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.

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.