US3859685A

US3859685A - Debris collector

Info

Publication number: US3859685A
Application number: US331694A
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles W Doering; Samuel W Smith
Original assignee: Brinly Hardy Co
Current assignee: Brinly Hardy Co
Priority date: 1971-11-04
Filing date: 1973-02-12
Publication date: 1975-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 1992-01-14

Abstract

Lawn and parking lot sweepers of the rotary brush type in which sweepings are discharged into bags are known. However, in such sweepers the debris generally is not compressed sufficiently prior to entering the bag. As a result bags must be changed too frequently. The apparatus herein is provided with compression rollers, and means for force filling the bag. Conveying means transport debris from the cylindrical brush to the compression rollers.

Description

United States Patent [191 Doering et al.

[ Jan. 14, 1975 DEBRIS COLLECTOR [75] Inventors: Charles W. Doering, Clarksville,

lnd.; Samuel W. Smith, Carlisle, Ky.

[73] Assignee: Brinley-Hardy Co., Inc., Louisville,

[22] Filed: Feb. 12, 1973 [211 App]. No.: 331,694

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 195,607, Nov. 4 1971,

abandoned.

[52] U.S. Cl. 15/83, 15/79 [51] Int. Cl A01g 1/12 [58] Field of Search l5/8386, 79; 100/173, 174,176

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,345,715 4/1944 Reed 100/173 X 2,592,269 4/1952 Getz 100/174 UX 3,023,559 3/1962 Richey et a1.. 100/174 X 3,222,853 12/1965 Michael l 15/79 UX 3,348,475 10/1967 Fenster et a1. 100/177 Primary Examiner-Edward L. Roberts Attorney, Agent, or FirmFrank C. Leach. Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT Lawn and parking lot sweepers of the rotary brush type in which sweepings are discharged into bags are known. However, in such sweepers the debris generally is not compressed sufficiently prior to entering the bag. As a result bags must be changed too frequently. The apparatus herein is provided with compression rollers, and means for force filling the bag. Conveying means transport debris from the cylindrical brush to the compression rollers.

10 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEI] JAN 1 4 I975 SHEEI 2 BF 2 DEBRIS COLLECTOR This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 195,607, filed Nov. 4, 1971 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention in one of its aspects relates to a sweeping apparatus of the cylindrical rotary brush type, capable of collecting grass cuttings, leaves and the like from lawns, and debris from areas such as parking lots.

The apparatus herein has the advantage that itcan be converted for thatching by interchanging the horizontal cylindrical brush with a drum provided with projecting wire fingers.

In a more important aspect the invention pertains to a sweeping apparatus wherein it is unnecessary for the operator of the apparatus to empty a collecting hopper or bin. Sweepings are urged in compacted form into a disposable bag.

In still another of its aspects the invention provides novel bag support means.

Lawn sweepers are known in which sweepings are discharged into bags. Such an apparatus is described in US. Pat. No. 3,229,320. In the collecting apparatus shown in US. Pat. No. 3,229,320 the debris is conveyed by helical blades to a side outlet having a bag opening pulled over it, the bag being squeezed up in bellows like fashion. The compressed bag rests on an apron having a circular end plate integral with it at its outside end. The apron-plate arrangement is slideable toward and away from the helical conveyor. To resist lateral movement of the apron away from the helical blades a spring pressed tooth carried thereby rides in a plurality of inclined teeth. This keeps the bag compressed and offers some resistance as it is filling.

The sweeper described in US. Pat. No. 3,229,320 overcomes the problem of having to empty a hopper. It is, however, subject to certain disadvantages. Thus, the cylindrical sweeping element must rotate quite rapidly in order to throw debris up into the helix. In addi tion, even though the tension of the bag filling resistance element attached to the apron can be varied, debris compression is still not as great as is desirable.

In accordance with this invention a sweeper-bagger is provided, affording a much greater degree of compression of debris than has been obtainable in existing apparatus. The brush also need not revolve as rapidly in the apparatus herein. In addition, whereas a power unit can be incorporated in the machine, it operates effectively without such a unit when pushed by an operator or pulled by a small yard tractor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The apparatus provided herein is a sweeper or thatcher of the rotary brush type, having a substantially cylindrical sweeping unit adapted for rotation about a horizontal axis. The apparatus is provided with a pair of compression rollers in counterrotational abutment with each other on parallel axes. Debris conveying means are positioned between the sweeping unit and compression rollers to convey debris from the sweeping unit to the compression rollers. Tensioning means are, of course, adapted to urge one roller against the other one. This compresses debris drawn between the rollers on counterrotation of the rollers. A debris confining chamber receives compressed debris passing between the compression rollers, and through an outlet therein, debris is forced into a disposal bag. The apparatus includes means for removably attaching a debris disposal bag over the discharge outlet, and disposal bag support means for holding a bag in position to be force filled through the confining chamber outlet. Means are provided to drive the sweeper unit and the compression rollers as the apparatus is drawn or pushed forwardly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention thus provides a sweeper wherein each increment of debris is handled only once by the sweeping element and then conveyed in compact form to a mesh or film plastic bag of the type usually used for trash and leaf disposal. The brush operates equally well whether pulled by a tractor or pushed by hand. However if a large unit is made, say, for commercial purposes, it may be fitted with its own auxiliary power unit. The cylindrical brush or broom is the type normally used for this purpose having a plurality of discrete brush elements mounted across a cylindrical sleeve.

This and other features of the invention will be more fully understood by reference to the accompanying drawing showing several forms of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing the external features of one form of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus with portions cut away.

FIG. 3 is a section along 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a preferred bag holding ap paratus.

FIGS. 5 and 5a are partial top views showing different ways of driving the apparatus.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are diagrammatic representations showing three other embodiments of the invention.

Referring now further to the drawings, the machine 2 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with side panels 4 having generally arcuate top edges supported on opposite sides of the sweeper by suitable braces (not shown). A curved sheet 6 forms a cover or cage enclosing the front end of the machine, Side panels 4, cover 6 and top section 8 form the housing for the sweeper. Supporting the housing at its base is a frame 10. Generally, the frame, in plan as seen in FIG. 2, is in the form of adjacent rectangles lying in a horizontal plane. The front rectangle is wider than the rectangular back end of the frame, in the direction of travel.

Since the brush, the compression rollers, and the drive means are all anchored to frame II), the frame, through wheels 12, supports the entire machine. The compression rollers are suspended from this frame so that they are biased toward each other. Transversely across the wider front end of frame 10 a cylindrical brush or thatching element 14 is mounted on shaft 16. The shaft is journaled in bearings 18 which are mounted on frame 10. One end of the shaft 16 extends beyond frame 10 in order to carry driven sprocket wheel 20, to be described shortly. To afford interchangeability from brushing to thatching, it is preferred that the brush elements be mounted on a sleeve 15 which locks onto the shaft 16.

Turning now to the suspension system, the leaves and other debris are compressed by

rollers

22 and 24, and means must be provided urging them against each other while at the same time permitting them to move apart. To accomplish this, suspension bars 26 and 27 are disposed transversely across the frame. Suspension bars 26 and 27 are connected to braces or frame elements on each side wall of the sweeping unit. Through

bearings

32 and 33, suspension bars 26 and 27 are pivotally journaled in the sides of the apparatus. These bars are important not only because they support

arms

29 and 31, but because they carry movable walls and scrapers defining the debris confining chamber.

Attached to the suspension bar 26 through suitably spaced jibs is confining chamber wall 34. Since both the arm 29 and the wall 34 are integral with the suspension bar 26, the wall 34 tilts as the arm 29 tilts. The wall 34 is angled so that the opening between the top 8 and the wall 34 remains as small as possible. Affixed to the bottom end of the wall 34 is a scraper blade 23. The opposite wall 35 (FIG. 3) of the debris confining chamber is carried by the suspension bar 27. The wall 35 is supported by the strut member 25 which is integral with the suspension bar 27. A scraper blade 28 is also attached to this wall at a point nearest the roller 24.

The drive compression roller 22 is locked on a drive axle 36. The compression roller drive axle 36 also carries the wheels 12. Because of positive one directional clutch means 40, the wheels 12 on rotation drive the compression roller axle 36 and rotate the compression drive roller 22. The clutch means includes drive dogs or similar slip pawl means affected by gravity so that the roller 22 does not rotate when the rotation of the wheels 12 is reversed. The compression roller drive axle 36 is carried in suitable bearings 37 in the arms 29 on each end of the suspension bar 26 as shown in FIG. 3.

journaled in suitable bearings 39 in the angular arms 31 on each side of the frame 10 is an idler compression roller axle 42. Locked on, or integral with, this axle 42 is the idler compression roller 24. The

compression rollers

22 and 24 thus extend transversely across the frame 10 between its narrower sides. Oppositely placed springs 46 urge the arm 29 and the arm 31 on each side of the frame 10 toward each other bringing the

compression rollers

22 and 24 into operation. From FIG. 3 it can be seen that the idler compression roller 24 is capable of vertical movement because of its positioning by angular arm 31. This movement is restricted by a debris conveying belt 50. The width of the debris conveying belt 50 is approximately equal to the width of the

compression rollers

22 and 24. The conveying belt 50 passes over, enveloping the idler compression roller 24 and extends across the bottom of the machine within the housing, surrounding a conveying belt idler roller 54. The

rollers

24 and 54 can be shaped, e.g. curved outwardly (crowned) toward their longitudinal center points, to prevent the debris conveying belt 50 from scooting or slipping to one side. For maximum com pression efficiency, the compression roller 22 is curved inwardly to match the crown on the roller 24.

The brush element driving means will now be described. An idler belt roller axle 52 extends beyond the roller 54 as shown in FIG. 2. The axle 52 is journaled in bearings 56 in bracket elements 58 affixed to the sides of the frame 10. In a plane with the idler sprocket wheel 20 is a drive sprocket wheel 60, locked on the end of the idler belt roller axle 52. A brush drive chain 63 passes around and engages the aligned

sprocket wheels

20 and 60. A chute 62 can be interposed between the cylindrical brush element 14 and the belt roller 54, as shown in FIG. 3, or the roller 54 can be adjacent the brush element 14.

Various clamping means are available for holding a bag over the housing opening and for suspending its closed end. Thus, a flexible band can be stretched around the opening and against the outside of a bag placed over the opening. This, however, only holds the bag tightly at its corners unless the opening is round. The bag can pull out in between the corners. In accordance with an aspect of this invention novel bag carrying means are provided. The means herein resist bag slipping at all points around a lip of a housing opening 70. A particular advantage of the bag carrying means provided herein is that the bag can be lowered thereby as shown in FIG. 4, to be released by the action of the foot while the open end of the bag is being closed up. A bag supporting means 72 will best be understood by reference to FIGS. I and 4. From these figures it can be seen that the bag supporting member 72 is in the form of a U-frame having substantially parallel side members 83 (see FIG. 1) and 84 (see FIG. 3) joined together by a crossbar 85 across the top. Linking means such as tabs 86 (see FIG. 1) and 87 (see FIG. 3) extend upwardly from the top section 8 of the housing and the bottom ends of

side members

83 and 84 are pivotally secured to these tabs by suitable pins so that the bag supporting frame extends upwardly away from the opening 70 as seen in FIG. 3. The bag is held in place over the opening 70 by a rigid band 88 carried by the bag supporting

frame legs

83 and 84 by means of

brackets

89 and 90. The rigid band 88 extends outwardly from and is almost perpendicular to the bag supporting

frame legs

83 and 84. The band 88 is either rectangular or round, being the exact shape of the opening 70 so that it is slideable thereover. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 4 herein the opening 70 is rectangular (FIG. 2). Therefore the band 88 is rectangular and is approximately the same size as the lip 80 of the opening 70. A elastomeric flexible collar such as a rubber collar 91 is fixed around the lip 80. When the legs or

members

83 and 84 of the bag supporting frame are urged forward toward the opening 70, the band 88 is lowered over the lip 80 seating on the rubber collar 91. The band 88 is unseated when the bag supporting frame is lowered away from the opening 70 toward the position shown in FIG. 4. It can be seen that when a bag 92 is wrapped over the band 88 the rubber collar 91 holds the bag 92 in place when the band 88 is seated as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

As indicated hereinbefore, one of the advantages of the bag supporting means provided herein is that it can be operated by foot. This is accomplished by a clamping plate 93 operable by a second U-frame. Using tabs welded to the

legs

83 and 84, or a similar connection, an arm-98 and a parallel arm (not seen) of the clamping frame are pivotally connected to the

legs

83 and 84 of the bag supporting frame. Since the arms 98 are shorter than the

legs

83 and 84, the tabs are mounted part way up so that a crossbar 100 is about as high as the cross bar 85, the clamping frame extending upwardly and outwardly from the back of the bag supporting frame at an upwardly directed angle thereto as shown in FIG. 1. The clamping plate 93 is carried by the clamping frame by means of bolts 101 passing through the

legs

83 and 84 of the bag carrying frame to the front side. Behind and adjacent the clamping plate 93 is a bag retaining member or rod 82 integral with the

legs

83 and 84 of the bag supporting frame. A coil spring 103 and a similar one not shown surrounding the clamp bolts 101 urge the clamping frame crossbar I00 away from the bag supporting frame crossbar 85. This securely holds the clamping plate 93 in its normal position against the bag supporting frame member 72 when the angle between the clamping frame and the bag supporting frame is maximal.

It will be apparent that locking braces or similar means must be used to hold the bag supporting frame in position when the band 88 is seated over the opening 70. A preferred means for accomplishing this is to employ a retaining rod 106. By means of a tab 107 on the housing, the rod 106 is connected to the housing to pivot so that its free upper end swings over and engages the crossbar 85 of the bag supporting frame. Any releasable latching means 108 can be used to hold the retaining rod 106 and the supporting frame together. Desirably a roll holder will be installed across the arms 98 of the clamping frame below crossbar 100 to hold the roll 109 of plastic bags. When a bag 92 is full, the supporting frame will be lowered as shown in FIG. 4. The springs 103 can then be compressed by pressing on the crossbar 85 with one foot while removing the open end of the bag 92 from the inside of the rigid band 88.

In operation, the bag 92 is locked over the opening 70 as described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 4, and the machine is ready for use. As will be seen, a small model can be made to be pushed by the operator. However, generally a braced tongue 74 is attached to the frame at the front of the housing. A latch type of hitch will be provided on the tongue 74 so that the machine can be connected to a small tractor or other vehicle. The sweeper unit 14 is set to the desired height by a lever 77. The tongue 74 is jointed at a base 79 of the lever 77. This and a pivotal tractor connection permit the unit to be bent upwardly at 79 relative to the wheels and the tractor hitch to raise the brush element. The height is adjusted by a lever 78.

When the machine is pulled forward, the wheels 12 through the one-way clutch means 40 bring about a counterclockwise rotation of the drive compression roller 22. This roller 22 frictionally drives both the belt 50 and the idler compression roller 24 in a clockwise direction. The rotation of the endless belt 50 and the idler compression roller 24 drive the idler belt roller 54 (FIG. 2). The clockwise rotation of this idler roller 54 turns the sprocket drive wheel 60 clockwise. Through the brush drive chain 63 and the idler sprocket wheel 20, the brush element 14 is driven in a clockwise direction.

It can be seen that clockwise rotation of the brush element 14 lifts debris at the front end of the machine as shown by the arrows in FIG. 3 and discharges the debris down the chute 62 onto the endless belt 50. The belt 50 conveys the debris to compression roller 22. As the belt passes under this roller 22 the debris undergoes a first stage of compression. The second stage of debris compression takes place as the debris is forced between the drive compression roller 22 and the idler compression roller 24 by the rotation of roller 22 and the belt 50. The debris then accumulates in a debris confining chamber 81 as it passes upwardly between the rollers.

As the sweeper continues to operate, the debris confining chamber 81 fills up. Due to gravitational forces and the fact that the opening 70 is smaller than the chamber 81 beneath it, the debris undergoes an auxiliary stage of compression. Within the chamber 81, the

scraping elements

23 and 28 keep the

rollers

22 and 24 free of debris. It will be noted that the scraping element 23 moves as the arm 29 moves, keeping it against the roller 22. The arm 25 keeps the scraper 28 against the debris conveying belt 50. The debris accumulating in the confining chamber 81 is ultimatelyforced through the opening by increments of debris entering the chamber 81 beneath it. In compacted form, the debris is gradually lifted in successive layers into'the bag 92 until the bag 92 is crammed full.

Whereas in the sweeping unit described the wheels 12 power the drive roller 22, it will frequently be more desirable to drive the roller surrounded by the debris conveying belt 50, i.e. the roller 24. Two ways in which this can be readily accomplished are illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 5a. The modification of FIG. 5 illustrates drive means which utilizes the weight of the load to tension the drive chain. Hence, as the weight increases ad ditional driving power is produced. This weight also increases the tension on the belt. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the wheels 12 bring about the counterclockwise rotation of a driven sprocket wheel through the one way direction clutch 40. A drive chain 122 passes around this wheel 120 and under a transmission sprocket 124 where it engages the teeth of the transmission sprocket 124 mounted on the axle 42 of the roller 24. The direction of rotation of the roller 24 is reversed by the use of an idler sprocket 126, permitting the drive chain 122 to pass beneath the sprocket 124. In the modification of FIG. 5a, the wheel 12 is mounted on the axle 36 as in FIG. 2. However, in this instance, the wheel 12 does not rotate the roller 22. Rather, through sleeve means and a bearing 114, axle the 36 rotates freely within the roller 22. Integral with the axle 36 is a drive sprocket wheel 116. A transmission sprocket wheel 112, effecting the rotation of the roller 24, is mounted on the end of the axle 42 extending beyond the frame through the bearing 115. An idler sprocket 110 is mounted on the frame. A drive chain 113 passes around the idler sprocket wheel 110 and the transmission wheel 112. It passes only over the drive sprocket wheel 116 with only the lower portion of the chain 113 engaging the wheel 116. counterclockwise rotation of the drive wheel 116 thus drives the transmission sprocket wheel 112 and hence the roller 24 in a clockwise direction. It will be appreciated that as the load forces the

compression rollers

22 and 24 apart, the tension on the drive chain 113 is increased.

An apparatus has been described in which there are two stages of compaction. It will be appreciated that utilizing the principles of this invention a single stage of compaction, or even three stages of compaction can be accomplished. This is illustrated diagrammatically in FIGS. 6 and 7. A different mode of achieving two stages of compression is also possible. This is illstrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 6 also shows a hand propelled unit.

Referring now to FIG. 6, by a chute 162, debris is conveyed to

rollers

164 and 166. The debris is confined in a chamber 168 prior to being forced into a bag 170. With this embodiment the bag 170 should be somewhat more horizontal in order to receive the debris from a single stage of compression. This model is particularly adaptable to hand operation using; a handle 172. The apparatus shown in FIG. 7 effects three stages of debris compression. Grass, leaves or trash conveyed by a chute 266 are first compressed between rollers 268 and 270. The debris is then drawn between

rollers

268 and 268, and finally between

rollers

268 and 274. Deflection or scraping elements 276 and 278 attached to the side panels of the unit are disposed between the rollers to conduct debris from roller to roller. Deflection elements 276 and 278 are not in contact with the roller 272.

A sweeper in which two stages of debris compression are achieved by means differing from those shown heretofore is shown in FIG. 8. This unit is motor driven,

rollers

280 and 284 being out of contact. Rather than a conveying belt 50 and two rollers, three

rollers

280, 282 and 284 are employed. Debris passes first between the

rollers

280 and 282. By a deflector plate 286, the debris is then directed to the passageway between the

rollers

282 and 284. In all instances, the rollers are driven by the wheel 12 using means suggested hereinbefore. No belt is employed in the modifications shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.

This invention thus provides a sweeper which makes possible stages of compression of debris not possible heretofore. The debris bags do not have to be changed as frequently as in known devices, and compression of debris is achieved with very little power input. It has been shown that various embodiments of this invention are possible within the spirit thereof. Thus spur gears can be employed in lieu of chains and sprockets to reverse the direction of rotation of rollers. As another example instead of the cover 6, upwardly extending shields or deflecting plates can be used, leaving the conveying means exposed from the top. In each instance a high degree of compression is obtained so that large volumes of debris can be bagged before removal of the bag is necessary. By this invention, bag removal is made easy, and power requirements are minimal. In addition straps, or even a single sheet, can be placed across the

legs

83 and 84 of the bag supporting frame to support the filled bag when the frame is lowered as shown in FIG. 4. A motor can be mounted on a plate at the rear of the unit if desired, as shown in FIG. 8. However, it will generally not be necessary to do so. In addition, a thatching unit can be used instead of a brush. These and other variations will occur to those skilled in the art. Such ramifications are deemed to be within the scope of this invention.

We claim:

1. An apparatus for collecting debris including:

a frame having wheels to support said frame;

means to pick up debris as said frame is advanced,

said pick-up means being supported by said frame;

a housing supported by said frame and having a debris confining chamber;

means disposed within said housing between said pick-up means and said debris confining chamber to compress debris picked up by said pick-up means, said compression means being supported by said frame, said compression means receiving debris from said pick-up means as a continuous mat or the like;

said compression means including:

a compression area within said housing in which the debris is compressed as a continuous mat or the like;

and rotatable means within said housing to advance the debris from said compression area to said debris confining chamber as a continuous mat or the like so that additional compression of the debris occurs within said debris confining chamber;

said debris confining chamber having an outlet of fixed cross sectional area;

means to removably connect a debris retaining means to said outlet of said debris confining chamber to receive the continuous mat of compressed debris;

- support means for holding a debris retaining means in position to be force filled with debris throughsaid outlet of said debris confining chamber;

said debris confining chamber having a cross sectional area increasing from said compression area toward said outlet;

and means to operate said pick-up means and said rotatable means of said compression means at least when said frame is being advanced.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which:

said rotatable means includes:

a pair of compression rollers cooperating with each other;

and means to urge said rollers toward each other to compress debris passing between said rollers.

3. An apparatus for collecting debris including:

a frame having wheels to support said frame;

means to pick up debris as said frame is advanced,

said pick-up means being supported by said frame;

a housing supported by said frame and having a debris confining chamber;

means disposed between said pick-up means and said debris confining chamber to compress debris picked up by said pick-up means, said compression means being supported by said frame, said compression means receiving debris from said pick-up means;

said compression means including:

a compression area in which the debris is compressed;

and rotatable means to advance the debris from said compression area to said debris confining chamber;

said rotatable means including:

a pair of compression rollers cooperating with each other; and means to urge said rollers toward each other to compress debris passing between said rollers; an endless belt to receive debris from said pick-up means;

said endless belt being disposed to cooperate with said compression rollers to advance debris from said pick-up means to said compression rollers; said debris confining chamber having an outlet adapted to receive debris retaining means;

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 in which said operating means includes means actuated by said wheels.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4 in which said actuated means is coupled to one of said compression rollers.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which said rotatable means includes at least two compression rollers cooperating with each other to compress debris passing between said rollers.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 in which three compression rollers are employed in driving contact with each other.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6 in which four 9. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which said pick-up means includes wire fingers for thatching.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which a decompression rollers are employed in driving contact 5 bris disposal bag is the debris retaining meanswith each other.

Patent N Dated l l',

lnventofls) Charles W. Doering and Samuel W. Smith It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

IN THE SPECIFICATION V Col. 4, line 33, insert a--comma after "Therefore" Col. 5, line 54, after "belt" insert---50- Col. 6, line 30, before "axle" insert--theline 31, cancel "the" (first occurrence) line 53 "illstrated" should be--i1lustrated-- I line 66, "268" (first occurrence) should be--272--.

"1 em. sea 1-151 this 15th day of apri 1 L175.

s.J ittast:

C. I'IARSZZALL DAZJN T'U 3" 135'? A A c. ,J-t. commrssloner of ratents :rttes z n o1. flCEl and Trademarks F ORM PO-IOSO (10-69) USCOMM-DC 6C376-F'69 U 5 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 869. 930

Claims

1. An apparatus for collecting debris including: a frame having wheels to support said frame; means to pick up debris as said frame is advanced, said pick-up means being supported by said frame; a housing supported by said frame and having a debris confining chamber; means disposed within said housing between said pick-up means and said debris confining chamber to compress debris picked up by said pick-up means, said compression means being supported by said frame, said compression means receiving debris from said pick-up means as a continuous mat or the like; said compression means including: a compression area within said housing in which the debris is compressed as a continuous mat or the like; and rotatable means within said housing to advance the debris from said compression area to said debris confining chamber as a continuous mat or the like so that additional compression of the debris occurs within said debris confining chamber; said debris confining chamber having an outlet of fixed cross sectional area; means to removably connect a debris retaining means to said outlet of said debris confining chamber to receive the continuous mat of compressed debris; support means for holding a debris retaining means in position to be force filled with debris through said outlet of said debris confining chamber; said debris confining chamber having a cross sectional area increasing from said compression area toward said outlet; and means to operate said pick-up means and said rotatable means of said compression means at least when said frame is being advanced.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which: said rotatable means includes: a pair of compression rollers cooperating with each other; and means to urge said rollers toward each other to compress debris passing between said rollers.

3. An apparatus for collecting debris including: a frame having wheels to support said frame; means to pick up debris as said frame is advanced, said pick-up means being supported by said frame; a housing supported by said frame and having a debris confining chamber; means disposed between said pick-up means and said debris confining chamber to compress debris picked up by said pick-up means, said compression means being supported by said frame, said compression means receiving debris from said pick-up means; said compression means including: a compression area in which the debris is compressed; and rotatable means to advance the debris from said compression area to said debris confining chamber; said rotatable means including: a pair of compression rollers cooperating with each other; and means to urge said rollers toward each other to compress debris passing between said rollers; an endless belt to receive debris from said pick-up means; said endless belt being disposed to cooperate with said compression rollers to advance debris from said pick-up means to said compression rollers; said debris confining chamber having an outlet adapted to receive debris retaining means; said debris confining chamber having a cross sectional area increasing from said compression area toward said outlet; and means to operate said pick-up means and said rotatable means of said compression means at least when said frame is being advanced.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6 in which four compression rollers are employed in driving contact with each other.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which said pick-up means includes wire fingers for thatching.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which a debris disposal bag is the debris retaining means.