Earth working – Diverse tools – Second implement follows path of first
Patent
1997-06-03
1999-07-06
Will, Thomas B.
Earth working
Diverse tools
Second implement follows path of first
172 29, 172612, E01H 100, A63B 4702
Patent
active
059186844
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a device for collection of debris.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,211 discloses a ground surface debris collection device suitable, for example, for collecting small debris such as leaves from a ground surface. This comprises a device of flexible grid like construction having slots so that, as the device is moved over the ground surface, debris passes through the slots and onto the upper surface of the device.
While the arrangement shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,211 has been found to be very satisfactory in use, particularly for grooming and cleaning tennis court surfaces, it has now been found it is not efficient as is desirable on rougher surfaces such as rough asphalt.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the invention provides a device for collecting debris from a surface, comprising a generally planar member having at least a portion thereof defining an undersurface of the device formed of a conformable material such that when the device is moved over a ground surface with the undersurface in contact with the ground surface the undersurface is caused to locally conform to undulations in the ground surface, the device having an opening, whereby, under said movement over a ground surface, debris on the ground surface passes through the opening onto an upper surface of the device. The opening may be formed in or adjacent the conformable material.
The aforementioned portion may be formed from a flexible layer, such as of foam plastics material, or an open mat of sinuous fibres, such as open looped fibres. In a preferred form, however, the conformable material comprises a brush-like structure. The planar member may include a backing portion which may be flexible or may be relatively rigid.
In another aspect, the invention provides a device for collecting debris from a surface, comprising a generally planar member having at least a portion thereof defining an undersurface of the device formed with depending bristles thereover and the device having an opening therethrough whereby when the device is moved over a ground surface with the bristles in contact therewith debris on the ground surface is passed through the opening to an upper surface of the device.
The opening may have at a rear edge thereof a forwardly and downwardly depending surface to facilitate pick up of debris. Also, to assist in retention of debris on the device, the device may be fitted at its upper surface with upstanding projections ridges or the like. For example, an upstanding wall may be formed along the front edge of the opening and/or at one or both side edges of the opening.
There may be a single opening, but it is preferred that there are a number of openings.
In a still further aspect, the invention provides a device for collecting debris from a surface, comprising a generally planar member having an opening through the generally planar member whereby, under said movement over a ground surface, debris on the ground surface passes through the opening onto an upper surface of the device, the device having means for entrapping debris having passed through the opening. The entrapping means may comprise a mesh material. The material forming the entrapping means may comprise material which forms a cavity over the upper surface of the generally planar member. Otherwise, the device may for example bc constructed as above described. Alternatively, it may bc for example be constructed in accordance with the teachings of the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,211, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated to form part of the present specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of device constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-section on the line 2--2 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a reinforcing frame incorporated into the device of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 4 and 5 are plan views of two
REFERENCES:
patent: 1448385 (1923-03-01), Bryant
patent: 1997248 (1935-04-01), Densberger
patent: 3010523 (1961-11-01), Gifford
patent: 4747174 (1988-05-01), Hightower
patent: 5018587 (1991-05-01), Gandrud et al.
patent: 5284211 (1994-02-01), Tozer
patent: 5305834 (1994-04-01), White
Aero-Tech Pty. Ltd
Pezzuto Robert
Will Thomas B.
LandOfFree
Device for collection of debris does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device for collection of debris, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device for collection of debris will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-893019