Patent Description:
It is known that synthetic grass lawns generally consist of a bottom substrate, for example made of non-woven fabric, from which the synthetic fibres suitable for simulating grass filaments project, and of an inconsistent filling material that occupies the gaps among said fibres.

The filling material may be formed of grains of sand, rubber, or of other material that are distributed over the bottom substrate, forming layers having a thickness normally ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> centimetres.

This filling material is very important as it significantly influences the physical characteristics of the lawn, e.g. the elasticity thereof, on which the technical-sporting qualities, such as the dynamics with which game balls or small balls bounce on it, depend.

However, prolonged use and trampling produced by the users lead to a progressive compaction of the filling material on the bottom substrate, thereby forming increasingly rigid layers that modify the physical characteristics of the lawn, making it, for example, less elastic.

As a result, the bounce dynamics of a ball or small ball can vary progressively and sometimes reach conditions that make the lawn no longer suitable for use as a playing field. The document <CIT> describes a device which can ensure superficial removal of waste without damaging the fluff of carpet constituting the synthetic floor. The screen is subjected to forced oscillations when the brush is driven, thus avoiding accumulation of rubber granules on the screen and favoring waste outflow towards the recovery tub.

In light of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to make available a machine that allows a synthetic grass lawn to be "decompacted", making it at least partially recover its original physical characteristics.

Another object is that of achieving the aforesaid objective within the context of a simple, rational and relatively cost effective solution.

These and other objects are reached thanks to the characteristics of the invention as set forth in the independent claim <NUM>. The dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM> outline preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention but not strictly necessary for implementing it.

In particular, one embodiment of the present invention makes available a machine for decompacting synthetic grass lawns comprising at least:.

Thanks to this solution, the scarifier roller is able to break up the compacted layer of filling material, by lifting and projecting upwards the grains of which it is made (for example of sand and rubber), which then emerge from the gaps among the synthetic fibres and tend to deposit again on the surface.

The subsequent action of the oscillating brush allows these grains to be redistributed among the synthetic fibres and returned inside the turf without however recompacting them.

In this way, the combined action of the scarifier roller and of the oscillating brush allows to effectively decompact the synthetic grass lawn, restoring at least part of its original characteristics, easily, quickly and with little effort for the user.

According to one aspect of the invention, the scarifier roller may comprise a rotor and a plurality of metallic prongs (or claws) adapted to stay in contact with the lawn, which are associated with said rotor so as to protrude radially with respect to the rotation axis.

In this way, the metallic prongs scrape the compacted layer of the filling material, separating any aggregate grains and projecting them upwards.

In particular, the rotor may comprise two heads that are mutually opposed along the direction of the rotation axis of the scarifier roller and a plurality of connection bars that are eccentrically fixed to said heads, which can extend helically with respect to the rotation axis and are adapted to carry the aforesaid metallic prongs.

This aspect of the invention provides a particularly effective solution for realizing the scarifier roller.

Each metallic prong preferably consists of a bending spring, which can be partially spirally wound around a respective connection bar.

In this way, when coming into contact with the lawn, the metallic prongs can bend elastically, allowing an effective abrasion of the compacted layers of filling material, without however causing rippings or tears of the synthetic fibre substrate.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the machine may comprise adjustment means adapted to adjust and lock the scarifier roller on the support frame at different operating positions which correspond to different distances (heights) of the scarifier roller from the lawn.

Thanks to this solution, it is advantageously possible to vary the depth with which the scarifier roller penetrates into the synthetic turf depending on the need.

For example, this penetration may be increased in cases where the synthetic grass is rather high, while it may be decreased in cases where the synthetic grass is lower.

To achieve this adjustment, the support frame may comprise a first rigid frame and a second rigid frame, wherein the first rigid frame is adapted to rotate, with respect to the second rigid frame, around an articulation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the scarifier roller, the scarifier roller being installed on board the first rigid frame and the adjustment means being adapted to produce the rotation of the first rigid frame with respect to the second rigid frame around the aforesaid articulation axis and to lock them at multiple different mutual angular positions.

This provides a very effective solution for adjusting the height of the scarifier roller, while remaining within the framework of a relatively simple and economical construction structure.

In particular, the articulation axis between the first rigid frame and the second rigid frame can simply be defined by the common axis of a pair of mutually coaxial wheels (e.g. drive wheels), which are mounted on the first rigid frame to support it resting on the lawn.

The adjustment means may then comprise a lever, which is pivoted to the second rigid frame and is connected to the first rigid frame in a position spaced apart with respect to the articulation axis.

Thanks to this solution, the height adjustment of the scarifier roller can be carried out easily and with relatively little effort.

Moving to the oscillating brush, the latter may comprise a support bar and a plurality of flexible bristles, e.g. made of plastic and/or polymer material, which project from a lower surface of said support bar to stay in contact with the lawn.

According to one aspect of the invention, the machine may comprise adjustment means for adjusting and locking the oscillating brush on the support frame at different operating positions which correspond to different distances of the oscillating brush with respect to the lawn.

In this way, the oscillating brush can also be adjusted in height according to the characteristics of the lawn to be treated, generally in order to ensure greater penetration when the synthetic grass is rather high and to reduce penetration when the synthetic grass is lower.

To achieve this adjustment, the oscillating brush can be installed on a tilting support, which is connected to the support frame by means of an articulation system that enables it to rotate around a hinge axis parallel to the rotation axis of the scarifier roller and spaced apart from the oscillating brush, the adjustment means being adapted to rotate the tilting support with respect to the support frame and to lock it at multiple different angular positions.

This provides a very effective solution for adjusting the height of the oscillating brush, while remaining within the framework of a relatively simple and economical construction structure.

In particular, the adjustment means may comprise one or more brackets that are integral with the tilting support, each of which is provided with an upper flap adapted to surmount a portion of the support frame, and one or more screws, each of which is screwed into a through hole obtained in the upper flap of a respective bracket, so as to have a lower end adapted to rest on the underlying portion of the support frame.

According to another aspect of the invention, the oscillating brush can be connected to the tilting support by means of a plurality of connecting rods arranged in such a way as to define an articulated parallelogram mechanism.

Thanks to this type of mechanism, a solid and reliable solution is provided to allow the oscillating brush to make reciprocating movements in the transverse direction.

According to another aspect of the invention, the machine may also comprise a second brush installed on board the support frame, which is adapted to stay in contact with the lawn to the rear of the oscillating brush with respect to the advancement direction.

This second brush has the function of "combing" the synthetic grass lawn after the latter has been treated with the scarifier roller and with the oscillating brush, smoothing it out and helping to evenly distribute the grains of sand and/or other filling material.

Even this second brush may comprise a support bar and a plurality of flexible bristles, e.g. made of plastic and/or polymer material, which project from a lower surface of said support bar to stay in contact with the lawn.

The second brush can also be additionally installed on a tilting support, which is connected to the support frame by means of an articulation system that enables it to rotate around a hinge axis parallel to the rotation axis of the scarifier roller and spaced apart from the second brush, for example around a hinge axis coinciding with the articulation axis of the tilting support of the oscillating brush.

In this way, the second brush can make relative displacements with respect to the support frame in the vertical direction, adapting to the height and shape of the synthetic grass lawn.

In fact, unlike to what concerns the oscillating brush, it is not provided for the machine to comprise adjustment means adapted to adjust and lock the position at height of the second brush, which is therefore adapted to rest (weigh down) on the lawn by its own weight.

According to another aspect of the invention, the motor means (those adapted to drive the scarifier roller and the oscillating brush) can generally comprise a motor, for example an endothermic motor or an electric motor, and a transmission system adapted to transmit the motion of said motor both to the scarifier roller and to the oscillating brush.

Thanks to this solution, a single motor is effectively able to drive both motorised tools of the machine.

As far as the scarifier roller is concerned, said transmission system may comprise a toothed wheel keyed to the scarifier roller, a worm screw meshing with the toothed wheel, and a mechanism, for example with belt/belts and pulleys, adapted to transmit the rotation of the motor to the worm screw.

As far as the oscillating brush is concerned, the transmission system may comprise a thrust crank mechanism, a rotating shaft adapted to rotate a crank of said thrust crank mechanism, and a mechanism, for example with belt/belts and pulleys, adapted to transmit the rotation of the motor to said rotating shaft.

In this context, the rotating shaft and the crank of the thrust crank mechanism can be connected via a telescopic bar, so as to follow any vertical displacements of the oscillating brush with respect to the support frame.

According to another aspect of the invention, the machine may also comprise motorised traction means adapted to drive the displacement of the support frame on the lawn.

Thanks to this solution, the machine is configured as a self-propelled machine.

The traction means may comprise for example one or more drive wheels and a motor, for example an endothermic motor or an electric motor, which is installed on board the support frame and is adapted to rotate said drive wheels.

In particular, said motor may be the same one that is also used to drive the scarifier roller and the oscillating brush.

In this way, a single motor is effectively able to guarantee the total operation of the machine.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the machine can also comprise one or more handles adapted to allow to guide the support frame on the lawn.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent after reading the following description provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The above-mentioned figures show a machine <NUM> to decompact synthetic grass lawns, e.g. those intended for practising sports activities such as football games.

With regard to the conformation of the synthetic grass lawns, reference is made to what is outlined in the introduction.

The machine <NUM> is adapted to perform its function by moving on the lawn in a predetermined advancement direction, which can be modified following a steering phase.

In the illustrated example, the machine <NUM> is adapted to be driven by an operator walking behind it but it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, the machine <NUM> could be configured as a man-overboard machine, i.e. adapted to be driven by an operator who is on board the machine <NUM> itself.

In describing the machine <NUM>, some terms will be used in the following and it is considered appropriate to provide some preliminary clarification.

In particular, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" are generally understood to refer to the lawn on which the machine <NUM> is placed and is adapted to advance during operation.

Thus, the term "horizontal" generally indicates an orientation parallel to the lawn, while the term "vertical" generally indicates an orientation perpendicular to the lawn.

The terms "front" and "rear" are used with reference to the advancement direction of the machine <NUM>.

The term "longitudinal" generally refers to an orientation that is horizontal and parallel to the advancement direction of the machine <NUM>, while the term "transverse" generally refers to an orientation that is horizontal and orthogonal to the advancement direction of the machine <NUM>.

The terms "right" and "left" are understood to refer to a median vertical plane, parallel to the advancement direction of the machine <NUM> and passing substantially through the centreline of the latter, relative to an observer facing the advancement direction.

Returning to the machine <NUM>, it comprises a support frame, referred to globally as <NUM>, which is generally provided with supporting members adapted to support it and to allow its displacements on the lawn.

In the example illustrated, these supporting members consist of wheels but it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, one or more of these wheels may be replaced by other supporting members, such as tracks or other.

Preferably, one or more of these supporting members can be motorised, so that traction means can also be defined which are adapted to drive the displacements of the support frame <NUM> on the lawn, effectively realizing a self-propelled machine <NUM>.

For the machine <NUM> to be guided, the latter can be provided with a handlebar or a pair of handles <NUM> that are fixed to the support frame <NUM> and are adapted to be grasped by the user.

Going into more detail, the support frame <NUM> can be composed of two mutually connected rigid frames, of which a front frame <NUM> and a rear frame <NUM>.

As can be seen more clearly in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rear frame <NUM> can substantially have a U-shaped conformation, lying in a horizontal plane, comprising two parallel and mutually opposed longitudinal arms <NUM> and a transverse arm <NUM> positioned to connect the rear ends of the two longitudinal arms <NUM>.

The two longitudinal arms <NUM> are preferably positioned equidistant, respectively to the right and to the left, with respect to the median vertical plane of the machine <NUM>.

The longitudinal arm <NUM> and the transverse arm <NUM> can be made in one piece, e.g. by bending a single bar of metallic material.

The rear frame <NUM> may additionally comprise a transverse stiffening bar <NUM> (see <FIG>), which is oriented parallel to the transverse arm <NUM> and is positioned to connect (e.g. by welding) the longitudinal arms <NUM> to each other, standing in an intermediate position between the transverse arm <NUM> and the front ends of the longitudinal arms <NUM> themselves.

The transverse stiffening bar <NUM> can be further connected (e.g. welded) to the transverse arm <NUM> by means of two further longitudinal stiffening bars <NUM>, which are oriented parallel to the longitudinal arms <NUM>.

These longitudinal stiffening bars <NUM> are also preferably positioned equidistant, respectively to the right and to the left, with respect to the median vertical plane of the machine <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the rear frame <NUM> can also comprise two containment plates <NUM> that rise vertically with respect to its lying plane.

These containment plates <NUM>, which lie in vertical planes parallel to the advancement direction, are mutually opposed and spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction.

Preferably, these two containment plates <NUM> are also positioned equidistant, respectively to the right and to the left, with respect to the median vertical plane of the machine <NUM>.

For example, each containment plate <NUM> can be fixed (e.g. welded) to a respective longitudinal stiffening bar <NUM> of the rear frame <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The rear frame <NUM> can be adapted to rest stably on the lawn, possibly by means of an isostatic or more preferably hyperstatic type support.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated, the rear frame <NUM> is provided with four supporting and resting wheels <NUM>, of which one wheel <NUM> connected to the front end of each longitudinal arm <NUM> and two wheels <NUM> fixed rearwardly to the transverse arm <NUM>.

The wheels <NUM> are preferably idle (non-motorised) wheels and can be pivoting according to respective vertical axes, so as to allow/facilitate steering the machine <NUM>.

The front frame <NUM> comprises a central body <NUM> generally tapered in shape and extending predominantly in a longitudinal direction.

This central body <NUM> can be realized by means of bent and/or welded metal sheets, which can give it a relatively complex structure.

Two wheels <NUM> can be associated with this central body <NUM> which are adapted to support it while resting on the lawn and which have the same diameter and are positioned mutually coaxial, with axis that is horizontal and orthogonal to the advancement direction.

In particular, the wheels <NUM> can be positioned equidistant, respectively to the left and to the right, with respect to the vertical median plane of the machine <NUM>, e.g., by being located on opposite sides of the central body <NUM> of the front frame <NUM>.

The wheels <NUM> can be driven by a motor <NUM>, e.g. an endothermic (internal combustion) motor or an electric motor, typically through an appropriate transmission system possibly provided with a gearbox.

In this way, the wheels <NUM> are drive wheels, defining the already mentioned traction means of the machine <NUM>.

Preferably, the wheels <NUM> are arranged near the front end of the central body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, between the wheels <NUM> and a rear end <NUM> of the central body <NUM>, the front frame <NUM> may comprise two lateral wings <NUM>, which project transversely, respectively to the right and to the left, with respect to the central body <NUM>.

Each of these lateral wings <NUM> can be made of a metal sheet body, possibly shaped so as to make it stiffer, which is fixed in a cantilevered manner (e.g. welded and/or bolted) to a respective sidewall of the central body <NUM>.

The two lateral wings <NUM> can be specular to each other with respect to the vertical plane of the centreline of the machine <NUM>.

The rear end <NUM> of the central body <NUM> can be connected to the rear frame <NUM>.

In particular, the rear end <NUM> of the central body <NUM> can be completely constrained to the rear frame <NUM> in the transverse and longitudinal direction, but can be provided with a degree of freedom in the vertical direction.

Thus, by lifting or lowering the rear end <NUM> of the central body <NUM>, a relative rotation of the front frame <NUM> is achieved with respect to the rear frame <NUM> around the axis of the two wheels <NUM>, which acts as the axis of mutual articulation.

To be more specific (see, for example, <FIG>), the rear end <NUM> of the central body <NUM> may be square in shape and have two vertically lateral sidewalls <NUM>, oriented and mutually opposed, joined together by a transverse flap <NUM>.

The lateral sidewalls <NUM> can be interposed, substantially to size, between the two containment plates <NUM> of the rear frame <NUM>, so as to prevent mutual displacements in the transverse direction.

A transverse pin <NUM> can also be stably fixed to each lateral sidewall <NUM> and which, by projecting outwards (i.e. from the opposite side with respect to the other sidewall), can be slidably inserted into a guide slot <NUM>, preferably rectilinear and oriented vertically, which is obtained in the adjacent containment plate <NUM> (see also <FIG>).

In this way, the coupling between the transverse pins <NUM> and the respective guide slots <NUM> prevents mutual displacements of the front frame <NUM> and of the rear frame <NUM> in the longitudinal direction but allows, as anticipated, some displacement in the vertical direction.

This displacement can be operated and controlled by means of a lever <NUM>, which can be pivoted to the rear frame <NUM> according to a pivot axis parallel to the articulation axis defined by the wheels <NUM>.

Preferably, the lever <NUM> is L-shaped and the pivot axis is placed at the elbow.

As clearly visible in <FIG>, the lever <NUM> may thus have a front end coupled with the rear end <NUM> of the front frame <NUM> and a rear end adapted to be grasped and moved manually by a user.

In particular, the front end of the lever <NUM> can be coupled to the rear end <NUM> of the front frame <NUM>, so as to allow both mutual rotations along an axis parallel to the pivot axis and mutual displacements in a radial direction (with respect to the pivot axis).

Thus, through a clockwise rotation of the lever <NUM> (with reference to <FIG>) a vertical lifting of the rear end <NUM> of the front frame <NUM> can be obtained; conversely, through a counterclockwise rotation of the lever <NUM> a vertical lowering of the rear end <NUM> of the front frame <NUM> can be obtained.

Going into more detail, the Lever <NUM> can consist of two shaped plates <NUM>, which can be identical to each other, mutually spaced apart and specularly opposed in the transverse direction (see also <FIG> and <FIG>).

The rear ends of these shaped plates <NUM> can be joined by a transverse metal sheet, to which a handle <NUM> adapted to be grasped by the user can be fixed.

The two shaped plates <NUM> may be inserted, substantially to size, on the containment plates <NUM> of the rear frame <NUM>, so that each shaped plate <NUM> is positioned substantially in contact with the outer surface of a respective containment plate <NUM>.

Each shaped plate <NUM> can then be pivoted to the containment plate <NUM> adjacent to it by means of a hinge pin positioned at the elbow and defining the pivot axis.

The front arms of each shaped plate <NUM> may be provided with a slot <NUM> (see <FIG>), preferably rectilinear and extending radially with respect to the pivot axis, within which the transverse pin <NUM> which is fixed to the adjacent lateral sidewall <NUM> of the rear end <NUM> of the front frame <NUM> is slidably accommodated.

In this way, the rotation of the two shaped plates <NUM> causes the two transverse pins <NUM> (and thus the rear end <NUM> of the front frame <NUM>) to be lifted or lowered, which can slide both along the guide slots <NUM> of the containment plates <NUM> and along the slots <NUM> of the shaped plates <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> is further associated with locking means adapted to lock the front frame <NUM> and the rear frame <NUM> at different relative angular positions, i.e. to lock the rear end <NUM> of the front frame <NUM> with respect to the rear frame <NUM> at different heights.

In the illustrated example, these locking means are configured as a guillotine system comprising a blade <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), which is oriented transversely between the two shaped plates <NUM> and is slidably coupled to the latter, so as to be adapted to slide in the radial direction with respect to the pivot axis.

For example, the opposite ends of the blade <NUM> may be accommodated and possibly project into corresponding rectilinear slots obtained in the rear arms of the shaped plates <NUM>.

Spring-loaded means can then be provided for pulling the blade <NUM> towards the lever axis.

These spring-loaded means may comprise, for example, two springs <NUM> that are individually placed under traction between a respective projecting end of the blade <NUM> and a fixed pin (not illustrated) projecting from the shaped plate <NUM> adjacent to it, for example but not necessarily to the hinge pin.

In this way, the blade <NUM> is constantly pressed against the edges of containment plate <NUM>.

These edges, which may have an arched shape, may have a plurality of radial notches (see <FIG> and <FIG>) in which the blade <NUM>, dragged by the spring-loaded means, may get interlocked for different angular positions of the shaped plates <NUM> and, therefore, for different heights of the rear end <NUM> of the front frame <NUM>, preventing any further rotation.

In order to release the blade <NUM> from these notches, a gripping element can be arranged on the handle <NUM> which, by means of a connecting cable, allows the users to manually pull the blade <NUM> in contrast to the action of the spring-loaded means.

The machine <NUM> further comprises a plurality of tools, which are installed on board the support frame <NUM> so as to be adapted to treat the synthetic grass lawn on which the machine <NUM> moves.

These tools comprise a scarifier roller <NUM>, which is adapted to stay in contact with the synthetic grass lawn and to rotate on itself around a transverse rotation axis (i.e. horizontal and orthogonal to the advancement direction).

In this way, the scarifier roller <NUM> is generally adapted to break up the compacted layer of filling material, by lifting and projecting upwards the grains of which it is composed (e.g. sand and rubber), thus causing them to escape from the gaps among the synthetic fibres and allowing them to deposit on the surface.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the scarifier roller <NUM> may comprise a rotor <NUM> and a plurality of metallic prongs (or claws) <NUM> adapted to stay in contact with the lawn, which are associated with said rotor <NUM> so as to protrude radially with respect to the rotation axis.

In the embodiment illustrated herein, the rotor <NUM> may comprise a central support shaft <NUM>, on which two heads <NUM> that are mutually opposed along the direction of the rotation axis are keyed, and a plurality of connection peripheral bars <NUM>, arranged eccentrically with respect to the rotation axis, the ends of each of which are fixed to the opposite heads <NUM> (see also <FIG>).

Preferably, each connection bar <NUM> extends helically with respect to the central shaft <NUM>.

Each of these connection bars <NUM> carries a plurality of the aforesaid metallic prongs <NUM>, arranged in succession, each of which may be conformed as a bending spring provided with a central portion that is spirally wound around the respective connection bar <NUM> and two end portions, one portion of which projects radially outwards (defining the prong or claw) and the other portion of which remains constrained to the rotor.

The scarifier roller <NUM> is preferably installed (rotatably) on board the front frame <NUM>, to the rear with respect to the drive wheels <NUM>.

In particular, the opposite ends of the central shaft <NUM> may project axially with respect to both heads <NUM> and may be rotatably supported, preferably by the interposition of bearings, each by a respective support bracket <NUM>.

These support brackets <NUM>, which can be made as metal sheet casings, can be individually fixed, e.g. bolted or welded, below a respective lateral wing <NUM> to the right or to the left of the central body <NUM> of the front frame <NUM>, preferably at the free end of the lateral wing <NUM> itself.

In this way, by varying the inclination of the front frame <NUM> with respect to the rear frame <NUM> as explained above, it is advantageously possible to adjust and lock the scarifier roller <NUM> at different operating positions on the support frame <NUM>, which correspond to different distances (dimensions) with respect to the synthetic grass lawn to be treated.

For example, by manually operating the lever <NUM>, it is possible to lower the scarifier roller <NUM> (increasing the penetration of the metallic prongs <NUM>) when the synthetic grass is rather high, or raise the scarifier roller <NUM> (decreasing the penetration of the metallic prongs <NUM>) when the synthetic grass is relatively low.

The rotation of the scarifier roller <NUM> around its rotation axis is preferably driven by motor means that are installed on board the support frame <NUM>.

These motor means may comprise a motor, preferably the same motor <NUM> which is also used to drive the traction means (in this case the drive wheels <NUM>), and a transmission system adapted to transmit to the scarifier roller <NUM> at least a part of the torque supplied by said motor, or to transmit to it the motion generated by it.

Said transmission system may comprise for example a toothed wheel <NUM> (see <FIG>) coaxially keyed to the rotor <NUM>, for example at one end of its central shaft <NUM>, and a worm screw <NUM> meshing with said toothed wheel <NUM>.

In particular, the worm screw <NUM> can be rotatably accommodated in one of the casings that define the support brackets <NUM>, e.g. the one on the left in the embodiment illustrated herein, which can also accommodate and protect the toothed wheel <NUM>.

The transmission system may further comprise a belt transmission for transmitting the rotation of the motor to the worm screw <NUM>.

This belt transmission may comprise a first pulley <NUM> keyed to one end of the worm screw <NUM> projecting above the corresponding lateral wing <NUM>; a second pulley <NUM> keyed on a power take-off <NUM> (i.e. on a motorised rotating shaft) having a rotation axis parallel to the worm screw <NUM> and rotatably mounted on the central body <NUM> of the front frame <NUM>; and finally a belt <NUM> (e.g., a trapezoidal belt) wound around the first and the second pulley <NUM> and <NUM>.

In particular, the power take-off <NUM> can be connected to the motor <NUM> via a further belt transmission, of which only the pulley <NUM> keyed on the power take-off <NUM> itself is visible in the figures.

Although the example illustrated makes use of belt transmissions, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, these may be replaced by chain, gear transmission or of any other type.

In addition to the scarifier roller <NUM>, the machine <NUM> can also comprise an oscillating brush <NUM>, which is installed on board the support frame <NUM> to the rear of the scarifier roller <NUM> with respect to the advancement direction of the machine <NUM>.

This oscillating brush <NUM> is adapted to stay in contact with the synthetic grass lawn by making reciprocating movements along a transverse direction of oscillation, i.e. generally parallel to the rotation axis of the scarifier roller <NUM>.

In this way, the oscillating brush <NUM> performs the function of redistributing the grains of sand and/or rubber and/or other materials that have been lifted by the scarifier roller <NUM> and allowing them to penetrate back into the synthetic turf, without, however, compacting them excessively among the fibres.

Preferably, the oscillating brush <NUM> is also connected to the support frame <NUM> of the machine <NUM> by adjustment means that allow to adjust and lock the position of the oscillating brush <NUM> at different operating positions, which correspond to different distances (heights) of the same with respect to the synthetic grass lawn.

For this purpose, the oscillating brush <NUM> can be installed on a tilting support <NUM> (see also <FIG>), which is connected to the support frame <NUM> by means of an articulation system that enables it to rotate around a hinge axis parallel to the rotation axis of the scarifier roller <NUM> and spaced apart from the oscillating brush <NUM>.

The hinge axis of the tilting support <NUM> may for example be positioned near the rotation axis of the scarifier roller <NUM>.

More in detail, the tilting support <NUM> may be conformed as a rigid cross member that extends predominantly in a transverse direction and that surmounts the oscillating brush <NUM> (see also <FIG> and <FIG>).

For example, the tilting support <NUM> may be made of bent and/or welded metal sheet and may be provided with stiffening ribs.

The articulation system may comprise two arms <NUM>, which are respectively hinged to the opposite left and right ends of the tilting support <NUM>.

These arms <NUM> protrude, for example with a slightly arched shape, towards the front part of the machine <NUM>, ending with a distal end that is hinged to the support frame <NUM> according to the already mentioned hinge axis.

Specifically, the distal ends of each arm <NUM> are individually hinged to a bracket which is fixed (e.g. welded) below the right longitudinal arm <NUM> and respectively the left longitudinal arm <NUM> of the rear frame <NUM>.

To guide the vertical displacements of the tilting support <NUM>, the latter can be provided with two abutment plates <NUM> (see also <FIG> and <FIG>) that protrude upwards and that lie, mutually opposed and spaced apart, on vertical planes parallel to the advancement direction of the machine <NUM>.

These abutment plates <NUM> can be inserted, substantially to size, on the shaped plates <NUM> of the lever <NUM>, so that each shaped plate <NUM> is interposed between an abutment plate <NUM> and a containment plate <NUM> of the rear frame <NUM>.

Each of the abutment plates <NUM> further comprises a receiving slot <NUM>, preferably rectilinear and extending in a vertical direction, within which the transverse pin <NUM> is slidably accommodated which is fixed to the adjacent lateral sidewall <NUM> of the rear end <NUM> of the front frame <NUM>.

In this way, the transverse pins <NUM>, by sliding in the receiving slots <NUM>, allow the vertical displacements of the tilting support <NUM> to be guided in the vertical direction.

In this context, the adjustment means for adjusting the position at height of the oscillating brush <NUM> are adapted to lock the tilting support <NUM> at multiple different angular positions with respect to the hinge axis defined by the articulation system.

For example, said adjustment means may comprise one or more height-adjustable rest elements <NUM> (see <FIG>) by means of which the tilting support <NUM> rests, due to its own weight, on the support frame <NUM>, preferably on the rear frame <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated, the adjustment means comprise two of these rest elements <NUM>, which are positioned respectively at the opposite right and left ends of the tilting support <NUM> and are adapted to rest respectively on the right longitudinal arm <NUM> and on the left longitudinal arm <NUM> of the rear frame <NUM>.

Each of these rest elements <NUM> comprises, for example, a bracket <NUM>, substantially inverted L-shaped, which is fixed to the tilting support <NUM> and has a horizontal upper flap that vertically surmounts the respective longitudinal arm <NUM>.

Each rest element <NUM> also comprises a screw <NUM> with a vertical axis, which is screwed into a threaded through hole formed in the upper edge of the respective bracket <NUM>, such that its lower end projects downward in vertical alignment with the longitudinal arm <NUM>, while the upper end may be provided with a knob <NUM>.

In this way, by screwing or unscrewing the screws <NUM>, it is possible to vary the length of the relative sections that project below the upper flap of the brackets <NUM>, so that the rest on the longitudinal arms <NUM>, and therefore the constraint to the rotation, is achieved for different heights of the tilting support <NUM> with respect to the synthetic grass lawn.

Returning to the oscillating brush <NUM>, it may comprise a support bar <NUM>, extending predominantly in a transverse direction, and a plurality of flexible bristles <NUM>, for example made of plastic/polymer material, which are fixed in a cantilevered manner to a lower surface of the support bar <NUM>, so as to stay in contact with the synthetic grass lawn. The support bar <NUM> of the oscillating brush <NUM> can be carried by the tilting support <NUM> so as to be adapted to make the required reciprocating displacements in a transverse direction with respect to it.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the support bar <NUM> can be substantially suspended below the tilting support <NUM> by means of four connecting rods <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), having longitudinally oriented articulation axes, which are placed in pairs respectively at the opposite ends (right and left) of the support bar <NUM> and of the tilting support <NUM>, so that an articulated parallelogram mechanism is substantially defined with the latter.

However, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, the articulated parallelogram mechanism can be made with only two end connecting rods <NUM>.

The oscillation of the support bar <NUM>, i.e. of the oscillating brush <NUM>, with respect to the tilting support <NUM> is preferably driven by motor means that are installed on board the support frame <NUM>.

These motor means comprise a motor, preferably the same motor <NUM> that is used to drive also the traction means (in this case the drive wheels <NUM>) as well as possibly the scarifier roller <NUM>, and a transmission system adapted to transmit and transform the rotation of said motor into an oscillatory movement of the oscillating brush <NUM>.

Said transmission system may comprise, for example, a crank <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), which is adapted to rotate around a rotation axis orthogonal to the oscillation direction of the oscillating brush <NUM>, e.g. substantially vertical.

Preferably, this crank <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the tilting support <NUM>, e.g. substantially in the middle of its transverse extension.

The transmission system may further comprise a connecting rod <NUM>, the ends of which are respectively articulated to the crank <NUM> and to the support bar <NUM> of the oscillating brush <NUM>, e.g. to a pin <NUM> fixed to the support bar <NUM>.

The axes of articulation of the connecting rod <NUM> with the crank <NUM> and with the oscillating brush <NUM> are parallel to the rotation axis of the crank <NUM>.

In this way, the connecting rod <NUM> and the crank <NUM> define a thrust crank mechanism adapted to transform the rotation of the crank <NUM> into a reciprocating transverse movement of the oscillating brush <NUM>.

The transmission system may also comprise a rotating shaft <NUM> and connection members adapted to transmit the rotation of the rotating shaft <NUM> to the crank <NUM>.

This rotating shaft <NUM> can be positioned substantially above the crank <NUM>, presenting a rotation axis oriented substantially vertically.

In particular, in the illustrated example, the rotating shaft <NUM> can be rotatably coupled to the rear end <NUM> of the front frame <NUM>, in particular to the flap <NUM>.

In order to allow the relative displacements in a vertical direction between the tilting support <NUM> and the rear end <NUM> of the front frame <NUM>, without losing the kinematic connection between the rotating shaft <NUM> and the crank <NUM>, the connection members between these two components may comprise a telescopic bar <NUM>, preferably of the prismatic type, whose lower end is rotatably integral with the crank <NUM> and the upper end is rotatably integral with the rotating shaft <NUM>.

Finally, the transmission system may comprise a belt transmission for transmitting the rotation of the motor to the rotating shaft <NUM>.

This belt transmission may comprise a first pulley <NUM> keyed to one end of the rotating shaft <NUM> projecting above the rear end <NUM> of the front frame <NUM>; a second pulley <NUM> keyed on the already mentioned power take-off <NUM> (see <FIG>); and a belt <NUM> (e.g., a trapezoidal belt) wound around the first and second pulley <NUM> and <NUM>.

Although the example illustrated makes use of belt transmissions, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, these may be replaced by chain, gear transmissions or of any other type.

In addition to the scarifier roller <NUM> and to the oscillating brush <NUM>, the tools of the machine <NUM> may also comprise a second brush <NUM>, which is installed on the support frame <NUM> so as to be adapted to stay in contact with the synthetic grass lawn, at the rear with respect to the previous oscillating brush <NUM>.

The second brush <NUM> has the function of "combing" the synthetic grass lawn after the latter has been treated with the scarifier roller <NUM> and with the oscillating brush <NUM>, smoothing it out and helping to evenly distribute the grains of sand and/or other filling material.

Going into further detail, the second brush <NUM> may also comprise a support bar <NUM> (see <FIG>), extending predominantly in a transverse direction, and a plurality of flexible bristles <NUM>, for example made of plastic and/or polymer material, which are fixed in a cantilevered manner to a lower surface of the aforesaid support bar <NUM>, so as to stay in contact with the synthetic grass lawn.

The second brush <NUM> may also be installed on a tilting support <NUM>, conformed for example as a rigid cross member, which is connected to the support frame <NUM> by means of an articulation system that enables it to rotate around a hinge axis parallel to the rotation axis of the scarifier roller <NUM> and spaced apart from the second brush <NUM>.

For example, the hinge axis of the tilting support <NUM> of the second brush <NUM> may coincide with the hinge axis of the tilting support <NUM> of the oscillating brush <NUM>. Specifically, the articulation system may comprise two arms <NUM> (see <FIG>), which are respectively fixed (e.g. welded or bolted) to the opposite left and right ends of the tilting support <NUM>.

These arms <NUM> protrude, for example with a slightly arched shape, towards the front part of the machine <NUM>, ending with a distal end that is hinged to the support frame <NUM>, preferably to the rear frame <NUM>, according to the already mentioned hinge axis. Specifically, the distal ends of each arm <NUM> can be individually hinged to the same brackets to which the arms <NUM> of the oscillating brush <NUM> are also hinged.

The arms <NUM> may be positioned internally with respect to the arms <NUM> (i.e. contained in the space between the latter) and may have a more arched shape so as to surmount the hinge pins with which the arms <NUM> are articulated to the tilting support <NUM>.

Unlike the oscillating brush <NUM>, the second brush <NUM> is firmly fixed to the respective tilting support <NUM>, so that it cannot move with respect to it.

Furthermore, the angular position of the tilting support <NUM> is not adjustable but is only limited, at the bottom, by the aforesaid hinge pins and, at the top, by the rear frame <NUM>. In this way, during operation of the machine <NUM>, the second brush <NUM> is adapted to rest freely on the synthetic grass lawn, weighing down on it by its own weight.

The machine <NUM> can also be provided with a series of controls adapted to activate its various functions.

In particular, the machine <NUM> may comprise a first control, preferably positioned on the handles <NUM>, which is adapted to switch the motor <NUM> on or off.

The machine <NUM> may also comprise a second control, also preferably positioned on the handles <NUM>, which can activate or deactivate the rotation of the power take-off <NUM> when the motor <NUM> is running.

The machine <NUM> may also comprise a third control, preferably positioned on the lever <NUM>, which can activate or deactivate the rotation of the scarifier roller <NUM> with the power take-off <NUM> in operation.

Finally, the machine <NUM> may comprise a fourth control, also preferably positioned on the lever <NUM>, which can activate or deactivate the reciprocating movement of the oscillating brush <NUM> with the power take-off <NUM> in operation.

Since in the example illustrated the motion transmission systems are of the belt type, the second, third and fourth control may individually comprise a lever which, for example by means of a cable (e.g. Bowden cable), is able to displace a belt tensioning roller (not shown) between an operational position, in which it tensions the relevant belt (enabling it to transmit motion), and an inactive position, in which it leaves the belt slack (rendering it unable to transmit motion).

Thus, for example, the second control may be adapted to move a belt tensioning roller acting on the belt adapted to connect the motor <NUM> to the power take-off <NUM>; the third control may be adapted to move a belt tensioning roller acting on the belt <NUM> adapted to connect the power take-off <NUM> to the worm screw <NUM>; and the fourth control may be adapted to move a belt tensioning roller acting on the belt <NUM> adapted to connect the power take-off <NUM> to the rotating shaft <NUM>.

Finally, the machine <NUM> may comprise a series of metal and/or plastic casings adapted to cover and protect the various components, especially those in motion.

Claim 1:
Machine (<NUM>) for decompacting synthetic grass lawns comprising:
- a support frame (<NUM>) provided with supporting members (<NUM>, <NUM>) adapted to allow said support frame (<NUM>) to advance on the lawn in an advancement direction,
- a scarifier roller (<NUM>) installed on board the support frame (<NUM>), which is adapted to stay in contact with the lawn and is adapted to rotate on itself around a rotation axis that is horizontal and orthogonal to the advancement direction,
- an oscillating brush (<NUM>) installed on board the support frame (<NUM>), to the rear of the scarifier roller (<NUM>) with respect to the advancement direction, which is adapted to stay in contact with the lawn and is adapted to make reciprocating movements along an oscillation direction parallel to the rotation axis of the scarifier roller (<NUM>), and
- motor means (<NUM>) adapted to actuate the rotation of the scarifier roller (<NUM>) and the oscillation of the oscillating brush (<NUM>).