EP4176946A1 - Markierungsvorrichtung, anhängereinheit für eine markierungsvorrichtung und verfahren zum markieren einer zahl, eines buchstabens oder symbols - Google Patents

Markierungsvorrichtung, anhängereinheit für eine markierungsvorrichtung und verfahren zum markieren einer zahl, eines buchstabens oder symbols Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4176946A1
EP4176946A1 EP21206131.1A EP21206131A EP4176946A1 EP 4176946 A1 EP4176946 A1 EP 4176946A1 EP 21206131 A EP21206131 A EP 21206131A EP 4176946 A1 EP4176946 A1 EP 4176946A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
unit
drive unit
paint
trailer
marking device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP21206131.1A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Mario HUTTER
Peter James Roberts
Brendan Paul Mccarthy
Alexander Baumgartner
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Swozi AG
Original Assignee
Swozi AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Swozi AG filed Critical Swozi AG
Priority to EP21206131.1A priority Critical patent/EP4176946A1/de
Priority to PCT/EP2022/078958 priority patent/WO2023078672A1/en
Priority to US18/706,946 priority patent/US20240424386A1/en
Priority to EP22797788.1A priority patent/EP4426450B1/de
Publication of EP4176946A1 publication Critical patent/EP4176946A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C19/00—Design or layout of playing courts, rinks, bowling greens or areas for water-skiing; Covers therefor
    • A63C19/06—Apparatus for setting-out or dividing courts
    • A63C19/065—Line markings, e.g. tapes; Methods therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C19/00—Design or layout of playing courts, rinks, bowling greens or areas for water-skiing; Covers therefor
    • A63C19/06—Apparatus for setting-out or dividing courts
    • A63C19/065—Line markings, e.g. tapes; Methods therefor
    • A63C2019/067—Machines for marking
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
    • A63C2203/12—Electrically powered or heated
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
    • A63C2203/18—Measuring a physical parameter, e.g. speed, distance
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
    • A63C2203/22—Radio waves emitting or receiving, e.g. remote control, RFID
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
    • A63C2203/24—Processing or storing data, e.g. with electronic chip

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a marking device for marking a football field layout, a trailer unit for a marking device and a method for marking a number, letter or symbol.
  • Marking devices are usually used to mark lines on the floor, such as street markings or markings on sports fields. They are adapted to mark lines such as the outer lines on a sports field like the end lines in the end zone of football fields or lines in the middle area of sports fields, which span the width of the sports field such as yard lines.
  • Marking devices which are used to mark straight lines are disclosed in DE 40 13 960 .
  • the lines are made by dropping paint on a marking wheel and moving said marking wheel.
  • the disclosed device is not adapted for coloring symbols other than lines.
  • a football field layout comprises, however, further necessary markings in an area between the end zones.
  • This area comprises yard line numbers between the yard lines. Further, usually the names of the competing sports teams are written in the end zones.
  • the marking devices disclosed in US 2011/0039021 has a spray nozzle which allows for marking symbols such as stars.
  • the device takes a long time when marking numbers and team names, as the devices have to twist and turn for the nozzle on the marking device to spray these symbols. So, usually, these types of markings are sprayed by hand using stencils.
  • the problems are solved by a marking device, a trailer unit for a marking device and a method for marking according to the independent claims.
  • the marking device for marking a sports, in particular football, field layout.
  • the marking device comprises a drive unit and a trailer unit, wherein the drive unit comprises
  • the drive unit and the trailer unit are connected through a coupling in such a way, that the trailer unit is pullable by the drive unit.
  • the trailer unit comprises
  • Such a marking device allows for an easy and quick marking of a pattern such as an entire football field layout. Further, a marking device as described allows for an improved weight distribution, and a compact arrangement of the necessary components.
  • pattern relates to an arrangement of lines and/or symbols and/or numbers and/or letters.
  • the line spray nozzle may be adapted to mark the long straight lines of a football field layout.
  • Symbols include straight lines, like dash marks, or curved lines, such as a copy right symbols, or combination thereof, pictures or parts of pictures.
  • Symbol' also relates to a sign, shape, or mark used as a representation of something else, such as an object, function or process. Examples may be characters in musical notation, waved lines for representation of water, heart shape to represent love, etc.
  • the line spray nozzle on the drive unit may be adapted to easily and quickly mark straight, long lines. Further, if the nozzle is moveable, such a nozzle may mark lines in positions, where the marking device is not able to drive over such as near walls or posts. Also, such a line spray nozzle would allow for the line spray nozzle and the symbol spray nozzles to be engaged at the same time. That is, the line spray nozzle could be moved in a position for spraying the yard line of a football field and the symbol spray nozzles could simultaneously spray the yard line number. This would shorten the needed spray time for the entire football field layout.
  • the symbol spray nozzles on the trailer unit are adapted to mark symbols, numbers and letters.
  • the symbol spray nozzles may be arranged in a line, especially in two or several lines. With multiple nozzles arranged in a line, an entire symbol, number or letter may be printed in one drive-through.
  • the number of symbol spray nozzles can be at least 10, preferably at least 20. The more nozzles the higher the resolution of the pattern the trailer unit is able to provide. The maximum number of nozzles can be 200, in particular 100.
  • the fixed symbol spray nozzles provide an easy and stable build of the trailer unit.
  • the command unit may be adapted to calculate the necessary paint volume to mark an entire pattern, such as an entire football field layout.
  • the command unit may be adapted to calculate a drive speed and/or spray speed, especially in regard of a slope.
  • the marking device may be adapted to connect to a docking station.
  • the marking device may comprise at least one proximity sensor and/or acceleration sensor and/or tilt sensor.
  • the marking device may comprise at least one energy level sensor and/or fuel level sensor.
  • the command unit may be adapted to calculate fuel consumption or amount of energy to drive and spray a predetermined pattern.
  • the command unit may be adapted to warn a user of insufficient level of fuel or energy and/or calculate a path for spraying a predetermined pattern using less energy and/or fuel.
  • the coupling may be an indirect coupling, such as a first part of a coupling on the drive unit, a second part of a coupling on the trailer unit and between these two coupling parts another unit.
  • This unit would comprise a third coupling part and a fourth coupling part, the third coupling part would connect to the first coupling part of drive unit and a fourth coupling part to connect to the second coupling part of the trailer unit, to arrange the drive unit and the trailer unit in a kind of marking device train.
  • the marking device may comprise at least one line sensor for recognizing lines on the floor.
  • the line sensor may be a camera, a color and/or contrast sensor.
  • the command unit may be adapted to calculate a correlation of a location with the predetermined pattern and the input of the line sensor, in such a way, that only if the location and predetermined pattern indicate the presence of a line and the line sensor indicates an absence of a line the line spray nozzle and/or the symbol spray nozzles are engaged by the command unit. This allows for an easy way for re-spraying an already present pattern without using too much paint.
  • the command unit may be adapted to calculate spray intensity levels based on input by a user, for example to redraw an existing pattern.
  • the marking device may be adapted to engage the line spray nozzle and the symbol spray nozzles independently.
  • the line spray nozzle may be attached to a moving mechanism, especially a moveable arm or bar.
  • the moving mechanism may be adapted for rotation or extension.
  • the marking device may comprise a mechanism for detachably fixing the line spray nozzle in a start position and/or an end position.
  • the start position may be in a center region beneath the frame, the end position may be on a side of the marking device.
  • the moving mechanism may be controlled by the command unit.
  • the moving mechanism may be controlled to follow a predetermined line, especially where the predetermined line deviates from a drive line.
  • the drive line in this case would be the line over which the marking device drives.
  • the symbol spray nozzles and the line spray nozzle may be switched, such that the symbol spray nozzles would be arranged on the drive unit and the line spray nozzle would be arranged on the trailer unit.
  • the marking device may comprise further sensors, such as a touch sensor, an accelerometer etc.
  • the trailer unit is arranged in a driving direction in a position behind the drive unit. This allows for an easy attachment of the trailer unit to the drive unit.
  • the trailer unit is arranged in a driving direction in a position on the side of the drive unit. This allows for easily spraying a broader pattern, such as lines on one side and symbols next to it, for shortening the spray time.
  • the drive unit comprises at least a first container for a first color of paint.
  • the drive unit comprises at least a second container for a second color of paint and a third container for a third color of paint.
  • a first container of paint on the drive unit allows for the drive unit to work independently of the trailer unit, such that the trailer unit may be detached, if only long straight lines need to be marked. This allows for an optimization of the use of the marking device. If there are more containers, it is possible to mark different color of lines or symbols and it is possible to spray more complex symbols involving different colors.
  • the trailer unit may comprise a container for paint. This allows the symbol spray nozzles to spray independently of the drive unit's storage of paint. It also allows for an optimized distribution of weight between the drive unit and the trailer unit.
  • the container or containers may comprise at least one level sensor or level indicator. This prevents running out of paint.
  • the level sensor may comprise a sensor for sensing capacity, weight, or proximity of the paint to the bottom or the top of the container.
  • the level sensor may be based on different technologies, such as radar or electro mechanics.
  • the command unit may be adapted to inform a user of low paint container level or insufficient paint to complete a chosen predetermined pattern, especially based on input of the at least one level sensor.
  • the command unit may be adapted to calculate, recognize and/or store an empty location, the empty location being a position in a pattern and/or a location on a floor, where the paint container is empty or will be empty.
  • the command unit may be adapted to command stopping or returning to an initial position upon the level sensor indicating a certain emptiness level of the container.
  • the command unit may be adapted to calculate a return route to the empty location and/or a continuation route of the unfinished pattern.
  • the trailer unit comprises a paint transportation system from the first container to the symbol spray nozzles, wherein the paint transportation system comprises ducts for transporting paint and a paint connection end for sucking in paint.
  • the paint transportation system comprises ducts for transporting paint and a paint connection end for sucking in paint.
  • the paint transportation system may be adjusted to allow connection to additional containers on the drive unit and/or additional or alternative containers on the trailer unit.
  • the drive unit pump and/or an additional pump on the drive unit is adapted for pumping paint to the symbol spray nozzles.
  • the drive unit pump is adapted for pumping paint to the symbol spray nozzles, the build needs fewer parts and is thusly simplified. If there is an additional pump on the drive unit, the pumps may be individually adjusted to the necessary flow for a multitude of nozzles.
  • the paint transportation system comprises a trailer unit pump on the trailer unit for pumping paint to the symbol spray nozzles.
  • the trailer unit may be easily adapted for different kinds of already existing drive units.
  • the paint connection end is adapted to at least one of hanging freely into the paint container and being removably attached to the paint container.
  • a paint connection end which is adapted to hang freely into a container is easily and quickly connected without the need for a specific connection element on the container itself.
  • a connection end removeably attached to the paint container provides a more secure connection, while still being able to be detached, so that the trailer unit may be removed.
  • the paint connection end which is adapted to being removably attached to the paint container allows for a secure way of connecting the end to the container.
  • the command unit is adapted to command the symbol spray nozzles on the trailer unit.
  • the trailer unit comprises a control unit for controlling the symbol spray nozzles, wherein the trailer unit comprises an information connection between the command unit and the control unit for transporting command information, the information connection being at least one of a wired and a wireless connection.
  • the wireless connection may be a Bluetooth connection, a wlan connection and/or a radio connection.
  • the trailer unit and/or the drive unit comprises a GNSS receiver or a reflector for a robotic total station attached to the frame for detecting a current location.
  • the trailer unit and/or the drive unit may comprise further sensing devices for orientation such as cameras or distance sensors.
  • the drive unit is adapted to compare a detected location to a predetermined pattern and adapted to calculate a location and/or a direction, by means of the command unit and/or a comparator.
  • the marking device may be adapted to follow the predetermined pattern, indicate to a user a deviation of the marking device from said predetermined pattern, stop a deviation of the marking device from the pattern and/or adjust the spraying to the deviation from the pattern.
  • the command unit may be adapted to calculate a starting position for starting to spray, especially a starting position relating to the starting position of the trailer unit.
  • a starting position for starting to spray especially a starting position relating to the starting position of the trailer unit.
  • the command unit may also be adapted to calculate the quickest route for spraying a complete pattern, which may include long straight lines and symbols, letters or numbers, especially in consideration of needed starting positions and eliminating long distance drives without any spraying wherever possible.
  • the drive unit is adapted to be steered autonomously, in particular based on at least one of the calculated location and direction.
  • the drive unit may be adapted to follow routes calculated by the command unit. Especially, the drive unit may be adapted to autonomously return to an initial position, particularly a docking station, especially dependent on fuel and/or power levels.
  • the drive unit comprises a prompting device for providing steering information to a user.
  • the drive unit is adapted to be steered by means of a manual steering device.
  • the prompting device and the command unit may be part of an interface device, such as a tablet or smartphone.
  • the interface device may be adapted to instruct a user or disclose the direction and/or location for the user to start spraying.
  • the handle to push the marking device may be adapted to be used as the manual steering device.
  • the marking device comprises a motor unit between the drive unit and the trailer unit for driving the marking device.
  • the motor unit comprises a frame, a motor, and at least two wheels.
  • the motor unit may comprise a seat, a fuel container, a paint container and/or a line sensor.
  • the coupling is one of a trailer ball hitch coupling or a tow bar coupling.
  • the marking device comprises a motor unit between the drive unit and the trailer unit, there is a coupling between the drive unit and the motor unit and between the motor unit and the trailer unit.
  • the drive unit or trailer unit comprises a power source element, additionally or instead of a motor, for powering the command unit.
  • the trailer unit comprises a power connection for powering the symbol spray nozzles.
  • the power connection is removably attached to the power source or the motor.
  • the trailer unit and the drive unit can easily be detached.
  • the marking device may comprise a trailer unit as described below.
  • the marking device may comprise means for following a method as described below.
  • the problem is solved further by a trailer unit for a marking device, preferably a marking device as previously described.
  • the trailer unit comprises, a support frame, at least one, in particular two, wheel for carrying the support frame, at least one set of, preferably forty, symbol spray nozzles for spraying a symbol on the ground, the nozzles being fixedly attached to the support frame and at least a first part of a coupling adapted for removably coupling the trailer unit to a drive unit.
  • the trailer unit is adapted to be connected to an external source of power and/or an external supply of paint and/or an external source of command information for spray pattern instructions.
  • This trailer unit is easily and quickly attached to already existing drive units.
  • Such a trailer unit is low-cost, compact and easily adaptable to the need of different spray tasks.
  • the symbol spray nozzles may be arranged on an underside of the support frame in a position of use.
  • the symbol spray nozzles may be arranged to spray in the direction of the floor in a position of use.
  • the symbol spray nozzles may be arranged in at least one row.
  • the at least one row of symbol spray nozzles may be arranged essentially perpendicular to a drive direction.
  • the at least one wheel may be arranged on the side or sides of the symbol spray nozzle in regards to the drive direction to ensure that the wheel does not drive over the freshly sprayed paint.
  • the first part of a coupling may be attached on a first side of the trailer unit.
  • the first side is arranged first in the drive direction.
  • the first part of the coupling may be arranged in such a way on the trailer unit which allows the trailer unit to be pulled by the first part of the coupling, especially in the drive direction.
  • the first part of the coupling may be arranged on a first side of the support frame, wherein the support frame has no protrusions above the first part of the coupling in a position of use, for easy access to couple and un-couple the trailer unit.
  • the at least one set of symbol spray nozzles may be arranged on the side opposite of the first side, especially on a bar.
  • the bar may extend behind the wheels.
  • the symbol spray nozzles may be arranged between the wheels.
  • the trailer unit may comprise two wheels.
  • the two wheels may be arranged parallel to each other and in a drive direction, such that the trailer unit is moveable in the drive direction.
  • the trailer unit may comprise at least one, preferably two, support element for supporting the trailer unit in case of the trailer unit not being coupled to the drive unit.
  • the support element may be extendably attached to the support frame.
  • the support element or elements may be arranged on an underside of the support frame or on a side of the support frame. Especially, the support element or elements may be arranged on an opposite part of the underside respective to the wheels and/or the opposite side of the support frame respective to the wheels.
  • the trailer unit may comprise an interface device for coupling the trailer unit to an external power source, in particular a power source and a container on a drive unit.
  • the interface device is extendable from the trailer unit.
  • the trailer unit may comprise a first part of a wired or wireless connection to a source of command information, such as a Bluetooth or USB or HDMI port.
  • a source of command information such as a Bluetooth or USB or HDMI port.
  • the trailer unit may comprise a positioning element, especially a signal element for sending position information. This allows for calculating turn angles and drive ways based on the distance of the trailer unit to a drive unit and improves the adaptability of the trailer unit to the use of different drive units.
  • the trailer unit comprises a control unit for controlling the symbol spray nozzles.
  • the control unit is adapted to control the nozzles according to command information.
  • the trailer unit comprises a paint transportation system to the symbol spray nozzles.
  • the paint transportation system comprises ducts for transporting paint and a paint connection end for sucking in paint.
  • the trailer unit may comprise ducts for transporting different kinds of color.
  • the trailer unit may comprise ducts and a connection end adapted to transport a first color of paint.
  • the trailer unit may comprise a container for a second color of paint, and secondary ducts and a second paint connection end for said container.
  • the trailer unit may comprise a second container for a third color of paint, and tertiary ducts and a third paint connection end for said second container.
  • the paint transportation system and the symbol spray nozzles may be adapted to mix the different colors of paint and/or spray images using colors.
  • the trailer unit comprises a trailer unit pump for pumping paint to the symbol spray nozzles.
  • the trailer unit may be attached to a drive unit without the need to adjust the drive unit.
  • the trailer unit may comprise no pump for paint.
  • the trailer unit would need to rely on a pump of another unit such as the drive unit for pumping the paint or the trailer unit may be adapted to use other means for moving the paint, such as specialized ducts for sucking paint or the use of gravity.
  • the marking device for marking a sports, preferably football, field layout.
  • the marking device comprises a trailer unit as previously described.
  • the marking device may comprise a drive unit with a motor and/or a handle and/or at least one nozzle, especially a nozzle which is movably attached, and/or a holder for an interface device.
  • the drive unit may comprise a handle for steering the marking device.
  • the marking device may comprise a motor unit.
  • the motor unit may comprise a motor and/or a seat for a driver to sit on and/or at least one container of paint.
  • the problems are solved by a method for marking a number, letter and/or symbol with a marking device, especially a marking device as previously described.
  • the method comprises the steps:
  • the method allows for a quick and easy spraying of complex patterns.
  • the method may comprise any one or any combination of the following steps:
  • the pattern comprises straight lines. These lines are sprayed by a line spray nozzle on the drive unit.
  • the method may comprise the step of moving the line spray nozzle into a spray position.
  • the spray position may be a position on a side of the drive unit relative to the driving direction.
  • the method may comprise the step of simultaneously spraying a line with the line spray nozzle, especially a line spray nozzle extended into a spray position, and spraying a symbol or symbols with the symbol spray nozzles. That is, the line spray nozzle and the symbol spray nozzles may be engaged at the same time.
  • the method comprises the steps of
  • Such steps help increase the precision of the spraying of the trailer unit, especially as the position of the trailer unit needs to be taken into account, when the marking device turns.
  • the marking device comprises a speed measurement device or the command unit is adapted to calculate the movement speed of the marking device.
  • the command unit is adapted to adjust a spray speed of the symbol spray nozzles to the movement speed of the marking device.
  • Figure 1 shows a scheme of a first version of a marking device, the short marking device 10.
  • the marking device 10 comprises a drive unit 1 and a trailer unit 2.
  • the trailer unit 2 is coupled to the drive unit 1 via a two-part coupling 3a, 3b for tugging the trailer unit 2 after the drive unit 1.
  • the trailer unit 2 comprises a support frame. Attached to the support frame are two wheels 13a, 13b, a set of forty symbol spray nozzles 12, a first part of the coupling 3a and an extendable support element 14.
  • the drive unit 1 also comprises a frame. Attached to the frame of the drive unit are a motor 16a for driving the marking device 10, three wheels 8a-8c, and a line spray nozzle 11 attached to the frame via an extendable arm 9. A second part of the coupling 3b is also attached to the frame.
  • the symbol spray nozzles 12 are arranged in a row with a width of essentially 1200 mm. This allows the trailer unit 2 to spray a number on an American football field layout in one go, as this corresponds to the necessary width for such a number.
  • the amount of 40 symbol spray nozzles 12 allows for a print resolution of 30mm x 30mm.
  • the drive unit 1 tugs the trailer unit 2 in the drive direction D, powered by the motor 16a of drive unit 1.
  • the marking device 10 drives over a surface to be marked with lines and/or symbols.
  • the symbol spray nozzles 12 spray symbols, numbers and letters, and the line spray nozzle 11 sprays lines.
  • Figure 2 shows a diagram of the interaction between the drive unit 1 and the trailer unit 2 of a marking device 10.
  • the drive unit 1 comprises a container 4 for paint and a line spray nozzle 11.
  • the trailer unit comprises a paint transportation system 20 for transporting paint from the paint container 4 to the symbol spray nozzles 12.
  • the paint transportation system 20 comprises a pump 21 and ducts 22.
  • the duct 22 which starts at the container 4 has a paint connection end 29 for sucking in paint.
  • the paint connection end 29 in this case is adapted to be releasably attached to the container 4.
  • the drive unit 1 also comprises a pump 28 for pumping paint to the line spray nozzle 11 and ducts 23 which lead from the container 4 to the line spray nozzle 11.
  • the pump 28 is the only pump for pumping paint to both the symbol spray nozzles 12 and the line spray nozzle 11.
  • the drive unit 1 comprises a command unit 5.
  • the command unit 5 is adapted for connecting wirelessly to an interface device for a user to choose or enter a pattern, access information on the marking device 10 etc. Based on the chosen or entered pattern, command information is provided by the command unit 5.
  • Command information such as steering, calculating a path and for accessing the line spray nozzle 11, and command information of the symbol spray nozzles 12 is sent from the command unit 5 via a wireless connection 24 to a control unit 7 on the trailer unit 2.
  • the control unit 7 accesses the symbol spray nozzles 12 on the trailer unit 2.
  • the drive unit 1 comprises a GNSS-receiver 6 for determining the position by use of the signal 26 of a satellite 27.
  • a user chooses a pattern on an interface device or enters a pattern on the interface device.
  • the command unit 5 determines the position of the marking device 10 with information of the GNSS receiver 6. Then, the command unit 5 calculates the pattern position and relates the pattern position to the determined position.
  • the marking device 10 autonomously drives to a calculated start position for starting to spray.
  • the command unit 5 accesses the line spray nozzle 11 and/or sends command information to the control unit 7 for accessing the symbol spray nozzles 12, depending on the chosen pattern to start spraying.
  • the pump 21 and/or the pump 28 are accessed for pumping paint from the container 4 to the symbol spray nozzles 12 and/or the line spray nozzle 11.
  • the marking device 10 travels autonomously a path calculated by the command unit 5 while spraying the pattern and returns to the start position in a docking station.
  • FIG 3 shows a scheme of a second version of marking device, a three part marking device 100.
  • the marking device 100 comprises a drive unit 101, a trailer unit 102 and a motor unit 103 .
  • the motor unit 103 is arranged between the drive unit 101 and the trailer unit 102.
  • the trailer unit 102 is in essence identical to the trailer unit 2 (see figure 1 and 2 ) and for the details the description of trailer unit 2 is referenced here.
  • the drive unit 101 differs from the drive unit 1, in that the drive unit 101 comprises a handle 16b for pushing and steering the marking device 100 and does not comprise a motor 16a. For the other details, the description of the drive unit 1 of figures 1 and 2 is referenced.
  • the motor unit 103 comprises a frame and attached to the frame a motor 119, a container for fuel, three wheels 18a-128c, and a seat for a user to sit on.
  • the drive unit 101 and the motor unit 103 are coupled by a two-part coupling 118a, 118b and the trailer unit 102 is coupled to the motor unit 103 with another two-part coupling 117a, 117b.
  • the user chooses or enters a pattern in an interface device, in this case a tablet.
  • the command unit calculates a path to spray the pattern and presents it to the user on the tablet.
  • the user drives the marking device 100 following the presented path on the interface device, while the marking device 100 sprays the pattern.
  • Figure 4 shows a diagram of a method for marking numbers, letter and/or symbols.
  • a pattern includes any lines, symbols, number and/or letters of a design to be sprayed by a marking device 10 (see figure 1 ) or a marking device 10 (see figure 3 ).
  • the pattern is stored in the memory of the command unit and is chosen by a user. Additionally, the user may amend the pattern to incorporate the name of the teams playing or other details of the pattern.
  • a second step 71 the position of the marking device 10 is determined by use of a GNNS receiver.
  • a third step 72 the determined position is compared to the predetermined patter and a direction or a location is calculated based on the comparison by the command unit.
  • the command unit determines the shortest spray path, by calculating the distance and the necessary start positions for the trailer unit to start spraying.
  • the marking device 10 drives or is driven by the user in the calculated direction or to the calculated location.
  • a fifth step 74 the defined pattern is sprayed.
  • the symbol spray nozzles are accessed by the control unit and the line spray nozzle is accessed by the command unit.
  • the method allows for quickly spraying an entire football field layout: As the line spray nozzle is adapted to spray the lines and the symbol spray nozzles are adapted to spray symbols, numbers and letters, when they are used in combination, the determination of the drive way for a certain pattern may be optimized.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Spray Control Apparatus (AREA)
EP21206131.1A 2021-11-03 2021-11-03 Markierungsvorrichtung, anhängereinheit für eine markierungsvorrichtung und verfahren zum markieren einer zahl, eines buchstabens oder symbols Withdrawn EP4176946A1 (de)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21206131.1A EP4176946A1 (de) 2021-11-03 2021-11-03 Markierungsvorrichtung, anhängereinheit für eine markierungsvorrichtung und verfahren zum markieren einer zahl, eines buchstabens oder symbols
PCT/EP2022/078958 WO2023078672A1 (en) 2021-11-03 2022-10-18 Marking device, trailer unit for a marking device and method for marking a number, letter or symbol
US18/706,946 US20240424386A1 (en) 2021-11-03 2022-10-18 Marking device, trailer unit for a marking device and method for marking a number, letter or symbol
EP22797788.1A EP4426450B1 (de) 2021-11-03 2022-10-18 Markierungsvorrichtung, anhängereinheit für eine markierungsvorrichtung und verfahren zum markieren einer zahl, eines buchstabens oder symbols

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21206131.1A EP4176946A1 (de) 2021-11-03 2021-11-03 Markierungsvorrichtung, anhängereinheit für eine markierungsvorrichtung und verfahren zum markieren einer zahl, eines buchstabens oder symbols

Publications (1)

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EP4176946A1 true EP4176946A1 (de) 2023-05-10

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EP21206131.1A Withdrawn EP4176946A1 (de) 2021-11-03 2021-11-03 Markierungsvorrichtung, anhängereinheit für eine markierungsvorrichtung und verfahren zum markieren einer zahl, eines buchstabens oder symbols
EP22797788.1A Active EP4426450B1 (de) 2021-11-03 2022-10-18 Markierungsvorrichtung, anhängereinheit für eine markierungsvorrichtung und verfahren zum markieren einer zahl, eines buchstabens oder symbols

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Country Status (3)

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US (1) US20240424386A1 (de)
EP (2) EP4176946A1 (de)
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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023199060A1 (en) * 2022-04-12 2023-10-19 Micropply Limited Apparatus and methods for marking a ground surface

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4442975A (en) * 1982-03-11 1984-04-17 Long Ralph W Striping apparatus for marking surfaces
DE4013960A1 (de) 1989-05-01 1990-11-08 Honda Motor Co Ltd Verfahren und vorrichtung zum generieren eines steuerprogramms
WO1997034051A1 (en) * 1996-03-13 1997-09-18 Neuling William V Rear drive ride-on tractor unit for propelling steerable utility vehicles such as walk-behind paint stripers
WO2005014935A1 (en) * 2003-08-11 2005-02-17 Gianluigi Dal Lago Marking machine for the marking of lines, signs and/or pictograms, in particular for road markings
SE525702C2 (sv) * 2003-05-07 2005-04-05 Evenzo Ab Markering av stora ytor med hjälp av färgade visuella presentationer
US20110039021A1 (en) 2003-05-07 2011-02-17 Thord Persson Marking of large surface with visual presentations

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4442975A (en) * 1982-03-11 1984-04-17 Long Ralph W Striping apparatus for marking surfaces
DE4013960A1 (de) 1989-05-01 1990-11-08 Honda Motor Co Ltd Verfahren und vorrichtung zum generieren eines steuerprogramms
WO1997034051A1 (en) * 1996-03-13 1997-09-18 Neuling William V Rear drive ride-on tractor unit for propelling steerable utility vehicles such as walk-behind paint stripers
SE525702C2 (sv) * 2003-05-07 2005-04-05 Evenzo Ab Markering av stora ytor med hjälp av färgade visuella presentationer
US20110039021A1 (en) 2003-05-07 2011-02-17 Thord Persson Marking of large surface with visual presentations
WO2005014935A1 (en) * 2003-08-11 2005-02-17 Gianluigi Dal Lago Marking machine for the marking of lines, signs and/or pictograms, in particular for road markings

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023199060A1 (en) * 2022-04-12 2023-10-19 Micropply Limited Apparatus and methods for marking a ground surface

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP4426450A1 (de) 2024-09-11
EP4426450B1 (de) 2026-03-04
EP4426450C0 (de) 2026-03-04
US20240424386A1 (en) 2024-12-26
WO2023078672A1 (en) 2023-05-11

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