slotted rod 80a by which the member 74a is secured to the corresponding 
discs 70a. The outer end of each helical spring 78a secured to a peg or 
rod 86. The outer tip of each rod 86 carries a ball 76a. 
In this form, there is provided a plurality of arcuate forks 90 which 
extend between the axially spaced wheels 60a. Each fork 90 extends 
arcuately into such space and has a linearly extending portion which 
terminates in a tip 92 located substantially medially of the radial extent 
of the members 74a. The ends of forks 90 outwardly of the periphery of 
wheels 60a are secured to a bracket 94 which, in turn, is pivotally 
secured at 96 to the frame 64a. As in the prior embodiment, frame 64a 
carries collection container 68a. The rear wall of container 68a is bent 
rearwardly to form a flap 98 closely adjacent forks 90 whereby objects 
extracted from between the wheels 60a are guided along the forks for 
disposition within container 68a similarly as previously described. 
While the embodiments of the invention shown herein are relatively simple, 
they provide an efficient means of collecting a large number of objects 
from the surface on which the objects are dispersed. The invention is 
applicable to the collection of objects of relatively large variations in 
cross-sectional dimension. 
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, the scope of the invention being indicated by the 
appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes 
which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are 
therefore intended to be embraced therein.