Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a trimmed grass collecting assistive device that is able to perform collection of trimmed grass from the ground surface in an efficient manner. Additionally, the proposed device optimizes the grass collection process, by improving user comfort and effectiveness.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Over time, the collection of trimmed grass and other lawn debris has evolved significantly, driven by the need to simplify and enhance the efficiency of yard maintenance. Historically, the process began with rudimentary tools, which have gradually been supplemented and replaced by more sophisticated machinery. In the early days, manual methods such as rakes and brooms were commonly used. These tools, often crafted from natural materials like wood and twigs, required significant physical effort and were limited in their efficiency and capacity. As these tools evolved, the design improved with the introduction of metal tines and ergonomic handles, but they still demanded considerable manual labour. The introduction of push lawn sweepers marked a significant advancement. These devices incorporated rotating brushes or tines that collected grass into a container, reducing the manual effort required. Although more efficient than manual rakes, push lawn sweepers still required physical exertion and were limited by their size and the need for regular maintenance. Hence, an equipment needs to be developed that assist people in collecting trimmed grass within minimal manual effort.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for collecting trimmed grass. People usually use a hand-operated sweepers with rotating brushes or tines that collected grass into a container. But the equipment although less physical effort than manual rakes, these still require pushing and manoeuvring. So, people also use some machines like electric or gas-powered machines that use suction or rotating blades to collect grass. But these are generally more expensive than manual tools, also requires regular maintenance and repair, including cleaning filters and checking for mechanical issues.

[0004] CN215735829U discloses about an invention that includes a lawn trimming waste grass collecting device which comprises a vehicle body, cutting knives and collecting hoppers, wherein the cutting knives and the collecting hoppers are respectively arranged on two sides of the bottom end of the vehicle body; a channel which is provided with a filter plate is connected between the upper end of the branch collecting box and the upper end of the waste grass collecting box, and an exhaust fan is arranged on one side of the top end of the waste grass collecting box; the upper end of the waste grass collecting box is provided with a pressing plate and a first driving piece for driving the pressing plate to lift, a partition plate is arranged below the pressing plate, the waste grass collecting box is provided with a through hole, a second driving piece for driving the pressing plate to penetrate through the through hole and enter the waste grass collecting box is arranged outside the waste grass collecting box, a first material level sensor is arranged in the upper end of the waste grass collecting box, and one side of the waste grass collecting box is provided with a cleaning door; the utility model has the advantages of large storage capacity of waste grass, blockage prevention and high pruning efficiency. Although CN’829 relates to a lawn trimming waste grass collecting device. But the cited invention lacks in adjusting its height based on the user's stature, for enhancing user’s comfort during the collection process.

[0005] GB2379151A discloses about an invention that includes a grass cutting trimmer which collects the resulting grass cuttings. A device within the body of the trimmer creates a vacuum which draws the cut grass into the storage area or bag which is within the body of the machine. An 'eel-trap' device ensures retention of the grass when the trimmer is switched off. The device is fitted with a skirt which surrounds the cutting wire preventing the cut grass from being flicked away from the trimmer. Though GB’151 relates to a grass collecting grass trimmer. But the cited invention lacks in modifying the force applied during collection based on the surface's hardness.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of collecting trimmed grass. However, these devices are incapable of adjusting its height based on the user's stature, for enhancing user’s comfort during the collection process. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in modifying the force applied during collection based on the surface's hardness.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is able to automatically adjust its height based on the user's stature, for ensuring a comfortable level for use without requiring manual adjustments. In addition, the developed device also modifies the force applied during collection based on the surface's hardness, preventing damage to the underlying grass and ensuring optimal grass collection.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that simplifies the process of gathering trimmed grass, minimizing physical effort and making it easier for users to collect and pile the grass effectively.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that automatically adjust its height based on the user's stature, for ensuring a comfortable level for use without requiring manual adjustments.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is able to modify the force applied during collection based on the surface's hardness, preventing damage to the underlying grass and ensuring optimal grass collection.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a trimmed grass collecting assistive device that automatically modify its height according to the user's height, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic working level during trimming of grass.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a trimmed grass collecting assistive device comprises of, an elongated body having a proximal end attached a handle that is developed to be gripped by a user for positioning a second end of the body over a surface from which trimmed grass are to be collected, a push button is integrated on the proximal end that is pressed by a user to activate the device, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit having a processer, installed on the body to detect height of the user, a motorized drawer arrangement integrated in the body to extend/retract the body in order to position the handle at an optimum height in view of providing convenience to the user in collecting the grass without bending, a round-sectioned bar attached with the distal end and configured with plurality of tines, and a holographic projection unit installed on the body to project a hologram, depicting a way to drag the bar/tines over the surface layered with the trimmed grass.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, a speaker integrated on the body to generate audible instructions to notify the user to drag the bar/tines over the surface layered with the trimmed grass, in a manner that dragging of the tines over the surface results in trapping of the trimmed grasses in the tines, thus collection is done for making piles of the grass, a tactile sensor integrated on one of the tine to detect hardness of the surface and in accordance to the determined hardness the speaker notify the user to drag the tine by apply an optimum amount of force to collect all the trimmed grass, without harming green grasses grown over the surface, a thermal imaging unit is installed on the body to detect presence of any living entities on the surface and on detection of any living entities, an ultrasonic emitter to deter the entities and a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a trimmed grass collecting assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a trimmed grass collecting assistive device that is able to adjust the applied force during collection of the trimmed grass, according to the surface's hardness, thereby protecting the underlying grass from damage while ensuring efficient grass collection.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a trimmed grass collecting assistive device is illustrated respectively, an elongated body 101 having a proximal end attached a handle 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103, installed on the body 101, a round-sectioned bar 104 attached with the distal end and configured with plurality of tines 105, a holographic projection unit 106 installed on the body 101, a speaker 107 integrated on the body 101, a thermal imaging unit 108 is installed on the body 101, an ultrasonic emitter 109 installed on the body 101.

[0023] A body 101 used herein is an elongated shaped body 101 which, haves a proximal end and second end for encasing various components associated with the device, wherein the body 101 is made up of material that includes but not limited to plastic or metal that ensures that the device is of generous size and is light in weight.

[0024] On proximal end of the body 101 a handle 102 is installed which is accessed by a user in order to acquire a secure grip over the body 101 to position a second end of the body 101 over a surface from which trimmed grass are to be collected. After the user securely holds the body 101 via the handle 102, the user manually switches on/off the device, by pressing a push button which is installed on the body 101 to activate the device in view of operating several components via an inbuilt microcontroller.

[0025] The push button is linked with the microcontroller, wherein the push button consists of a spring attached with a sensing module, when the user presses the button for actuating the device, the springs gets compressed and synchronically the sensing module senses the compressed and released state of the spring.

[0026] Based on the spring state, the sensing module transmits the acquired data in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the signal compares the received signal with the pre-fed data stored in a database and constantly determines whether the button is pressed by the user or not. In case the microcontroller determines that the button is pressed, then the microcontroller directs to the device to get actuated and perform the required operation.

[0027] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform. The microcontroller receives the data from various electronic units and generates a command signal for further processing.

[0028] The body 101 is installed with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103, wherein on actuation the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 captures multiple images of the user by rotating in 360 degrees. The imaging unit 103 disclosed herein comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the user and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 103 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 103 also comprises of the processor which processes the captured images.

[0029] This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data which are processed by the microcontroller to detect height of the user.

[0030] As per the detected height of the user the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement which is integrated in the body 101 to extend/retract the body 101 as per the height of the user. The drawer arrangement consists of multiple plates that are overlapped to each other with a sliding unit, wherein upon actuation of the drawer arrangement by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit starts rotating a wheel coupled via a shaft in clockwise/anticlockwise direction providing a movement to the slider in the drawer arrangement to extend/retract the body 101 as per determined user’s height in order to position the handle 102 at an optimum height for providing convenience to the user in collecting the grass without bending.

[0031] In synchronization, the microcontroller actuates a holographic projection unit 106 which is installed on the body 101. The holographic projection unit 106 disclosed herein, comprises of multiple lens. After getting the actuation command from the microcontroller, a light source integrated in the projection unit 106 emits various combination of lights toward the lens which is further portrayed to project the pre-saved virtual images for depicting an appropriate way to drag the bar 104 tines 105 over the surface layered with the trimmed grass.

[0032] The distal end is arranged with a round-sectioned bar 104, wherein the bar 104 is configured with plurality of tines 105 preferably 4 to 10 in numbers. On one of the tines 105 a tactile sensor is integrated, which on actuation detect hardness of the surface from where the trimmed grass is to be collected.

[0033] The tactile sensor detects the hardness of the surface by measuring the force of contact between the sensor and the ground surface from where the grass is to be collected. The sensor is typically a small, flat component that is placed against ground surface and then pressed down. As the force of contact increases, the sensor measures the amount of pressure being applied and sends a signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then interprets the signal and determines the hardness of the surface.

[0034] As the hardness of the ground surface is determined from where the trimmed grass is to be collected, the microcontroller activates a speaker 107 which is integrated on the body 101. The speaker 107 consists of audio information, which is in the form of recorded voice, synthesized voice, or other sounds, generated or stored as digital data. The digital audio data is converted into analog electrical signals. Further the analog signal is amplified by an amplifier and the amplified audio signal is then sent to the speaker 107.

[0035] The core of the speaker 107 is an electromagnet attached to a flexible cone. These sound waves travel through the air as pressure waves and are picked by the user’s ear. The speaker 107 is connected to the microcontroller and as per the determined hardness of the surface, the microcontroller activates the speaker 107 to notify the user to drag the bar 104/ tines 105 over the surface layered with the trimmed grass, in a manner that dragging of the tines 105 over the surface results in trapping of the trimmed grasses in the tines 105, thus collection is done for making piles of the grass.

[0036] The speaker 107 herein also generates audible instructions in view of notifying the user regarding dragging of the tines 105. The speaker 107 provides voice instruction to the user to apply an optimum amount of force to collect all the trimmed grass. The method herein prevents the green grasses grown over the surface from getting harmed.

[0037] During collecting of the trimmed grass from the surface, the microcontroller herein detects presence of any living entities on the surface via a thermal imaging unit 108 which is installed on the body 101. The infrared emitter 109 integrated within the thermal imaging unit 108 emits infrared- rays towards the surface. The reflected infrared from the surface is received by receiver and sent to the microcontroller in the form of electrical output. The electrical output is analyzed by the microcontroller in order to determine the presence of any living entities on the surface, in case of detection of any living entities the microcontroller actuates an ultrasonic emitter 109.

[0038] When activated, the microcontroller sends signals to the ultrasonic emitter 109, which then emits ultrasonic waves. These high-frequency sound waves (ultrasonic) that are inaudible to humans but repulsive to entities. The ultrasonic waves interfere with the entities sensory organs, making the area around the device uncomfortable for them, thus deterring them.

[0039] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device and supplying a voltage to the components. The battery used herein is preferably a Lithium-ion battery which is a rechargeable unit that demands power supply after getting drained. The battery stores the electric current derived from an external source in the form of chemical energy, which when required by the electronic component of the device, derives the required power from the battery for proper functioning of the device.

[0040] Advantages of the present invention-
• Ergonomic Height Adjustment: Automatically adjusts the handle height based on the user's stature, reducing physical strain and eliminating the need to bend over during use.
• Enhanced Guidance: Provides visual instructions to help users operate the device correctly, improving accuracy and ease of use.
• Real-Time Feedback: Offers audible instructions to ensure proper technique for effective grass collection.
• Surface Adaptation: Detects surface hardness and advises on the optimal amount of force to use, preventing damage to existing grass.
• Safety Features: Identifies living entities on the surface and uses sound to safely deter them without causing harm.

[0041] The present invention works in the best manner, where the elongated body 101 having the proximal end attached the handle 102 that is developed to be gripped by the user for positioning the second end of the body 101 over the surface from which trimmed grass are to be collected, the push button is integrated on the proximal end that is pressed by the user to activate the device. Then the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 having the processer, installed on the body 101 to capture and process images of the user in order to detect height of the user, based on the detected height the microcontroller actuates the motorized drawer arrangement integrated in the body 101 to extend/retract the body 101 in order to position the handle 102 at the optimum height in view of providing convenience to the user in collecting the grass without bending. Thereafter the round-sectioned bar 104 attached with the distal end and configured with plurality of tines 105. Afterwards the holographic projection unit 106 installed on the body 101 that is actuated by the microcontroller to project the hologram, depicting the way to drag the bar 104/ tines 105 over the surface layered with the trimmed grass. Thereafter the tactile sensor integrated on one of the tines 105 to detect hardness of the surface and in accordance to the determined hardness. Further the speaker 107 generates audible instructions to notify the user to drag the bar 104/ tines 105 over the surface layered with the trimmed grass, in the manner that dragging of the tines 105 over the surface results in trapping of the trimmed grasses in the tines 105, thus collection is done for making piles of the grass. The speaker 107 also notifies the user to drag the tines 105 by apply the optimum amount of force to collect all the trimmed grass, without harming green grasses grown over the surface. Moreover, thermal imaging unit 108 is installed on the body 101 to detect presence of any living entities on the surface and on detection of any living entities, the microcontroller actuates the ultrasonic emitter 109 to deter the entities.

[0042] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A trimmed grass collecting assistive device, comprising:

i) an elongated body 101 having a proximal end attached a handle 102 that is developed to be gripped by a user for positioning a second end of said body 101 over a surface from which trimmed grass are to be collected, wherein a push button is integrated on said proximal end that is pressed by a user to activate said device;
ii) an inbuilt microcontroller linked with said button actuates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 having a processer, installed on said body 101 to capture and process images of said user in order to detect height of said user, wherein based on said detected height said microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement integrated in said body 101 to extend/retract said body 101 in order to position said handle 102 at an optimum height in view of providing convenience to said user in collecting said grass without bending;
iii) a round-sectioned bar 104 attached with said distal end and configured with plurality of tines 105, wherein a holographic projection unit 106 installed on said body 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller to project a hologram, depicting a way to drag said bar 104/ tines 105 over said surface layered with said trimmed grass; and
iv) a speaker 107 integrated on said body 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller to generate audible instructions to notify said user to drag said bar 104/ tines 105 over said surface layered with said trimmed grass, in a manner that dragging of said tines 105 over said surface results in trapping of said trimmed grasses in said tines 105, thus collection is done for making piles of said grass.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tactile sensor is integrated on one of said tines 105 to detect hardness of said surface and in accordance to said determined hardness said microcontroller actuates said speaker 107 to notify said user to drag said tines 105 by apply an optimum amount of force to collect all said trimmed grass, without harming green grasses grown over said surface.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, a thermal imaging unit 108 is installed on said body 101 to detect presence of any living entities on said surface and on detection of any living entities, said microcontroller actuates an ultrasonic emitter 109 to deter said entities.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.