TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a burning apparatus. In particular, this invention relates to a burning apparatus for burning plant matter growing from a field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a burning apparatus including: - a body which defines a burning zone for facilitating controlled burning of plant matter substantially within the burning zone when the body is displaced relative the ground; a dispenser for dispensing an ignitable and/or combustible fuel into the burning zone; an igniter device for igniting the fuel dispensed by the dispenser in the burning zone; and a smothering arrangement for smothering burning plant matter as a trailing portion of the burning zone passes thereby.

The body may have a generally rectangular shape when viewed in plan. The body may include a base portion having a generally planar form and side walls extending therefrom so as to define the burning zone, the body preferably having a generally U-shaped cross-section. A mounting member may extend away from the base portion for allowing the side walls to be mounted thereon. The mounting member may have a generally wedge shape. In particular, a plurality of mounting members, preferably four, may extend from the base portion, preferably being located on either side of the base portion and towards trailing and leading end portions of the burning zone, respectively. The side walls may be mounted on the mounting members by way of any suitable releasable fastener, preferably being a plurality of screw-threaded fasteners. The fasteners may be sized and/or shaped to be received threadingly by corresponding apertures defined in the side walls and the mounting members. In particular, sets of apertures may be provided for allowing the side walls to be mounted on the mounting member in various positions which permit adjustment of the height of the base portion in use for adjusting the volume of the burning zone. In particular, apertures in a set may be arranged in line with each other and may extend along a height of the side walls so as to permit attachment of the side walls in an extended position wherein the base portion is located further away from the ground surface and a retracted position wherein the base portion is located closer to the ground surface. Preferably, two sets of apertures may be defined in each side wall and may be located towards the trailing and leading end portions respectively so as to correspond with the mounting members. The base portion and side walls of the body defining the burning zone may include any suitable flame-resistant lining. The base portion and side walls may have a thickness in the range of 3mm and 10mm, preferably being 5mm. The height of the side walls may be in the range of 200mm to 1000mm, depending on the length of plant material or grass to be burnt. The body may be manufactured from any suitable conventional flame-resistant material. In particular, the body may be manufactured from steel, preferably being mild steel. An entrance may be defined in the body towards a leading end portion of the burning zone for facilitating entrance of plant matter into the burning zone in operation.

A connecting arrangement may be provided for allowing the body to be connected to and towed by a vehicle, typically a tractor. The connecting arrangement may be configured to allow the body to be carried and/or dragged behind the vehicle, preferably being dragged over plant matter to be burnt in use and carried in an inoperative transit condition. The connecting arrangement may include a pair of elongate members extending away from the base portion of the body at a region which is proximal to the vehicle. The pair of elongate members may be fastened to the base portion at their ends and arranged to meet at their opposing ends to form a generally triangular shape. The opposing ends of the pair of elongate members may be fastened to a connector which is configured to allow interconnection with a standard hitch assembly typically found on conventional tractors. The connecting arrangement may further include a pair of support members, preferably in the form of chains, which may be configured to extend between and interconnect the connector and a generally central region of the body for facilitating carrying of the body by the vehicle. An exhaust arrangement may be provided for allowing smoke to be lead out of the burning zone in operation. The exhaust arrangement may include a first exhaust, preferably in the form of a pipe, which may be mounted on the base portion, preferably toward a trailing end portion of the burning zone, and configured to extend therethrough and into the burning zone. The pipe may include a bend portion for directing the smoke away from an operator. The exhaust arrangement may include a second exhaust for improving the flow of smoke out of the burning zone in operation. The second exhaust may be in the form of exhaust vents defined in the side walls of the body. The first and second exhausts may include a separation member, preferably in the form of a grid, which may be mounted in the exhausts for allowing larger pieces of glowing burnt matter to be separated while exiting the exhaust.

A guide assembly may be arranged inside the burning zone for guiding smoke and/or gases emanating from burning plant matter toward the exhaust arrangement in use. The guide assembly may include a pair of planar members which may extend at an angle between inner side walls of the burning zone and an opening extending between the burning zone and the exhaust arrangement. The planar members may be displaceably mounted on the inner side walls so as to allow adjustment of the position of planar members relative the side walls in operation. More particularly, the planar members may be configured to be displaceable between an increased burn rate condition wherein the angle between the planar member and the base portion is shallow and a reduced burn rate condition wherein the angle is steep.

The dispenser may be arranged in fluid communication with an ignitable fuel source for providing the ignitable fuel to be dispensed into the burning zone in use. The dispenser may be in the form of a nozzle. The fuel source may preferably be contained in a fuel tank which may be mounted on the base portion of the body. The ignitable and/or combustible fuel may be in the form of any suitable conventional fuel, preferably being a petrol-diesel mixture. A fuel pump may be provided for pumping fuel from the fuel tank to the dispenser to be dispensed thereby.

The igniter device may be in the form of any suitable conventional device capable of igniting the fuel being dispensed by the dispenser and allowing burning of plant matter received by the burning zone in operation. The igniter device may preferably be in the form of a conventional spark generator.

A plurality of dispensers, preferably four, may be mounted on the body and configured to extend into the burning zone. The four dispensers may be spaced apart and arranged to span a width of the burning zone for facilitating uniform dispensing of fuel into the burning zone and thus allowing improved burning of plant matter received thereby in operation.

A controller may be provided for allowing an operator to control and/or regulate the rate at which fuel is dispensed into the burning zone. In particular, the controller may be configured to control the rate at which the fuel pump operates. More particularly, the controller may be configured to allow regulation of the dispensing rate between 60 and 350 injections per minute.

The smothering arrangement may include a plate extending from the trailing portion of the body, the plate defining an operative rear wall of the body. The plate may be shaped and/or configured such that a portion thereof generally drags on the ground in use. The plate may be displaceably mounted on the body for allowing displacement of the plate between an open condition wherein an opening to the burning zone is formed towards the trailing end portion thereof and a closed condition wherein the plate closes the opening and is capable of smothering burning plant material having passed through the burning zone. In particular, the plate may be pivotally mounted on the body, preferably being configured to pivot between the open and closed conditions. A plurality of plates or rear walls may be mounted on the trailing portion of the body, which plates or rear walls may be independently displaceable between the open and closed conditions. In particular, a pair of plates or rear walls may be mounted on the body and may be arranged adjacent each other.

The smothering arrangement may further include a rubber mat mounted on the base portion of the body, which rubber mat may be configured to be dragged behind and trail the body in an operative smothering condition wherein burning plant matter having passed through the burning zone is smothered. The rubber mat may be configured to be displaceable between the operative smothering condition and an inoperative stowage condition wherein the rubber mat is rolled up and secured to the body. Preferably, three rubber mats may be provided for improving smothering of burnt plant matter. It is to be appreciated that the rubber mats may be further configured to facilitate spreading of burnt plant matter. Alternatively, the smothering arrangement may include a cylindrical member having a plurality of smothering members in the form of rubber mats extending therefrom. The cylindrical member may be mounted on the base portion of the body defining the burning zone, preferably being located towards a trailing end portion of the burning zone so as to allow the rubber mats to come into contact with a ground surface in use. The cylindrical member may be arranged in driving communication with a conventional motor via a chain and sprocket arrangement for allowing the cylindrical member and along with it, the plurality of mats extending therefrom, to rotate and cause the mats to beat against burnt plant matter on the ground surface after having passed through the burning zone.

An extinguishing arrangement may be provided for extinguishing plant matter burning outside and/or toward the trailing end portion of the burning zone in operation. The extinguishing arrangement may include a reservoir for holding fluid to be sprayed onto burning plant matter, a plurality of sprayers arranged in fluid communication with the reservoir and a displacement means, preferably in the form of a pump, for displacing fluid from the reservoir to and out of the sprayers. The fluid held in the reservoir may be in the form of water or any suitable mixture having flame retardant properties. In particular, the fluid may be a mixture which includes, but is not limited to, water and an anionic surfactant. The reservoir may be mounted on the base portion of the body.

The plurality of sprayers may include a pair of sprayers mounted on the body towards either side thereof, respectively. In particular, the pair of sprayers may be mounted on the side walls of the body and may be configured to spray fluid on the ground surface towards peripheral side regions of the body so as to inhibit uncontrolled burning of plant matter. The pair of sprayers may be mounted towards an operative trailing end portion of the body.

The plurality of sprayers may include a trailing sprayer which may be configured to spray fluid on a ground surface towards the trailing end portion of the burning zone, typically spraying burning plant material having passed through most of the burning zone in use. In particular, a pair of trailing sprayers may be provided which may be configured to spray fluid on a ground surface towards either side of the trailing end portion of the burning zone, respectively. More particularly, the pair of trailing sprayers may be arranged and/or configured to spray fluid onto a ground surface generally inwardly an operative rear wall of the body. The pair of trailing sprayers may preferably be arranged and/or configured to spray fluid on the ground surface generally inwardly the pair of rear walls, respectively, typically spraying fluid onto two adjacent flame hampering and/or extinguishing zones. Each trailing sprayer may include a valve arrangement for allowing independent operation of the pair of trailing sprayers.

An inhibitor member, typically in the form of a plate, may be provided for inhibiting fluid being sprayed by one trailing sprayer from coming into contact with an adjacent flame hampering zone. The inhibiting member may include an attachment arrangement for allowing attachment thereof to a rear wall mounted on the trailing portion of the body. The attachment arrangement may be in the form of a male-female rod and socket arrangement, a rod preferably extending from the inhibitor plate and a socket mounted or defined on the rear wall of the body. Preferably, a plurality of rods extend from the inhibitor plate which are configured to be received by a plurality of sockets mounted or defined on the rear wall for inhibiting pivotal displacement of the inhibitor plate relative the rear wall. Further preferably, rods may extend from either side of the inhibitor plate for allowing attachment thereof to either one of the rear walls mounted on the body.

The plurality of sprayers may further include a sprayer which is in the form of a hose and nozzle arrangement for use by an operator to manually extinguish flames and/or burning matter that the pair of sprayers are unable to reach and/or are unable to extinguish completely on passing.

The pump may include an inlet which may be arranged in fluid communication with the reservoir for allowing fluid to be displaced therefrom. The pump may include a first outlet which may be arranged in fluid communication with the pair of sprayers mounted on the sides of the body. The pump may further include a second outlet which may be arranged in fluid communication with the hose and nozzle arrangement. A plurality of control valves may be provided for allowing an operator to control fluid flow through each of the sprayers.

A seating arrangement may be provided for allowing an operator to be seated on the body during operation.

A safety mechanism may be provided for extinguishing flames emanating from the burning zone in an uncontrolled manner, typically in the event of an emergency. The safety mechanism may include a spraying arrangement which may be mounted on the base portion, preferably towards a generally central region thereof. The spraying arrangement may be arranged in fluid communication with the reservoir via the pump, preferably being arranged in fluid communication with the first outlet of the pump. An activation valve may be provided for allowing an operator to activate the spraying arrangement in the event of an emergency. The spraying arrangement may include a hollow elongate member extending away from the base portion and an opening arranged at its free end. A guide member may be mounted in the region of the opening for allowing fluid flowing therefrom to be guided so as to substantially cover the body when the activation valve is opened in the case of an emergency.

Openings, preferably in the form of vents, may be provided for allowing air and/or oxygen to enter the burning zone in use. The vents may be defined in the side walls of the body, preferably toward an operative front-end region thereof. Sizes of the vents may be adjustable according to a desired burn rate of the plant matter to be burnt.

A guard member may be provided for guarding the nozzles from damage during operation. The guard member may be mounted on the body in a region of the entrance to the leading end portion of the burning zone, and may be configured to deflect longer grass away from the nozzles in operation.

An extension may be mounted on a generally rear end region of the body for increasing the size, typically the length, of the burning zone so as to increase burning time of plant material inside the burning zone.

A blowing arrangement may be provided for blowing air into the burning zone in use for increasing a burn rate of plant material being burnt inside the burning zone. The blowing arrangement may include a blower, preferably in the form of a fan coupled to an electric motor, and a pipe arrangement leading from the blower into the burning zone. Further preferably, the blower may be in the form of a blower motor which may be coupled to the pump. The blower may be mounted on the base portion of the body, preferably being mounted on a generally rear end region thereof. The pipe arrangement may lead from the blower into a leading portion of the burning zone. It is to be appreciated that the addition of air into the burning zone increases wind velocity of the air inside the burning zone which typically improves burning efficacy and efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A burning apparatus in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of the following, non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings: -

Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic showing a burning apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a three-dimensional schematic showing hidden lines of the burning apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;

Figures 3 to 7 are side, front, rear, top and bottom views, respectively, of the burning apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;

Figures 8 and 9 are schematics showing top and side views, respectively, of an alternative part of the invention; and Figures 10 and 11 show three-dimensional schematics of a portion of a further embodiment of the burning apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, reference numeral 10 refers generally to a burning apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

The burning apparatus 10 includes a body 12 which defines a burning zone 14 for facilitating controlled burning of plant matter (not shown) on a ground surface (not shown) falling substantially within the burning zone 14 when the body 12 is displaced relative the ground (not shown), a dispenser 16 for dispensing an ignitable or combustible fuel (not shown) into the burning zone 14, an igniter device 18 for igniting the ignitable or combustible fuel (not shown) dispensed by the dispenser in the burning zone 14 and a smothering arrangement 20 for smothering burning plant matter as a trailing portion 22 of the burning zone 14 passes thereby. The body 12 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed in plan. The body 12 includes a base portion 24 having a generally planar form and side walls 26 extending therefrom so as to define the burning zone 16, the body 12 typically having a generally U-shaped cross-section. A mounting member 28 extends away from the base portion 24 for allowing the side walls 26 to be mounted thereon. The mounting member 28 has a generally wedge shape. In particular, a plurality of mounting members 28, typically four, extend from the base portion 24, typically being located on either side of the base portion 24 and towards trailing and leading end portions 22 and 30 of the burning zone 14, respectively. The side walls 26 are mounted on the mounting members 28 by way of a suitable releasable fastener, typically being a plurality of screw-threaded fasteners 32. The fasteners 32 are sized and shaped to be received threadingly by corresponding apertures 34.1 and 34.2 defined in the side walls 26 and the mounting members 28, respectively, most clearly being shown in Figure 2. In particular, sets 36 of apertures 34 are provided for allowing the side walls 26 to be mounted on the mounting member 28 in various positions which permit adjustment of the height of the base portion 24 in use for adjusting the volume of the burning zone. In particular, apertures 34.1 in a set 36 may be arranged in line with each other and may extend along a height of the side walls 26 so as to permit attachment of the side walls 26 in an extended position wherein the base portion 24 is located further away from the ground surface (not shown) and a retracted position wherein the base portion 24 is located closer to the ground surface (not shown). Preferably, two sets 36 of apertures 34.1 are defined in each side wall 26 and are located towards the trailing and leading end portions 22 and 30, respectively so as to correspond with the mounting members 28. The base portion 24 and side walls 26 of the body 12 defining the burning zone 14 include a suitable flame-resistant lining (not shown). The base portion 24 and side walls 26 have a thickness in the range of 3mm and 10mm, typically being 5mm. The length of the side walls 26 is in range of 200mm to 1000mm, depending on the length of plant material or grass to be burnt. The body 12 is manufactured from a suitable conventional flame-resistant material. In particular, the body is manufactured from steel, typically being mild steel. An entrance 38 is defined in the body 12 towards the leading end portion 30 of the burning zone 14 for facilitating entrance of plant matter (not shown) into the burning zone 14 in operation. A connecting arrangement 40 is provided for allowing the body to be connected to and towed by a vehicle in the form of a tractor (not shown). The connecting arrangement 40 is configured to allow the body 12 to be carried behind the vehicle in an inoperative transit condition and dragged behind the tractor (not shown) and over plant matter (not shown) to be burnt in use. The connecting arrangement 40 includes a pair of elongate members 42 extending away from the base portion 24 of the body 12 at a region which is proximal to the vehicle (not shown). The pair of elongate members 42 are fastened to the base portion 24 at their ends 44 and arranged to meet at their opposing ends 46 to form a generally triangular shape. The opposing ends 46 of the pair of elongate members 42 are fastened to a connector 48 which is configured to allow interconnection with a standard hitch assembly (not shown) typically mounted on conventional tractors (not shown). The connecting arrangement 40 further includes a pair of support members in the form of chains 50 which are configured to extend between and interconnect the connector 48 and a generally central region of the body 12 for facilitating carrying of the body 12 by the vehicle (not shown). The chains 50 are configured to allow the body 12 to be carried in use. The position where the chains 50 are attached to the body, i.e. toward a generally central region of the body 12 typically inhibits dipping of the body 12 in operation.

An exhaust arrangement 52 is provided for allowing smoke to be lead out of the burning zone 14 in operation. The exhaust arrangement 52 includes a first exhaust, typically in the form of a pipe 54, which is mounted on the base portion 20, typically toward the trailing end portion 22 of the burning zone 14, and configured to extend therethrough and into the burning zone 14. The pipe 54 includes a bend portion 56 for directing the smoke away from an operator. The exhaust arrangement 52 includes a second exhaust, typically in the form of a plurality of exhaust vents 58, for improving the flow of smoke out of the burning zone 14 in operation. The exhaust vents 58 are defined in the side walls 26 of the body 12. The pipe 54 and vents 58 include separation members in the form of grids 60 which are mounted therein for allowing larger pieces of glowing burnt matter to be separated while exiting the pipe 54 or vents 58 A guide assembly 62 is arranged inside the burning zone 14 for directing smoke emanating from the burning plant matter (not shown) in the burning zone 14 toward the exhaust arrangement 52. The guide assembly 62 includes a pair of planar members 64, most clearly shown in Figures 2 and 4, which extend at an angle between inner side walls 26.1 of the burning zone 14 and an opening 66 extending between the burning zone 14 and the exhaust arrangement 52. The planar members 64 are displaceably mounted on the inner side walls 26.1 so as to allow adjustment of the position of planar members 64 relative the side walls 22 in operation. More particularly, the planar members 64 are configured to be displaceable between an increased burn rate condition wherein the angle between the planar member 64 and the base portion 24 is shallow and a reduced burn rate condition wherein the angle is steep.

The dispenser 16 is arranged in fluid communication with an ignitable fuel source for providing the ignitable fuel to be dispensed into the burning zone 14 in use. The dispenser 16 can be in the form of a nozzle. The fuel source is typically contained in a fuel tank 68 which is mounted on the base portion 24 of the body 12. The ignitable or combustible fuel is in the form of a suitable conventional fuel, typically being a petrol- diesel mixture.

A fuel pump 70 is provided for pumping fuel from the fuel tank 68 to the dispenser 16 to be dispensed thereby.

The igniter device 18 is in the form of a suitable conventional device capable of igniting the fuel being dispensed by the dispenser 16 and allowing burning of plant matter (not shown) received by the burning zone 14 in operation. The igniter device 18 is typically in the form of a conventional spark generator.

Four dispensers 16 are mounted on the body 12 and are configured to extend into the burning zone 14. The four dispensers 16 are spaced apart and arranged to span a width of the burning zone 14 for facilitating uniform dispensing of fuel into the burning zone 14 and thus allowing improved burning of plant matter (not shown) received thereby in operation.

A controller 72 is provided for allowing an operator to control and/or regulate the rate at which fuel is dispensed into the burning zone 14. In particular, the controller

72 is configured to control the rate at which the fuel pump 70 operates. More particularly, the controller 72 is configured to allow regulation of the dispensing rate between 60 and 350 injections per minute.

The smothering arrangement includes a plate 27 extending from a trailing portion 12.1 of the body 12, which plate 27 is shaped and configured such that a portion thereof generally drags on the ground in use. It is to be appreciated that the plate 27 defines an operative rear wall of the body. The plate or rear wall 27 is displaceably mounted on the body 12 for allowing displacement of the plate 27 between an open condition wherein an opening 240, only shown in Figure 11 , is formed towards the trailing end portion 22 of the burning zone 14 and a closed condition wherein the plate 27 closes the opening 240 and is capable of smothering burning plant material having passed through the burning zone 14. In particular, the plate or rear wall 27 is pivotally mounted on the body 12, typically being configured to pivot between the open and closed conditions. A plurality of plates 27 are mounted on the trailing portion 12.1 of the body 12, which plates or rear walls 27 are independently displaceable between the open and closed conditions. In particular, a pair of plates 27 are mounted on the body 12 and are arranged adjacent each other.

The smothering arrangement 20 includes a rubber mat 74 mounted on the base portion 24 of the body 12, which rubber mat 74 is configured to be dragged behind and trail the body 12 in an operative smothering condition wherein burning plant matter having passed through the burning zone 14 is smothered. The rubber mat 74 is configured to be displaceable between the operative smothering condition and an inoperative stowage condition wherein the rubber mat 74 is rolled up and secured to the body 12. Typically, and as shown in the Figures, three rubber mats 74 are provided for improving smothering of burnt plant matter. It is to be appreciated that the rubber mats 74 can be further configured to facilitate spreading of burnt plant matter.

An extinguishing arrangement is provided for extinguishing plant matter burning outside the burning zone 14, typically around the body 12 in operation. The extinguishing arrangement can be configured to extinguish burning plant matter toward the trailing end portion 22 of the burning zone 14. The extinguishing arrangement includes a reservoir 76 for holding fluid to be sprayed onto burning plant matter, a plurality of sprayers arranged in fluid communication with the reservoir 76 and a displacement means in the form of a pump 78 for displacing fluid from the reservoir 76 to and out of the sprayers. The fluid held in the reservoir 76 is in the form of water or any suitable mixture having flame retardant properties. In particular, the fluid is mixture which includes, but is not limited to, water and an anionic surfactant. The reservoir 76 is mounted on the base portion 24 of the body 12.

The plurality of sprayers include a pair of sprayers 80 mounted on the body 12 towards either side thereof, respectively. In particular, the pair of sprayers 80 are mounted on the side walls 26 of the body 12 and are configured to spray fluid on the ground surface (not shown) towards peripheral side regions of the body 12 so as to inhibit uncontrolled burning of plant matter in operation. The pair of sprayers 80 are mounted on the body 12 towards the operative trailing end portion 22 of the burning zone 14.

The plurality of sprayers further include a sprayer in the form of a hose and nozzle arrangement 82 for use by an operator to manually extinguish flames or burning matter that the pair of sprayers 80 are unable to reach or are unable to extinguish on passing.

The pump 78 includes an inlet 84 which is arranged in fluid communication with the reservoir 76 for allowing fluid to be displaced therefrom. The pump 78 includes a first outlet 86 which is arranged in fluid communication with the pair of sprayers 80 mounted on the sides of the body 12. The pump 78 further includes a second outlet (not shown) which is arranged in fluid communication with the hose and nozzle arrangement 82. A plurality of control valves (not shown) are provided for allowing an operator to control fluid flow through each of the sprayers 80 and 82.

A seating arrangement 90 is provided for allowing an operator to be seated on the body 12 during operation. The operator (not shown) typically keeps a look out for any burning or smouldering plant matter outside of the burning zone 14 for extinguishing with hose and nozzle arrangement 82.

A safety mechanism is provided for extinguishing flames emanating from the burning zone 14 in an uncontrolled manner, typically in the event of an emergency. The safety mechanism includes a spraying arrangement 92 which is mounted on the base portion 24 of the body 12, typically towards a generally central region thereof. The spraying arrangement 92 is arranged in fluid communication with the reservoir 76 via the pump 78, typically being arranged in fluid communication with the first outlet 86 of the pump 78. An activation valve (not shown) is provided for allowing an operator to activate the spraying arrangement 92 in the event of an emergency. The spraying arrangement 92 includes a hollow elongate member 94 extending away from the base portion 24 and an opening 96 arranged at its free end 98. A guide member 100 is mounted in the region of the opening 96 for allowing fluid flowing therefrom to be guided so as to allow substantial covering of the body 12 with fluid when the activation valve (not shown) is opened in the case of an emergency.

Openings in the form of vents 102 are provided for allowing oxygen to enter the burning zone 14 in use. The vents 102 are defined in the side walls 26 of the body 12, typically toward an operative front-end region thereof. Sizes of the vents 102 are adjustable according to a desired burn rate of the plant matter (not shown) to be burnt.

A guard member 104 is provided for guarding the nozzles 16 from damage during operation. The guard member 104 is mounted on the body 12 in a region of the entrance 38 to the leading end 30 of the burning zone 14 and is configured to deflect longer grass (not shown) away from the nozzles 16 in operation.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, reference numeral 120 generally depicts an alternative smothering arrangement in accordance with the present invention. The smothering arrangement 120 includes a cylindrical member 122 having a plurality of smothering members in the form of rubber mats 124 extending therefrom. Although not shown, the cylindrical member 122 would be mounted on a base portion of a body defining a burning zone, typically towards a trailing end portion of the burning zone so as to allow the rubber mats 124 to come into contact with a ground surface in use. The cylindrical member 122 is typically arranged in driving communication with a motor (not shown) via a chain and sprocket arrangement 126 for allowing the cylindrical member 122 and along with it, the plurality of mats 124 extending therefrom, to rotate and cause the mats 124 to beat against burnt plant matter on the ground surface after having passed through the burning zone.

In a second embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 10 and 11 , an extinguishing arrangement is provided which includes a pair of trailing sprayers 212 and 214 which are configured to spray fluid on a ground surface 216 towards the trailing end portion 218 of the burning zone 220, typically spraying burning plant material (not shown) having passed through most of the burning zone 220 in use. In particular, the pair of trailing sprayers 212 and 214 are configured to spray fluid on a ground surface 216 towards either side of the trailing end portion 218 of the burning zone 220, respectively. More particularly, the pair of trailing sprayers 212 and 214 are arranged and configured to spray fluid onto a ground surface 216 generally inwardly the operative rear wall 222 of the body 224. The pair of trailing sprayers 212 and 214 are typically arranged and configured to spray fluid on the ground surface 216 generally inwardly a pair of rear walls 222.1 and 222.2, respectively, typically spraying fluid onto two adjacent flame hampering and/or extinguishing zones 226 and 228. Each trailing sprayer 212 and 214 includes a valve arrangement 230 for allowing independent operation of the pair of trailing sprayers 212 and 214. An inhibitor member, typically in the form of a plate 232, is provided for inhibiting fluid being sprayed by one trailing sprayer, for example trailing sprayer 212, from coming into contact with an adjacent flame hampering zone, for example 228. The inhibiting member 232 includes an attachment arrangement in the form of a male- female rod and socket arrangement 234 for allowing attachment thereof to a rear wall 222 of the pair mounted on a trailing portion 224.1 of the body 224. A rod 236 of the attachment arrangement 234 typically extending from the inhibitor plate 232 and a socket 238 mounted on the rear wall 222 of the body. Typically, a plurality of rods 236 extend from the inhibitor plate 232 which are configured to be received by a plurality of sockets 238 mounted on the rear wall 222 for inhibiting pivotal displacement of the inhibitor plate 232 relative the rear wall 222. Typically, rods 236 extend from either side of the inhibitor plate 232 for allowing attachment thereof to either one of the rear walls 222 of the body 224.

It is to be appreciated that the independent operation of the pair of trailing sprayers 212 and 214 can be used together with the independently displaceable pair of rear walls 27 or 222 of the body. In use, when a user wishes to initiate a back-burn or controlled burn, a user displaces one of the pair of rear walls 222.2 toward the open condition and attaches the inhibitor plate 232 to the other rear wall 222.1 which is in the closed condition, as most clearly shown in Figure 11. The user then opens the valve arrangement 230 of the one trailing sprayer 212 arranged to spray fluid onto a ground surface inwardly the rear wall 222.1 in the closed condition and allows fluid to be sprayed. The user then initiates burning of plant matter inside the burning zone 14 or 220 and begins to drag the body 12 or 224 over the area which is required to be burnt. As the burning apparatus 10 or 210 is dragged along the area, the result is a strip of burnt plant material 242 which is wet and an adjacent strip of plant material 244 which is burning. Typically, and according to wind conditions, flames emanating from the burning plant material are not able to jump over the wet and burnt strip 242, thus only being able to burn in a direction opposite thereto. This is a desirable outcome when a user wishes to initiate a back-burn or controlled burn. Although not shown in the figures, an extension can be mounted on a generally rear end region of the body for increasing the size, typically the length, of the burning zone so as to increase burning time of plant material inside the burning zone.

Although not shown in the Figures, a blowing arrangement can be provided for blowing air into the burning zone in use for increasing a burn rate of plant material being burnt inside the burning zone. The blowing arrangement includes a blower, typically in the form of a fan coupled to an electric motor, and a pipe arrangement leading from the blower into the burning zone. Typically, the blower is in the form of a blower motor which is coupled to the pump. The blower can be mounted on the base portion of the body, typically being mounted on a generally rear end region thereof. The pipe arrangement typically leads from the blower into a leading portion of the burning zone. It is to be appreciated that the addition of air into the burning zone increases wind velocity of the air inside the burning zone which typically improves burning efficacy and efficiency.

It is, of course, to be appreciated that the burning apparatus in accordance with the invention is not limited to the precise constructional and functional details as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings and which may be varied as desired.

The inventor believes that the burning apparatus in accordance with the present invention is advantageous in that it provides a controlled environment in which to burn plant matter. In addition, the inventor believes that the burning apparatus provides a time and cost-efficient alternative to conventional grass burning methods such as manual burning by farm workers. Further, the inventor believes that operation of the invention is not encumbered by weather, requires fewer workers and is a lower risk to staff, animals, land and vegetation.