FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to roller cleaning apparatus which is suitable for, but not limited to, use with rollers for rolling of turf or grass surfaces which include bowling greens, golfing greens or tennis courts formed from grass. It will be appreciated that the term "grass or turf" as used herein also includes artificial or synthetic grass or turf surfaces.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Reference may be made to International Publication WO

2011/044610 which is totally incorporated herein by reference and which relates to a roller cleaning assembly which includes an undercarriage for turf rolling apparatus such as that described in US Patents 5468267 and 6457903, and US Patent Publication 2009/0129865. The undercarriage has three smoothing rollers which are unevenly spaced and are mounted to an underside of a chassis of the turf rolling apparatus.

[0003] The roller cleaning assembly of WO 2011/044610 provided a pair of cleaning or brass rollers, each having a spiral brush mounted to an external surface of the cleaning roller which were mounted in a canister or cleaning roller housing which included a pair of elongate slots, wherein each slot

accommodated a downwardly extending part of each of the cleaning rollers. The canister was retained in the undercarriage and there was provided suitable securing apertures in each end plate of the undercarriage for this purpose.

[0004] Each of the smoothing rollers and each of the cleaning rollers were rotatably journalled in each end plate and in use each brush attached to an associated cleaning roller contacted an adjacent surface of a smoothing roller which resulted in removal of dirt, grass clippings, grub or moth larvae and/or eggs to be removed from the cleaning rollers. The canister was also provided with a pair of end plates which were complementary in shape to a mating securing aperture of each end plate of the undercarriage. Each of the cleaning rollers were driven by a friction wheel or roller which were driven by rotation of an adjacent smoothing roller. [0005] While the roller cleaning assembly of WO 2011/044610 was relatively efficient in operation, it was complicated in relation to structure and also in manufacture. It was also labour intensive in requiring removal of the canister from the undercarriage to remove the grass and other contaminants from the canister which were retained in grass collection zones inside the canister.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, that reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art mentioned above, or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a roller cleaning apparatus which is of simplified structure compared to the prior art discussed above and less labour intensive or which is at least an alternative to the prior art.

[0009] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the

accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0010] According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roller cleaning apparatus including a rotatable and cleanable roller, and a cleaning roller that includes a cleaning implement that is contactable with debris attached to an external surface of the cleanable roller such that rotation of the cleanable roller causes the cleaning roller to rotate and the cleaning implement to clean the debris from the external surface of the cleanable roller.

[0011] The debris could include, for example, dirt, grass clippings, grub or moth larvae and/or eggs.

[0012] Preferably, the cleanable roller is selected from a group of rollers comprising: a smoothing roller; and an idler roller. [0013] In one preferred form, there is a gap or clearance between the cleaning implement and the external surface of the cleanable roller. For example, the gap or clearance between the cleaning implement and the external surface of the cleanable roller could be about 1.5mm. In an alternative preferred form, the cleaning implement is contactable with the external surface of the cleanable roller. For example, the cleaning implement could be substantially continuously in contact with the external surface of the cleanable roller. If the cleaning implement is contactable with the external surface of the cleanable roller, it is preferred that the contact between the cleaning implement and the external surface is such that the cleaning implement is substantially not deformed (e.g. bent) by such contact.

[0014] Preferably, the cleaning implement is selected from a group of cleaning implements that includes: a brush; a flexible wiper blade; a layer of felt; and a layer of fabric. The brush may be formed from natural or synthetic fibres. The flexible wiper blade may be formed from natural or synthetic materials such as natural rubber or elastomeric material.

[0015] It is preferred that the cleaning implement extends around the cleaning roller in a helical manner. It is particularly preferred that the cleaning roller includes a pair of cleaning implements that extend around the cleaning roller in a helical manner such that the cleaning implements intersect with each other at one or more locations along the cleaning roller.

[0016] Preferably, the roller cleaning apparatus includes a plurality of cleanable rollers and a plurality of cleaning rollers, wherein the cleaning implement of each cleaning roller is contactable with debris attached to the external surface of one or more of the cleanable rollers such that rotation of the cleanable rollers causes the cleaning rollers to rotate and the cleaning implements of the cleaning rollers to clean the debris from the external surfaces of the cleanable rollers. It is particularly preferred that the roller cleaning apparatus includes three cleanable rollers, and a pair of cleaning rollers, wherein the cleaning implement of a first one of the cleaning rollers is contactable with debris attached to the external surface of a first and a second one of the cleanable rollers such that rotation of the first and second cleanable rollers causes the first one of the cleaning rollers to rotate and the cleaning implement of the first one of the cleaning rollers to clean the debris from the external surface of the first and the second one of the cleanable rollers, and the cleaning implement of the second one of the cleaning rollers is contactable with debris attached to the external surface of a third one of the cleanable rollers such that rotation of the third one of the cleanable rollers causes the second one of the cleaning rollers to rotate and the cleaning implement of the second one of the cleaning rollers to clean the debris from the external surface of the third one of the cleanable rollers.

[0017] Preferably, the roller cleaning apparatus also includes a housing in which each of the cleanable and cleaning rollers is mounted. It is preferred that the housing is in the form of an undercarriage.

[0018] Preferably, each cleaning roller includes an axle whose ends are rotatably journalled to the housing. For example, the ends of the axle may be rotatably journalled to an adjacent end plate of the housing. Preferably, the axle of each cleaning roller is provided by stub axles.

[0019] Preferably, each cleanable roller includes an axle whose ends are rotatably journalled to the housing. For example, the ends of the axle may be rotatably journalled to an adjacent end plate of the housing. Preferably, the axle of each cleanable roller is provided by stub axles.

[0020] Preferably, the diameter of each cleaning roller is suitably smaller than the diameter of each cleanable roller. It is preferred that the ratio of the diameter of each cleaning roller to the diameter of each cleanable roller is selected from a group of ratios that includes: a ratio of 1 :2; a ratio of 1 :3; a ratio of 1 :4; and a ratio of 1 :2.4.

[0021] According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roller cleaning apparatus including:

a rotatable and cleanable roller that includes a first wheel; and a cleaning roller that includes a cleaning implement that is contactable with debris attached to an external surface of the cleanable roller, and a second wheel that is coupled to the first wheel such that rotation of the cleanable roller causes the cleaning roller to rotate and the cleaning implement to clean the debris from the external surface of the cleanable roller. [0022] Preferably, the cleanable roller is selected from a group of rollers comprising: a smoothing roller; and an idler roller.

[0023] In one preferred form, there is a gap or clearance between the cleaning implement and the external surface of the cleanable roller. For example, the gap or clearance between the cleaning implement and the external surface of the cleanable roller could be about 1.5mm. In an alternative preferred form, the cleaning implement is contactable with the external surface of the cleanable roller. For example, the cleaning implement could be substantially continuously in contact with the external surface of the cleanable roller. If the cleaning implement is contactable with the external surface of the cleanable roller, it is preferred that the contact between the cleaning implement and the external surface is such that the cleaning implement is substantially not deformed (e.g. bent) by such contact.

[0024] Preferably, the cleaning implement is selected from a group of cleaning implements that includes: a brush; a flexible wiper blade; a layer of felt; and a layer of fabric. The brush may be formed from natural or synthetic fibres. The flexible wiper blade may be formed from natural or synthetic materials such as natural rubber or elastomeric material.

[0025] It is preferred that the cleaning implement extends in a helical manner around the cleaning roller. It is particularly preferred that the cleaning roller includes a pair of cleaning implements that extend around the cleaning roller in a helical manner such that the cleaning implements intersect with each other at one or more locations along the cleaning roller.

[0026] Preferably, the roller cleaning apparatus includes a plurality of cleanable rollers and a plurality of cleaning rollers, wherein the cleaning implement of each cleaning roller is contactable with debris attached to the external surface of one or more of the cleanable rollers such that rotation of the cleanable rollers causes the cleaning rollers to rotate and the cleaning implements of the cleaning rollers to clean the debris from the external surfaces of the cleanable rollers. [0027] Preferably, the roller cleaning apparatus also includes a housing in which each of the cleanable and cleaning rollers is mounted. It is preferred that the housing is in the form of an undercarriage.

[0028] Preferably, each cleaning roller includes an axle whose ends are rotatably journalled to the housing. For example, the ends of the axle may be rotatably journalled to an adjacent end plate of the housing. Preferably, the axle of each cleaning roller is provided by stub axles.

[0029] Preferably, each cleanable roller includes an axle whose ends are rotatably journalled to the housing. For example, the ends of the axle may be rotatably journalled to an adjacent end plate of the housing. Preferably, the axle of each cleanable roller is provided by stub axles.

[0030] Preferably, the diameter of each cleaning roller is suitably smaller than the diameter of each cleanable roller. It is preferred that the ratio of the diameter of each cleaning roller to the diameter of each cleanable roller is selected from a group of ratios that includes: a ratio of 1 :2; a ratio of 1 :3; a ratio of 1 :4; and a ratio of 1 :2.4.

[0031] In a first preferred form, the first wheel and the second wheel comprise gear wheels that include gear teeth, and the first wheel and the second wheel are coupled to each other by way of the gear teeth of the first wheel meshing with the gear teeth of the second wheel. In a second preferred form, the first wheel and the second wheel are pulley wheels, and the first wheel and the second wheel are coupled to each other by way of an endless belt that is trained around the first wheel and the second wheel. The endless belt and pulley wheels may be of any suitable type, for example the endless belt may be a flat-, V-, or toothed-belt, and the pulley wheels may be flat-belt, V-belt, or toothed-belt pulley wheels as appropriate.

[0032] According to a third broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roller cleaning apparatus including at least one and more preferably a plurality of smoothing rollers or idler rollers which are each provided with a gear wheel and at least one and more preferably a pair of cleaning rollers wherein the or each cleaning roller has a brush or other cleaning implement attached thereto as well as a gear wheel which meshes with the smoother or idler gear wheels whereby in use upon rotation of the or each of the said smoothing rollers this in turn causes rotation of the or each cleaning roller wherein the brush or other cleaning implement is in contact with an external surface of an adjacent smoothing roller to remove grass or other contaminants therefrom.

[0033] Preferably there are provided three smoothing rollers and a pair of cleaning rollers and each of the smoothing rollers and each of the cleaning rollers are mounted in a suitable housing such as an undercarriage referred to above wherein both the cleaning rollers are provided with stub axles or axle ends at each end thereof which are rotatably journalled to an adjacent end plate of the undercarriage.

[0034] Each of the smoothing rollers may also be provided with stub axles or axle ends at each end thereof which are also rotatably journalled to an adjacent end plate of the undercarriage.

[0035] The diameter of each of the cleaning rollers is suitably smaller than the diameter of each of the smoothing rollers and a suitable ratio may be 1 :2 or 1 :3 or 1 :4, or more preferably 1 :2.4.

[0036] Each cleaning roller has a brush or other cleaning implement attached thereto and this may be helically oriented or spiral brush or a pair of helically oriented or spiral brushes which intersect with each other as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0037] It will be appreciated that other cleaning implements may be used such as a flexible wiper blade which is formed from natural or synthetic materials such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber or elastomeric material. A layer of felt or fabric may also be used. When the cleaning implement is a brush it also may be formed from fibres made from natural or synthetic fibres.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment of the invention the gear drives between the smoothing rollers and the cleaning rollers are replaced by belt drives.

[0039] According to a fourth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roller cleaning apparatus including at least one cleanable roller that are each provided with a gear wheel, and at least one cleaning roller, wherein each cleaning roller has a cleaning implement attached thereto as well as a gear wheel that meshes with the gear wheel of the cleanable roller, whereby in use rotation of the cleanable rollers in turn causes rotation of each cleaning roller, wherein the cleaning implement is contactable with debris attached to an external surface of an adjacent cleanable roller to remove the debris therefrom.

[0040] According to a fifth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roller cleaning apparatus including a rotatable and cleanable roller, and a cleaning roller that includes a cleaning implement that is contactable with debris attached to an external surface of the cleaning roller, the cleanable and cleaning rollers being coupled to each other such that rotation of the cleanable roller causes the cleaning roller to rotate and the cleaning implement to clean the debris from the external surface of the cleanable roller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first roller cleaning apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the two assembled sections of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a detailed top view of the meshing gears of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is an under side view of the detail shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cleaning rollers of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is an exposed elevation of a second roller cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a third roller cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 8 is an exposed elevation of the third roller cleaning apparatus depicted in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a fourth roller cleaning apparatus; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the two assembled sections of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 1 1 is an exposed elevation of the fourth roller cleaning apparatus. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0042] In the roller cleaning apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-2 there is provided an undercarriage 1 1 which is pivotally attached to a chassis of a turf rolling apparatus (not shown) through pivot connection 12. The turf rolling apparatus may also include a plurality of such undercarriages attached to the chassis as well as a drive roller that is driven by a chain and sprocket

transmission by an internal combustion engine. There is also shown a bolt 13 for disconnection of the steering mechanism (not shown) of the turf rolling apparatus when required. A typical turf rolling apparatus is shown in US Patents 5468267 and 6457903 as mentioned above.

[0043] The undercarriage 11 also includes a pair of opposed side panels 14 and 15 and a pair of opposed end plates 16 and 17. There is also provided three rotatable and cleanable rollers in the form of smoothing idler rollers 18, 19 and 20 which are connected to adjacent end plates 16 and 17 by fasteners 23, 24 and 25 engaging in associated tapped holes 21 . There are also provided bearings (not shown) located in adjacent bearing housings (not shown).

[0044] Each of smoothing rollers 18, 19 and 20 are provided with gears 26 which mesh with mating gears 28 of adjacent cleaning rollers in the form of brush rollers 29 and 30. Each brush roller 29 and 30 is provided with a pair of cleaning implements in the form of spiral brushes 31 and 32 as shown which intersect with each other at 33. Each of brush rollers 29 and 30 are provided with stub axles or axle ends 34 which engage with bearings 35 and bearing housings 36 which have a backing plate 37 which have attachment apertures 38 for associated fasteners.

[0045] FIGS. 3-4 show the meshing of gears 26 with gears 28 such that as smoothing rollers 18, 19 and 20 rotate so too brush rollers 29 and 30 rotate. FIG. 5 shows brush rollers 29 and 30 having a pair of helical brushes 31 and 32 which intersect at 33. Accordingly as rollers 29 and 30 rotate brushes 31 and 32 clean smoothing rollers 18, 19 and 20. [0046] It will be appreciated that the diameter of the cleaning rollers 29 and 30 has to be smaller than the diameter of smoothing rollers 18, 19 and 20 to ensure that the cleaning rollers 29 and 30 rotate faster than smoothing rollers 18, 19 and 20. It will also be appreciated that the interaction between cleaning rollers 29 and 30 and smoothing rollers 18, 19 and 20 is entirely self-driven or freewheeling and does not involve any motorised drive which enables the assembly to be manufactured more cheaply than the prior art. The term "grass" also includes dirt, grub or moth larvae and/or eggs which contaminants also adhere to smoothing roller.

[0047] FIG. 6 shows an alternative version of the roller cleaning apparatus 10 in which gears 26 and 28 are replaced by V-belt pulleys 40 and 41 respectively and V-belts 42 drive cleaning rollers 29 and 30. It will be understood that this and other mechanical equivalents fall within the scope of the invention.

[0048] FIGS. 7 and 8 show another version of the roller cleaning apparatus 10 which is similar to that shown in FIG. 6, except that the V-belt pulleys 40 and 41 have been replaced with toothed pulleys 50, 51 , and the V-belts 42 have been replaced with a single toothed-belt 52 that is trained around the pulleys 50, 51. Tensioning pulleys 53 are provided to maintain an appropriate amount of tension on the belt 52.

[0049] FIGS. 9-11 depict an additional version of the roller cleaning apparatus 10 that is similar to the version depicted in FIGS. 1-5 except that there are no gear wheels 26 or 28 for allowing the rollers 18-20 to drive the rollers 29, 30. Rather, the contact between the helical brushes 31 , 32 of the rollers 29, 30 and the rollers 18-20 causes the rollers 29, 30 to rotate when the rollers 18-20 rotate so that the brushes 31 , 32 are able to clean the external surfaces of the rollers 18-20. In this way, the rollers 18-20 are thereby coupled to the rollers 29, 30.

[0050] Although the various roller cleaning apparatus 10 described above have been described with the cleaning implements of the cleaning rollers in contact with the cleanable rollers, it may be the case that the cleaning

implements may not actually contact the cleanable rollers and that there is a gap or clearance between the cleaning implements and the cleanable rollers such that the cleaning implements only contact debris that attaches itself to the cleanable rollers. In this situation, rotation of the cleanable rollers causes the cleaning implements to clean the debris from the cleanable rollers.

[0051] The gap or clearance between the cleanable rollers and the cleaning implements may, for example, be about 1.5mm. This is the distance between adjacent portions of the cleaning implements and the cleanable rollers.

[0052] Where the cleaning implements actually contact the cleanable rollers, it is preferred that the contact is such that the cleaning implements are

substantially not deformed (e.g. bent) by such contact.

[0053] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications to the invention described herein will be apparent without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The variations and modifications as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

[0054] Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0055] Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.