Abstract:
Provided are devices, systems and methods related to lawn implements for use in landscaping. Devices including lawn implements such as rollers, stripers, dethatchers, aerators, and lawn spreaders adapted to be selectively coupled to a walk-behind lawn implement, such as a walk-behind lawn mower. A receiver system is provided to be coupled to or as a part of the walk-behind lawn implement. In use, the devices coupled to the walk-behind lawn implement are preferably disposed beneath the handle of the implement.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/887,155, filed 4 Oct. 2013, and entitled “Lawncare Implements,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to lawn care implements, and more specifically to implements that may be interfaced with or a part of walk-behind lawn apparatus, such as walk-behind mowers. 
         [0003]    Lawn implements have been utilized for decades for the grooming and maintenance of residential and commercial landscapes. Implements may include reel mowers, motorized manual push mowers, motorized selectively self-propelled walk-behind mowers, walk-behind spreaders, aerators, and sweepers. 
         [0004]    While the coupling and de-coupling of accessories, especially ground-supported accessories, has heretofore been performed with motorized, operator-supporting apparatus, accessory coupling to operator-grounded, manually commanded apparatus has been limited. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Embodiments according to the present invention include devices, systems, and methods related to accessories and the coupling of such accessories to operator-grounded, manually commanded lawn implements. 
         [0006]    According to a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention, a roller apparatus for striping lawns is provided, the roller apparatus including a cover, a rolling drum and a mount is provided. The rolling drum is rotatably supported by an axle through the rolling drum and the cover. The mount, which may include a V-shaped member secured to the cover, is configured to secure the roller apparatus to a lawn mower, preferably a manual push mower. The mount may further include a mounting bracket affixed to the apex of the V-shaped member. A brush implement, secured forward the rolling drum, includes a plurality of bristles arranged substantially perpendicular to the ground. 
         [0007]    A second embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention includes a mower deck, and a handle coupled to the mower deck, adapted to be grasped by a human hand to guide the mower deck over a ground surface. A blade may be positioned below and shrouded by the mower deck and a motor may be positioned above the mower deck and coupled through a shaft to the blade, operative to rotate the blade in a first plane. A cylindrical roller may be coupled to and positioned outside of the mower deck, the roller having an axis of rotation disposed substantially perpendicular to the shaft. A plurality of tines may be coupled to and positioned outside of the mower deck, the tines being disposed substantially perpendicular to the first plane and located between the roller and the mower deck. 
         [0008]    According to an aspect of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention, the tines and the roller may be located between the mower deck and a plane extending from a free end of the handle and parallel to the shaft. 
         [0009]    A method according to the present invention includes a method of imparting a semi-permanent bend to blades of grass. The method includes the steps of coupling a roller apparatus including tines and a cylindrical roller to a manual push mower having a handle and manually pushing the handle to guide the mower and the roller apparatus along a ground surface having grass extending upward therefrom. The force of the roller apparatus upon the grass imparts a semi-permanent bend to blades of the grass. 
         [0010]    According to an aspect of a method according to the present invention, the tines may project below the upper height of blades of grass cut by the mower but preferably do not contact the ground surface, so as to comb the blades of grass in a forward direction in preparation for the roller to impart the bend thereto. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a right side elevation of an embodiment of a lawn implement according to the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective partially exploded view of the lawn implement of  FIG. 1 , further including a mounting system. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of the assembled embodiment of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a lawn implement mounting system according to the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of an embodiment of an implement mount according to the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a mounting bracket according to the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a mounting member according to the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8   a  is a top plan view of an embodiment of an end cap according to the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8   b  is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8   a.    
           [0020]      FIG. 8   c  is a rear-top-right perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8   a.    
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a central roller shroud according to the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10   a  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a mounting receiver bracket according to the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10   b  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a mounting receiver bracket according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a mounting frame according to the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a right elevation view of an implement, system and method according to the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a partial rear elevation view an embodiment of a mower-mounted receiver mechanism according to the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13A  is a magnified, partially rotated perspective view of a portion of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 14A  is a cross-section view of a portion of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 14B  is an embodiment of a coupling arrangement according to the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the coupling arrangement of  FIG. 14B . 
           [0031]      FIG. 16A  is an alternate embodiment of an implement according to the present invention including a dethatching, or rake, apparatus. 
           [0032]      FIG. 16B  is an alternate embodiment of an implement according to the present invention including a lawn aerator. 
           [0033]      FIG. 16C  is an alternate embodiment of an implement according to the present invention including a lawn spreader. 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the lawn implement of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a comb used in the embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is an end view taken at line  20  of  FIG. 18 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0038]    Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
         [0039]    This invention relates to a lawn roller for striping lawns and more particularly to such a device having a brush implement configured to comb and align blades of grass before the roller passes over the blades, and to a mounting system for such device. The aligned blades allow for greater reflection and absorption of light, creating a more vibrant striping effect. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  generally illustrates a side view of a roller apparatus  10 .  FIG. 2  generally illustrates a top perspective view of the roller apparatus  10 . As seen in  FIGS. 1-2  the roller apparatus  10  includes a rolling drum  12 , a brush implement  14 , a mount  16 , and a cover  18 . 
         [0041]    As seen in  FIGS. 1-2 , the rolling drum  12  is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a left edge  20  and a right edge  22 . The rolling drum  12  may be hollow-cored and include a plug  24  which may be removed to allow the rolling drum  12  to be filled with any suitable substance, such as water or sand, to give the rolling drum  12  sufficient mass to impart a bend on blades of grass. It is understood, however, that the rolling drum  12  may be either hollow-cored or solid-cored and may be constructed of any suitable material to allow the drum to impart a semi-permanent bend to the blades of grass. 
         [0042]    The brush implement  14  includes a plurality of bristles  26  and a securement mechanism  28  for securing one end of each of the bristles  26  to the roller apparatus  10 . The securement mechanism  28  includes an L-shaped bar  29  and a bristle securement device  30 . Each bristle  26  is generally elongate and includes one free end  31 . The end of each bristle  26  that is opposite the free end  31  is secured by the bristle securement device  30  such that each bristle is generally perpendicular to the ground. In addition, the L-shaped bar  29  is secured to the roller apparatus  10  forward of the rolling drum  12  such that the securement mechanism  28  is arranged generally parallel to the rolling drum  12 . It is to be understood, however, that the securement mechanism  28  may take whatever form desired; for example, the L-shaped bar  29  may instead be U-shaped and hold the bristle securement device between the arms of the bar. 
         [0043]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 1 , the bristles  26  may be of any suitable length such that the free end  31  of each bristle  26  extends below the uppermost height of the blades of grass but does not come into contact with the ground. The bristles  26  may be constructed of any suitably rugged material, such as polypropylene or nylon, to ensure the effectiveness of combing while minimizing any harm that may come to the grass due to an inflexible bristle passing through it. The brush implement  14  is secured within the roller apparatus  10  forward of the rolling drum  12  such that the bristles  26  pass through the grass before the rolling drum  12  passes over and imparts a bend to the grass. 
         [0044]    As seen in  FIGS. 1-3  and  5 - 7 , the mount  16  includes a V-shaped member  32  and a mounting bracket  34 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 7 , the V-shaped member  32  has a generally square cross-section; it is understood, however, that the V-shaped member  32  may take whatever cross-sectional shape is desired. The V-shaped member  32  includes a plurality of openings  36  on each leg portion of the V-shaped member  32 . The openings  36  located on each leg portion are arranged generally parallel to the edges of the V-shaped member  32  and near each distal end of the V-shaped member  32 . 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 6 , the mounting bracket  34  includes an upper surface  38 , a lower surface  40 , a front end  42  and a back end  44 . In addition, the mounting bracket  34  includes an opening  46  that extends between the upper surface  38  and the lower surface  40  near the front end  42  of the mounting bracket  34 . 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the lower surface  40  of the mounting bracket  34  is fixedly attached to the V-shaped member  32  near the apex of the V-shaped member  32  and near the back end  44  of the mounting bracket  34 . 
         [0047]    As seen in  FIGS. 1-3  and  8 - 9 , the cover  18  of the roller apparatus  10  includes end caps  48  and a central shroud portion  50 . Referring now to  FIGS. 8   a - c , wherein  FIG. 8   a  is a top view of the end cap  48 ,  FIG. 8   b  is a rear view of the end cap  48 , and  FIG. 8   c  is a perspective view of the end cap  48 , each end cap  48  includes a top portion  52 , a side portion  54 , a front portion  56 , and a back portion  58 . The top portion  52  of the end cap  48  includes a plurality of openings  60  therethrough. In addition, the side portion  54  of the end cap  48  includes an opening  62  therethrough, and the back portion  58  of the end cap  48  includes an opening  64  therethrough. 
         [0048]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 9 , the central shroud portion  50  of the cover  18  includes a top area  51  and a rear area  53 . The top area  51  of the central shroud portion  50  includes a plurality of openings  66  that extend through the top area  51 . A plurality of fasteners  72  extend through the plurality of openings  66  through the central portion  50  and the plurality of openings  61  through the end caps  48  to join the end caps  48  to the central shroud portion  50 . In addition, the rear area includes openings  67  that extend through the rear area  53  of the central shroud portion  50  and through which fasteners  72  serve to further join the end caps  48  to the central shroud portion  50 . 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 , an axle  68  extends through the openings  62  in the side portion  54  of the end caps  48  and through the rolling drum  12 . The axle  68  secures the rolling drum  12  to the end caps  48 , and the rolling drum  12  rotates freely about the axle  68  when the rolling apparatus  10  is in use. Referring specifically to  FIG. 1 , each end of the axle  68  is covered by an end cap  70  to prevent the axle  68  from sliding out of position while the rolling apparatus  10  is in use. 
         [0050]    The V-shaped member  32  is also secured to the end caps  32  via fasteners  72 . The fasteners  72  extend through the plurality of openings  60  in the top portion  52  of the end cap  48  and through the openings  36  arranged along lines B-B and C-C through the V-shaped member  32 . Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4  and  10 - 11 , a bracketing system  74  includes a U-shaped frame  76  and brackets  78 . Referring specifically to  FIGS. 4 and 11 , the U-shaped frame  76  has a generally square cross-section; it is to be understood, however, that the frame may have a cross-section in any shape so desired. In addition, the U-shaped frame  76  includes an opening  80  extending through the U-shaped frame  76  and near the midpoint of the U-shaped frame  76 . The U-shaped frame  76  also includes openings  82  near the distal ends of the leg portions of the U-shaped frame  76 . 
         [0051]    Referring specifically to  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b , the brackets  78  include an interior portion  84  and a C-shaped member  86 . The interior portion  84  includes an inner surface  88  and an outer surface  90 . The inner surface  88  of the interior portion  84  is configured to be removably attached to a suitable walk behind lawn mower. As seen in the alternate embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b , the interior portion  84  of the brackets  78  may take a variety of forms to allow for attachment to different models of walk behind mowers. The outer surface  90  of the interior portion  84  is fixedly attached to the C-shaped member  86 . 
         [0052]    The C-shaped member  86  of the bracket  78  includes an upper arm  92 , a middle portion  93 , and a lower arm  94 . In addition, an aligned opening  96  extends between and through the upper arm  92  and the lower arm  94 . The upper arm  92  and the lower arm  94  of the C-shaped member  86  define a gap  98  into which the distal ends of the leg portions of the U-shaped frame  76  are inserted. When the openings  82  through the U-shaped frame  76  are aligned with the openings  96  through the C-shaped member  86  a pin  100  is inserted through the openings  82 ,  96  and secures the U-shaped frame  76  to the brackets  78 . It is to be understood, however, that the C-shaped member  86  may take whatever shape necessary to receive and hold the distal ends of the U-shaped frame  76 . 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the mounting bracket  34  secures the roller assembly  10  to the bracketing system  74  via a pin  100  that extends through the opening  46  in the mounting bracket  34  and through the opening  80  in the U-shaped frame  76 . In addition, the bracketing system  74  allows an attachment, such as the roller apparatus  10 , to be used on a suitable walk behind lawn mower with or without a bagging system attached to the mower. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , when a lawn mower moves in a forward direction, the lawn mower pulls the roller apparatus  10  along the same path that the lawn mower travels. After the lawn mower passes over and cuts the blades of grass, the bristles  26  pass through the grass and detangle and align the blades of grass. The aligned blades of grass are then bent by the rolling drum  12  passing over the blades of grass. When the blades of grass are aligned by the bristles  26  before the rolling drum  12  passes over the blades of grass, the resulting striping effect is enhanced as the prealigned blades of grass allow for optimum light reflection; in addition, aligning the blades of grass before the roller passes over them allows the rolling apparatus  10  to smooth out the harsh edges left behind by mower wheels. Overall, the combing action aligning and orienting the blades of grass, before the roller passes over the blades of grass, creates a more vibrant striping effect. 
         [0055]    Turning now to  FIG. 12 , an implement  10  according to the present invention is shown coupled to a walk-behind lawn mower  200 . Generally, the mower  200  is commanded in a forward direction  300  by a person  1 . The mower  200  may be self-propelled, meaning that the motor  202  may supply power to the front wheels  204  and/or rear wheels  206  of the mower  200 . The mower  200  also has a mowing deck  208  and a handle  210 . The mowing deck  208  operates as the main structural component of the mower  200 , ultimately supporting the motor  202  and the handle  210 . The handle  210  has a free end  212 , generally disposed in a rear plane  302  disposed perpendicular to the ground  304  or a plane formed by a tangent of the front wheels  204  and rear wheels  206  of the mower  200 . In use, the implement  10  is preferably disposed between the user  1  and the mowing deck  208 , and under the handle  210 . More preferably, in use, the implement  10  is further forward  300  than the rear plane  302 . 
         [0056]    With reference to  FIGS. 13 and 13A , a walk-behind mower receiver system  400  may be described. The receiver system  400  may be comprised by one or more mounting brackets, such as brackets  78  described above, mounted to the mower  200 . The brackets  78  may be provided with or without the interior portion  84 , but include at least a receiver portion  402 , adapted to receive a portion of the implement  10  or mounting frame, such as the U-shaped frame  76 . The receiver portion  402  preferably includes a male or female mounting structure. A male mounting structure (not shown), may include an extruded peg, shaft, or other member adapted to be inserted into a portion of the implement  10  or mounting frame. A female mounting structure may be an open or closed channel, such as the C-shaped member  86 , adapted to accept a portion of the implement  10  or mounting frame. The receiver portion  402  may be removably coupled (e.g., removable with hand tools without destruction) to the mower  200  or permanently coupled thereto (e.g., as by welding). 
         [0057]      FIG. 14A  is a cross-section view showing the coupling of the V-shaped member  32  and the U-shaped member  76  of  FIG. 1 .  FIGS. 14B and 15  depict an alternative coupling of the V-shaped member  32  and the U-shaped member  76  according to the present invention. An alternative mounting bracket  33  is provided in the nature of a mounting plate, similar to the mounting bracket  34  previously described. The mounting bracket  33  further preferably includes a coupling aperture  35  and one or more bumpers  37 . The bracket  33  is preferably formed out of a unitary piece of material, and is secured to the V-shaped member  32 , such as by welding or other secure fastening means. A hook member  39  is provided and secured to the U-shaped member  76 . The hook member  39  is preferably a cylindrical rod of a predetermined diameter, such as about 0.25 inches, which may be threaded on a shank end  41 . Disposed through a horizontal aperture formed through the U-shaped member  76  is a threaded bushing  43 , into which the shank end  41  of the hook member  39  may be inserted and supported. To use the alternative coupling arrangement, the hook  39  is simply passed through the aperture  35  in the mounting bracket  33 , which imparts maneuverability to the bracket  33 , and thus the V-shaped member  32  and any attached implement, in a plurality of planes, up and down, left and right. 
         [0058]      FIG. 16A  shows an alternative embodiment  500  of an implement according to the present invention, in the form of a dethatcher, or rake. The implement  500  is supported upon a travel surface (e.g. a lawn) by two wheels  502 , which may be joined by a single axle. Extending downward between the wheels  502  is a plurality of tines  504 , which may be spring-biased. The tines  504  may all be of uniform length, or varying lengths. Also provided may be a ballast tray  508 , adapted to receive materials to weight down the implement  500  during use. Such materials may include sand bags, concrete blocks, bricks, logs, etc. Much like the roller  10  previously described, the dethatching implement  500  includes a V-shaped member  32  and a mounting bracket  33  to couple to the U-shaped member  76  previously described. Also as with the roller implement  10 , during use, the entire implement  500  is preferably disposed forward  300  of the rear plane  302  (from  FIG. 12 ), so as to not greatly interfere with the walking pattern of the user. 
         [0059]    Provided in  FIG. 16B  is an alternate embodiment  600  of an implement according to the present invention in the form of a lawn aerator. The implement  600  is supported upon a travel surface (e.g. a lawn) by two wheels  602 . The aerator  600  includes a plurality of spikes  604 , which may be supported upon an axle  606  which may also support the wheels  602 . The spikes  604  extend a radial length away from the axle  606  that is greater than the radius of the wheels  602 , such that when the implement  600  travels across a lawn, the spikes  604  pierce the soil of the lawn, so as to create punctures therein. Also provided may be a ballast tray  608 , adapted to receive materials to weight down the implement  600  during use. Such materials may include sand bags, concrete blocks, bricks, logs, etc. Much like the roller  10  previously described, the dethatching implement  600  includes a V-shaped member  32  and a mounting bracket  33  to couple to the U-shaped member  76  previously described. Also as with the roller implement  10 , during use, the entire implement  600  is preferably disposed forward  300  of the rear plane  302  (from  FIG. 12 ), so as to not greatly interfere with the walking pattern of the user. 
         [0060]      FIG. 16C  provide an alternative embodiment  700  of an implement according to the present invention in the form of a lawn spreader. The implement  600  is supported upon a travel surface (e.g. a lawn) by two wheels  602 . Supported substantially above the wheels  602  is a hopper  704  including a selectively openable chute  706 . Materials such as fertilizer, seed, or other granulated and/or spreadable materials are placed in the hopper  704 , and are delivered through the chute  706 , when open, to a disk dispenser  708 . The disk dispenser  708  rotates to broadcast the materials received from the hopper  704  through the chute  706 . The disk  708  is preferably rotated by forces transferred through a basic gearbox  710 , which may interface with an axle  712  that supports and rotates as the wheels travel upon the travel surface. Much like the roller  10  previously described, the dethatching implement  700  includes a V-shaped member  32  and a mounting bracket  33  to couple to the U-shaped member  76  previously described. Also as with the roller implement  10 , during use, the entire implement  700  is preferably disposed forward  300  of the rear plane  302  (from  FIG. 12 ), so as to not greatly interfere with the walking pattern of the user. 
         [0061]    Turning now to  FIGS. 17-20 , an alternative embodiment  10 ′ of a lawn implement may be described, wherein similar reference numerals refer to similar or identical structure as previously discussed embodiments. 
         [0062]    This embodiment  10 ′ includes a preferably unitary comb  140 . The comb  140  includes a mounting plate  142  that extends at least partially along, but preferably completely through, a longitudinal length from a first end  140   a  to a second end  140   b . Depending from a first surface of the plate  142  is a plurality of tines  144 , which are preferably disposed in a parallel relationship with each other, and preferably all other, tines  144 . Extending medially from each end  140   a , 140   b  is a comb reinforcement structure  146 , which may include one or more reinforcement ribs  146   a , which may surround one or more reinforcement cavities  146   b . These cavities  146   b  may be provided to lighten the comb  140 , or to enhance manufacturability, such as to maintain substantially uniform thickness of comb material during forming. Reinforcement gussets  146   c  may be used to reinforce a connection point between a most medial rib  146   a  and the mounting plate  142 . A tube cap tab  146   d  may be provided as extending from a front surface of the comb  140 , which may be aligned to substantially cover a portion of an otherwise open end of the V-shaped member  32 . 
         [0063]    The comb  140  is preferably a unitary member that is injection molded from a desirable material. While many materials were contemplated, desirable characteristics such as flexibility and strength were considered. Whatever material is used, such material preferably includes a flexural modulus of about 1.5 to about 2.3 gigapascals (e.g. about 265,000 psi) and a flexural strength of about 65 to about 75 megapascals (e.g. about 10200 psi), where such flexural characteristics may be tested according to an accepted standard, such as the ASTM D790 standard. A more preferred material may be heat and UV stabilized. One material from which the comb  140  may be formed is a nylon 6-6 (or polyamide 66) material, sold under the brand name of Hylon® N1000STHLUV2 HF, offered by Ravago Manufacturing Americas, LLC, headquartered out of Orlando, Fla. 
         [0064]    To use the comb  140 , it can be coupled to and supported by the central shroud portion  50  by one or more fastening members  145 , such as bolts, inserted through apertures  143  formed through the mounting plate  142  and into the shroud portion  50 , such as through a leg of a C-shaped front edge portion. Thus, the tines  144  may be supported substantially perpendicular to the top area  51  of the central shroud portion  50 . When assembled, the each tine  144  preferably extends along a length that is longer than the radius of the cylindrical rolling drum  12 . 
         [0065]    A method of using an embodiment of a lawn implement according to the present invention includes the step of coupling a lawn implement to what is generally accepted as a manual push mower. The mower may include a motor to drive a rotating blade. The coupling step may include the provision of one or more brackets to be secured to the mower. The coupling step may also include the provision of a bridge member (e.g., the U-shaped frame  76 ) and the manual (e.g., without tools) coupling of the frame  76  to the bracket(s), and the coupling of the lawn implement to the frame  76 . Once an implement is secured to the mower, the mower can be manually pushed and the implement employed. A method according to the present invention may alternatively or additionally include the step of decoupling a lawn implement from brackets secured to a push mower, preferably manually (e.g., without tools) and preferably while the brackets remain secured to the mower. 
         [0066]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.