Abstract: Disclosed is a synthetic athletic field grooming apparatus configured to be pulled by a vehicle to maintain the synthetic athletic field. The apparatus comprises a frame having a coupling mechanism for mounting the apparatus to the vehicle. At least one broom channel is coupled to the frame rearward of the coupling mechanism, and forward and aft rows of brushes are attached to the broom channel. The aft row of brushes is spaced apart from and rearward of the forward row of brushes to allow infill of the synthetic athletic field to flick upward from the forward row while containing the infill for re-agitation from the aft row. The coupling mechanism and the frame allow an attached vehicle to control a downward pressure forcing the rows of brushes into contact with the synthetic athletic field with a desired force. Also disclosed is a method of grooming a synthetic athletic field.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 10, 2013
Date of Patent:
June 21, 2016
Assignee:
Kromer Co. LLC
Inventors:
Troy D. Thunstrom, Nathan G. Bergquist, Alan L. Hentges, Brian C. Bergquist, Ronald C. Ponath, Ingo V. Werner
Abstract: Disclosed is a synthetic athletic field grooming apparatus configured to be pulled by a vehicle to maintain the synthetic athletic field. The apparatus comprises a frame having a coupling mechanism for mounting the apparatus to the vehicle. At least one broom channel is coupled to the frame rearward of the coupling mechanism, and forward and aft rows of brushes are attached to the broom channel. The aft row of brushes is spaced apart from and rearward of the forward row of brushes to allow infill of the synthetic athletic field to flick upward from the forward row while containing the infill for re-agitation from the aft row. The coupling mechanism and the frame allow an attached vehicle to control a downward pressure forcing the rows of brushes into contact with the synthetic athletic field with a desired force. Also disclosed is a method of grooming a synthetic athletic field.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 10, 2013
Publication date:
April 10, 2014
Applicant:
Kromer Co. LLC
Inventors:
Troy D. Thunstrom, Nathan G. Bergquist, Alan L. Hentges, Brian C. Bergquist, Ronald C. Ponath, Ingo V. Werner