CN111836931B

CN111836931B - Material collection apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN111836931B
Application number: CN201880090850.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 托碧亚·德梅尔迈耶; 彼得·柯尔
Original assignee: Husqvarna AB
Current assignee: Husqvarna AB
Priority date: 2018-03-16
Filing date: 2018-09-21
Publication date: 2021-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-21
Also published as: CN111836931A; WO2019174763A1; EP3765675B1; EP3765675A1

Abstract

A material collection apparatus (100), comprising: a handle (102), a storage compartment (108), a tool compartment (110), a shaft (206), and a pair of wheels (112). The material collection apparatus (100) also includes a tool (208) adapted to collect material from the ground and transfer the material into the storage compartment (108). The tool (208) includes a first flange portion (302) having at least one first tab (304) and a first blade (306) coupled thereto. The tool (208) includes a second flange portion (308) having at least one second tab (310) and a second blade (312) coupled thereto. The tool (208) also includes a locking assembly (318) having at least one first opening (320) adapted to slidably receive at least one first tab (304) therein. The locking assembly (318) also includes at least one second opening (324) adapted to slidably receive at least one second tab (310) therein.

Description

Material collection apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a material collection apparatus, and more particularly to structural aspects of a tool of a material collection apparatus.

Background

Typically, a material collection device, such as a hand propelled leaf collector, may include a rotating brush disposed within a housing. When the apparatus is movable over the ground, the rotating brush may rotate and contact the ground. The rotating brush can collect the leaves and transfer the collected leaves to an adjacent compartment when the rotating brush can contact the ground and move over the leaves present on the ground.

In many cases, the rotating brush may have to be replaced, for example, a different shape of the rotating brush may be required during the collection of material, or due to wear of the rotating brush, etc. One or more mounting components may be used, for example: bolts, screws, pins, clamps, interlocking surfaces, etc., mount the rotating brush within a housing on the rotating shaft. In such cases, changing the rotating brush may require specialized tools and procedures, thereby increasing labor, time, and equipment downtime.

In some cases, the rotating brush may be mounted on the rotating shaft in the following manner: it may be necessary to substantially disassemble a portion of the equipment, such as the rotating shaft, one or more wheels, the housing, associated mounting assemblies, etc., to gain access to replace the rotating brushes. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved mechanism for rotatably mounting a rotating brush within a housing.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the above disadvantages. According to an embodiment of the invention, the object is at least partly achieved by a material collection apparatus. The material collection apparatus comprises: a handle and a storage compartment coupled to the handle adapted to store material therein. The material collection apparatus includes a tool compartment disposed adjacent to the storage compartment. The material collection apparatus includes a shaft rotatably disposed within the tool chamber. The shaft includes a substantially non-circular cross-sectional configuration. The material collection apparatus also includes a pair of wheels coupled to the axle. The material collection apparatus also includes a tool removably coupled to the shaft. The tool is adapted to collect material from the ground and transfer the material into the storage compartment. The tool includes a first flange portion having at least one first tab disposed thereon. The tool includes a first blade coupled to the first flange portion and extending away from the first flange portion. The tool includes a second flange portion disposed opposite the first flange portion. The second flange portion includes at least one second tab disposed thereon. The tool includes a second blade coupled to the second flange portion and extending away from the second flange portion. The tool also includes a third flange portion coupled to each of the first and second flange portions. Each of the first, second and third flange portions define a recess therebetween. The recess is adapted to removably receive the shaft therein. The tool also includes a locking assembly adapted to removably couple the tool relative to the shaft. The locking assembly is disposed in association with each of the first flange portion, the second flange portion, and the shaft. The locking assembly includes at least one first opening adapted to slidably receive at least one first tab therein. The locking assembly includes at least one second opening adapted to slidably receive at least one second tab therein. As such, the locking assembly provides a simple, effective and cost-effective method of coupling the tool relative to the shaft. The locking assembly can be easily locked or unlocked relative to the tool without the use of special tools, thereby reducing assembly effort, time delay and complexity.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking assembly further comprises at least one first lip arranged in association with the at least one first opening. The at least one first lip is adapted to slidably interlock with respect to the at least one first tab. In this way, the at least one first lip provides a simple fixing surface for engaging with respect to the at least one first tab and thereby fixing the locking assembly with respect to the tool by snapping.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one first lip comprises a plurality of first lips. Each of the plurality of first lips is disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from one another. As such, the plurality of first lips provide a robust fastening surface to provide increased locking/unlocking cycles, thereby improving reliability, usability, longevity, etc. of the assembly.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking assembly further comprises at least one second lip arranged in association with the at least one second opening. The at least one second lip is adapted to slidably interlock with respect to the at least one second tab. In this way, the at least one second lip provides a simple fixing surface for cooperating with respect to the at least one second tab and, in turn, fixing the locking assembly with respect to the tool by snapping.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one second lip comprises a plurality of second lips. Each of the plurality of second lips is disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from one another. As such, the plurality of second lips provide a robust fastening surface to provide increased locking/unlocking cycles, thereby improving reliability, usability, longevity, etc. of the assembly.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one first tab comprises a plurality of first tabs. Each of the plurality of first tabs is disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from one another. As such, the plurality of first tabs provide robust interlocking surfaces to provide increased locking/unlocking cycles, thereby improving reliability, usability, longevity, etc. of the assembly.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one second tab comprises a plurality of second tabs. Each of the plurality of second tabs is disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from one another. As such, the plurality of second tabs provide robust interlocking surfaces to provide increased locking/unlocking cycles, thereby improving reliability, usability, longevity, etc. of the assembly.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one first opening comprises a plurality of first openings. Each of the plurality of first openings is disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from one another. As such, the plurality of first openings provide an improved visual indication through which each of the plurality of first tabs interlock with respect to each of the plurality of first lips, thereby improving usability.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one second opening comprises a plurality of second openings. Each of the plurality of second openings is disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from one another. As such, the plurality of second openings provide an improved visual indication through which each of the plurality of second tabs interlock with respect to each of the plurality of second lips, thereby improving usability.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the recess comprises a substantially non-circular cross-sectional configuration. As such, the shaft may be removably secured relative to the tool by sliding the shaft into the recess without the use of any additional fastening components, thereby reducing installation components, installation complexity, installation time, and installation labor.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the material collection apparatus further comprises at least one end stop on the shaft and associated with the tool. The at least one end stop is adapted to limit axial movement of the tool relative to the shaft. In this way, the at least one stop provides a simple mechanism to limit axial movement and thereby limit premature wear of the tool and/or the shaft.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the material collection apparatus further comprises at least one extension arranged in connection with the shaft. The at least one extension is adapted to couple the axle relative to the pair of wheels. In this way, the at least one extension provides a simple plug and play arrangement for coupling the axle relative to each of the pair of wheels.

Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a material collection apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a material collection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a tool of a material collection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a partially exploded perspective view of a tool according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows another partially exploded perspective view of a tool according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates another partial perspective view of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention may be used in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. For example, terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "side," "longitudinal," "lateral," "transverse," "upward," "downward," "forward," "rearward," "lateral," "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward," "interior," "exterior," "inward," "outward," "top," "bottom," "upper," "above," "below," "central," "intermediate," "between," "terminal," "adjacent," "parallel," "oblique," "proximate," "near," "remote," "radial," "circumferential," and the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a material collection apparatus 100 is shown. The material collection apparatus 100 will be interchangeably referred to hereinafter as "apparatus 100". The apparatus 100 is adapted to collect material (not shown) present on the ground and store the material therein. In one embodiment, the device 100 may be a push-type leaf collector adapted to collect and store leaves present on the lawn surface. In another embodiment, the apparatus 100 may be a floor cleaner adapted to collect debris present on a floor surface and store the debris therein, or the like.

The device 100 includes a handle 102. The handle 102 is adapted to provide a pushing force to the apparatus 100 to push the apparatus 100 on a floor surface during operation. The handle 102 may be any handle known in the art, such as: fixed handles, rotating handles, pivoting handles, telescoping handles, and the like. The handle 102 also includes a grip portion 104 coupled thereto. The grip portion 104 is adapted to hold the handle 102 during work operations. The handle 102 also includes a support 106 coupled thereto. The support 106 is adapted to support and/or couple the handle 102 relative to the device 100.

The apparatus 100 includes a storage compartment 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the support 106 is coupled to the storage compartment 108. The storage compartment 108 comprises a substantially hollow configuration. The storage chamber 108 is adapted to receive material therein during a work process. In addition, the storage compartment 108 is adapted to temporarily store materials therein, depending on the application requirements. In some embodiments, the storage compartment 108 may include a cover (not shown) disposed thereon. The cover portion may be adapted to provide an external enclosure over the storage compartment 108.

The apparatus 100 includes a tool chamber 110. A tool compartment 110 is disposed adjacent to and associated with the storage compartment 108. The tool room 110 will be described in more detail later. The apparatus 100 also includes a pair of wheels 112. Each of the pair of wheels 112 is removably coupled to the tool chamber 110. Each of said pairs of wheels 112 is adapted to support and push the apparatus 100 on the ground. Thus, each of said pairs of wheels 112 is adapted to rotate about an axis X-X' upon movement of the apparatus 100 over the ground.

Referring to fig. 2, a perspective view of the tool compartment 110 is shown. The tool chamber 110 comprises a substantially hollow configuration. The tool chamber 110 includes a first sidewall 202 and a second sidewall 204. The second sidewall 204 is disposed opposite the first sidewall 202. The tool chamber 110 also includes a shaft 206 disposed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 206 includes a substantially square cross-sectional configuration. In other embodiments, the shaft 206 may comprise any other non-circular cross-sectional configuration, such as: rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. A shaft 206 is rotatably coupled to each of the first sidewall 202 and the second sidewall 204. Further, an axle 206 is coupled to each of the pair of wheels 112. Thus, upon rotation of each of the pair of wheels 112, the shaft 206 is adapted to rotate about the axis Y-Y'.

In the illustrated embodiment, the axis Y-Y 'is offset relative to the axis X-X'. Thus, the axle 206 is coupled to one or more of the pair of wheels 112 via a transmission mechanism (not shown). The transmission mechanism may be any power transmission mechanism such as one or more gears, a pulley mechanism, a contact assembly, or the like. In some embodiments, axle 206 may be directly coupled to each of the pair of wheels 112. In this case, the axis X-X 'may be axially aligned and coincident with respect to the axis Y-Y'.

The apparatus 100 also includes a tool 208 disposed within the tool compartment 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes two tools 208 disposed within the tool compartment 110. The tool 208 may be removably coupled to the shaft 206. Thus, tool 208 is adapted to rotate about axis Y-Y' based on the rotation of shaft 206. The tool 208 is adapted to collect material from the ground and transfer the material into the storage compartment 108. Tool 208 will be explained in more detail below with reference to fig. 3.

Referring to fig. 3, an exploded perspective view of the tool 208 is shown. The tool 208 includes a first flange portion 302. The first flange portion 302 includes at least one first tab 304 disposed thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the first flange portion 302 includes four first tabs 304 disposed thereon. In other embodiments, the first flange portion 302 may include a single or multiple first tabs 304 disposed thereon, depending on the application requirements. Each of the first tabs 304 are disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from each other. Also, each of the first tabs 304 extends away relative to the first flange portion 302. Each of the first tabs 304 comprises a substantially flat and planar configuration. In other embodiments, each first tab 304 may comprise any other configuration based on application requirements.

The tool 208 includes one or more first blades 306 coupled to the first flange portion 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool 208 includes two first blades 306 coupled to the first flange portion 302. In other embodiments, the tool 208 may include a single or multiple first blades 306 coupled to the first flange portion 302, based on application requirements. Each of the first blades 306 is disposed on the first flange portion 302 and extends away from the first flange portion 302. Each of the first vanes 306 are disposed in spaced relation to each of the first tabs 304. Based on application requirements, each of the first blades 306 may include any configuration, such as: double helix, curved, angled, twisted, straight, etc.

The tool 208 also includes a second flange portion 308. The second flange portion 308 is disposed opposite the first flange portion 302. The second flange portion 308 includes at least one second tab 310 disposed thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the second flange portion 308 includes four second tabs 310 disposed thereon. In other embodiments, the second flange portion 308 may include a single or multiple second tabs 310 disposed thereon, depending on the application requirements. Each of the second tabs 310 are disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from each other. Also, each of the second tabs 310 extends away from the second flange portion 308. Each of the second tabs 310 comprises a substantially flat and planar configuration. In other embodiments, each second tab 310 may comprise any other configuration based on application requirements.

The tool 208 includes one or more second blades 312 coupled to the second flange portion 308. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool 208 includes two second blades 312 coupled to the second flange portion 308. In other embodiments, the tool 208 may include a single or multiple second blades 312 coupled to the second flange portion 308, based on application requirements. Each of the second vanes 312 is disposed on the second flange portion 308 and extends away from the second flange portion 302. Each of the second blades 312 are disposed in spaced relation to each of the second tabs 310. Based on application requirements, each of the second blades 312 may include any configuration, such as: double helix, curved, angled, twisted, straight, etc.

The tool 208 also includes a third flange portion 314. The third flange portion 314 is coupled to each of the first and

second flange portions

302, 308. A third flange portion 314 is associated with each of the first and

second flange portions

302, 308 and defines a recess 316 therebetween. The recess 316 is adapted to removably receive the shaft 206 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 316 comprises a substantially square cross-sectional configuration. In other embodiments, the recess 316 may comprise any other non-circular cross-sectional configuration, such as: rectangular, triangular, oval, etc.

The tool 208 also includes a locking assembly 318. The locking assembly 318 is adapted to removably couple the tool 208 relative to the shaft 206. A locking assembly 318 is provided in association with each of the first flange portion 302, the second flange portion 308, and the shaft 206. The locking assembly 318 includes at least one first opening 320 disposed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking assembly 318 includes four first openings 320 disposed therein. In other embodiments, the locking assembly 318 may include a single or multiple first openings 320 disposed thereon, depending on the application requirements. Each of the first openings 320 is disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from one another. Each of the first openings 320 is adapted to slidably receive an opposing first tab 304 therein.

More specifically, the locking assembly 318 includes at least one first lip 322 disposed thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking assembly 318 includes four first lips 322 disposed thereon. In other embodiments, the locking assembly 318 may include a single or multiple first lips 322 disposed thereon, depending on the application requirements. Each of the first lips 322 are disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from each other. Moreover, each first lip 322 is disposed in association with each first opening 320 and is disposed in respective spaced relation to each first opening 320. Each of the first lips 322 is adapted to slidably interlock with respect to a corresponding first tab 304. Thus, the locking assembly 318 may be removably coupled with respect to the first flange portion 302.

The locking assembly 318 also includes at least one second opening 324 disposed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking assembly 318 includes four second openings 324 disposed therein. In other embodiments, the locking assembly 318 may include a single or multiple second openings 324 disposed thereon, depending on the application requirements. Each of the second openings 324 are disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from each other. Each of the second openings 324 is adapted to slidably receive an opposing second tab 310 therein.

More specifically, the locking assembly 318 includes at least one second lip 326 disposed thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking assembly 318 includes four second lips 326 disposed thereon. In other embodiments, the locking assembly 318 may include a single or multiple second lips 326 disposed thereon, depending on the application requirements. Each of the second lips 326 is disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from each other. Moreover, each second lip 326 is disposed in association with each second opening 324 and is disposed in respective spaced relation to each second opening 320. Each of the second lips 326 is adapted to slidably interlock with respect to the respective second tab 310. Thus, the locking assembly 318 may be removably coupled with respect to the second flange portion 308.

The tool 208 also includes more than one end stop 328. Each of the end stops 328 is adapted to be removably coupled on an opposite end of the shaft 206 and associated with the tool 208. Each of the end stops 328 is adapted to limit axial movement of the tool 208 relative to the shaft 206. Each of the end stops 328 may be any securing means known in the art, such as: plugs, clamps, snaps, and the like. The tool 208 also includes more than one extension 330. Each of the extensions 330 is adapted to be removably coupled to an opposite end of the shaft 206. Each of the extensions 330 is adapted to couple the axle 206 relative to the pair of wheels 112. Thus, rotation of each of the pair of wheels 112 may be transmitted to the axle 206 via each of the extensions 330.

Referring to fig. 4, 5 and 6, different perspective views of the tool 208 during assembly of the tool 208 are shown. The assembly process will now be described with reference to a single tool 208. It should be noted that the assembly process may be substantially similar for assembling other tools 208 relative to the shaft 206. Referring to fig. 4, during assembly of the tool 208 relative to the shaft 206, the shaft 206 is positioned within a recess 316 provided on the tool 208. Additionally or alternatively, the end stop 328 and the extension portion 330 may be coupled to opposite ends of the shaft 206.

Referring to fig. 5, a locking assembly 318 is disposed adjacent each of the first flange portion 302 and the second flange portion 308. More specifically, the locking assembly 318 is configured in the following manner: each of the first opening 320 and the first lip 322 are disposed adjacent, spaced apart, and axially aligned with respect to a respective first tab 304 disposed on the first flange portion 302. Furthermore, the locking assembly 318 is arranged in the following manner: each of the second opening 324 and the second lip 326 are disposed adjacent, spaced apart, and axially aligned with respect to a respective second tab 310 disposed on the second flange portion 308.

Referring to fig. 6, the locking assembly 318 slides in the direction "D1". Accordingly, each of the first tabs 304 is slidably interlocked between the first lip 322 and each of the first openings 320, respectively. Further, each of the second tabs 310 is slidably interlocked between each of the second lip 326 and the second opening 324, respectively. As such, the locking assembly 318 is slidably coupled relative to the first and

second flange portions

302 and 308, respectively, to couple the tool 208 relative to the shaft 206. During disassembly, the locking assembly 318 may be slid in the direction "D2" to break the first tab 304 and the second tab 310 relative to each of the first lip 322 and the first opening 320 and each of the second lip 326 and the second opening 324, respectively.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Description of the reference numerals

100 material collecting apparatus/apparatus

102 handle

104 grip part

106 support part

108 storage room

110 tool chamber

112 wheel

202 first side wall

204 second side wall

206 axle

208 tool

302 first flange part

304 first tab

306 first blade

308 second flange portion

310 second tab

312 second blade

314 third flange portion

316 recess

318 locking assembly

320 first opening

322 first lip

324 second opening

326 second lip

328 end stop

330 extension part

Direction D1

Direction D2

Axis X-X

Y-Y' axis

Claims

1. A material collection apparatus (100), comprising:

a handle (102);

a storage chamber (108) coupled to the handle (102) and adapted to store material therein;

a tool compartment (110) disposed adjacent to the storage compartment (108);

a shaft (206) rotatably disposed within the tool chamber (110), the shaft (206) comprising a non-circular cross-sectional configuration;

a pair of wheels (112) coupled to the axle (206); and

a tool (208) removably coupled to the shaft (206), the tool (208) adapted to collect material from the surface and transfer the material into the storage chamber (108),

the method is characterized in that:

the tool (208) comprises:

a first flange portion (302) including at least one first tab (304) disposed thereon;

a first blade (306) coupled to the first flange portion (302) and extending away from the first flange portion (302);

a second flange portion (308) disposed opposite the first flange portion (302), the second flange portion (308) including at least one second tab (310) disposed thereon;

a second blade (312) coupled to the second flange portion (308) and extending away from the second flange portion (308);

a third flange portion (314) coupled to each of the first flange portion (302) and the second flange portion (308), wherein each of the first flange portion (302), the second flange portion (308), and the third flange portion (314) define a recess (316) therebetween, the recess (316) adapted to removably receive the shaft (206) therein; and

a locking assembly (318) adapted to be removably coupled to the tool (208) relative to the shaft (206), the locking assembly (318) disposed in association with each of the first flange portion (302), the second flange portion (308), and the shaft (206), the locking assembly (318) comprising:

at least one first opening (320) adapted to slidably receive at least one first tab (304) therein; and

at least one second opening (324) adapted to slidably receive at least one second tab (310) therein.

2. The material collection apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the locking assembly (318) further comprises at least one first lip (322) disposed in association with the at least one first opening (320), the at least one first lip (322) adapted to slidably interlock with respect to the at least one first tab (304).

3. The material collection apparatus (100) of claim 2, wherein the at least one first lip (322) comprises a plurality of first lips (322), each of the plurality of first lips (322) being disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from one another.

4. The material collection apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the locking assembly (318) further comprises at least one second lip (326) disposed in association with the at least one second opening (324), the at least one second lip (326) adapted to slidingly interlock with respect to the at least one second tab (310).

5. The material collection apparatus (100) of claim 4, wherein the at least one second lip (326) comprises a plurality of second lips (326), each of the plurality of second lips (326) being disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from one another.

6. The material collection apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one first tab (304) comprises a plurality of first tabs (304), each of the plurality of first tabs (304) disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from one another.

7. The material collection apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one second tab (310) comprises a plurality of second tabs (310), each of the plurality of second tabs (310) disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from each other.

8. The material collection apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one first opening (320) comprises a plurality of first openings (320), each of the plurality of first openings (320) being disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from one another.

9. The material collection apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one second opening (324) comprises a plurality of second openings (324), each of the plurality of second openings (324) disposed in axial alignment and spaced apart from one another.

10. The material collection apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the recess (316) comprises a non-circular cross-sectional configuration.

11. The material collection apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising at least one end stop (328) on the shaft (206) and associated with the tool (208), the at least one end stop (328) adapted to limit axial movement of the tool (208) relative to the shaft (206).

12. The material collection apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising at least one extension (330) disposed in association with the axle (206), the at least one extension (330) adapted to couple the axle (206) relative to the pair of wheels (112).