SWEEPER APPARATUS

Abstract

An apparatus for sweeping a ground surface, comprises: a panel member configured to be moved across a ground surface to sweep the ground surface, the panel member having an underside that, in use, faces the ground surface to be swept, an upper side that provides a collection surface for collecting debris swept from the ground surface, and one or more openings that extend between the underside and the upper side for conveying debris from the ground surface to the collection surface on the upper side of the panel member; and a debris retaining assembly configured to be mounted on the panel member for trapping the debris conveyed to the collection surface on the upper side of the panel member. The debris retaining assembly comprises a frame and a flexible cover supported spaced above the collection surface by the frame when the assembly is mounted on the panel member.

Claims

1. An apparatus for sweeping a ground surface, comprising: a panel member configured to be moved across the ground surface to sweep the ground surface, the panel member having an underside that, in use, faces the ground surface to be swept, an upper side that provides a collection surface for collecting debris swept from the ground surface, and one or more openings that extend between the underside and the upper side for conveying debris from the ground surface to the collection surface; and a debris retaining assembly that is provided or mounted on the panel member for trapping debris conveyed to the collection surface on the upper side of the panel member, the debris retaining assembly comprising a frame and a cover supported on the frame spaced above the collection surface.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises at least one frame member for supporting the cover spaced above the collection surface to define a collection space between the cover and the collection surface on the upper side of the panel member.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the frame or the at least one frame member is configured to be secured in a releasable manner to the panel member, and/or wherein the at least one frame member extends transversely or laterally across a substantial width of the panel member.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the at least one frame member comprises a single frame member, or wherein the at least one frame member defines a single span across the panel member and comprises a plurality of frame members in end-to-end relationship.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cover comprises a flexible sheet of material and wherein the at least one frame member shapes the cover over the collection surface, wherein the cover is configured to receive the at least one frame member.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a textile material and/or a mesh material which is air-permeable, and/or wherein the cover incorporates an elastic material to facilitate tensioning or shaping of the cover over the frame of the debris retaining assembly.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the debris retaining assembly is configured to be releasably mounted on or fixed to the panel member via one or more straps or releasable fasteners provided on the cover and/or the frame.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover, when mounted on the panel member, defines an opening into a collection space between the cover and the collection surface on the upper side of the panel member, wherein the opening faces a forward direction or direction of travel in which the apparatus is configured to be moved across the ground surface.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the opening extends across a substantial width of the panel member, and/or wherein the cover includes a closure for covering or obscuring the opening into the collection space.

10. An apparatus for sweeping a ground surface, comprising: a panel member configured to be moved across the ground surface to sweep the ground surface, the panel member having an underside that, in use, faces the ground surface to be swept, and an upper side that provides a collection surface for collecting debris swept from the ground surface; and a cover to be mounted on the panel member for trapping the debris conveyed to the collection surface on the upper side of the panel member, wherein the cover, when mounted on the panel member, forms a canopy that is supported spaced above the panel member to define a collection space between the cover and the upper side of the panel member.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the cover, when mounted on the panel member, presents an opening into the collection space between the cover and the upper side of the panel member, the opening facing a direction in which the apparatus is configured to be moved across the ground surface to sweep the ground surface.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the opening extends across a substantial width of the panel member.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the cover is supported spaced above the collection surface by at least one frame member when the cover is mounted on the panel member.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the one or more openings in the panel member comprises, or is formed within, a guide structure for guiding transfer or conveyance of debris from the ground surface to the collection surface of the apparatus, and wherein the guide structure includes an inclined surface which extends upwards and rearwards, in use, from a position close to the ground surface to a rear edge of a respective opening adjacent the collection surface.

15. A sweeper for a ground surface, comprising: a mat-like panel configured to be moved across the ground surface to sweep the ground surface, the panel having an underside that, in use, faces the ground surface to be swept, an upper side that provides a collection surface for collecting debris swept from the ground surface, and one or more openings that extend between the underside and the upper side for conveying debris from the ground surface to the collection surface on the upper side of the panel; and a flexible cover configured to be mounted on the upper side of the panel for trapping the debris conveyed to the collection surface, the flexible cover being supported spaced above the collection surface when mounted on the panel and being open in a forward-facing direction.

16. The sweeper according to claim 15, wherein the flexible cover is supported spaced above the collection surface by a frame, and/or wherein the flexible cover is open in a forward-facing direction across a substantial width of the panel.

17. A debris retaining assembly for an apparatus for sweeping a ground surface with a panel member, an underside of the panel member in use facing the ground surface to be swept, and an upper side of the panel member providing a collection surface for collecting debris swept from the ground surface, wherein the debris retaining assembly is configured to be mounted on the panel member for trapping the debris conveyed to the collection surface on the upper side of the panel member, wherein the debris retaining assembly comprises a frame with at least one frame member and a cover supported on the frame so as to be spaced above the collection surface when the debris retaining assembly is mounted on the panel member.

18. The debris retaining assembly according to claim 17, wherein the frame comprises at least one frame member for supporting the cover spaced above the collection surface; wherein the cover is a flexible textile material or mesh material and the at least one frame member spans or extends across a substantial width of the panel member.

19. A cover for an apparatus for sweeping a ground surface with a panel member, an underside of the panel member in use facing the ground surface to be swept, and an upper side of the panel member providing a collection surface for collecting debris swept from the ground surface, wherein the cover is configured to be mounted on the panel member for trapping the debris conveyed to the collection surface on the upper side of the panel member, wherein the cover, when mounted on the panel member, forms a canopy that is spaced above the panel member to define a collection space between the cover and the upper side of the panel member.

20. The cover according to claim 19, wherein, when mounted on the panel member, the cover defines an opening into the collection space between the cover and collection surface on the upper side of the panel member, wherein the opening faces a forward direction or direction of travel in which the apparatus is configured to be moved across the ground surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and advantages thereof, exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs identify or designate like parts and in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sweeper apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with a debris retaining assembly shown separate;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a side view of the sweeper apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a front view of the sweeper apparatus in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a top view of the sweeper apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sweeper apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, with a debris retaining assembly shown separate;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a side view of the sweeper apparatus of FIG. 5;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a front view of the sweeper apparatus in FIGS. 5 and 6;

[0036] FIG. 8 is a top view of a debris retaining assembly for a sweeper apparatus according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 9 is a side view of a sweeper apparatus according to a further embodiment of the disclosure, with debris retaining assembly of FIG. 8 shown separate;

[0038] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the debris retaining assembly of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9;

[0039] FIG. 11 is a top view of adjacent ends of the frame members of the debris retaining assembly shown in FIG. 10;

[0040] FIG. 12a is a top view of the ends of the frame members of a debris retaining assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 12b is a front view of the ends of the frame members in FIG. 12a.

[0042] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate particular embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. Other embodiments and many of the attendant advantages will be readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description.

[0043] It will be appreciated that common and/or well understood elements that may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not necessarily depicted in order to facilitate a more abstracted view of the embodiments. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily illustrated to scale relative to each other. It will also be understood that certain actions and/or steps in an embodiment of a method may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrences while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0044] With reference to drawings FIGS. 1 to 4, a sweeper apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in a range of views. The sweeper apparatus 1 comprises a panel member 2 having a flexible mat-like structure configured to be moved e.g., by towing, across a ground surface G to sweep the ground surface. The panel member 2 has an underside 3 which, in use, faces the ground surface G to be swept, and an upper side 4 which includes a series of collection surfaces 5 for collecting debris swept from the ground surface G. The panel member 2 further includes a plurality of openings 6 that extend between the underside 3 and the upper side 4 for conveying debris (not shown) from the ground surface G to the collection surfaces 5 on the upper side 4 of the panel member 2. To this end, each of the openings 6 in the panel member 2 includes, or is formed, in a guide structure 7 for guiding the transfer or conveyance of the debris from the ground surface G to the collection surfaces 5 of the apparatus 1. The guide structure 7 at each opening 6 includes an inclined surface 8 which extends, in use, upwards and rearwards from a position adjacent or close to the ground surface G to the associated collection surface 5 on the upper side 4 of the panel member 2. In this connection, the inclined surface 8 extends to a rear edge 9 of the respective or associated opening 6. When the apparatus 1 is moved over the ground surface G, the debris passes from the underside 3 of the apparatus 1 along the inclined surfaces 8 of the guide structures 7 and through the openings 6 to the collection surfaces 5. The collection surfaces 5 In this embodiment comprise sections of mesh material with an array of apertures (not shown) that permit small particles, such as crumb rubber, rubber infill, sand or other infill materials, swept up off ground surface G to pass back to the ground surface G through the mesh.

[0045] The sweeper apparatus 1 further comprises an assembly 100 that is configured to be mounted on the panel member 2 for trapping the debris that is conveyed to the collection surfaces 5 on the upper side 4 of the panel member 2. The assembly 100 for catching or retaining the debris includes a cover 10 and a frame 11. When mounted on the panel member 2, the cover 10 is supported spaced above the collection surfaces 5 by the frame 11 comprising at least one frame member 12. In this way, the frame 11 cooperates with the cover 10 to form or define a collection space 13 between the cover 10 and the collection surfaces 5 on the upper side 4 of panel member 2. This arrangement provides the user with a clearer view of the debris that accumulates in the collection space 13 and can also facilitate better access when emptying the debris from the collection space. In this embodiment, the at least one frame member 12 comprises two substantially parallel ribs or struts or battens 14 which extend laterally across the panel member 2 for supporting the cover 10 spaced above the collection surfaces 5. In this context, the ribs or struts or battens 14 span or extend across substantial the full width of the panel member 2. Further, the ribs or struts or battens 14 are configured to be secured in a releasable manner to the panel member 2 to form or define the collection space 13.

[0046] The cover 10 comprises an expanse of a flexible textile mesh or fabric material and the frame 11 shapes the cover 10 over the collection surfaces 5. In this context, the cover 10 may be stretched or tensioned over the frame members 12. To this end, the mesh cover 10 may include an elastic material or a stretch material to facilitate the tensioning or shaping of the cover 10 over the frame 11. In this embodiment, the frame members 12 are fibreglass battens 14 having a rectangular cross-section (i.e., similar to sail battens), preferably with dimensions of 15 mm3 mm, although round cross-sectioned fibreglass rods (e.g., up to 8 mm diameter) would also be suitable. The frame members 12 (i.e., ribs or battens 14) are configured to be releasably fixed or mounted on the panel member 2, preferably via one or more straps 15 with releasable fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, like Velcro. This is useful for the quick and easy assembly and disassembly of the apparatus before and after use. Alternatively, or in addition, the cover 10 itself includes integral sleeves 15 for receiving the elongate and flexible ribs or struts or battens 14 which then tension or shape the cover 10. This way, the frame members 12 (i.e., ribs or struts or battens 14) are received or integrated in the sleeves or pockets 15 in the flexible cover 10 to form the debris retaining assembly 100.

[0047] As can be clearly seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, when mounted on the panel member, the cover 10 has or defines forward-facing opening 16 into the collection space 13 formed between the cover 10 and the upper side 4 of the panel member. That is, the opening 16 faces a forward direction or a direction of travel T in which the apparatus 1 is configured to be moved across the ground surface G. Furthermore, the opening 16 extends across a substantial width of the panel member 2, thereby providing a user a clear and unobstructed view of the debris in the collection space 13 as well as easy access to remove collected items. This wide forward-facing opening 16 also operates to collect debris that is flicked-up by a leading edge 17 of the apparatus 1 as it is moved over the ground surface G.

[0048] The length and width dimensions of the panel member 2 may be selected to suit the particular use, but these dimensions in this embodiment are about 1.5 metres for length and about 2.5 metres for width. A plurality of openings 6 between the underside 3 and the upper side 4 of the panel member 2 for conveying the debris from the ground surface G to the collection surfaces 5 are arranged side-by-side and extend transversely or laterally of the panel member 2 in separate rows 18. Similarly, the plurality of collection surfaces 5 are arranged at locations which are spaced apart from one another along the length of the apparatus, i.e., in the direction of in-use travel or movement of the apparatus 1, with each collection surface 5 being associated with a respective row 18 of openings 6 in the panel member 2.

[0049] The underside 3 of the mat-like panel member 2 includes a ground-engaging pad or strip 19 extending across its width for agitating loose debris such as leaves, stones, twigs and the like (or foreign objects, e.g., metal objects, such as nuts, bolts, screws, hair pins) on the ground surface G as the apparatus 1 is moved over the ground. The ground-engaging pad or strip 19 is provided along the leading edge 17 of the panel member 2 forward of the openings 6 in the direction of travel T. The ground-engaging pad 19 includes elements, such as bristles or flexible rubber strands, to agitate the loose debris without causing damage to the ground surface G being swept. Also, as can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, a trailing edge 20 of the mat-like panel member 2 includes handles 21 for lifting and carrying the apparatus 1 before and after use. The handles 21 are also used for holding and shaking the apparatus 1 to empty the collected debris out of the collection space 13, with the debris then able to fall out of the forward-facing opening 16. The handles 21 may also be used for hanging up the mat-like panel member 2 in storage, i.e., when not in use. A towing member 22 is preferably provided attached to the leading edge 17 of the panel member 2 for hand-drawn or vehicle-towed movement of the sweeper apparatus 1 over the ground surface G. In this regard, the towing member 22 may, for example, be provided in the form of a flexible cord (e.g., for hand-drawn use) or a rigid linkage (e.g., for connection to a vehicle).

[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 7 of the drawings, a sweeper apparatus 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in different views. As before, the sweeper apparatus 1 comprises a panel member 2 having a flexible mat-like structure configured to be moved e.g., by towing, across a ground surface G to sweep the ground surface. The panel member 2 has an underside 3 which, in use, faces the ground surface G to be swept, and an upper side 4 having a series of collection surfaces 5 for collecting debris swept from the ground surface G. The panel member 2 has multiple openings 6 that extend between the underside 3 and the upper side 4 for conveying debris (not shown) from the ground surface G to the collection surfaces 5 on the upper side 4 of the panel member 2. To this end, each opening 6 in the panel member 2 again includes, or is formed, in a guide structure 7 for guiding the transfer or conveyance of the debris from the ground surface G to the collection surfaces 5 of the apparatus 1. The guide structure 7 at each opening 6 includes an inclined surface 8 that extends, in use, upwards and rearwards from a position at or adjacent to the ground surface G to an associated collection surface 5 on the upper side 4 of the panel member 2. This way, when the sweeper apparatus 1 is moved over the ground surface G, the debris passes from the underside 3 of the apparatus 1 and up the inclined surfaces 8 of the guide structures 7 through the openings 6 to the collection surfaces 5.

[0051] As like reference signs designate like parts in the sweeper apparatus 1 shown in drawing FIGS. 5 to 7, it will not be necessary to repeat the description of those features already discussed in detail above. This description therefore concentrates on the features of this embodiment which differ from the sweeper apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. In this regard, it will be apparent from FIGS. 5 and 6 that the frame 11 of the debris retaining assembly 100 of the sweeper apparatus 1 comprises a single fame member 12 in the form of a curved rib or batten 14. That frame member 12 forms or defines a single span that extends transversely or laterally across a width of panel member 2 substantially parallel to the leading edge 17 and substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel T. Again, the curved rib or batten 14 is received or held in a sleeve or pocket 15 of the cover 10 and shapes that cover 10 as shown in the drawings. The rib or batter 14 is preferably fibreglass, once again with a rectangular cross-section of about 15 mm3 mm, although round cross-sectioned fibreglass rods (e.g., up to 8 mm diameter) would also be suitable. The cover 10 of this embodiment includes a movable closure 23, such as a flap or a fabric panel of the same material, arranged across the opening 16 into the collection space 13. In this way, the front or forward-facing opening 16 may optionally be closed or obscured as desired. A zipper Z or other suitable fastening means, such as studs or Velcro straps, can be provided for attaching or securing the movable closure 23 to the cover 10 around a periphery of the opening 16. As before, the assembly 100 is configured to be releasably fixed to the panel member 2 by straps 15 provided at the ends of the frame member 12. The fact that the frame 11 of the assembly 100 has only a single lateral span in this embodiment, here with just a single batten or rib 14, provides easier collapsibility for storage when the sweeper apparatus 1 is rolled-up and/or folded for storage.

[0052] With reference to drawing FIGS. 8 to 10, a sweeper apparatus 1 and associated assembly 100 according to a further embodiment of the disclosure is shown in a range of views. In this embodiment, the cover 10 of the debris retaining assembly 100 includes a rearward extension 10 that is movable in the direction of arrows E. Considering FIG. 8, the assembly 100 is shown in plan view separated into component parts, including three fabric panels 24, 25, 26 and two pairs of curved ribs or battens 14 forming frame members 12 of the frame 11. Each pair of curved ribs or battens 14 forms or defines a single transverse or lateral span across a width of panel member 2 generally perpendicular to the direction of travel T. To this end, the two partial sleeves or pockets 15 combine when the two fabric panels 24, 25 are stitched together to form a single sleeve or pocket 15 corresponding to the one shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Indeed, the portion of cover 10 in FIG. 8 comprising the fabric panels 24, 25 generally corresponds to the cover 10 in FIGS. 5 and 6. By adding the extension 10 formed of the fabric panel 26 with a further pair of curved ribs or battens 14, the cover 10, 10 in this embodiment then assumes the form illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. As will be appreciated, this assembly 100 affords a substantially larger collection space 13 for holding or retaining debris on the upper side 4 of the mat or panel member 2 in use. The fact that each transverse or lateral span of the frame 11 across the panel member 2 comprises a pair of frame members (i.e., ribs or battens 14) in end-to-end relationship to form the single span provides for enhanced collapsibility of the assembly in storage.

[0053] With reference to FIG. 11, the adjacent ends 27 of the frame members 12 (i.e., of the ribs or battens 14) may be simply received in respective sleeves or pockets 15 in the cover 10 and separated by one or more lines of stitching. Alternatively, however, with reference in FIGS. 12a and 12b, the frame 11 may include a pivot joint 28 provided in this example in the form of a disc joint, that receives and accommodates the ends 27 of the respective frame members 12 (i.e., of the ribs or battens 14) and provides for relative rotation about a central axis or pivot pin 29 of the joint 28. The pivot joint 28 may also be lockable with the frame members 12 (i.e., ribs or battens 14) may in a particular orientation or positione.g., an extended position or a collapsed position.

[0054] Although specific embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that each exemplary embodiment is an example only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those persons skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the present disclosure. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. As an example, a skilled person will readily appreciate that the sweeper apparatus of the disclosure is not limited to being made from any specific material described in the embodiments. Rather, the skilled person will appreciate that a range of suitable materials exist and that the skilled person can select a material based upon the known mechanical properties of that material which make it suitable for use in the apparatus.

[0055] It will also be appreciated that the terms comprise, comprising, include, including, contain, containing, have, having, and any variations thereof, as used in this document are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e., non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus, or system described herein is not limited to the features, integers, parts, elements, or steps recited but may include other features, integers, parts, elements, or steps not expressly listed and/or inherent to such process, method, device, apparatus, or system. Furthermore, the terms a and an used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. In addition, reference to positional terms, such as lower and upper, used in the above description are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by a skilled addressee in the appropriate context.

DRAWING REFERENCE SIGNS

[0056] 1 apparatus [0057] 2 panel member [0058] 3 underside [0059] 4 upper side [0060] 5 collection surface [0061] 6 opening [0062] 7 guide structure [0063] 8 inclined surface [0064] 9 rear edge [0065] 10 cover [0066] 11 frame [0067] 12 frame member [0068] 13 collection space [0069] 14 rib or strut or batten [0070] 15 strap [0071] 15 sleeve, pocket, channel, or cuff [0072] 15 partial sleeve, pocket, channel, or cuff [0073] 16 opening [0074] 17 leading edge [0075] 18 row of openings [0076] 19 ground-engaging pad or strip [0077] 20 trailing edge [0078] 21 handle [0079] 22 towing member [0080] 23 closure or flap [0081] 24 fabric panel [0082] 25 fabric panel [0083] 26 fabric panel [0084] 27 end of frame member, batten or rib [0085] 28 pivot joint [0086] 29 pivot pin [0087] 100 assembly [0088] G ground surface