Hybrid grass insertion apparatus and method for releasing the ground insertion pins of the apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid grass insertion apparatus for creating a hybrid turf comprising artificial grass strand parts, the hybrid grass insertion apparatus comprising a drum having a rotation axis, and an insertion device, wherein the insertion device comprises a plurality of insertion pins, an insertion pin beam, an actuator and a plurality of fixating devices, wherein each fixating device is configured to releasably fixate an insertion pin relative to the insertion beam, comprising a pivotable lever and a biasing element wherein the biasing element exerts a force (Fbias) on the first end of the pivotable lever, thereby causing a clamping moment (Mbias) fixating the vertical position of the insertion pin relative to the beam, wherein the second end of the pivotable lever is configured to receive a counter-force (Fcounter) causing a counter-moment (Mcounter) which acts opposite to the clamping moment, thereby releasing the insertion pin.

Description

[0001] P37021PC00 / WHA

[0002] Title: Hybrid grass insertion apparatus and method for releasing, inserting in the ground insertion pins of the apparatus

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of insertion apparatuses for creating a hybrid turf comprising artificial grass strand parts.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Hybrid pitches or hybrid turfs are pitches consisting of both natural grass and artificial grass fibres or strand parts. The introduction of artificial grass strand parts in the ground result in stronger natural grass, making a hybrid pitch more resistant to damage, such as damage caused by the pitch being used for sports, compared to a fully natural grass pitch.

[0007] Hybrid pitches find widespread application. Hybrid pitches have become especially popular in recent years, as many sports shift from fully artificial pitches to hybrid pitches.

[0008] The soil on which a hybrid pitch is created can vary widely, with some soil types comprising rocks close to the ground surface, and others comprising relatively hard underlayers or the presence of other hard objects. Such hard objects are detrimental to the insertion pins used to insert artificial grass strand parts in the ground. Insertion pins may bend, break or otherwise lose function if they are not allowed to move relative to a holding element which drives the insertion pin into the ground.

[0009] In the known prior art, such movement of the insertion pins is facilitated by clamping the insertion pin in a holding element such that the insertion pins may move relative to a holding element after encountering a hard object and exceeding a threshold clamping force. In this way, loss of function of the insertion pins as a result of contact with hard objects may be reduced.

[0010] W02020214028A1 discloses a device for introducing plastic fibres into the ground for producing hybrid turf pitches. A pin block holds a plurality of pins through a compression spring which applies a spring force for retaining the vertical position of the insertion pins. The device comprises a flap which is moved as a result of a pin moving upwards relative to the pin block. The movement of the flap can be registered by a sensor to signal a control system or operator a pin has moved. Releasing and resetting of an insertion pin which has moved in this device is laborious and time consuming.

[0011] WO2019027317 A1 discloses a device for inserting artificial grass strand parts in the ground. The device comprises pin clamps for holding insertion pins in an upper beam.

[0012] It was recognised that the resetting of insertion pins after such movement to their initial positions presents a laborious and time-consuming effort for an operator of an apparatus used to create hybrid pitches. An insertion pin which has been moved as a result of coming into contact with a hard object will need to be unclamped, moved to and held in a desired position within the holding element and subsequently be re-clamped. As a plurality of insertion pins are typically used simultaneously, for soils with many hard objects this process may need to be repeated multiple times for multiple different insertion pins.

[0013] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide an insertion device which simplifies the resetting, or releasing, of insertion pins held in a holding element of an insertion device for inserting artificial grass strand parts in the ground.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an insertion device which allows for simultaneous releasing of multiple or all insertion pins held in a holding element of an insertion device.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an insertion device comprising insertion pins which may be released both manually and mechanically.

[0017] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In order to achieve at least one object, a hybrid grass insertion apparatus for creating a hybrid turf comprising artificial grass strand parts is provided, the hybrid grass insertion apparatus comprising a drum having a rotation axis, the hybrid grass insertion apparatus further comprising an insertion device, wherein the insertion device is configured to insert artificial grass strand parts held by the drum into the ground, wherein the insertion device comprises: a plurality of insertion pins configured to insert artificial grass strand parts in the ground, an insertion pin beam configured to receive the plurality of insertion pins, the insertion beam comprising a plurality of insertion pin beam channels, wherein each insertion pin beam channel is configured to receive an insertion pin, an actuator configured to move the insertion pin beam relative to the drum, a plurality of fixating devices connected to the insertion pin beam, wherein each fixating device is configured to releasably fixate an insertion pin relative to the insertion beam, wherein each fixating device comprises:

[0019] ■ a pivotable lever, comprising: o a first end, o a second end, and o a lever receiving part, in particular a lever channel, positioned between the first and second end and configured to receive the associated insertion pin, wherein the lever receiving part comprises at least one clamping surface for engaging an outer surface of the insertion pin, and

[0020] ■ a biasing element, in particular a spring, configured to be connected to the insertion pin beam and to the first end of the pivotable lever, wherein the biasing element exerts a force (Fbias) on the first end of the pivotable lever, thereby causing a clamping moment (Mbias) which pivots the pivotable lever to a first orientation and presses the at least one clamping surface against the insertion pin, thereby fixating the vertical position of the insertion pin relative to the beam, wherein the second end of the pivotable lever is configured to receive a counter-force (FCOunter) causing a counter-moment which acts opposite to the clamping moment and, when greater than the clamping moment, pivots the pivotable lever to a second orientation (36), thereby releasing the insertion pin.

[0021] Each fixating device allows for quickly releasing an insertion pin held therein. The fixating device requires only the application of a counter-force to the second end of the pivotable lever of the fixating device. After the counter-force is removed the fixating device will automatically resume fixating an insertion pin present in the fixating device. Advantageously, an operator may also apply counter-forces to multiple fixating devices at once.

[0022] Each fixating device is configured to releasably fixate an insertion pin in a vertical direction, i.e. the insertion is fixed in a vertical direction relative to the insertion beam by the fixating device. In some embodiments, the insertion pin beam comprises a pivot support which defines a pivot point or pivot area, wherein the pivotable lever pivots about the pivot point or pivot area.

[0023] The pivot support may provide a pivot point, a pivot area or a fulcrum. The pivot support may comprise a sharp or rounded corner.

[0024] The pivot support determines the magnitude of the biasing moment. This allows for tuning of the magnitude of the biasing force required to achieve a desired fixating configuration of the insertion pin.

[0025] In some embodiments, the pivot support is located between the first end and the lever channel.

[0026] The pivot support being located between the first end and the lever channel makes it easier for an operator to apply a counter-force on a second end of a fixating device, as the length of the lever formed in part by the second end is increased. A longer lever length leads to a smaller required force to achieve the same moment.

[0027] In some embodiments, the insertion pin beam comprises a bevelled portion which defines the pivot support.

[0028] The bevelled portion can support the underside of the first end in the case when no insertion pin is present and the biasing element causes the first end to move towards the insertion pin beam.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first orientation is inclined relative to the insertion pin beam, and wherein the second orientation is less inclined relative to the insertion in beam than the first orientation.

[0030] In the second orientation the pivotable lever is less inclined relative to the insertion pin beam or substantially horizontal.

[0031] In the second orientation the lever receiving part is substantially more aligned with an associated insertion pin beam channel, which reduces the degree of fixation of the insertion pin by the fixating device. The stop member ensures that an insertion pin being unclamped will fall back down to the initial insertion pin position for inserting artificial grass strand parts in the ground and no further. Due to the releasable nature of the stop member, the position of the stop member relative to the insertion pin can be adjusted. Adjusting of the stop member might be needed in cases where insertion pins have been worn down sufficiently to cause notably changes in their lengths. To achieve the correct insertion depth with the shortened insertion pins, the position of the stop member may need to be adjusted accordingly.

[0032] In some embodiments, the lever channel defines a first and a second opposed clamping surfaces.

[0033] The application of two opposed clamping surfaces increases the fixation of the insertion pin by the fixating device, as the insertion pin is more uniformly fixated by interaction at two sides of the insertion pin with the pivotable lever.

[0034] In some embodiments, the clamping surfaces are clamping edges.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first clamping edge, the second clamping edge and an associated insertion pin beam channel define a three-point clamping mechanism.

[0036] The three-point clamping mechanism may also be defined by the first clamping edge, the second clamping edge and another element, such as a top plate. The three-point clamping mechanism increases the stability of the fixating device fixating an associated insertion pin.

[0037] In some embodiments, each insertion pin comprises an adjustable stop member releasably mounted to the insertion pin and configured to prevent part of an insertion pin from passing through the lever channel and / or the insertion pin beam channel.

[0038] The adjustable stop member may be a shaft collar, such as a set screw shaft collar or a clamp-style shaft collar.

[0039] In some embodiments, the lever channel and the insertion pin beam channel are substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the insertion pin.

[0040] In some embodiments, the hybrid grass insertion apparatus comprises at least one counter-force element configured to apply the counter-force to at least one of the pivotable levers in order to pivot the pivotable lever to the second orientation against the clamping moment of the biasing element.

[0041] In some embodiments, the at least one counter-force element is configured to simultaneously apply the counter-forces to a plurality of pivotable levers.

[0042] In some embodiments, the insertion device is configured to interact with the counterforce element by raising the insertion pin beam relative to the counter-force element, thereby engaging the second ends with the counter-force element.

[0043] In some embodiments, the insertion device is configured to insert artificial grass strand parts in an insertion position in which the insertion pin beam is lowered, thereby inserting the plurality of insertion pins in the ground, the insertion device is configured to move the insertion pin beam to an upper position wherein the insertion pins are located inside the drum, and the insertion device is configured to move the insertion pin beam to a release position which lies above the upper position, wherein the at least one counter-force element engages at least one of the pivotable levers, thereby applying at least one counter-force to the at least one pivotable lever, wherein during normal operation the insertion pin beam is moved between the insertion position and the upper position, and wherein the insertion pin beam is moved to the release position when at least one insertion pin needs to be released.

[0044] In some embodiments, the biasing element comprises a compression spring, and a longitudinal element for connecting the compression spring to the insertion pin beam, wherein the longitudinal element extends upward from the insertion pin beam, wherein the compression spring exerts a downward force on the first end of the pivotable element.

[0045] The downward force exerted by the compression spring causes the clamping moment which fixates the vertical position of the insertion pin relative to the insertion pin beam.

[0046] In some embodiments, the insertion device comprises a top plate configured to be connected to the insertion pin beam, wherein the top plate is configured to restrict rotational movement of the pivotable lever.

[0047] In some embodiments, the insertion device comprises a lower insertion pin beam positioned below the insertion pin beam and configured to guide the at least one insertion pin, wherein the lower insertion pin beam comprises at least one lower insertion pin beam channel configured to receive the at least one insertion pin. In some embodiments, the insertion pin beam comprises a plurality of slots, wherein each slot is configured to accommodate an associated pivotable lever.

[0048] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for releasing an insertion pin of the hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to the invention, comprising the steps of: inserting grass strand parts into the ground with the apparatus according to the invention, moving the insertion pin beam relative to a counter-force element, engaging a plurality of second ends with the counter-force element as a result of the relative movement of the insertion pin beam.

[0049] In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a method for inserting artificial grass strand parts using the hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to the invention, comprising the steps of: moving the insertion pin beam to an upper position wherein the insertion pins are located inside the drum, rotating the drum holding artificial grass strand parts such that the artificial grass strand parts are positioned below the plurality of insertion pins, moving the insertion pin beam to an insertion position in which the insertion pin beam is lowered, thereby inserting the plurality of insertion pins and the artificial grass strand parts in the ground, moving the insertion pin beam from the insertion position to the upper position, moving the insertion pin beam to a release position which lies above the upper position when at least one insertion pin needs to be released, wherein the at least one counter-force element engages at least one of the pivotable levers, thereby applying at least one counter-force to the at least one pivotable lever and releasing the at least one insertion pin.

[0050] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for releasing an insertion pin of the hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to the invention, comprising the steps of: manually applying a counter-force on the second end of a pivotable lever, thereby releasing an associated insertion pin, or moving the insertion pin beam relative to a counter-force element and engaging all second ends with the counter-force element as a result of the relative movement of the insertion pin beam, thereby releasing all insertion pins. LIST OF FIGURES

[0051] Embodiments of the system and the method will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0052] Figure 1 shows an isometric view from below of a hybrid grass insertion apparatus for creating a hybrid turf comprising artificial grass strand parts according to the invention;

[0053] Figure 2A shows a drum comprising a plurality of fixating devices, a cutting device, a clamp actuator and an insertion device of the hybrid grass insertion apparatus;

[0054] Figures 2B-2C show the insertion pin beam in two different positions from the position shown in Figure 2A.

[0055] Figure 3 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the insertion device according to the invention;

[0056] Figure 4 shows a close-up of the isometric view of Figure 3;

[0057] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the insertion device of Figure 4;

[0058] Figures 6A-6D show cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the insertion device according to the invention;

[0059] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the insertion device comprising a counter-force element.

[0060] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0061] Figure 1 shows a bottom view of a hybrid grass insertion apparatus 1 for creating a hybrid turf comprising artificial grass strand parts 2 of artificial grass strands 3. The apparatus 1 comprises a drum 5 having a rotation axis 6 and an insertion device 10 configured to insert artificial grass strand parts 2 held by the drum 5 into the ground. The apparatus 1 comprises a cutting device 60 for cutting artificial grass strand parts 2 from artificial grass strands 3.

[0062] Figure 2A shows the drum 5, insertion device 10 and cutting device 60 of the hybrid grass insertion apparatus 1. The outermost insertion pins 12 received in the insertion pin beam 14 are shown.

[0063] Figures 2A-2C show three different positions of the insertion pin beam 14. The insertion device 10 is configured to interact with a counter-force element 46 by raising the insertion pin beam 14 relative to the counter-force element 46, thereby engaging the second ends 24 with the counter-force element 46. In an insertion position 70, shown in Figure 2B, the insertion device 10 is configured to insert artificial grass strand parts 3 in the ground. In the insertion position 70 the insertion pin beam 14 is lowered, thereby inserting the insertion pins 12 in the ground.

[0064] The insertion device 10 is configured to move the insertion pin beam 14 to an upper position 72. In the upper position 72 the insertion pins 12 are located inside the drum 5.

[0065] The insertion device 10 is configured to move the insertion pin beam 14 to a release position 74 which lies above the upper position 72. In the release position 74 the counterforce element 46 engages the pivotable levers 20, thereby applying counter-forces to the pivotable levers 20. The insertion pins can now slide in a vertical direction relative to the insertion beam. The insertion pins slide through their respective channels in the insertion beam. Under the force of gravity, the insertion pin will slide downwards until the stop 42 engages the plate 62.

[0066] During normal operation, the insertion pin beam 14 is moved between the insertion position 70 and the upper position 72. The insertion pin beam 14 is moved to the release position 74 when at least one insertion pin 12 needs to be released.

[0067] An insertion pin 12 can be released by moving the insertion pin beam 14 relative to the counter-force element 46 and engaging a plurality of second ends 24 with the counterforce element 46 as a result of the relative movement of the insertion pin beam 14. An insertion pin 12 can alternatively be released by manually applying a counter-force a second end 24 of a pivotable lever 20.

[0068] A method for inserting artificial grass strand parts 3 using the hybrid grass insertion apparatus 1 comprises the steps of moving the insertion pin beam 14 to an upper position 72, wherein the insertion pins 12 are located inside the drum 5, rotating the drum 5 holding artificial grass strand parts 3 such that the artificial grass strand parts 3 are positioned below the plurality of insertion pins 12, moving the insertion pin beam 14 to an insertion position 70, in which the insertion pin beam 14 is lowered, thereby inserting the plurality of insertion pins 12 and the artificial grass strand parts 3 in the ground, moving the insertion pin beam 14 from the insertion position 70 to the upper position 72, rotating the drum 5 holding artificial grass strand parts 3 such that subsequent artificial grass strand parts 3 held by the drum 5 are positioned below the plurality of insertions pins 12, moving the insertion pin beam 14 to a release position 74 which lies above the upper position when at least one insertion pin 12 needs to be released, wherein the at least one counter-force element 46 engages at least one of the pivotable levers 20, thereby applying at least one counter-force to the at least one pivotable lever 20 and releasing the at least one insertion pin 12.

[0069] Figures 3-5 show an embodiment of a grass insertion device 10. The grass insertion device 10 comprises a plurality of insertion pins 12 configured to insert artificial grass strand parts 2 in the ground, and an insertion pin beam 14 configured to receive the plurality of insertion pins 14 comprising a plurality of insertion pin beam channels 16. Each insertion pin beam channel 16 is configured to receive an insertion pin 12. The insertion device 10 comprises an actuator 54 configured to move the insertion pin beam relative to the drum 5. The insertion device 10 comprises a plurality of fixating devices 18 connected to the insertion pin beam 14. Each fixating device 18 is configured to releasably fixate the associated insertion pin 12 relative to the insertion beam 14, in particular in the vertical direction. Each fixating device 18 comprises a pivotable lever 20, wherein the pivotable lever 20 comprises a first end 22, a second end 24, and a lever receiving part 26, embodied as a lever channel. The lever receiving part 26 is positioned between the first end 22 and second end 24 and is configured to receive the associated insertion pin 12. The lever receiving part 26 comprises a clamping surface 28 for engaging an outer surface 30 of the insertion pin 12. The insertion device 10 comprises a biasing element 34, embodied as a spring, and configured to be connected to the insertion pin beam 14 and the first end 24 of the pivotable lever 20.

[0070] It is noted that for the sake of clarity only the two outermost insertion pins 12 are shown in Figure 3. The skilled person will understand that the insertion device 10 of Figure 3 is configured to hold a plurality of insertion pins corresponding to the plurality of insertion pin beam channels 16 and lever channels 26. Typically there may be between 50 and 150 insertions pins arranged in a row.

[0071] Turning to Figures 6A-6D, the biasing element 34 exerts a force Fbias on the first end 22 of the pivotable lever 20, thereby causing a clamping moment M bias which pivots the pivotable lever 20 to a first, inclined orientation 34 and presses opposed clamping surfaces 28a, 28b defined by the lever receiving part 26 against the insertion pin 12, thereby fixating the vertical position of the insertion pin 12 relative to the beam 14. The lever receiving part 26 and the insertion pin beam channel 16 are substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis 44 of the insertion pin 16.

[0072] The second end 24 of the pivotable lever 20 is configured to receive a counter-force Fcounter, which causes a counter-moment MCOunter which acts opposite to the clamping moment M bias and, when greater than the clamping moment, pivots the pivotable lever 20 to a second orientation 36 which is less inclined than the first orientation 34 relative to the insertion pin beam 14, thereby releasing the insertion pin 12. A counter-force element 46 is used to apply the counter-force FCOunter to the second end 24 of the pivotable lever 20 to pivot the pivotable lever 20 to the second orientation 36 against the clamping moment Mbias of the biasing element 32. In Figure 6C the pivotable lever 20 is substantially horizontal in the second orientation 36. The counter-force element 46 is configured to simultaneously apply the counter-forces to a plurality of pivotable levers 20.

[0073] A pivot support 38 of the insertion pin beam 14 defines a pivot point. The pivotable lever 20 pivots about the pivot point. The pivot support 38 is located between the first end 22 and the lever receiving part 26. The pivot support 38 is defined by a bevelled portion 40 of the insertion pin beam 14.

[0074] The lever receiving part 26 defines a first and a second opposed clamping surface 27a, 27b, which in the embodiment in Figures 6A-6C are clamping edges 28a, 28b. The first clamping edge 28a, the second clamping edge 28b and the insertion pin beam channel 16 define a three-point clamping mechanism 66.

[0075] In this way, the vertical position of an insertion pin 12 relative to the insertion beam 14 can be fixed without changing the substantially vertical orientation of the insertion pin 12.

[0076] The biasing element 32 comprises a compression spring 48 and a longitudinal element 50 which is embodied as a bolt and which connects the biasing element 32 to the insertion pin beam 14.

[0077] An adjustable stop member 42 releasably mounted to the insertion pin 12 is configured to prevent part of the insertion pin 12 from passing through a top plate receiving part 76 of the top plate 62, the lever receiving part 26 and / or the insertion pin beam channel 16 through engagement of the stop member 42 with the top plate 62.

[0078] The insertion device 10 comprises a top plate 62 configured to be connected to the insertion pin beam 14. The top plate 62 is configured to restrict rotational movement of the pivotable lever 20 around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 44 of the insertion pin 12. The adjustable stop member 42 is configured to engage the top plate 62. Turning to Figure 7, a counter-force element 46 is shown. The counter-force element 46 is configured to simultaneously engage a plurality of second ends 24 of pivotable levers 20 of insertion devices 18.

[0079] The term ‘channel’ is to be interpreted broadly. Such a channel does not necessarily need to comprise fully enclosing walls, but may substantially define a C-shape or U-shape when viewed from above. In the case of ‘lever channels’, a common denominator is the presence of at least one clamping edge configured to engage an associated insertion pin.

[0080] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

[0081] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and / or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e. , open language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.

[0082] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Hybrid grass insertion apparatus (1) for creating a hybrid turf comprising artificial grass strand parts (2), the hybrid grass insertion apparatus comprising a drum (5) having a rotation axis (6), the hybrid grass insertion apparatus further comprising an insertion device (10), wherein the insertion device is configured to insert artificial grass strand parts held by the drum into the ground, wherein the insertion device comprises: a plurality of insertion pins (12) configured to insert artificial grass strand parts in the ground, an insertion pin beam (14) configured to receive the plurality of insertion pins, the insertion beam comprising a plurality of insertion pin beam channels (16), wherein each insertion pin beam channel is configured to receive an insertion pin, an actuator (54) configured to move the insertion pin beam relative to the drum, a plurality of fixating devices (18) connected to the insertion pin beam, wherein each fixating device is configured to releasably fixate an insertion pin relative to the insertion beam, wherein each fixating device comprises:■ a pivotable lever (20), comprising: o a first end (22), o a second end (24), and o a lever receiving part (26), in particular a lever channel, positioned between the first and second end and configured to receive the associated insertion pin, wherein the lever receiving part comprises at least one clamping surface (28) for engaging an outer surface (30) of the insertion pin, and■ a biasing element (34), in particular a spring, configured to be connected to the insertion pin beam and to the first end of the pivotable lever, wherein the biasing element exerts a force (Fbias) on the first end of the pivotable lever, thereby causing a clamping moment (Mbias) which pivots the pivotable lever to a first orientation (34) and presses the at least one clamping surface against the insertion pin, thereby fixating the vertical position of the insertion pin relative to the beam, wherein the second end of the pivotable lever is configured to receive a counterforce (Fcounter) causing a counter-moment (MCOunter) which acts opposite to the clamping moment and, when greater than the clamping moment, pivots the pivotable lever to a second orientation (36), thereby releasing the insertion pin.

2. Hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the insertion pin beam comprises a pivot support (38) which defines a pivot point or pivot area, wherein the pivotable lever pivots about the pivot point or pivot area.

3. Hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the pivot support is located between the first end and the lever receiving part.

4. Hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the insertion pin beam comprises a bevelled portion (40) which defines the pivot support.

5. Hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first orientation is inclined relative to the insertion pin beam, and wherein the second orientation is less inclined relative to the insertion in beam than the first orientation.

6. Hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lever receiving part defines a first and a second opposed clamping surface (27a, 27b).

7. Hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the clamping surfaces are clamping edges (28a, 28b).

8. Hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first clamping edge (28a), the second clamping edge (28b) and an associated insertion pin beam channel define a three-point clamping mechanism (66).

9. Hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each insertion pin comprises an adjustable stop member (42) releasably mounted to the insertion pin and configured to prevent part of an insertion pin from passing through the lever channel and / or the insertion pin beam channel.

10. Hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lever channel and the insertion pin beam channel are substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis (44) of the insertion pin.

11. Hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one counter-force element (46) configured to apply the counter-force to at least one of the pivotable levers in order to pivot the pivotable lever to the second orientation against the clamping moment of the biasing element.- 15 -12. Hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one counter-force element is configured to simultaneously apply the counterforces to a plurality of pivotable levers.

13. Hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the insertion device is configured to interact with the counter-force element by raising the insertion pin beam relative to the counter-force element, thereby engaging the second ends with the counter-force element.

14. Hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to any of claims 11-13, wherein: the insertion device is configured to insert artificial grass strand parts in an insertion position (70) in which the insertion pin beam is lowered, thereby inserting the plurality of insertion pins in the ground, the insertion device is configured to move the insertion pin beam to an upper position (72) wherein the insertion pins are located inside the drum, and the insertion device is configured to move the insertion pin beam to a release position (74) which lies above the upper position, wherein the at least one counterforce element engages at least one of the pivotable levers, thereby applying at least one counter-force to the at least one pivotable lever, wherein during normal operation the insertion pin beam is moved between the insertion position and the upper position, and wherein the insertion pin beam is moved to the release position when at least one insertion pin needs to be released.

15. Hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing element comprises: a compression spring (48), and a longitudinal element (50) for connecting the compression spring to the insertion pin beam, wherein the longitudinal element extends upward from the insertion pin beam, wherein the compression spring exerts a downward force on the first end of the pivotable element.

16. Hybrid grass insertion apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion device comprises a top plate (62) configured to be connected to the insertion pin beam, wherein the top plate is configured to restrict rotational movement of the pivotable lever.- 16 -17. Method for releasing an insertion pin of the hybrid grass insertion apparatus of any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: inserting grass strand parts into the ground with the apparatus according to the invention, moving the insertion pin beam relative to a counter-force element, engaging a plurality of second ends with the counter-force element as a result of the relative movement of the insertion pin beam.

18. Method for inserting artificial grass strand parts using the hybrid grass insertion apparatus of any of claims 1-16, comprising the steps of: moving the insertion pin beam to an upper position () wherein the insertion pins are located inside the drum, rotating the drum holding artificial grass strand parts such that the artificial grass strand parts are positioned below the plurality of insertion pins, moving the insertion pin beam to an insertion position () in which the insertion pin beam is lowered, thereby inserting the plurality of insertion pins and the artificial grass strand parts in the ground, moving the insertion pin beam from the insertion position to the upper position, rotating the drum holding artificial grass strand parts such that subsequent artificial grass strand parts held by the drum are positioned below the plurality of insertions pins, moving the insertion pin beam to a release position () which lies above the upper position when at least one insertion pin needs to be released, wherein the at least one counter-force element engages at least one of the pivotable levers, thereby applying at least one counter-force to the at least one pivotable lever and releasing the at least one insertion pin.

19. Method for releasing an insertion pin of the hybrid grass insertion apparatus of any of claims 1-16, comprising the steps of: manually applying a counter-force on the second end of a pivotable lever, thereby releasing an associated insertion pin, or moving the insertion pin beam relative to a counter-force element and engaging all second ends with the counter-force element as a result of the relative movement of the insertion pin beam, thereby releasing all insertion pins.

Images