TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a material collection equipment, and more particularly to a structural aspect 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 contacts and moves over leaves present on the ground surface, the rotating brush may collect the leaves and transfer the collected leaves to an adjacently located storage compartment.

However, in many situations, the rotating brush may include straight profiled blades and/or bristles. Such straight profiled blades and/or bristles provide a substantial resistance while moving over the ground surface, in turn, making the collection process labor and time intensive. Also, due to the straight profiled blades and/or bristles, an overall area present within the enclosure and/or around the rotating brush may be inefficiently utilized, in turn, reducing productivity and material collectability of the equipment. Hence, there is a need for an improved profile of such rotating brushes employed in the equipment.

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 an implement compartment and employs a work implement in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The work implement includes a pair of wheels that are adapted to propel the work implement about an axis. The work implement also includes an axle located within the implement compartment and having a pair of ends coupled to the pair of wheels. The work implement further includes at least one pairs of blades coupled to the axle. Each blade from the at least one pair of blades is angularly offset from one another and includes a first blade and a second blade. The first blade extends in a direction away from the axle. The second blade also extends in a direction away from the axle and is disposed in a side-by-side relation with respect to the first blade. The second blade is disposed adjacent to the first blade and at an angular offset with respect to the first blade. Each blade from at least one of the first blades and the second blades from the at least one pair of blades includes a leading edge and a trailing edge. Thereby one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of each of the blades is disposed proximal to corresponding ends of the axle. In the context of this application the leading edge of a blade is defined by the situation that when the material collection equipment is moved over the ground to collect objects on it the leading edge of a blade touches the ground surface (or object on the ground surface) before the trailing edge of this blade.

In case it is the leading edge of each of the blades being disposed proximal to corresponding ends of the axle any movable object will first be touched by the blade’s leading edge that is located proximal towards the corresponding end of the axle and thus will be push inwards into the implement compartment. This will further improve the collection ability of the equipment as the accidental pushout of object is avoided as well as object just partly hit in the first place might be properly collected after their push inwards into the implement compartment. In case the arrangement of blades may be opposite, that is the trailing edge of each of the blades is disposed proximal to corresponding ends of the axle the objects on the surface will be pushed towards the outer sides of the implement compartment. In this situation a suitable structural or air- stream design of the implement compartment might assist to collect the so pushed objects.

In an advantageous manner in addition the specific arrangement of the blades having a leading edge and a trailing edge have the effect that not the complete edge of the blade touches the ground at the same time. Thus this arrangement results in a relatively lower resistance while moving over the ground surface during collection of the material from the ground surface, in turn, providing improved efficiency.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one pair of blades has a Y-shaped configuration. The Y-shaped configuration provides a relatively more aggressive sweeping force.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first blade and the second blade from the at least one pair of blades define a substantially double helical configuration. As such, the double helical configuration provides a relatively larger surface area in order to collect the material from the ground surface, in turn, providing improved productivity. Also, the double helical configuration provides a relatively lower resistance while moving over the ground surface during collection of the material from the ground surface, in turn, providing improved efficiency.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first blade and the second blade from the at least one pair of blades define a substantially flat and planar configuration. As such, the flat and planar configuration provides a relatively larger surface area in order to collect the material from the ground surface, in turn, providing improved productivity. Also, the flat and planar configuration provides a relatively lower resistance while moving over the ground surface during collection of the material from the ground surface, in turn, providing improved efficiency.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first blade and the second blade from the at least one pair of blades define a substantially curved configuration. As such, curved configuration provides a relatively larger surface area in order to collect the material from the ground surface, in turn, providing improved productivity. Also, the curved configuration provides a relatively lower resistance while moving over the ground surface during collection of the material from the ground surface, in turn, providing improved efficiency. According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first blade and the second blade from the at least one pair of blades define a substantially angled configuration. As such, the angled configuration provides a relatively larger surface area in order to collect the material from the ground surface, in turn, providing improved productivity. Also, the angled configuration provides a relatively lower resistance while moving over the ground surface during collection of the material from the ground surface, in turn, providing improved efficiency.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the implement further includes a coupling member coupled to the axle and extending radially away from the axle. As such, the coupling member is adapted to be coupled to the at least one pair of blades. The coupling member provides a simple and effective method to couple the at least one pair of blades with the axle, in turn, providing improved usability, simplified installation, reduced labor, and the like.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling member in association with the at least one pair of blades forms a substantially Y-Shaped configuration. As such, the Y-shaped configuration provides a relatively more aggressive sweeping force by a leading blade from one of the first and second blades of the at least one pair of blades in order to lift the material from the ground surface. Additionally, the Y-shaped configuration provides a drifting or pushing force to the lifted material by a trailing blade of the at least one pair of blades in order to transfer the material into the storage compartment.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first blade and the second blade includes a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion. As such, each of the first portion and the second portion provides a variable structural, constructional, and/or operational configuration to each of the first blade and the second blade.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second portion includes a bristled configuration. As such, the bristle configuration provides a flexible end surface to each of the first blade and the second blade in order to provide improved sweeping action, improved material collectability, improved productivity, reduced damage to the ground surface, and the like.

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 an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the material collection equipment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

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

FIG. 4 shows a side view of another work implement of the material collection equipment, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG.5 shows a perspective view of another work implement of the material collection equipment, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG.6 shows a perspective view of another work implement of the material collection equipment, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG.7 shows a perspective view of another work implement of the material collection equipment, in accordance with another 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 temporarily 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. 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 a work implement 208 disposed within the implement compartment 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the equipment 100 includes two work implements 208 disposed within the implement compartment 110. The work implement 208 is fixedly coupled to the axle 206. Accordingly, the work implement 208 is adapted to rotate about the axis Y-Y’, based on the rotation of the axle 206. The work implement 208 is adapted to collect the material from the ground surface and transfer the material into the storage compartment 108. The work implement 208 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the work implement 208 is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the two work implements 208 is disposed at an angular offset with respect to one another on the axle 206 defining an angle“Al”. In other embodiments, each of the two work implements 208 may be angularly aligned with respect to one another on the axle 206. Further, in other embodiments, the equipment 100 may include single or multiple work implements 208, based on application requirements. The work implement 208 includes a coupling member 302. The coupling member 302 is adapted to be coupled to the axle 206 and extends radially away therefrom. The coupling member 302 may be coupled to the axle 206 using any coupling mechanism known in the art. In one embodiment, the coupling member 302 may be coupled to the axle 206 using interlocking surfaces or tabs provided on each of the coupling member 302 and the axle 206. In another embodiment, the coupling member 302 may be coupled to the axle 206 using one or more fasteners, such as one or more bolts, screws, clamps, clasps, pins, and the like.

The work implement 208 also includes at least one pair of blades 304 coupled to the coupling member 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the work implement 208 includes two pair of blades 304 coupled to the coupling member 302. Each of the two pair of blades 304 is disposed at an angular offset with respect to one another defining an angle“A2”. In other embodiments, the work implement 208 may include a single or multiple pair of blades 304, based on application requirements. Each of the pair of blades 304 is coupled to the coupling member 302 via a stem portion 306 provided thereon and a protrusion 308 provided on the coupling member 302. More specifically, the protrusion 308 is received within a recess 310 provided in the stem portion 306 of the pair of blades 304 in order to couple each of the pair of blades 304 with the respective coupling member 302. In other embodiments, one or more of the pair of blades 304 may be coupled to coupling member 302 using one or more fasteners, such as bolts, screws, clamps, clasps, pins, and the like, and/or any other coupling mechanism known in the art.

Each pair of blades 304 includes a first blade 312 and a second blade 314. Each of the first blade 312 and the second blade 314 extends in a direction away from the coupling member 302 and the axle 206. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first blade 312 and the second blade 314 is disposed in a side-by-side relation and adjacent with respect to one another. Further, each of the first blade 312 and the second blade 314 is disposed at an angular offset with respect to one another defining an angle“A3”. In an embodiment, the at least one pair of blades 304 has a Y-shaped configuration. In embodiments herein, and as best shown in the view of FIG.3, each blade from at least one of the first blades 312 and the second blades 314 from respective pairs of blades 304 includes a leading edge 315 and a trailing edge 317. The leading edge 315 of each of the blades 312/314 is disposed proximal to a corresponding end 319/321 of the axle 206. For instance, the leading edges 315 of respective ones of the blades 312/314 located on a right-hand side of FIG. 3 are disposed proximal to a right-side end 319 of the axle 206. Similarly, the leading edges 315 of respective ones of the blades 312/314 located on a left-hand side of FIG. 3 are disposed proximal to a left-side end 321 of the axle 206. Moreover, as shown, the leading edge 315 of the blade 312/314 precedes the trailing edge of the same blade 312/314 by an angle“A4”.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the first blade 312 and the second blade 314 includes a substantially perforated configuration. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the first blade 312 and the second blade 314 may include a substantially non-perforated or partially perforated configuration. Also, in the accompanying FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the pair of blades 304 includes a substantially double helical configuration. Also, with continued reference to FIG. 3, the first blade 312 and the second blade 314 are provided at a lateral offset to each other. Due to the lateral offset, during the sweeping motion of the pair of blades 304, better coverage of the ground surface is provided. Spaces left to be swept between cutting edges of the first blade 312 are swept by cutting edges of the second blade 314 which follows the sweeping motion of the first blade 312.

Referring to FIG. 4, a side view of another configuration of the work implement 208 is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first blade 312 and the second blade 314 is disposed at the angle“A3” with respect to one another. Also, each of the first blade 312 and the second blade 314 includes a substantially flat and planar configuration. Further, each of the first blade 312 and the second blade 314 in association with the stem portion 306 and the coupling member 302 forms a substantially Y-shaped configuration. During rotation of the work implement 208 in a direction“A”, the first blade 312 may be configured to provide a relatively more aggressive sweeping force in order to lift the material from the ground surface. Additionally, the second blade 314 may be configured to provide a drifting or pushing force to the lifted material present downstream of the first blade 312 in order to transfer the material into the storage compartment 108.

Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of another configuration of the work implement 208 is illustrated. Each of the first blade 312 and the second blade 314 includes a substantially flat and curved configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the work implement 208 includes the single pair of blades 304. In other embodiments, the work implement 208 may include the multiple pair of blades 304, based on application requirements. Further, in some embodiments, each of the first blade 312 and the second blade 314 includes a first portion 502 and a second portion 504. The first portion 502 may include a substantially rigid configuration. The second portion 504 may include a substantially flexible configuration, such as a brush-like configuration, a bristled configuration, and the like. The second portion 504 is coupled to the first portion 502 using any coupling mechanism (not shown), such as adhesion, interlocking elements, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view of another configuration of the work implement 208 is illustrated. Each of the first blade 312 and the second blade 314 includes a substantially curved and double helical configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the work implement 208 includes the single pair of blades 304. In other embodiments, the work implement 208 may include the multiple pair of blades 304, based on application requirements. Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view of another configuration of the work implement 208 is illustrated. Each of the first blade 312 and the second blade 314 includes a substantially angled and twisted configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the work implement 208 includes the single pair of blades 304. In other embodiments, the work implement 208 may include the multiple pair of blades 304, based on application requirements.

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 Pair of Wheels

202 First Side Wall

204 Second Side Wall

206 Axle

208 Work implement

302 Coupling Member

304 Pair of Blades

306 Stem Portion

308 Protrusion

310 Recess

312 First Blade

314 Second Blade

315 Leading edge of blade

317 Trailing edge of blade 319 Right-side end of axle 321 Left- side end of axle 502 First Portion

504 Second Portion A1 Angle

A2 Angle

A3 Angle

A4 Angle

A Direction

X-X’ Axis

Y-Y’ Axis