TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a material collection equipment, and more particularly to a structural aspect of an implement of the material collection equipment.

BACKGROUND

Generally, a material collection equipment, such as a walk-behind leaves collector, may include a rotating brush provided within an enclosure. As the equipment may move over a ground surface, the rotating brush may rotate and contact the ground surface. When the rotating brush may contact and move over leaves present on the ground surface, the rotating brush may collect the leaves and transfer the collected leaves to an adjacent compartment.

In many situations, the rotating brush may have to be replaced, such as during collection of material requiring a different profile of the rotating brush, or due to wear and tear, and the like. The rotating brush may be mounted within the enclosure on a rotating spindle using one or more mounting components, such as, bolts, screws, pins, clamps, interlocking surfaces, and the like. In such a situation, replacement of the rotating brush may require specialized tools and procedure, in turn, increasing labor effort, time, and equipment downtime.

In some situations, the rotating brush may be mounted on the rotating spindle in a manner such that substantially disassembly of a portion of the equipment, such as the rotating spindle, one or more wheels, the enclosure, associated mounting components, and the like, may be required in order to access the rotating brush for replacement thereof. Hence, there is a need for an improved mechanism to rotatably mount the rotating brush within the enclosure.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a material collection equipment, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The material collection equipment includes a handle and a storage compartment coupled to the handle adapted to store material therein. The material collection equipment includes an implement compartment disposed adjacent to the storage compartment. The material collection equipment includes an axle disposed rotatably within the implement compartment. The axle includes a substantially non-circular cross-sectional configuration. The material collection equipment also includes a pair of wheels coupled to the axle. The material collection equipment further includes an implement removably coupled to the axle. The implement is adapted to collect the material from a ground surface and transfer the material into the storage compartment. The implement includes a first flange portion having at least one first tab provided thereon. The implement includes a first blade coupled to and extending away from the first flange portion. The implement includes a second flange portion disposed opposite the first flange portion. The second flange portion includes at least one second tab provided thereon. The implement includes a second blade coupled to and extending away from the second flange portion. The implement also includes a third flange portion coupled to each of the first flange portion and the second flange portion. Each of the first flange portion, the second flange portion, and the third flange portion defines a recess therebetween. The recess is adapted to removably receive the axle therein. The implement further includes a locking element adapted to removably couple the implement with respect to the axle. The locking element is disposed in association with each of the first flange portion, the second flange portion, and the axle. The locking element includes at least one first opening adapted to slidably receive the at least one first tab therein. The locking element also includes at least one second opening adapted to slidably receive the at least one second tab therein. As such, the locking element provide a simple, efficient, and cost-effective method of coupling the implement with respect to the axle. The locking element may be easily locked or unlocked with respect to the implement without using specialized tools, in turn, reducing assembly effort, duration, and complexity. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking element further includes at least one first lip portion provided in association with the at least one first opening. The at least one first lip portion is adapted to slidably interlock with respect to the at least one first tab. As such, the at least one first lip portion provides a simple retention surface in order to mate with respect to the at least one first tab and, in turn, retain the locking element with respect to the implement by snapping.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one first lip portion includes a plurality of first lip portions. Each of the plurality of first lip portions is disposed axially aligned and spaced apart with respect to one another. As such, the plurality of first lip portions provide a robust and durable retention surface for providing increased lock/unlock cycles, in turn, improving component reliability, usability, life, and the like.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking element further includes at least one second lip portion provided in association with the at least one second opening. The at least one second lip portion is adapted to slidably interlock with respect to the at least one second tab. As such, the at least one second lip portion provides a simple retention surface in order to mate with respect to the at least one second tab and, in turn, retain the locking element with respect to the implement by snapping.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one second lip portion includes a plurality of second lip portions. Each of the plurality of second lip portions is disposed axially aligned and spaced apart with respect to one another. As such, the plurality of second lip portions provide a robust and durable retention surface for providing increased lock/unlock cycles, in turn, improving component reliability, usability, life, and the like.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one first tab includes a plurality of first tabs. Each of the plurality of first tabs is disposed axially aligned and spaced apart with respect to one another. As such, the plurality of first tabs provide a robust and durable interlocking surface for providing increased lock/unlock cycles, in turn, improving component reliability, usability, life, and the like.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one second tab includes a plurality of second tabs. Each of the plurality of second tabs is disposed axially aligned and spaced apart with respect to one another. As such, the plurality of second tabs provide a robust and durable interlocking surface for providing increased lock/unlock cycles, in turn, improving component reliability, usability, life, and the like.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one first opening includes a plurality of first openings. Each of the plurality of first openings is disposed axially aligned and spaced apart with respect to one another. As such, the plurality of first openings provide an improved visual indication therethrough of interlocking of each of the plurality of first tabs with respect to each of the plurality of first lip portions, in turn, improving usability.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one second opening includes a plurality of second openings. Each of the plurality of second openings is disposed axially aligned and spaced apart with respect to one another. As such, the plurality of second openings provide an improved visual indication therethrough of interlocking of each of the plurality of second tabs with respect to each of the plurality of second lip portions, in turn, improving usability.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the recess includes a substantially non-circular cross-sectional configuration. As such, the axle may be removably affixed with respect to the implement by sliding the axle into the recess, and without using any additional fastening element, in turn, reducing mounting components, mounting complexity, mounting duration, and mounting effort.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the material collection equipment further includes at least one end stop on the axle and in association with the implement. The at least one end stop is adapted to limit axial movement of the implement with respect to the axle. As such, the at least one stop provides a simple mechanism to limit the axial movement and, in turn, premature wear of the implement and/or the axle.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the material collection equipment further includes at least one extension portion provided in association with the axle. The at least one extension portion is adapted to couple the axle with respect to the pair of wheels. As such, the at least one extension portion provides a simple plug and play arrangement to couple the axle with respect to each of the pair of wheels.

Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a material collection equipment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of the material collection equipment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of an implement of the material collection equipment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a partial exploded perspective view of the implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows another partial exploded perspective view of the implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 6 shows another partial perspective view of the implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention 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 present 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 can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example,“upper”,“lower”,“front”, “rear”,“side”,“longitudinal”,“lateral”,“tr ansverse”,“upwards”,“downwards”, “forward”, “backward”, “sideward”, “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward”, “inner”, “outer”, “inward”, “outward”, “top”, “bottom”, “higher”, “above”, “below”, “central”, “middle”, “intermediate”, “between”, “end”, “adjacent”, “parallel”, “inclined”, “proximate”, “near”, “distal”, “remote”, “radial”,“circumferential”, or 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 equipment 100 is illustrated. The material collection equipment 100 will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the“equipment 100”. The equipment 100 is adapted to collect material (not shown) present on a ground surface and store the material therein. In one embodiment, the equipment 100 may be a walk-behind leaves collector adapted to collect leaves present on a lawn surface and store the leaves therein. In another embodiment, the equipment 100 may be a floor cleaner adapted to collect debris present on a floor surface and store the debris therein, and the like.

The equipment 100 includes a handle 102. The handle 102 is adapted to provide a pushing force therethrough to the equipment 100 in order to propel the equipment 100 on the ground surface during a work operation. The handle 102 may be any handle known in the art, such as a fixed handle, a swivel handle, a pivot handle, a telescopic handle, and the like. The handle 102 also includes a gripping portion 104 coupled thereto. The gripping portion 104 is adapted to hold the handle 102 during the work operation. The handle 102 further includes a support portion 106 coupled thereto. The support portion 106 is adapted to support and/or couple the handle 102 with respect to the equipment 100.

The equipment 100 includes a storage compartment 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the support portion 106 is coupled to the storage compartment 108. The storage compartment 108 includes a substantially hollow configuration. The storage compartment 108 is adapted to receive the material therein during the work operation. Additionally, the storage compartment 108 is adapted to temporally store the material therein, based on application requirements. In some embodiments, the storage compartment 108 may include a cover portion (not shown) provided thereon. The cover portion may be adapted to provide an enclosure on the storage compartment 108.

The equipment 100 includes an implement compartment 110. The implement compartment 110 is disposed adjacent to and in association with the storage compartment 108. The implement compartment 110 will be explained in more detail later. The equipment 100 also includes a pair of wheels 112. Each of the pair of wheels 112 is movably coupled to the implement compartment 110. Each of the pair of wheels 112 is adapted to support and propel the equipment 100 on the ground surface. Accordingly, each of the pair of wheels 112 is adapted to rotate about an axis X-X’, based on movement of the equipment 100 on the ground surface. Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the implement compartment 110 is illustrated. The implement compartment 110 includes a substantially hollow configuration. The implement compartment 110 includes a first side wall 202 and a second side wall 204. The second side wall 204 is disposed opposite the first side wall 202. The implement compartment 110 also includes an axle 206 disposed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the axle 206 includes a substantially square cross-sectional configuration. In other embodiments, the axle 206 may include any other non-circular cross-sectional configuration, such as rectangular, triangular, elliptical, and the like. The axle 206 is rotatably coupled to each of the first side wall 202 and the second side wall 204. Further, the axle 206 is coupled to each of the pair of wheels 112. Accordingly, based on a rotation of each of the pair of wheels 112, the axle 206 is adapted to rotate about an axis Y-Y’.

In the illustrated embodiment, the axis Y-Y’ is disposed at an offset with respect to the axis X-X’. Accordingly, 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 transfer mechanism, such as one or more gears, a belt pulley mechanism, contacting elements, and the like. In some embodiments, the axle 206 may be directly coupled to each of the pair of wheels 112. In such a situation, the axis X-X’ may axially align and coincide with respect to the axis Y-Y’.

The equipment 100 further includes an implement 208 disposed within the implement compartment 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the equipment 100 includes two implements 208 disposed within the implement compartment 110. The implement 208 is removably coupled to the axle 206. Accordingly, the implement 208 is adapted to rotate about the axis Y-Y’, based on the rotation of the axle 206. The implement 208 is adapted to collect the material from the ground surface and transfer the material into the storage compartment 108. The implement 208 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 3, an exploded perspective view of the implement 208 is illustrated. The implement 208 includes a first flange portion 302. The first flange portion 302 includes a number of first tabs 304 provided thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the first flange portion 302 includes four first tabs 304 provided thereon. In other embodiments, the first flange portion 302 may include single or multiple first tabs 304 provided thereon, based on application requirements. Each of the first tabs 304 is disposed axially aligned and spaced apart with respect to one another. Also, each of the first tabs 304 extend away with respect to the first flange portion 302. Each of the first tabs 304 include a substantially flat and planar configuration. In other embodiments, each of the first tabs 304 may include any other configuration, based on application requirements.

The implement 208 includes one or more first blades 306 coupled to the first flange portion 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the implement 208 includes two first blades 306 coupled to the first flange portion 302. In other embodiments, the implement 208 may include 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 extending away therefrom. Each of the first blades 306 is disposed spaced apart with respect to one another and each of the first tabs 304. Each of the first blades 306 may include any configuration, such as double helical, curved, angled, twisted, straight, and the like, based on application requirement.

The implement 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 a number of second tabs 310 provided thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the second flange portion 308 includes four second tabs 310 provided thereon. In other embodiments, the second flange portion 308 may include single or multiple second tabs 310 provided thereon, based on application requirements. Each of the second tabs 310 is disposed axially aligned and spaced apart with respect to one another. Also, each of the second tabs 310 extend away with respect to the second flange portion 308. Each of the second tabs 310 include a substantially flat and planar configuration. In other embodiments, each of the second tabs 310 may include any other configuration, based on application requirements.

The implement 208 also includes one or more second blades 312 coupled to the second flange portion 308. In the illustrated embodiment, the implement 208 includes two second blades 312 coupled to the second flange portion 308. In other embodiments, the implement 208 may include single or multiple second blades 312 coupled to the second flange portion 308, based on application requirements. Each of the second blades 312 is disposed on the second flange portion 308 extending away therefrom. Each of the second blades 312 is disposed spaced apart with respect to one another and each of the second tabs 310. Each of the second blades 312 may include any configuration, such as double helical, curved, angled, twisted, straight, and the like, based on application requirement.

The implement 208 also includes a third flange portion 314. The third flange portion 314 is coupled to each of the first flange portion 302 and the second flange portion 308. The third flange portion 314 in association with each of the first flange portion 302 and the second flange portion 308 defines a recess 316 therebetween. The recess 316 is adapted to removably receive the axle 206 therein. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the recess 316 includes a substantially square cross-sectional configuration. In other embodiments, the recess 316 may include any other non-circular cross-sectional configuration, such as rectangular, triangular, elliptical, and the like.

The implement 208 further includes a locking element 318. The locking element 318 is adapted to removably couple the implement 208 with respect to the axle 206. The locking element 318 is disposed in association with each of the first flange portion 302, the second flange portion 308, and the axle 206. The locking element 318 includes a number of first openings 320 provided thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 318 includes four first openings 320 provided thereon. In other embodiments, the locking element 318 may include single or multiple first openings 320 provided thereon, based on application requirements. Each of the first openings 320 is disposed axially aligned and spaced apart with respect to one another. Each of the first openings 320 is adapted to slidably receive the respective first tab 304 therein.

More specifically, the locking element 318 includes a number of first lip portions 322 provided thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 318 includes four first lip portions 322 provided thereon. In other embodiments, the locking element 318 may include single or multiple first lip portions 322 provided thereon, based on application requirements. Each of the first lip portions 322 is disposed axially aligned and spaced apart with respect to one another. Also, each of the first lip portions 322 is provided in association and disposed spaced apart with respect to each of the first openings 320 respectively. Each of the first lip portions 322 is adapted to slidably interlock with respect to the respective first tab 304. Accordingly, the locking element 318 may be removably coupled with respect to the first flange portion 302.

The locking element 318 also includes a number of second openings 324 provided thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 318 includes four second openings 324 provided thereon. In other embodiments, the locking element 318 may include single or multiple second openings 324 provided thereon, based on application requirements. Each of the second openings 324 is disposed axially aligned and spaced apart with respect to one another. Each of the second openings 324 is adapted to slidably receive the respective second tab 310 therein.

More specifically, the locking element 318 includes a number of second lip portions 326 provided thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 318 includes four second lip portions 326 provided thereon. In other embodiments, the locking element 318 may include single or multiple second lip portions 326 provided thereon, based on application requirements. Each of the second lip portions 326 is disposed axially aligned and spaced apart with respect to one another. Also, each of the second lip portions 326 is provided in association and disposed spaced apart with respect to each of the second openings 324 respectively. Each of the second lip portions 326 is adapted to slidably interlock with respect to the respective second tab 310. Accordingly, the locking element 318 may be removably coupled with respect to the second flange portion

308.

The implement 208 also includes one or more end stops 328. Each of the end stops 328 is adapted to be removably coupled on opposing ends of the axle 206 and in association with the implement 208. Each of the end stops 328 is adapted to limit axial movement of the implement 208 with respect to the axle 206. Each of the end stops 328 may be any retention device known in the art, such as a plug, a clamp, a clasp, and the like. The implement 208 further includes one or more extension portions 330. Each of the extension portions 330 is adapted to be removably coupled to the opposing ends of the axle 206. Each of the extension portions 330 is adapted to couple the axle 206 with respect to the pair of wheels 112. Accordingly, the rotation of each of the pair of wheels 112 may be transferred via each of the extension portions 330 to the axle 206.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, different perspective views of the implement 208, during an assembly thereof, are illustrated. The assembly process will now be explained with reference to the single implement 208. It should be noted that the assembly process may be substantially similar for assembling other implements 208 with respect to the axle 206. Referring to FIG. 4, during the assembly of the implement 208 with respect to the axle 206, the axle 206 is positioned within the recess 316 provided on the implement 208. Additionally, or optionally, the end stops 328 and the extension portions 330 may be coupled to the opposing ends of the axle 206.

Referring to FIG. 5, the locking element 318 is disposed adjacent to each of the first flange portion 302 and the second flange portion 308. More specifically, the locking element 318 is disposed in a manner such that each of the first openings 320 and the first lip portions 322 is disposed adjacent to, spaced apart, and axially aligned with respect to the respective first tabs 304 provided on the first flange portion 302. Also, the locking element 318 is disposed in a manner such that each of the second openings 324 and the second lip portions 326 is disposed adjacent to, spaced apart, and axially aligned with respect to the respective second tabs 310 provided on the second flange portion 308.

Referring to FIG. 6, the locking element 318 is slid in a direction“Dl”. Accordingly, each of the first tabs 304 is slidably interlocked between each of the first lip portions 322 and the first openings 320 respectively. Also, each of the second tabs 310 is slidably interlocked between each of the second lip portions 326 and the second openings 324 respectively. As such, the locking element 318 is slidably coupled with respect to the first flange portion 302 and the second flange portion 308 respectively in order to couple the implement 208 with respect to the axle 206. During disassembly, the locking element 318 may be slid in a direction“D2” in order to disconnect each of the first tabs 304 and the second tabs 310 with respect to each of the first lip portions 322 and the first openings 320, and each of the second lip portions 326 and the second openings 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 the purpose of limitation of the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

100 Material Collection Equipment / Equipment

102 Handle

104 Gripping Portion

106 Support Portion

108 Storage Compartment

110 Implement Compartment

112 Wheel

202 First Side Wall

204 Second Side Wall

206 Axle

208 Implement

302 First Flange Portion

304 First Tab

306 First Blade

308 Second Flange Portion

310 Second Tab

312 Second Blade

314 Third Flange Portion

316 Recess

318 Focking Element 320 First Opening 322 First Lip Portion 324 Second Opening

326 Second Lip Portion

328 End Stop

330 Extension Portion D1 Direction

D2 Direction

X-X’ Axis

Y-Y’ Axis