US Patent 9533206 Turf maintenance device

A turf maintenance device (12) for maintaining a section of turf (10) comprises a plurality of bristles (26) that form a bristle array (546) having an array length (AL) and an array width (AW). In certain alternative embodiments, the ratio of the array length (AL) to the array width (AW) can be at least approximately ten to one, or at least approximately thirty to one. Further, the plurality of bristles (26) have a bristle length (BL). In certain alternative embodiments, the ratio of the bristle length (BL) to the array width (AW) can be at least approximately three to one, or at least approximately five to one. The turf maintenance device (12) can further comprise a handle (222) that is coupled to the plurality of bristles (26). The handle (222) can include a plurality of handle members (228) that move relative to one another between an extended configuration and a contracted configuration.