Turf stapler
A turf stapler is disclosed having, in one embodiment, a reciprocating, manually operated plunger with a pin that engages a recess in a reciprocating ram, causing the ram to eject staplers into a ground cover and the ground.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/605,524, filed on Aug. 31, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention is an improved turf stapler for stapling netting, ground cover, seams, sod, mats, blankets and the like used in gardening, landscaping, grounds keeping, and erosion control.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn landscaping, gardening and grounds keeping, sod and other ground covers are often laid over prepared areas. When freshly prepared ground is seeded, various ground covers and mats may be placed over the newly seeded ground to protect it and preserve moisture. At construction sites and similar areas where land is disturbed, ground covers, including plastic or resin mats or nettings, are placed over the disturbed ground to control erosion and promote the growth of natural foliage and grasses.
In each of the above instances, it is important that the ground cover chosen remain in place until the desired grasses and foliages are established, or to maintain erosion control. Consequently, the ground cover chosen must resist the effects of wind, precipitation or animal activity. Steel or resin staples can be used to keep ground covers in place. These staples are used to staple the ground cover to the ground itself. Various staples and staplers are commercially available to accomplish this task, including manual staplers with extended handles that may be used to staple ground covers from a standing position.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one aspect of the invention, a turf stapler is provided which comprises a receiver, a magazine, a ram, and a plunger, wherein the receiver includes a track within which the ram reciprocates, the receiver further includes a barrel within which the plunger reciprocates, the plunger includes a recess, and the pin engages the recess such that reciprocating motion of the plunger controls reciprocating motion of the ram. In this aspect of the invention, the ram may be a close sliding fit in said track, the plunger may be a loose sliding fit in the barrel, and the pin may be a loose fit in the recess.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a turf stapler is provided which comprises a receiver, a magazine, a ram, a plunger, and a means for engaging said plunger with the ram such that reciprocating motion of the plunger controls reciprocating motion of the ram, wherein the receiver includes a track within which the ram reciprocates. The receiver further includes barrel within which said plunger reciprocates. In this aspect of the invention, the ram may be a close sliding fit in the track, the plunger may be a loose sliding fit in the barrel, and the pin may be a loose sliding fit in the recess. Further in this aspect of the invention, the sliding removal of the plunger from the barrel causes the sliding removal of the ram from the track.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the turf stapler 1 of the invention is illustrated in
Referring to
Referring to
In accordance with a first embodiment, an end member 82 of rectangular cross-section is attached to the channel 76 and tube 80 opposite the receiver 10. This end member can be welded to the tube. Alternatively, as shown in
A follower 40 of a substantially “U” shaped cross section is disposed to envelop the tube 80 such that the side plates 44 are disposed within the rails 84 of channel 76. A guide 42 is fastened between the side plates 44 of the follower 40. Together, the side plates 44, guide 42 and web 46 of the follower 40 form a bore 48 that guides the follower 40 allowing reciprocating movement along the tube 80. A stop 38 is attached to the tube 80, serving to limit the travel of the follower 40 away from the receiver 10.
As shown in
A first hook 62 is attached to the guide 42 opposite the bore 48. A second hook 64 is attached to the end member 82 and is disposed between the rails 84 of the channel 76. Referring also to
Referring to
Referring to
In operation, the turf stapler 1 is lifted by the handle 28 and placed on the ground cover 2 to be stapled to the ground 3. Handle 28 is forced down towards the ground 3 by the operator, forcing the plunger 16 down through the barrel 14. The engagement of the pin 18 of the plunger 16 with the hole in boss 22 of the ram 12, forces the ram 12 down towards the first staple 72. As the ram 12 is forced downward it contacts the first staple 72 and displaces it downward through the ground cover 2, stapling it to the ground 3, and the first staple 72 is sheared away from the cartridge 70 by the shearing force exerted by the ram 12 and the anvil 51 on the cartridge 70.
When the first staple 72 is completely lodged into the ground 3, the downward motion of the ram 12 is arrested by contact with the ground cover 2 and ground 3. Over-travel of the ram 12 is limited by the complete compression of the spring 30 between the flange 24 and the barrel 14. When the operator releases the downward pressure on the handle 28 and spring 30 causes the plunger 16 and ram 12 to move upwards until the boss of ram 12 contacts the stop 15 placed on receiver 10. Once the ram 12 reverts to its upper position, the follower 40 forces the second staple 74 against the shelves 58, placing the second staple 74 in position for stapling.
The ram 12 may be removed from the turf stapler 1 for replacement, maintenance or to clear a jam. Pin 26 is removed freeing flange 24 from the end of plunger 16. Next, spring 30 is lifted off the plunger 16, and the plunger 16 and ram 12 are moved towards the base 11 of the receiver until the ram 12 slides clear of the receiver 10. The ram 12 is then disengaged from the plunger 16.
It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed (or apparent from the disclosure) herein, but only limited by the claims appended hereto.
Claims
1. A turf stapler comprising:
- a receiver;
- a magazine;
- a ram; and
- a plunger;
- said receiver including a track within which said ram reciprocates;
- said receiver further including a barrel within which said plunger reciprocates;
- said plunger including a pin;
- said ram including a recess;
- said pin engaging said recess such that reciprocating motion of said plunger controls reciprocating motion of said ram;
- wherein said ram is a close sliding fit in said track and said plunger is a loose sliding fit in said barrel; and
- wherein said pin is a loose fit in said recess.
2. A turf stapler comprising:
- a receiver;
- a magazine;
- a ram;
- a plunger;
- said receiver including a track within which said ram reciprocates;
- said receiver further including a barrel within which said plunger reciprocates; and
- a means for engaging said plunger with said ram such that reciprocating motion of said plunger controls reciprocating motion of said ram.
3. The turf stapler of claim 1, wherein said ram is a close sliding fit in said track and said plunger is a loose sliding fit in said barrel.
4. The turf stapler of claim 1, wherein the sliding removal of said plunger from said barrel causes the sliding removal of said ram from said track.
5. The turf stapler of claim 1, wherein the plunger further comprises a pin formed in at least one end of the plunger.
6. The turf stapler of claim 5, wherein the pin is oriented to be perpendicular to the major axis of the plunger.
7. The turf stapler of claim 5, further comprising a flange removably attached to the plunger.
8. The turf stapler of claim 7, wherein the flange is attached to the plunger by a pin disposed within a hole formed through the flange and the plunger.
9. The turf stapler of claim 7, further comprising a handle attached to the flange.
10. The turf stapler of claim 8, further comprising a coil spring which surrounds the plunger wherein the coil spring biases the handle away from the barrel.
11. The turf stapler of claim 2, wherein the plunger further comprises a pin formed in at least one end of the plunger.
12. The turf stapler of claim 11, wherein the pin is oriented to be perpendicular to the major axis of the plunger.
13. The turf stapler of claim 11, further comprising a flange removably attached to the plunger.
14. The turf stapler of claim 13, wherein the flange is attached to the plunger by a pin disposed within a hole formed through the flange and the plunger.
15. The turf stapler of claim 13, further comprising a handle attached to the flange.
16. The turf stapler of claim 15, further comprising a coil spring which surrounds the plunger wherein the coil spring biases the handle away from the barrel.
17. The turf stapler of claim 2, wherein the sliding removal of said plunger from said barrel causes the sliding removal of said ram from said track.
18. The turf stapler of claim 2, wherein an end plate of said magazine on an end opposite that of said receiver is removable for accessing a follower that is at least partially enclosed within said magazine.
19. The turf stapler of claim 2, wherein said ram is a close sliding fit in said track and said plunger is a loose sliding fit in said barrel.
20. The turf stapler of claim 2, wherein the sliding removal of said plunger from said barrel causes the sliding removal of said ram from said track.
21. The turf stapler of claim 2, wherein said magazine comprises a follower that is constructed to be engaged with a cartridge of staples in a first position and to be cocked away from a staple output for loading said staples in a second position.
22. The turf stapler of claim 21, wherein said follower is held in said second position by a stop formed on a hollow tube within said magazine, said tube constructed such that said follower can slide along said tube.
23. A method of stapling a ground cover to the ground, comprising:
- placing a ground cover on an area of ground to be stapled;
- placing the turf stapler of claim 9 on the ground cover;
- moving the handle of the turf stapler toward the ground wherein the plunger is moved downward through the barrel, forcing the ram to contact a first staple in the magazine wherein the first staple is moved away from the magazine through the ground cover and inserted into the ground.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 31, 2005
Publication Date: Mar 23, 2006
Inventors: Mark Myrowich (West St. Paul), Peter Maruschak (Winnipeg)
Application Number: 11/214,936
International Classification: F04B 53/12 (20060101);