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Title:
VACUUM SYSTEM FOR DEBRIS CONTAINERS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2013/013312
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A vacuum enabling cover structure for use on a waste container and with a vacuum to convert said container to a vacuum system for collection of debris comprises: a) a plurality of arcuate ribs having at each of two ends a means to removeably attach each rib to a top end of the container, said ribs capable of being formed into an arched framework; b) a flexible sheet of a size and dimension suitable to cover the arched framework and extend to cover at least of portion of sides and ends of the container, said sheet having a compositional integrity with withstand a degree of vacuum pressure required to collect the debris; c) at least two cross-bar assemblies; d) connection means to removeably secure cross-bar assemblies to the arcuate ribs; e) at least one debris ingress portal within sheet; and f) at least one vacuum pressure portal within sheet

Inventors:
TUCKER WILLIAM (CA)
Application Number:
PCT/CA2012/000718
Publication Date:
January 31, 2013
Filing Date:
July 27, 2012
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
ADAPTIVE VACUUM SYSTEMS INC (CA)
TUCKER WILLIAM (CA)
International Classes:
B65G65/32; A47L7/00; B65D88/54; B65F1/14; B65F3/14
Foreign References:
US3404776A1968-10-08
US6029312A2000-02-29
US5218737A1993-06-15
US20100294867A12010-11-25
DE102010005924A12011-07-28
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BEN-OLIEL, Susan Margaret (2900-550 Burrard StreetVancouver, British Columbia V6C 0A3, CA)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims:

1. A vacuum enabling cover structure for use on a waste container and with a vacuum to convert said container to a vacuum system for collection of debris which comprises: a) a plurality of arcuate ribs having at each of two ends a means to removeably attach each rib to a top end of the container, said ribs capable of being formed into an arched framework; b) a flexible sheet of a size and dimension suitable to cover the arched framework and to extend to cover at least of portion of sides and ends of the container, said sheet having a compositional integrity to withstand a degree of vacuum pressure required to collect the debris; c) at least two cross-bar assemblies; d) connection means to removeably secure cross-bar assemblies to the arcuate ribs; e) at least one debris ingress portal within sheet; and f) at least one vacuum pressure portal within sheet.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein each cross-bar assembly comprises a plurality of rods which are capable of being formed into supporting engagement, end to end, by said connection means.

3. The structure of claim 1 wherein each cross-bar assembly comprises a plurality of rods, each rod being formed of a substantially straight portion of a length approximating a distance between each rib when said rib is in situ within the arched framework, said rod additionally comprising at each of two ends a nub return portion extending at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the straight portion.

4. The structure of claim 1 wherein the connection means comprises a housing integral with each rib and at least two securing rings for holding rods in place.

5. The structure of claim 1 wherein the connection means enables unaligned supporting engagement between adjacent rods when the cover structure is in place on a waste container.

6. The structure of claim 1 wherein the connection means enables unaligned supporting engagement between adjacent rods when the cover structure is in place on a waste container such that one rod may be at an angle of from 1 to 10 degrees higher or lower than an adjacent rod.

7. The structure of claim 1 wherein each rib is fabricated of from galvanized steel.

8. The structure of claim 1 wherein each rib is a hollow tubular member of unitary construction.

9. The structure of claim 1 wherein each rib is formed of two parts, together joinable in situ when the cover structure is in place on a waste container by a reinforcing sleeve.

10. A vacuum system for removal of debris comprises an open top debris collecting container and a cover structure removeably engaged with the container, said structure comprising: a) a plurality of substantially uniformly-spaced, arcuate ribs having at each of two ends a means to removeably attach each rib to a top end of the container, said ribs forming into an arched framework along a top surface of the container; b) at least two cross-bar assemblies extending across the arched framework; c) a flexible sheet of a size and dimension suitable to cover the arched framework and extending to cover at least of portion of sides and ends of the container, said sheet having a compositional integrity to withstand a degree of vacuum pressure required to collect the debris; d) connection means to removeably secure cross-bar assemblies to the arcuate ribs; e) at least one debris ingress portal within the sheet; and f) at least one vacuum pressure portal within the sheet.

1 1. The system of claim 10 wherein each cross-bar assembly comprises a plurality of rods which are formed into supporting engagement, end to end, by said connection means.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein each cross-bar assembly comprises a plurality of rods, each rod being formed of a substantially straight portion of a length approximating a distance between each rib when said rib is in situ within the arched framework, said rod additionally comprising at each of two ends a nub return portion extending at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the straight portion.

13. The system of claim 10 wherein the connection means comprises a housing integral with each rib and at least two securing rings for holding rods in place.

14. The system of claim 10 wherein the connection means enables unaligned supporting engagement between adjacent rods.

15. The system of claim 10 wherein the connection means enables unaligned supporting engagement between adjacent rods such that one rod may be at an angle of from 1 to 10 degrees higher or lower than an adjacent rod.

16. The system of claim 10 wherein each rib is fabricated of galvanized steel.

17. The system of claim 10 wherein each rib is a hollow tubular member of unitary construction.

18. The system of claim 10 wherein each rib is formed of two parts joined by a reinforcing sleeve.

19. The system of claim 10 wherein the sheet is a tarpaulin made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene.

20. The system of claim 10 additionally comprising a vacuum truck.

21. A method of removing debris from a construction/renovation/clean-up site which comprises using the system of claim 10.

Description:
VACUUM SYSTEM FOR DEBRIS CONTAINERS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of devices and systems for removing, holding and transporting debris, more specifically construction debris from a construction site

BACKGROUND ON THE INVENTION

Construction debris, for the most part, is currently removed from a construction site and disposed of elsewhere. A long recognized problem faced by the builder or construction company is the removal of immense amounts of such construction debris (particularly drywall and small dry debris) from the site in an efficient, clean and cost-effective manner.

There are four conventional ways of dealing with construction debris:

1) Rake and Bag: using this method, workers enter a construction site with rakes or other gathering implements and physically/manually put debris into garbage bags. This is a time-consuming, dirty and inefficient practise. Often hundreds of bags are used for large workspaces and are filled in a confined space making a hazardous work environment. It can take weeks to clear debris from some work sites.

2) Drop the Ceiling: using this method, ceiling drywall is pulled down and the insulation is cleaned up after it falls to the floor. As expected, this method is messy and expensive.

3) Fill the Vacuum Truck: using this method, debris is blown into an open or closed bed of a vacuum truck. The truck is then driven to a landfill, emptied and returned to the site, with a loss time of hours. This truck comprises a heavy duty industrial vacuum loader designed to pneumatically convey solids, liquids, sludge or slurry through suction lines typically 2-4" in diameter with 3" being the norm. The typical pump used in the industry is the rotary vane vacuum pump. The truck can be configured to be a direct PTO belt or a PTO/hydraulic drive system. There are two different ways to mount the pump either directly on the truck with PTO drive or on the trailer with a pony motor. Each application has different handling characteristics. However, on the renovation of an average house, approximately 20 trips to the dump by such a truck would be required.

4) Blow the Debris into a Bin: using this method, debris is placed or blown into a bin or dumpster. The area around the bin will require considerable clean-up and matter spreads around as it is being blown into bin. Generally these bins are of the type referred to as "roll off bins/dumpsters". A roll-off bin is an open top dumpster characterized by a rectangular footprint, utilizing wheels to facilitate rolling the dumpster in place. The open top container is designed to be transported by special roll-off trucks. The material in the roll-off may be taken to a landfill, recycled or disposed/recovered of in some other way. Roll-off containers generally have a rectangular footprint typically determined by the size of typical trucks and container sizes are determined by the amount of cubic yards of debris they contain. Typical container sizes are 10 yard, 20 yard, 30 yard, and 40 yard. While the roll-offs are rented by volume (in cubic yards), there are also weight limitations. Most roll-off providers will have a weight limit for each container size. Roll- offs are put on site by roll-off trucks. As the roll-off truck raises its hydraulically operated bed, the roll-off container rolls off of the bed. A cable is used to softly lower the container. After the waste container is loaded, the roll-off truck pulls the filled container onto the roll-off truck by using a cable and winch system.

There remain issues of efficiency and mess in using such bins, in particular with respect to the removal of mass quantities of light, particulate debris.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the above disadvantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The prevent invention provides a vacuum enabling cover structure for use on a waste container and with a vacuum to convert said container to a vacuum system for collection of debris which comprises: a) a plurality of arcuate ribs having at each of two ends a means to removeably attach each rib to a top end of the container, said ribs capable of being formed into an arched framework; b) a flexible sheet of a size and dimension suitable to cover the arched framework and extend to cover at least of portion of sides and ends of the container, said sheet having a compositional integrity with withstand a degree of vacuum pressure required to collect the debris; c) at least two cross-bar assemblies; d) connection means to removeably secure cross-bar assemblies to the arcuate ribs; e) at least one debris ingress portal within sheet; and f) at least one vacuum pressure portal within sheet

In another aspect, the present invention provides a vacuum system for removal of debris comprising an open top debris collecting container and a cover structure removeably engaged with the container, said structure comprising: a) a plurality of substantially uniformly-spaced, arcuate ribs having at each of two ends a means to removeably attach each rib to a top end of the container, said ribs forming into an arched framework along a top surface of the container; b) at least two cross-bar assemblies extending across the arched framework; c) a flexible sheet of a size and dimension suitable to cover the arched framework and extending to cover at least of portion of sides and ends of the container, said sheet having a compositional integrity with withstand a degree of vacuum pressure required to collect the debris; d) connection means to removeably secure cross-bar assemblies to the arcuate ribs; e) at least one debris ingress portal within the sheet; and

f) at least one vacuum pressure portal within the sheet.

The present invention further provides a method of removing debris from a work site which comprises using the cover structure and system as described herein.

Without limiting the general range of applications, the structure, system and method of the present invention are especially suited to the clean and efficient removal of dry and wet debris including but not limited to excavated drywall, dirt, insulation, construction waste, farm material such as grains, garden waste such as leaves and weeds and for the removal of dirt from ducts, chimney etc.... Any conventional waste bin/container may be converted into an efficient vacuum using the system as described and claimed herein. By way of a vacuum hose operatively associated with the unique system of the present invention, debris may be suctioned via an intake portal into the "modified" conventional container and held in place without spreading debris to the exterior of the container environment. Essentially what is achieved within the scope of this invention is the conversion of a standard container, such as roll-off container, into a huge self- contained vacuum cleaner. The system and apparatus by which this conversion occurs is portable, relatively inexpensive and easy to install and use.

The parts required to achieve this conversion are portable and may be readily transferred from one container to another as required with minimal skill and very few tools.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the figures and examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures set forth embodiments in which like reference numerals denote like parts. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in all of the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1 is perspective view of a part of a system in accordance with one aspect of the present invention including a waste bin, ribs forming an arched framework, and two cross-bar assemblies;

Figure 2 is a side view of one rib in an arched framework; Figure 3 is a perspective view of one rib in isolation;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of one rib in isolation, with return portion and U- shaped grip to attach to container;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of one cross-bar in isolation; Figure 6a is an end view of a cross-bar housing;

Figure 6b is side view of the arrangement of unaligned supporting engagement of the ends of two adjacent cross-bars;

Figure 7a is side view of a hose mounting frame over a rib; Figure 7b is an end view of a hose mounting frame;

Figure 8 is perspective view (photograph) showing installation of a cross-bar on a rib;

Figure 9 is another perspective view (photograph) showing installation of a cross-bar on a rib;

Figure 10 is perspective view (photograph) of a system in place on a bin beside a vacuum truck;

Figure 1 1 is a perspective view (photograph) a system in place on a bin connected to a vacuum truck;

Figure 12 is a perspective view (photograph) from an interior of a bin looking upwards at an installed arched framework assembly with mounting hose frame in place;

Figure 13 is a perspective view (photograph) from an interior of a bin looking upwards at an installed arched framework assembly and dual cross-bars;

Figure 14 is a perspective view from an interior of a bin looking upwards at an installed arched framework assembly, dual cross-bars and sheet;

Figure 15 is a perspective view (photograph) from an exterior of a bin, said bin having been adapted with the system of the present invention;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a waste bin, and structure comprising ribs forming an arched framework, and cross-bar assemblies;

Figure 17 is a top plan view of the structure;

Figure 18 is a right side view of the structure;

Figure 19 is a left side view of the structure;

Figure 20 is a bottom plan view of the structure;

Figure 21 is a front view of the structure;

Figure 22 is a photograph of a hose mounting frame engaged with a rib; and Figure 23 is a photograph of rod in engagement within opening of housing.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate the principles of the invention. As such this detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations and alternatives and uses of the invention, including what we presently believe is the best mode for carrying out the invention. It is to be clearly understood that routine variations and adaptations can be made to the invention as described, and such variations and adaptations squarely fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

In other words, the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. These details are provided for the purpose of example and the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured. Similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout various views depicted in the figures.

This description of preferred embodiments is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, corresponding reference numbers are used throughout to identify the same or functionally similar elements. Relative terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and are not intended to require a particular orientation unless specifically stated as such. Terms including "inwardly" versus "outwardly," "longitudinal" versus "lateral" and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term "operatively connected" is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.

In the present disclosure and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. The term container may be interchanged with bin.

Conventionally, collection and removal of dry debris is a messy, time-consuming undertaking. If vacuum systems and hoses are used to collect such debris for deposit into an open bin or container, there is the inevitable problem of spread or mess, especially in the case of particulate, dry debris. As noted in the background section above, special vacuum trucks can be used but they are costly to operate and numerous job site to dump trips may be required.

Machinery such as specially constructed trucks that visit the site periodically and physically lift the entire dumpster off the ground and empty it into the back of the large special truck, (an example of which is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,207,345 issued September 21 , 1965 and further U.S. Pat. No. 3,786,949 issued Jan. 22, 1974 shows a side loading truck and dumpster). A smaller refuge loader device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,391,037 issued Feb. 21, 1995 to Holton. This employs an extendable arm that can hoist a small trash container to allow it to be emptied into a large truck bed.

One type of container for use herein is referred to as a roll-off container. It is an open top dumpster characterized by a rectangular footprint, and utilizing wheels to facilitate rolling the dumpster in place. The open top container is designed to be transported by special roll-off trucks. Roll-offs are commonly used to contain loads of construction and demolition waste or other waste types. Roll-off containers have a rectangular footprint typically determined by the size of typical tracks. Roll-off container sizes are determined by the amount of cubic yards of debris they contain. Typical container sizes are 10 yard, 20 yard, 30 yard, and 40 yard and they are placed on site by roll-off trucks. As the roll-off truck raises its hydraulically operated bed, the roll-off container rolls off of the bed. A cable is used to lower the container. After the waste container is loaded, the roll-off truck pulls the filled container onto the roll-off truck by using a cable and winch system.

Debris for collection and removal in accordance with the present invention may be any dry or wet matter. This includes, but is not limited to, various types of construction debris such as drywall which may originate from a building site where something is being built, renovated, or demolished. It also includes garden collections such as leaves, weeds, dirt etc It includes duct and chimney cleaning debris and general residential or commercial cleaning debris. It includes farm material such as chaff on separation from wheat etc... There are few limits on the type of debris that can be collected using this system. While the system is easily suited for the collection of small, dry, generally particulate matter such as drywall waste, this is by no means the limit of the system. If hose size diameter is decreased (preferably to a 4" or less diameter), heavier matter can be picked up and accelerated into the bin. This opens up the system for endless other commercial and residential usages.

Referring to Figure 1, there is provided a vacuum system generally at 10, comprising a debris container 12 which includes side sections or walls 14 and 16, a front section, face or wall 18, a rear section, face, or wall 20, and bottom (not shown). The container walls are arranged to surround or define a filling area or volume, i.e., an empty space or void which is preferably utilized to store various materials or items, including but not limited to, waste materials including residential, commercial and industrial refuse or debris; bulk materials; finished products; parts; or components.

Container 12 is formed from a high strength material such as metal, e.g., steel or other alloy, and generally has a rectangular profile, although other arbitrary shapes, designs and materials are also contemplated. Container 12, optionally including modifications known to the art, in various embodiments and industries, is known as or considered a roll-on, roll-off container, a rear loading dumpster, a compactor receiver box or self-contained unit, recycling container, tank, construction trailer, storage unit, disaster relief trailer, or the like

Arched framework 22, comprising a plurality of substantially evenly spaced arcuate ribs 24, provides proximal open end 26 and distal open end 28, when flexible sheet 30 is not in place. In Figure 1, sheet 30 is shown alongside container 12, ready to be placed over arched framework 22. Each rib may preferably comprise two parts, together joinable in situ when formed into arched framework 22 by a reinforcing sleeve. In this way, ribs are more portable from site to site.

Flexible sheet 30 is of a size and dimension suitable to cover the arched framework and extend to cover at least of portion of sides and ends of the container. Sheet 30 has a compositional integrity to withstand a degree of vacuum pressure required to collect the debris using system 10.

Optionally sheet 30, when in place over arched framework 22, may be tied and secured at its bottom using ropes relayed through a series of grommets which are integral with the sheet.

Figure 2 shows a side view one of rib(s) 24 in isolation. At end of two ends 30 and 32, there are provided U-shaped retaining means 34 and 36 for holding each rib on upper edge surface 38 of container 12. In operation, each U-shaped retaining means (grip) 34 and 36 "straddles" a portion of upper edge surface 38 and securably yet removeably holds arched framework 22 in place. It is desired that this fit be tight yet such that ribs 24 are removable from container 12 without damage to either the ribs or the container.

Each rib 24 further provides housings 40 and 42 (at least two) at positions proximate to the two curvatures of the said rib. These housings form all or part of a connection means to removeably secure cross-bar assemblies 44 and 46 (see Figures 1) to the ribs. Rib 22 may be provided with reinforcing sleeve 48.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of rib 24 is isolation and further depicting U-shaped retaining means 34 and 36. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of rib 24 is isolation and further depicting U-shaped retaining mean 34.

Cross-bar assemblies 44 and 46 preferably comprise a series of rods, shown as 50 in perspective view in Figure 5 and as 50 and 58 in Figure 6b. Rods, such as 50 and 58, are capable of being formed into supporting engagement, end-to end, by a connection means (indicated generally at 60 in Figures 6b) which includes housings 40 and 42 (shown in Figure 2).

Preferably, rod 50 is formed of 1) a substantially straight portion 51 with a length 52

approximating a distance between each adjacent rib when said rib is in situ within the arched framework, and 2) two ends (53 and 54) each comprising a nub return portion, 55 extending at an angle of preferably 90 degrees relative to the straight portion.

Figures 6b best depicts one preferred means by which ends 54 and 62 of two adjacent rods 50 and 58 respectively are in supporting engagement. Supporting engagement refers to the means by which ends of adjacent rods are secured in relative abutment to a rib, thereby providing further integrity to the rib and concomitantly (by means of entire cross-bar assembly) to the entire arched framework. The enhancement of the integrity of the arched framework is important in operation, under vacuum pressure. By means of the supporting engagement provided herein, significantly higher degrees of vacuum pressure can be applied to the system, without adverse effects such a rib collapse.

What is apparent from Figure 6b is that rods 50 and 58 are, in one embodiment of the invention, purposely mis-aligned. In one mode, one rod may be at an angle of from 1 to 10 and preferably 1 to 5 degrees offset as compared to the next adjacent rod. Supporting engagement is further provided by the abutment of flange (washer) 64 (on rod 50) and flange (washer) 66 (on rod 58) against housing 40 (when cross-bar assembly is installed) such that ends 54 and 62 are held in place within said housing. This arrangement serves an important stability function: a) the preferred 90 degree angle of the connector rod between straight portion 51 and nub return 55, ensure that the rod, when in place within the system does not move outwardly thereby compromising the system function; b) the flanges (washers) 64 and 66 arrest movement of the connector rods inwardly. Figure 6a depicts an end view of housing 40 is isolation.

In Figure 7a, rib 70, at one end of container 12, provides a removeable engagement support for hose mounting frame 72 which hooks over rib 70 at 74. Hose mounting frame 72 is the structure by which hoses (ingress and egress) may be attached to system. Figure 7b depicts four-sided hose mounting frame 72 in isolation showing various ghost outlines, three potential portal placements, 76, 78 and 80 for ingress and egress hoses.

Figure 8 is a photograph showing a perspective view of an in-pr ogr ss installation of rod 81 within a cross bar assembly between ribs 82 and 84 and rod 86 extending from rib 82 to an unshown adjacent rib. Nub returns 55 on the ends of each of rod 81 and rod 86 meet within housing 88. It can be seen clearly in this view that housing 88 does not represent a full enclosure but rather two substantially flat extensions protruding downwardly from each rib and forming an open channel there between into which adjacent nub returns are nested in preferably off-set alignment. In a preferred form, the ends of rods 81 and 86 rest within a groove or slot within housing 88. Rods 81 and 86 easily enter housing 88 by means of aperture 92. Flange (washer) 90 is provided on rod 86.

Figure 9 is a photograph of another perspective view of an in-progress installation of rod 86 on rib 82. Nub return 55 is shown turned at a 45 degree angle in order to pass through aperture 92.

Figure 10 is a photograph of a perspective view of arched framework 22 in place on container 12 beside vacuum truck 94. Hose mounting frame 72 hooks over rib 70.

Figure 11 is a photograph of a perspective view of system 10, including sheet 30, in place on container 12, and connected to vacuum truck 94 via vacuum hose 96.

Figure 12 is a photograph of a perspective view from an interior of container 12 looking upwards at installed arched framework 22 with hose mounting frame 72 in place, hooked (via hook ends 98 and 100) over rib 70.

Figure 13 is a photograph of a perspective view from an interior of container 12 looking upwards at installed arched framework 22 and dual cross-bars 44 and 46.

Figure 14 is a photograph of a perspective view from an interior of container 12 looking upwards at installed arched framework 22 and sheet 30 under vacuum pressure.

Figure 15 is a photograph of a perspective view from an exterior of container 12, said container having been adapted with system 10 of the present invention including sheet 30. Hose mounting frame 72 is visible under sheet 30 and cut out orifices in sheet 30 accommodate ingress portal 102 and egress portal 104. Arched framework 22 is also visible under sheet 30.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a container (waste bin) 12, and structure comprising ribs 24 forming an arched framework 22, and cross-bar assemblies 44 and 46. Figure 17 is a top plan view of the structure which illustrates the connection of the cross bars to the ribs. Figure 18 is a right side view of the structure which illustrates u-shaped retaining means 34. Figure 19 is a left side view of the structure which also which illustrates u-shaped retaining means 34. Figure 20 is a bottom plan view of the structure looking "up" from within the interior of arched framework 22. Figure 21 is a front view of the structure which illustrates end 32, U-shaped retaining means 34 and 36, housings 40 and 42, reinforcing sleeve 48 and container 12.

Figure 22 is a photograph of hose mounting frame 72 engaged with rib 22. Figure 23 is a photograph of rod 81 engagement within opening of housing 88. This photograph shows well groove 108 within opening of housing 88, such groove being a preferred resting position for end of rod 81 (at nub 55).

In a preferred form, sheet 30 is a tarpaulin (also called a tarp). A tarpaulin is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material, often cloth such as canvas or polyester coated with urethane, or made of plastics such as polyethylene. Tarpaulins often have reinforced grommets at the corners and along the sides to form attachment points for rope, allowing them to be tied down or suspended

Preferably, these are not traditional fabrics, but rather, a laminate of woven and sheet material. The center is loosely woven from strips of, for example, polypropylene plastic, with sheets of the same material bonded to the surface. This creates a fabric-like material that resists stretching well in all directions and is waterproof. When treated against ultraviolet light, these tarpaulins can last for years exposed to the elements, but non-UV treated material will quickly become brittle and lose strength and water resistance if exposed to sunlight. Within the scope of the present invention, inexpensive modern tarpaulins made of a material selected from the group consisting of canvas, polyester coated with urethane, polyethylene polypropylene, woven polypropylene may be used.

In a preferred form, hose mounting frame 72 may be formed of angle iron to provide additional strength and may comprise a mounting bracket and hose adapter plate.

In one mode of the invention, vacuum pressure is provided by a mobile vacuum device, such as a vacuum equipped truck. Such a vacuum device may comprise a large-diameter impeller, driven from a gas or diesel engine. A hose would be connected from the truck to the system's vacuum pressure portal. The impeller would serve to pull a large volume of air through this vacuum hose from the interior of container 12. A hose from at least one debris ingress portal would enable collection of debris. Debris would be sucked through vacuum hose to ingress portal and would be collected in the body of container 12. Hoses may be attached to mounting frame by any conventional means including pin fasteners.

In operation, it is desired that a container 12 be converted into a vacuum system. An entire system to do so in accordance with the present invention is portable and can be easily moved from site to site. In situ, ribs 24 are set up and engaged to form arched framework 22. Each U-shaped retaining means (grip) 34 and 36 "straddles" a portion of upper edge surface 38 of container 12 and securably yet removeably holds arched framework 22 in place. Rods 50 and 58, along with sequentially others are aligned end-to end, by connection means 60 within housings 40 and 42. Rods 50 and 58 are purposely mis-aligned. Supporting engagement is further provided by the abutment of flange 64 (on rod 50) and flange 66 (on rod 58) against housing 40 such that ends 54 and 62 are held in place within each said housing. Once the arched framework is secured in lace, sheet 30 is placed over top, such that it covers completely the framework and substantially all of sides 14 and 16 and ends 18 and 20 of container 12. Optionally, the sheet may comprise grommets through which one or more ropes may be threaded and tied for additional security. However, in operation, it is to be understood that the vacuum suction itself holds the sheet in place. Sheet 30 is accommodated with a number of appropriately sized and shaped apertures for ingress and egress portals. Once sheet 30 is in place, hoses are attached through ingress and egress portals. By way of an adjacent vacuum truck or device, air is removed via a vacuum hose from the interior of container 12. At a site desired to be cleaned, a hose is deployed from at least one debris ingress portal would enable collection of debris. Debris would be sucked through vacuum hose to ingress portal and would be collected and cleanly retained in the body of container 12. At the conclusion of such removal, the vacuum assembly is removed from the container and the container and debris managed as per usual haulage practice.

While not intending to be limited to the foregoing, it is believed that a great advantage is afforded by the plurality of articulations offered by the system design of the present invention. Under vacuum pressure, having these flexible points of articulation allows for system efficiency and maintained integrity. When the system is in place, articulation points are provided:

1) Within every housing, where adjacent nub returns are nested in preferably off-set alignment. Rather than the cross-bar assembly comprising one solid rod running cross-length of the ribs, the multi-rod arrangement, in adjacent secure nesting within the housing, but not immoveably fixed alignment, provides bend ability under vacuum conditions but also a secure connection.

2) In a preferred form, at the centre join of the two parts of the ribs, together joinable in situ when formed into arched framework 22 by a reinforcing sleeve. The two parts under the sleeve provides bend ability to the systems as a whole but also provide a secure connection.

The articulation is important in operation but also in set up such that a bin or container which is misaligned in width across its length can still easily be fitted with the present system. It is to be understood that these bins become somewhat misshapen in constant use (getting picked up and dropped repeatedly by trucks) such that any ribbed structure placed thereon must be forgiving in its connection. The system of the present invention provides for this.

In a preferred form, the ribs are made of galvanized steel. An example (non-limiting) of a tubing product useful to make the ribs can be acquired from Allied Tube and Conduit. The tubing comes with a galvanized coating called GatorShield™. It is understand that there are differing strengths of tubing available but a preferred one would have a strength of from at least 34,000 to 50,000 psi.

Preferably, the arcuate ribs are spaced apart in the system, when in place on a container, from approximately 15-40 inches, more preferably 20-35 inches and most preferably about 30 inches. While the forms of node/apparatus, method and system described herein constitute preferred embodiments of this invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise forms. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the present systems, methods and nodes (including specific components thereof) can be modified, if necessary, to best employ the systems, methods, nodes and components and concepts of the invention. These aspects are considered fully within the scope of the invention as claimed. .For example, the various methods described above may omit some acts, include other acts, and/or execute acts in a different order than set out in the illustrated embodiments.

Further, in the methods taught herein, the various acts may be performed in a different order than that illustrated and described. Additionally, the methods can omit some acts, and/or employ additional acts.

These and other changes can be made to the present systems, methods and articles in light of the above description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the disclosure, but instead its scope is to be determined entirely by the following claims.