Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The present teachings relate in general to sand conditioners, and more specifically to a device and method for operating a sand rake, functional at least for use on golf course sand traps.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Multiple designs for sand trap rakes for golf courses are known. Both hand held rakes and rakes which are powered by a tractor or the like are known. These rakes use fingers for plowing through the sand for coarse sand preparation which are normally followed by a dresser having finer teeth or saw-tooth like edges to smooth the sand. Sand trap rakes are commonly used when the surface of the sand has been upset such as through daily use, or when the sand becomes hardened or wetted by weather conditions including dew, rain, snow, frost, and the like.  
         [0003]     Common sand trap rakes which are pulled or otherwise controlled by a tractor commonly extend beyond a perimeter of the tires of the tractor. This permits the tire tracks that the tractor makes to be smoothed over as the tractor leaves the sand trap. Common powered sand trap rakes have several disadvantages. One disadvantage is that the varying configurations of sand traps found in most golf courses limits the surface area which the tires of the tractor can contact without damaging the sand trap itself. The limited extension of the rake assemblies beyond the footprint of the tires therefore limits the area which can be raked.  
         [0004]     Rake designs which permit the individual rake assemblies to be extended beyond the envelope of the tires of the tractor such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,306 to Tonutti provide horizontal support for the rake assemblies by extending a support wheel horizontally outward. The disadvantage of the Tonutti design if employed within a sand trap is the wheels which support the assembly upon horizontal extension do not permit the individual rakes to angularly deflect as the outer sloping wall of the sand trap is encountered. The wheel supports for the rake assembly of Tonutti also could cause additional damage to the outer sloping walls of a sand trap. Rake designs such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,613,802 to Carlson et al. include multiple rake subassemblies which can rotate relative to each other to accommodate the changing geometry of a sand trap, however the Carlson et al. design does not permit the individual or assembled group of rakes to be horizontally extended with respect to the imprint of the tires of the tractor assembly. The conditioning device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,774,695 to Voorhees permits an outward folding extension of a sand rake assembly using a lever and a cable supporting an outer-most rake member. The device of Voorhees is extendable from only one side of the tractor assembly and does not provide for horizontal adjustment of individual rake assemblies.  
         [0005]     Common sand trap rakes also have difficulty negotiating the curves and slopes of the many different types and depths of golf course sand traps. Common sand trap rakes are therefore narrow to negotiate the tight geometry and diverse contour of sand traps. The narrow design of common sand trap rakes and the geometry of the sand traps make it particularly difficult to maneuver around traps without simultaneously leaving tire tracks in the traps during sharp turns or upon departure from the trap of the tractor and rake. Portions of the sand trap(s) may also not be accessible due to limited adjustment of the rakes provided for common sand trap raking machines. Subsequent hand raking or finishing of traps can therefore be required to remove the tire marks and/or to rake the inaccessible areas, increasing the time and expense of maintaining the surface conditions of the traps.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0006]     According to some embodiments of the side shift rake for a sand trap vehicle, a beam is positionable substantially horizontal with respect to a ground surface and substantially perpendicular to a direction of beam travel. At least one rake assembly is supported from the beam. A lateral translation device is connected to the rake assembly to slidably translate the rake assembly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel and coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the beam.  
         [0007]     According to other embodiments, a sand trap rake system includes a prime mover having a pair of drive wheels. A beam supported from the prime mover is positionable substantially parallel with respect to a ground surface and substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the prime mover. A plurality of rake members are supported from the beam. A lateral translation device translates at least one of the rake members outboard of one of the drive wheels. The lateral translation device is connectable with the beam for motion in a direction substantially coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the beam.  
         [0008]     According to still other embodiments, a method is provided for laterally shifting a sand trap rake mounted to a vehicle, the vehicle including a pair of driven wheels and a transfer device, the rake including a beam and at least one rake member. The method includes slidably connecting the rake member to the beam. The method further includes joining the transfer device to the rake member. The method still further includes slidably translating the rake member in a path parallel to a longitudinal axis of the beam using the transfer device to a position at least partially outboard of one of the driven wheels.  
         [0009]     Further areas of applicability of the various embodiments will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating various embodiments, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     The present teachings will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a side shift rake assembly mounted to a rake vehicle according to various embodiments;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a front elevational view similar to  FIG. 2  showing an extended rake assembly;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the rake vehicle of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the side shift rake assembly of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a partial end elevational view of the side shift rake assembly of the present invention employed in an exemplary sand trap application; and  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view similar to  FIG. 5  showing another embodiment for a mechanism to translate the rake assembly. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0018]     The following description of several various embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the teachings, their application, or uses. While the side shift rake for a sand trap vehicle described herein will be described generally as a sand trap rake connectable to a tractor, the teachings herein are equally applicable to all sand rakes however otherwise supported to a prime mover.  
         [0019]     According to various embodiments and referring generally to  FIG. 1 , a side shift rake assembly  10  is mounted to rear structure of a rake vehicle  11 . Side shift rake assembly  10  is displaceable to contact a trap surface in a rake engagement direction “A” and returned in a rake disengagement direction “B”. Vertical displacement of side shift rake assembly  10  is controlled by an operator of rake vehicle  11  using electrical or hydraulic controls/switches positioned within reach of the operator. Rake vehicle  11  includes a frame  12 , a power unit section  14 , a first drive wheel  16  (not shown in this view), a second drive wheel  18 , and a front steerable wheel  20 . A seat  22  is provided for the operator and is positioned proximate to a steering device  24  such as a steering wheel.  
         [0020]     Rake vehicle  11  further includes a front housing  26  which encloses a steering mechanism connecting steering device  24  to steerable wheel  20 . A rake assembly  28  is provided in various embodiments suspended from a rear section of rake vehicle  11 . In other embodiments, rake assembly  28  can be disposed between first and second drive wheels  16 ,  18  and steerable wheel  20  or can alternately be positioned forward of steerable wheel  20 . It should be evident that in various embodiments, one location for rake assembly  28  is aft of each of the first and second drive wheels and steerable wheel  20  to smooth a sand surface including any tire tread marks left by any of the wheels.  
         [0021]     Referring now generally to  FIG. 2 , rake vehicle  11  can further include a pair of fenders  30  each disposed over one of first and second drive wheels  16 ,  18  used to deflect loose sand as the wheels spin and keep most of the deflected sand in front of rake assembly  28 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , rake assembly  28  is disposed in a first position having portions of rake assembly  28  disposed outward of a wheel outer envelope C-C′. Rake assembly  28  defines a rake coverage envelope D-D′ extending beyond or outward of wheel outer envelope C-C′. Rake coverage envelope D-D′ ensures that tire tread marks are smoothed over as rake assembly  28  engages a trap surface  32 . In the first position shown in  FIG. 2 , rake assembly  28  functions to smooth an entire path created by the wheels of rake vehicle  11 .  
         [0022]     Referring now generally to  FIG. 3 , rake assembly  28  is horizontally displaced from the first position identified as rake assembly  28 ′ to a second, horizontally extended position defining a rake horizontal extension envelope E. To reach rake horizontal extension envelope E, rake assembly  28  is horizontally translated in a first rake movement direction F. By extending rake assembly  28  in first rake movement direction F, a portion of trap surface  32  which may not be normally accessible for rake vehicle  11  can be reached by rake assembly  28 . Rake assembly  28  can then be retracted to its nominal first position shown in  FIG. 2  for a final run to smooth out any tracks left by the various wheels  16 ,  18 ,  20 . The rake assembly  28  is infinitely positionable between the first or initial position and the second horizontally extended, fully deployed position.  
         [0023]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , rake vehicle  11  further includes a yoke  34  rotatably connected to a steering mechanism  36  which is operable to rotate steerable wheel  20  when steering device  24  is actuated. Rake vehicle  11  further includes a power unit  38  which in this aspect is a combustion engine connected to a transmission  40 . Power unit  38  can also be an electric power plant such as a group of batteries connected to an electric drive motor in place of a combustion engine for power unit  38 . Power unit  38  may also be implemented as a hydraulic drive system. Power unit  38  and transmission  40  are supported by a power unit support structure  42  connected to frame  12 . Rake assembly  28  is disposed from a rear frame member  44  using a rake structural frame  46 .  
         [0024]     In various embodiments, rake assembly  28  is horizontally displaced via a mechanical connection with a rake assembly support member  48 . In these aspects, a gear rack  50  is disposed between rake assembly support member  48  and rake assembly  28 . Gear rack  50  is engaged by a pinion gear  52  rotatably connected to a motor  54 . Operation of motor  54  to rotate pinion gear  52  translates rake assembly  28  in either of the first rake movement direction F or a second rake movement direction G. In various embodiments, motor  54  is a DC motor electrically powered by a generator (not shown) powered by power unit  38 . Rake assembly  28  can be slidably connected to rake assembly support member  48  using for example a pair of slide couplings  55  fastened or otherwise connected to rake assembly support member  48  and slidably engaging rake assembly  28 . Rake vehicle  11  is normally propelled in a forward direction H during operation of rake assembly  28 .  
         [0025]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , in various embodiments, rake assembly  28  is included in a rake unit  56 . Rake unit  56  includes both rake assembly  28  and a support frame  58 . Support frame  58  includes a support member or beam  60  such as a rectangular shaped tube having a first and second rigid connecting member  62 ,  64  joining (for example by welding or fastening) support beam  60  and a rotatably connectable hitch  66 . Rotatably connectable hitch  66  is used to couple rake unit  56  to rake vehicle  11 . To raise or lower rake assembly  28 , a first and second lifting arm  68 ,  70  are rotatably connected to structure (not shown) of rake vehicle  11  and connected to support beam  60  using chains  72 . Rake assembly  28  is normally, but not required to be raised above trap surface  32  using first and second lifting arms  68 ,  70  prior to horizontal displacement of rake assembly  28 .  
         [0026]     According to various embodiments, rake assembly  28  is slidably disposed to support beam  60  using a sliding coupling  74 . Sliding coupling  74  is moved in either of first or second rake movement directions F or G using a piston  76  which translates a piston rod  78 . Piston  76  is connected to support beam  60  and piston rod  78  is actuated using hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic system (not shown) provided with rake vehicle  11 .  
         [0027]     In some embodiments, rake assembly  28  includes each of a first, second and third rake housing  80 ,  82 ,  84 . Each rake housing  80 ,  82 ,  84  includes a plurality of tines  85  which extend substantially downward to engage material in a sand trap. Tines  85  provide coarse mixing of the sand/soil. Each of the first, second and third rake housings  80 ,  82 ,  84  are rotatably connected to each other using at least one rotatable connector  86  such as a hinge. In the example shown, rotatable connectors  86  permit first and third rake housings  80 ,  84  to displace (i.e.: rotate) relative to second rake housing  82  to accommodate differences in topography of an individual sand trap.  
         [0028]     Extending rearward from each of first, second and third rake housings  80 ,  82 ,  84  are each of a first, second, third and fourth dressing member,  88 ,  90 ,  92 ,  94 . Each dressing member is connected to its respect rake housing using a connecting link  96  coupled to a support surface  98  of the rake housing using a flange  100  and fasteners. Each dressing member  88  through  94  can therefore be removed for repair or replacement from the individual rake housing. Each rake housing  80 ,  82 ,  84  further includes a plurality of dressing teeth  102  and each dressing member  88  through  94  includes a plurality of dressing teeth  104 . Dressing teeth  102 ,  104  provide a finished appearance to the sand trap following coarse mixing by each of tines  85 .  
         [0029]     In other various embodiments (not shown), piston  76  and piston rod  78  can be replaced for example by an electric motor and gear assembly similar to motor  54  and pinion gear  52 . Support beam  60  can also be replaced by a tube-within-a-tube assembly having an inner tube slidably disposed within an outer tube. Rake assembly  28  is connected to the inner tube and extendable laterally outward when the inner tube is translated. The inner tube can be extended for example using a hydraulic ram assembly similar to piston  76  and piston rod  78 , or using pressurized air, an electric motor, or the like. The various embodiments are not limited to the type of drive unit used to translate rake assembly  28  horizontally inward or outward from rake vehicle  11 . Other aspects of rake assembly  28  can be similar to the sand trap conditioner disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,626 co-owned by the Assignee of the present teachings, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. Referring again to  FIG. 3 , a float device  33  can also be connected to rake assembly  28  to permit passive vertical displacement of rake assembly  28  to accommodate differing geometries of the ground surface.  
         [0030]     As best seen in reference to  FIG. 6 , when rake assembly  28  is horizontally extended to the rake horizontal extension envelope E, rotatable connectors  86  permit the outward positioned rake housing(s), in this example third rake housing  84 , to rotatably displace with respect to second rake housing  82 . The dressing members  92 ,  94  are not shown in this view for clarity. In this example, second rake housing  82  is positioned substantially horizontally with dressing teeth  102  in contact with a trap lower surface  106 . Third rake housing  84  rotates to accommodate a trap outer sloping wall  108 . By permitting the operator to control the relative horizontal displacement of rake assembly  28 , side shift rake assembly  10  of the various embodiments permits the operator to selectively position the rake housings outward as necessary to accommodate the configuration of the particular sand trap while still providing dressing coverage behind most or all of the wheels of the rake vehicle  11 . Rotatable connectors  86  permit automatic response to a changing topography of the sand trap without requiring additional operator action as the slope changes in the outer wall(s) of individual sand traps.  
         [0031]     Referring generally to  FIG. 7 , in other embodiments a manually actuated lever assembly  110  is connected to structure of rake vehicle  11 . Lever assembly  110  includes a lever  112  rotatably connected to a support structure  114 . A push-pull wire  116  is connected between lever  112  and a sliding coupling  118  similar to sliding coupling  74 . Push-pull wire  116  is slidably disposed within an outer flexible sheath  120 . Flexible sheath  120  is anchored to beam  60  using a coupling element  122  at one end and is anchored to lever assembly  110  at a second end. Rotation of lever  112  causes displacement of push-pull wire  116  to displace sliding coupling  118  in either of the first or second rake movement directions F or G. A second push-pull wire  122  can also be used. Second push-pull wire  122  is oppositely connected to lever  112  from first push-pull wire  116  so that displacement of lever  112  in one direction acts to push one of push-pull wires  116 ,  122  and pull the other push-pull wire. Second wire  122  is slidably disposed in a second flexible sheath  124  which is anchored to beam  60  using a second coupling element  126  at one end, and is anchored to lever assembly  110  at an opposite end. A length of lever  112  and the attachment point of wire(s)  116  and/or  122  therefore determines a total displacement of sliding coupling  118  and therefore rake assembly  28 .  
         [0032]     Side shift rake assemblies of the various embodiments are not limited to the configurations shown herein. A greater or lesser quantity of rake housings  80 ,  82 ,  84  and/or dressing members  88  through  94  can be used without departing from the scope of the various embodiments. Multiple types of drive mechanisms can be used to horizontally translate the side shift rake assemblies of the various embodiments.  
         [0033]     A side shift rake for a sand trap vehicle of the various embodiments offers several advantages. By horizontally extending a rake assembly, an operator can position one or more rake members to accommodate varying sand trap wall geometries and pitch angles. By providing discrete control of the amount of horizontal displacement of a rake assembly, an operator can adjust the position of rake members to accommodate a rake vehicle tight turning radius, local irregularities in trap geometry, and/or extend to trap areas which a normally fixed rake assembly cannot reach. Providing automatic rather than manual control reduces operator fatigue and permits continuous adjustment of the rake outward position. An operator can also extend the rake to individually reach specific areas of a trap which would otherwise require an additional pass by the tractor, or hand grading.  
         [0034]     The description of the various embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the teachings are intended to be within the scope of the teachings. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the teachings.

Technology Category: 1