Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to removal of weeds and unwanted ingrowns in farmlands and particularly to a weed handling machine.
Description of Related Art
[002] Weeds are unwanted plants that grow alongside desired vegetation, pose significant challenges in various environments such as gardens, lawns, agricultural fields, and public spaces. Conventional methods of weed removal, including manual labor and chemical herbicides, have their limitations and potential adverse effects. Manual weed removal requires extensive time and physical effort, particularly for larger areas, often resulting in discomfort and potential health issues for workers who have to bend or kneel for extended periods. On the other hand, chemical herbicides, while effective in killing weeds, can have negative impacts on the environment, human health, and non-target plants, raising concerns about sustainability and ecological balance.
[003] To address these challenges, various electric weed removal tools have been introduced to the market. However, a common disadvantage of these tools is their reliance on external power sources, such as electrical motors or fuel-based generators. This dependency on power supply not only requires additional capital investment for operation but also leads to increased costs for cultivated crops, ultimately affecting the end consumer. Moreover, automatic weed removal systems, while offering convenience, may lack accuracy in their operation, potentially causing damage to the field and crop if not properly calibrated or if they fail to distinguish between weeds and desirable plants.
[004] Furthermore, the high cost associated with automatic systems poses a financial burden for farmers and growers. The initial investment required to acquire and maintain these systems, including the cost of installation, maintenance, and potential repairs, can be significant.
[005] There are hand-operable weed removal machines that are particularly suitable for small or sophisticated fields where precision and maneuverability are crucial. These machines offer a practical solution for targeted weed removal in delicate areas. However, a drawback of these machines is their limited multitasking capabilities. Typically, separate hand-operable machines are required for different tasks such as weed removal, weed collection, and pesticide spraying. This can lead to additional costs and complexity in managing multiple machines, making the overall process less efficient.
[006] In conclusion, while efforts have been made to address the challenges of weed removal through electric and automatic tools, there are still disadvantages to consider. These include the reliance on external power sources, potential lack of accuracy leading to field and crop damage, high costs associated with acquisition and maintenance, and limited multitasking capabilities of hand-operable tools.
[007] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced weed handling machine that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[008] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a weed handling machine. The weed handling machine comprising: a frame comprising a top end, and a bottom end of the frame, wherein the top end of the frame is attached to a handle for facilitating a movement to the weed handling machine. The weed handling machine further comprising: a weed remover arranged at the bottom end of the frame, and adapted to roll upon engaging with a ground surface, characterized in that the weed remover comprises blades to remove the weeds from the ground surface. The weed handling machine further comprising: a weed collector attached to the frame and positioned adjacent to the weed remover, such that the weeds removed by the weed remover are collected and accumulated within the weed collector. The weed handling machine further comprising: a pesticide sprayer adapted to spray a stored pesticide from a container through sprinklers upon a user intervention during a rolling action of the weed handling machine.
[009] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a weed handling machine.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a weed handling machine that requires no fuel for operation.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a weed handling machine that requires no electricity for operation.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a weed handling machine that is portable and mobile.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a weed handling machine that collects weeds uprooted.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a weed handling machine that sprays insecticides and pesticides while removing weeds.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a weed handling machine that incurs low maintenance and operational costs.
[0016] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0017] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a weed handling machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a method flow chart for an operation of the weed handling machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] 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 scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a weed handling machine 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The weed handling machine 100 may be configured to trim and uproot weeds from a farmland, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the weed handling machine 100 may further collect all the weeds uprooted. The weed handling machine 100 further may be configured to spray a pesticide on the farmland, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the weeds may be, but not limited to, grasses, mushrooms, parasitic weeds, noxious weeds any unwanted plant(s), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the weeds, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the weed handling machine 100 may comprise components that may be a frame 102. The frame 102 may be distributed in a top end 104 and a bottom end 106. The top end 104 of the frame 102 may comprise a handle 108 and gripping portions 110a-110b (hereinafter individually referred to as the gripping portion 110, and collectively referred to as the gripping portions 110). The bottom end 106 of the frame 102 may comprise a weed remover 112, an attachment mechanism 114, blades 116, vertical plates 118a-118b (hereinafter referred to as the vertical plates 118), and a weed collector 120. The weed handling machine 100 may further comprise a pesticide sprayer 122, a container 124, a holder 126, sprinklers 128a-128b (hereinafter referred to as the sprinklers 128), tubes 130, a punching mechanism 132, a folding or telescopic rod 134 and wheels 136a-136b (hereinafter referred to as the wheels 136).
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the frame 102 may comprise the top end 104 and the bottom end 106. In an embodiment of the present invention, the top end 104 of the frame 102 may be attached to the handle 108. The bottom end 106 of the frame 102 may be attached to the weed remover 112, in an embodiment of the present invention. The frame 102 may further provide rigidity and strength to the components of the weed handling machine 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the frame 102 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a metallic material, a wooden material, a plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for construction of the frame 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the handle 108 may be adapted for facilitating a movement to the weed handling machine 100. The handle 108 may further provide the gripping portions 110, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the gripping portion 110 may provide ease and comfort to a user while holding the handle 108 for maneuvering the weed handling machine 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the handle 108 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the metallic material, the wooden material, the plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the construction of the handle 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] According to embodiments of the present invention, the gripping portions 110 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the metallic material, the wooden material, a cushioning material, a soft plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the construction of the gripping portions 110, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the weed remover 112 may be arranged at the bottom end 106 of the frame 102 of the weed handling machine 100. The weed remover 112 may be attached at the bottom end 106 of the frame 102 using the attachment mechanism 114, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the attachment mechanism 114 may be detachably attachable at the bottom end 106 of the frame 102.
[0031] According to embodiments of the present invention, the weed remover 112 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the metallic material, the wooden material, the plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the construction of the weed remover 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] According to embodiments of the present invention, the attachment mechanism 114 may be, but not limited to, a welding attachment mechanism, a screw attachment mechanism, a latch and lock attachment mechanism, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the attachment mechanism 114 for arranging and attaching the weed remover 112 at the bottom end 106 of the frame 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] The weed remover 112 may be adapted to roll upon engaging with a ground surface, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the weed remover 112 may further comprise blades 116 to remove the weeds from the ground surface. The blades 116 of the weed remover 112 may be detachable, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, upon blunting of the blades 116 of the weed remover 112, a blunt blade 116 may be removed and replaced with a fresh set of blades 116.
[0034] According to embodiments of the present invention, the blades 116 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a stainless steel material, a galvanized iron material, an iron material with a layer of zinc, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the construction of the blades 116 of the weed remover 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the blades 116 of the weed remover 112 may be arranged in between the vertical plates 118 on the weed remover 112. The vertical plates 118 of the weed remover 112 may hold the blades 116 and may maintain an orientation of the blades 116 on the ground surface, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the vertical plates 118 of the weed remover 112 may be spread apart in opposite directions to release the blades 116 from the weed remover 112. Further, upon installation of the fresh set of blades 116, the vertical plates 118 on the weed remover 112 may be brought closer for securing and holding the blades 116 of the weed remover 112, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the weed collector 120 may be attached to the frame 102 and positioned adjacent to the weed remover 112. The weeds removed by the weed remover 112 may be collected and accumulated within the weed collector 120, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pesticide sprayer 122 may be adapted to spray a stored pesticide from the container 124 through sprinklers 128 upon user intervention of a rolling action performed by the weed handling machine 100. The pesticide sprayer 122 may be a two-way sprayer, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the two-way spraying mechanisms of the pesticide sprayer 122 may facilitate the spraying of stored the pesticide on lowland farms and dryland crops.
[0038] According to embodiments of the present invention, the pesticide stored in the container 124 may be, but not limited to, an insecticide, a herbicide, a rodenticide, a bactericide, a fungicide, a larvicide, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the pesticide stored in the container 124, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the container 124 containing the pesticide may be arranged on a middle portion of the frame 102. The frame 102 may comprise a holder 126 for holding the container 124. In another embodiment of the present invention, the container 124 containing the pesticide may be arranged inside the hollow portion (not shown) of the weed remove 112 to dispense the pesticide sprayed on the ground surface. The hollow portion may be arranged with the frame 102 of the weed handling machine 100, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sprinklers 128 may be arranged close to the gripping portion 110 on the handle 108. The sprinklers 128 may be adapted to receive pesticide from the container 124 containing the pesticide via the tubes 130, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the tubes 130 may enable uplifting and passing of the stored pesticide from the container 124 to the sprinklers 128. The sprinklers 128 may spray and dispense the pesticide on the ground surface by actuation of the punching mechanism 132, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the punching mechanism 132 may be arranged with the handle 108 of the weed handling machine 100. The punching mechanism 132 may be adapted to trigger the pesticide sprayer 122 for spraying the pesticide on the user intervention, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the folding or telescopic rod 134 may be arranged with the frame 102. The folding or telescopic rod 134 may enable compact storage and transportation of the weed handling machine 100, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the folding or telescopic rod 134 may further enable the weed remover 112 and weed collector 120 of the weed handling machine 100 to rise and establish a disconnection from the ground surface. By doing so, the user may only spray the stored pesticide through the pesticide sprayer 122 on the ground surface, when there may not be a requirement to remove weeds, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] According to embodiments of the present invention, the folding or telescopic rod 134 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the metallic material, the wooden material, the plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the construction of the folding or telescopic rod 134, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 136 may be attached to the frame 102 of the weed handling machine 100. The wheels 136 may support and stabilize the rolling action of the weed remover 112, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 136 may be positioned on either side of the frame 102 and beside the weed remover 112 to distribute the weight evenly and enhance stability during operation.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 136 may enable the weed handling machine 100 to move on the ground surface. The wheels 136 may further provide support to the weed handling machine 100 when not in use, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 136 may be circular. In an embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 136 may also comprise a braking mechanism to reduce the velocity of the weed handling machine 100. The brakes may also be configured to reduce the velocity and bring the weed handling machine 100 to a resting stage, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 136 may be positioned under the bottom of the weed handling machine 100. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 136 may be positioned on both sides of the weed handling machine 100. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 136 may be positioned anywhere on the weed handling machine 100.
[0048] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 136 may be configured to rotate and move in a forward direction. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 136 may be configured to rotate and move in a backward direction. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 136 may be configured to rotate and move in any direction. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the weed handling machine 100 may comprise a set of two-wheels. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the weed handling machine 100 may comprise a set of four-wheels. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the weed handling machine 100 may comprise a set of any number of wheels.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 136 may comprise a tire layering (not shown) on an outer surface to enable a smooth motion. According to embodiments of the present invention, the tire layering of the wheels 136 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a rubber material, a neoprene material, a foam material, a plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the tire layering of the wheels 136, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0050] In the embodiments of the present invention, the weed handling machine 100 may be capable of performing three functions simultaneously with the unique arrangement. Firstly, the weed remover 112 attached to the machine may remove the weeds. Secondly, the weed collector 120, may collect the removed weeds, preventing scattering and ensuring efficient containment. Lastly, the weed handling machine 100 may be equipped with sprinklers 128 on the handle 108 and may allow the simultaneous spraying of the pesticide stored in the container 124. This arrangement enables a targeted application of the pesticide, enhancing the effectiveness of weed control. Thus, the components of the weed handling machine 100 may function in harmony, providing an efficient and comprehensive solution for weed management.
[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates a method flow chart 200 for an operation of the weed handling machine 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] At step 202, the weed handling machine 100 may be bought on the ground surface.
[0053] At step 204, the weed handling machine 100 may be assembled by attaching the blades 116 between the vertical plates 118 of the weed remover 112.
[0054] At step 206, the weed handling machine 100 may be assembled by attaching the weed remover 112 to the weed handling machine 100 using the attachment mechanism 114.
[0055] At step 208, the folding or telescopic rod 134 may be unfolded to engage the weed remover 112 and the ground surface.
[0056] At step 210, the weed handling machine 100 may perform a rolling action on the ground surface to roll the weed remover 112 and may remove the weeds on the ground surface.
[0057] At step 212, the removed weeds may be collected in the weed collector 120, simultaneously due to the arrangement of the weed collector 120.
[0058] At step 214, the pesticide stored in the container 124 may be sprayed through sprinklers 128 arranged on the handle 108 along with the rolling action performed by the weed handling machine 100.
[0059] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0060] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A weed handling machine (100) comprising:
a frame (102) comprising a top end (104), and a bottom end (106) of the frame (102), wherein the top end (104) of the frame (102) is attached to a handle (108) for facilitating a movement to the weed handling machine (100);
a weed remover (112) arranged at the bottom end (106) of the frame (102), and adapted to roll upon engaging with a ground surface, characterized in that the weed remover (112) comprises blades (116) to remove the weeds from the ground surface;
a weed collector (120) attached to the frame (102) and positioned adjacent to the weed remover (112), such that the weeds removed by the weed remover (112) are collected and accumulated within the weed collector (120); and
a pesticide sprayer (122) adapted to spray a stored pesticide from a container (124) through sprinklers (128a-128b) upon a user intervention during a rolling action of the weed handling machine (100).
2. The weed handling machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blades (116) are arranged in between vertical plates (118a-118b) on the weed remover (112).
3. The weed handling machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weed remover (112) comprises an attachment mechanism (114) to be detachably attachable at the bottom end (106) of the frame (102).
4. The weed handling machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising wheels (136a-136b) attached to the frame (102) to support and stabilize the rolling action of the weed remover (112).
5. The weed handling machine (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the wheels (136a-136b) are positioned on either side of the frame (102) and beside the weed remover (112) to distribute the weight evenly and enhance stability during operation.
6. The weed handling machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (102) comprises a holder (126) for holding the container (124).
7. The weed handling machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (102) comprises a folding or telescopic rod (134) for enabling compact storage and transportation of the weed handling machine (100).
8. The weed handling machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle (108) comprises a punching mechanism (132) to trigger the pesticide sprayer (122) for spraying on the user intervention.
9. The weed handling machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sprinklers (128a-128b) are arranged closed to gripping portions (110a-110b) on the handle (108).
10. The weed handling machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising tubes (130) for uplifting and passing the stored pesticide from the container (124) to the sprinklers (128a-128b).
Date: December 11, 2023
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)