BAG CARRYING STRUCTURE
United States Patent 3808627
Lawn and parking lot sweepers of the rotary brush type in which sweepings are discharged into bags are known. However, in such sweepers the debris generally is not compressed sufficiently prior to entering the bag. As a result bags must be changed too frequently. The apparatus herein is provided with compression rollers, and means for force filling the bag. Conveying means transport debris from the cylindrical brush to the compression rollers.
US Patent References:
Leaf baler
Cymara - January 1966 - 3229320
LEAF SWEEPER AND LOADER
Bonnis - December 1972 - 3704477
Leaf baler
Cymara - January 1966 - 3229320
LEAF SWEEPER AND LOADER
Bonnis - December 1972 - 3704477
Inventors:
Doering, Charles W. (Clarksville, IN)
Smith, Samuel W. (Carlisle, KY)
Smith, Samuel W. (Carlisle, KY)
Application Number:
05/304378
Publication Date:
05/07/1974
Filing Date:
11/07/1972
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Brinly-Hardy Co., Inc. (Louisville, KY)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
15/79.100, 56/202
International Classes:
A01G1/12; E01H1/04; E01H1/00; A01G1/12
Field of Search:
15/79,83,348,350 56/202
Primary Examiner:
Roberts, Edward L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Leach Jr., Frank C.
Parent Case Data:
This application is a division of Ser. No. 195,607, filed Nov. 4, 1971, and now abandoned.
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. Bag carrying means for use with a debris collector having an opening in a housing defined by an upwardly extending rim through which debris is pushed outwardly by accumulation of debris therebelow comprising a bag supporting frame, means pivotally connecting said bag supporting frame to the housing so that said frame extends away from the opening, means adapted to retain a debris bag on said bag supporting frame, a rigid band adapted to have one end of a debris bag cooperating therewith so as to be open to receive debris, means securing said band to said bag supporting frame such that pivotal movement of said bag supporting frame toward the opening seats said band around the rim so that the open end of a bag receives the debris from the housing and away from the opening unseats said band, and means locking said bag supporting frame with said band in its seated position.
2. The bag carrying means according to claim 1 wherein said bag supporting frame is U-shaped and has a pair of substantially parallel side members joined together by a crossbar across the top and said pivotally connecting means includes means linking the lower portions of said side members of said bag supporting frame to the housing.
3. The bag carrying means according to claim 2 including a second U-shaped frame having a crossbar of approximately the same width as said bag supporting frame, arm means attached to said crossbar, means pivotally securing each of said arm means of said second frame to a corresponding one of said side members of said bag supporting frame such that said two crossbars are at approximately the same height and such that said second frame extends upwardly and outwardly from said bag supporting frame at an upwardly directed angle thereto, said bag retaining means including a clamping plate carried by said second frame and adapted to bear against said bag supporting frame on its side opposite said second frame when the angle between them is maximal to clamp a portion of the bag therebetween, and means urging said second frame away from said bag supporting frame so that said clamping plate is normally against said bag supporting frame.
4. The bag carrying means according to claim 3 wherein said means locking said bag supporting frame into position with said band seated around the rim includes at least one retaining rod pivotally attached to the housing at a point spaced away from said bag supporting frame and adapted to pivot so that its free end engages said bag supporting frame when said bag supporting frame is in its seated position, and latch means releasably locking said rod and said bag supporting frame together in the engaged position.
5. The bag carrying means according to claim 4 wherein said bag supporting frame carries means for holding a roll of plastic debris bags.
6. The bag carrying means according to claim 5 wherein the rim includes a collar fitting therearound and the plastic debris bag has its lower end wrapped around said band to bear against the collar when said band is in seating engagement with the collar.
7. The bag carrying means according to claim 6 in which the collar is a flexible collar.
8. The bag carrying means according to claim 3 wherein said urging means comprises resilient means.
9. The bag carrying means accordin to claim 3 wherein said bag supporting frame carries according for holding a roll of plastic debris bags.
10. The bag carrying means according to claim 1 wherein said means locking said bag supporting frame into position with said band seated around the rim includes at least one retaining rod pivotally attached to the housing at a point spaced away from said bag supporting frame and adapted to pivot so that its free end engages said bag supporting frame when said bag supporting frame is in its seated position, and latch means releasably locking said rod and said bag supporting frame together in the engaged position.
1. Bag carrying means for use with a debris collector having an opening in a housing defined by an upwardly extending rim through which debris is pushed outwardly by accumulation of debris therebelow comprising a bag supporting frame, means pivotally connecting said bag supporting frame to the housing so that said frame extends away from the opening, means adapted to retain a debris bag on said bag supporting frame, a rigid band adapted to have one end of a debris bag cooperating therewith so as to be open to receive debris, means securing said band to said bag supporting frame such that pivotal movement of said bag supporting frame toward the opening seats said band around the rim so that the open end of a bag receives the debris from the housing and away from the opening unseats said band, and means locking said bag supporting frame with said band in its seated position.
2. The bag carrying means according to claim 1 wherein said bag supporting frame is U-shaped and has a pair of substantially parallel side members joined together by a crossbar across the top and said pivotally connecting means includes means linking the lower portions of said side members of said bag supporting frame to the housing.
3. The bag carrying means according to claim 2 including a second U-shaped frame having a crossbar of approximately the same width as said bag supporting frame, arm means attached to said crossbar, means pivotally securing each of said arm means of said second frame to a corresponding one of said side members of said bag supporting frame such that said two crossbars are at approximately the same height and such that said second frame extends upwardly and outwardly from said bag supporting frame at an upwardly directed angle thereto, said bag retaining means including a clamping plate carried by said second frame and adapted to bear against said bag supporting frame on its side opposite said second frame when the angle between them is maximal to clamp a portion of the bag therebetween, and means urging said second frame away from said bag supporting frame so that said clamping plate is normally against said bag supporting frame.
4. The bag carrying means according to claim 3 wherein said means locking said bag supporting frame into position with said band seated around the rim includes at least one retaining rod pivotally attached to the housing at a point spaced away from said bag supporting frame and adapted to pivot so that its free end engages said bag supporting frame when said bag supporting frame is in its seated position, and latch means releasably locking said rod and said bag supporting frame together in the engaged position.
5. The bag carrying means according to claim 4 wherein said bag supporting frame carries means for holding a roll of plastic debris bags.
6. The bag carrying means according to claim 5 wherein the rim includes a collar fitting therearound and the plastic debris bag has its lower end wrapped around said band to bear against the collar when said band is in seating engagement with the collar.
7. The bag carrying means according to claim 6 in which the collar is a flexible collar.
8. The bag carrying means according to claim 3 wherein said urging means comprises resilient means.
9. The bag carrying means accordin to claim 3 wherein said bag supporting frame carries according for holding a roll of plastic debris bags.
10. The bag carrying means according to claim 1 wherein said means locking said bag supporting frame into position with said band seated around the rim includes at least one retaining rod pivotally attached to the housing at a point spaced away from said bag supporting frame and adapted to pivot so that its free end engages said bag supporting frame when said bag supporting frame is in its seated position, and latch means releasably locking said rod and said bag supporting frame together in the engaged position.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention in one of its aspects relates to a sweeping apparatus of the cylindrical rotary brush type, capable of collecting grass cuttings, leaves and the like from lawns, and debris from areas such as parking lots.
The apparatus herein has the advantage that it can be converted for thatching by interchanging the horizontal cylindrical brush with a drum provided with projecting wire fingers.
In a more important aspect the invention pertains to a sweeping apparatus wherein it is unnecessary for the operator of the apparatus to empty a collecting hopper or bin. Sweepings are urged in compacted form into a disposable bag.
In still another of its aspects the invention provides novel bag support means.
Lawn sweepers are known in which sweepings are discharged into bags. Such an apparatus is described in U. S. Pat. No. 3,229,320. In the collecting apparatus shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,229,320 the debris is conveyed by helical blades to a side outlet having a bag opening pulled over it, the bag being squeezed up in bellows-like fashion. The compressed bag rests on an apron having a circular end plate integral with it at its outside end. The apron-plate arrangement is slideable toward and away from the helical conveyor. To resist lateral movement of the apron away from the helical blades a spring pressed tooth carried thereby rides in a plurality of inclined teeth. This keeps the bag compressed and offers some resistance as it is filling.
The sweeper described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,229,320 overcomes the problem of having to empty a hopper. It is, however, subject to certain disadvantages. Thus, the cylindrical sweeping element must rotate quite rapidly in order to throw debris up into the helix. In addition, even though the tension of the bag filling resistance element attached to the apron can be varied, debris compression is still not as great as is desirable.
In accordance with this invention a sweeper-bagger is provided, affording a much greater degree of compression of debris than has been obtainable in existing apparatus. The brush also need not revolve as rapidly in the apparatus herein. In addition, whereas a power unit can be incorporated in the machine, it operates effectively without such a unit when pushed by an operator or pulled by a small yard tractor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The apparatus provided herein is a sweeper or thatcher of the rotary brush type, having a substantially cylindrical sweeping unit adapted for rotation about a horizontal axis. The apparatus is provided with a pair of compression rollers in counterrotational abutment with each other on parallel axes. Debris conveying means are positioned between the sweeping unit and compression rollers to convey debris from the sweeping unit to the compression rollers. Tensioning means are, of course, adapted to urge one roller against the other one. This compresses debris drawn between the rollers on counterrotation of the rollers. A debris confining chamber receives compressed debris passing between the compression rollers, and through an outlet therein, debris is forced into a disposal bag. The apparatus includes means for removably attaching a debris disposal bag over the discharge outlet, and disposal bag support means for holding a bag in position to be force filled through the confining chamber outlet. Means are provided to drive the sweeper unit and the compression rollers as the apparatus is drawn or pushed forwardly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This invention thus provides a sweeper wherein each increment of debris is handled only once by the sweeping element and then conveyed in compact form to a mesh or film plastic bag of the type usually used for trash and leaf disposal. The brush operates equally well whether pulled by a tractor or pushed by hand. However if a large unit is made, say, for commercial purposes, it may be fitted with its own auxiliary power unit. The cylindrical brush or broom is the type normally used for this purpose having a plurality of discrete brush elements mounted across a cylindrical sleeve. This and other features of the invention will be more fully understood by reference to the accompanying drawing showing several forms of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing the external features of one form of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus with portions cut away.
FIG. 3 is a section along 3--3 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a view showing a preferred bag holding apparatus.
FIGS. 5 and 5a are partial top views showing different ways of driving the apparatus.
FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are diagrammatic representations showing three other embodiments of the invention.
Referring now further to the drawings, the machine 2 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with side panels 4 having generally arcuate top edges supported on opposite sides of the sweeper by suitable braces (not shown). A curved sheet 6 forms a cover or cage enclosing the front end of the machine. Side panels 4, cover 6 and top section 8 form the housing for the sweeper. Supporting the housing at its base is a frame 10. Generally, the frame, in plan as seen in FIG. 2, is in the form of adjacent rectangles lying in a horizontal plane. The front rectangle is wider than the rectangular back end of the frame, in the direction of travel.
Since the brush, the compression rollers, and the drive means are all anchored to frame 10, the frame, through wheels 12, supports the entire machine. The compression rollers are suspended from this frame so that they are biased toward each other. Transversely across the wider front end of frame 10 a cylindrical brush or thatching element 14 is mounted on shaft 16. The shaft is journaled in bearings 18 which are mounted on frame 10. One end of the shaft 16 extends beyond frame 10 in order to carry driven sprocket wheel 20, to be described shortly. To afford interchangeability from brushing to thatching it is preferred that the brush elements be mounted on a sleeve 15 which locks onto shaft 16.
Turning now to the suspension system, the leaves and other debris are compressed by rollers 22 and 24, and means must be provided urging them against each other while at the same time permitting them to move apart. To accomplish this, suspension bars 26 and 27 are disposed transversely across the frame. Suspension bars 26 and 27 are connected to braces or frame elements on each side wall of the sweeping unit. Through bearings 32 and 33 suspension bars 26 and 27 are pivotally journaled in the sides of the apparatus. These bars are important not only because they support arms 29 and 31, but because they carry movable walls and scrapers defining the debris confining chamber.
Attached to suspension bar 26 through suitably spaced jibs is confining chamber wall 34. Since both arm 29 and wall 34 are integral with suspension bar 26, wall 34 tilts as arm 29 tilts. Wall 34 is angled so that the opening between top 8 and wall 34 remains as small as possible. Affixed to the bottom end of wall 34 is scraper blade 23. The opposite wall 35 (FIG. 3) of the debris confining chamber is carried by suspension bar 27. Wall 35 is supported by strut member 25 which is integral with suspension bar 27. A scraper blade 28 is also attached to this wall at a point nearest roller 24.
Drive compression roller 22 is locked on drive axle 36. Compression roller drive axle 36 also carries wheels 12. Because of positive one directional clutch means 40, the wheels on rotation drive compression roller axle 36 and rotate compression drive roller 22. The clutch means 40 includes drive dogs or similar slip pawl means affected by gravity so that the roller does not rotate when the rotation of the wheels is reversed. Compression roller drive axle 36 is carried in suitable bearings 37 in arms 29 on each end of suspension bar 26 as shown in FIG. 3.
Journaled in suitable bearings 39 in angular arms 31 on each side of frame 10 is idler compression roller axle 42. Locked on, or integral with, this axle is idler compression roller 24. Compression rollers 22 and 24 thus extend transversely across the frame between its narrower sides. Oppositely placed springs 46 urge arm 29 and arm 31 on each side of the frame toward each other bringing compression rollers 22 and 24 into operation. From FIG. 3 it can be seen that idler compression roller 24 is capable of vertical movement because of its positioning by angular arm 31. This movement is restricted by debris conveying belt 50. The width of debris conveying belt 50 is approximately equal to the width of the compression rollers. The conveying belt passes over, enveloping idler compression roller 24 and extends across the bottom of the machine within the housing, surrounding conveying belt idler roller 54. Rollers 24 and 54 can be shaped, e.g. curved outwardly (crowned) toward their longitudinal center points, to prevent debris conveying belt 50 from scooting or slipping to one side. For maximum compression efficiency, compression roller 22 is curved inwardly to match the crown on roller 24.
The brush element driving means will now be described. The idler belt roller axle 52 extends beyond roller 54 as shown in FIG. 2. Axle 52 is journaled in bearings 56 in bracket elements 58 affixed to the sides of frame 10. In a plane with idler sprocket wheel 20 is drive sprocket wheel 60, locked on the end of idler belt roller axle 52. A brush drive chain 63 passes around and engages the aligned sprocket wheels 20 and 60. A chute 62 can be interposed between the cylindrical brush element 14 and belt roller 54, as shown in FIG. 3, or the roller can be adjacent the brush element.
Various clamping means are available for holding a bag over the housing opening and for suspending its closed end. Thus a flexible band can be stretched around the opening and against the outside of a bag placed over the opening. This, however, only holds the bag tightly at its corners unless the opening is round. The bag can pull out in between the corners. In accordance with an aspect of this invention novel bag carrying means are provided. The means herein resist bag slipping at all points around lip 80 of the housing opening 70. A particular advantage of the bag carrying means provided herein is that the bag can be lowered thereby as shown in FIG. 4, to be released by the action of the foot while the open end of the bag is being closed up. The bag supporting means 72 will best be understood by reference to FIGS. 1 and 4. From these figures it can be seen that bag supporting member 72 is in the form of a U-frame having substantially parallel side members 83 (see FIG. 1) and 84 (see FIG. 3) joined together by a crossbar 85 across the top. Linking means such as tabs 86 (see FIG. 1) and 87 (see FIG. 3) extend upwardly from the top section 8 of the housing and the bottom ends of side members 83 and 84 are pivotally secured to these tabs by suitable pins so that the bag supporting frame extends upwardly away from opening 70 as seen in FIG. 3. The bag is held in place over opening 70 by a rigid band 88 carried by the bag supporting frame legs 83 and 84 by means of brackets 89 and 90. Rigid band 88 extends outwardly from and is almost perpendicular to the bag supporting frame legs. The band is either rectangular or round, being the exact shape of the opening so that it is slideable thereover. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 4 herein the opening is rectangular (FIG. 2). Therefore band 88 is rectangular and is approximately the same size as lip 80 of opening 70. An elastomeric flexible collar such as rubber collar 91 is fixed around lip 80. When arms or members 83 and 84 of the bag supporting frame are urged forward toward opening 70, band 88 is lowered over lip 80 seating on rubber collar 91. Band 88 is unseated when the bag supporting frame is lowered away from opening 70 toward the position shown in FIG. 4. It can be seen that when a bag 92 is wrapped over band 88 rubber collar 91 holds the bag in place when band 88 is seated as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.
As indicated hereinbefore one of the advantages of the bag supporting means provided herein is that it can be operated by foot. This is accomplished by a clamping plate 93 operable by a second U-frame. Using tabs welded to legs 83 and 84, or a similar connection, arm 98 and a parallel arm (not seen) of the clamping frame are pivotally connected to legs 83 and 84 of the bag supporting frame. Since arms 98 are shorter than legs 83 and 84, the tabs are mounted part way up so that crossbar 100 is about as high as crossbar 85, the clamping frame extending upwardly and outwardly from the back of the bag supporting frame at an upwardly directed angle thereto as shown in FIG. 1. Clamping plate 93 is carried by the clamping frame by means of bolts 101 passing through legs 83 and 84 of the bag carrying frame to the front side. Behind and adjacent clamping plate 93 are bag retaining members or rods 82 integral with legs 83 and 84 of the bag supporting frame. Coil spring 103 and a similar one not shown surrounding clamp bolts 101 urge the clamping frame crossbar 100 away from the bag supporting frame crossbar 85. This securely holds clamping plate 93 in its normal position against bag supporting frame member 72 when the angle between the clamping frame and the bag supporting frame is maximal.
It will be apparent that locking braces or similar means must be used to hold the bag supporting frame in position when band 88 is seated over opening 70. A preferred means for accomplishing this is to employ a retaining rod 106. By means of tab 107 on the housing, rod 106 is connected to the housing to pivot so that its free upper end swings over and engages crossbar 85 of the bag supporting frame. Any releasable latching means 108 can be used to hold retaining rod 106 and the supporting frame together. Desirably a roll holder will be installed across arms 98 of the clamping frame below crossbar 100 to hold a roll 109 of plastic bags. When a bag 92 is full, the supporting frame will be lowered as shown in FIG. 4. Springs 103 can then be compressed by pressing on crossbar 85 with one foot while removing the open end of bag 92 from the inside of rigid band 88.
In operation, a bag 92 is locked over opening 70 as described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 4, and the machine is ready for use. As will be seen a small model can be made to be pushed by the operator. However generally a braced tongue 74 is attached to the frame at the front of the housing. A latch type of hitch will be provided on the tongue so that the machine can be connected to a small tractor or other vehicle. The sweeper unit 14 is set to the desired height by lever 77. Tongue 74 is jointed at the base 79 of lever 77. This and a pivotal tractor connection permit the unit to be bent upwardly at 79 relative to the wheels and the tractor hitch to raise the brush element. The height is adjusted by lever 78.
When the machine is pulled forward wheels 12 through one-way clutch means 40 bring about a counterclockwise rotation of drive compression roller 22. This roller frictionally drives both belt 50 and idler compression roller 24 in a clockwise direction. The rotation of endless belt 50 and idler compression roller 24 drive idler belt roller 54 (FIG. 2). The clockwise rotation of this idler roller 54 turns sprocket drive wheel 60 clockwise. Through brush drive chain 63 and idler sprocket wheel 20, the brush element 14 is driven in a clockwise direction.
It can be seen that clockwise rotation of brush element 14 lifts debris at the front end of the machine as shown by the arrows in FIG. 3 and discharges the debris down chute 62 onto endless belt 50. The belt conveys the debris to compression roller 22. As the belt passes under this roller the debris undergoes a first stage of compression. The second stage of debris compression takes place as the debris is forced between drive compression roller 22 and idler compression roller 24 by the rotation of roller 22 and belt 50. The debris then accumulates in debris confining chamber 81 as it passes upwardly between the rollers.
As the sweeper continues to operate, debris confining chamber 81 fills up. Due to gravitational forces and the fact that opening 70 is smaller than chamber 81 beneath it, the debris undergoes an auxiliary stage of compression. Within chamber 81, scraping elements 23 and 28 keep the rollers free of debris. It will be noted that scraping element 23 moves as arm 29 moves, keeping it against roller 22. Arm 25 keeps scraper 28 against debris conveying belt 50. The debris accumulating in confining chamber 81 is ultimately forced through opening 70 by increments of debris entering the chamber beneath it. In compacted form the debris is gradually lifted in successive layers into bag 92 until the bag is crammed full.
Whereas in the sweeping unit described the wheels 12 the drive roller 22, it will frequently be more desirable to drive the roller surrounded by the debris conveying belt, i.e. roller 24. Two ways in which this can be readily accomplished are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5a. The modification of FIG. 5 illustrates drive means which utilizes the weight of the load to tension the drive chain. Hence, as the weight increases additional driving power is produced. This weight also increases the tension on the belt. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, wheels 12 bring about the counterclockwise rotation of driven sprocket wheel 120 through one way direction clutch 40. A drive chain 122 passes around this wheel and under transmission sprocket 124 where it engages the teeth of transmission sprocket 124 mounted on the axle 42 of roller 24. The direction of rotation of roller 24 is reversed by the use of idler sprocket 126, permitting drive chain 122 to pass beneath sprocket 124. In the modification of FIG. 5a, the wheel 12 is mounted on axle 36 as in FIG. 2. However in this instance the wheel does not rotate roller 22. Rather, through sleeve means and bearing 114, axle 36 rotates freely within roller 22. Integral with axle 36 is drive sprocket wheel 116. Transmission sprocket wheel 112, effecting the rotation of roller 24, is mounted on the end of axle 42 extending beyond the frame through bearing 115. An idler sprocket 110 is mounted on the frame. Drive chain 113 passes around idler sprocket wheel 110 and transmission wheel 112. It passes only over drive sprocket wheel 116 with only the lower portion of the chain 113 engaging the wheel 116. Counterclockwise rotation of drive wheel 116 thus drives transmission sprocket wheel 112 and hence roller 24 in a clockwise direction. It will be appreciated that as the load forces the compression rollers apart, the tension on the drive chain 113 is increased.
An apparatus has been described in which there are two stages of compaction. It will be appreciated that utilizing the principles of this invention a single stage of compaction, or even three stages of compaction can be accomplished. This is illustrated diagrammatically in FIGS. 6 and 7. A different mode of achieving two stages of compression is also possible. This is illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 6 also shows a hand propelled unit.
Referring now to FIG. 6, by chute 162 debris is conveyed to rollers 164 and 166. The debris is confined in chamber 168 prior to being forced into bag 170. With this embodiment bag 170 should be somewhat more horizontal in order to receive the debris from a single stage of compression. This model is particularly adaptable to hand operation using handle 172. The apparatus shown in FIG. 7 effects three stages of debris compression. Grass, leaves or trash conveyed by chute 266 are first compressed between rollers 268 and 270. The debris is then drawn between rollers 268 and 272, and finally between rollers 272 and 274. Deflection or scraping elements 276 and 278 attached to the side panels of the unit are disposed between the rollers to conduct debris from roller to roller. Deflection elements 276 and 278 are not in contact with roller 272.
A sweeper in which two stages of debris compression are achieved by means differing from those shown heretofore is shown in FIG. 8. This unit is motor driven, rollers 280 and 284 being out of contact. Rather than a conveying belt 50 and two rollers, three rollers 280, 282 and 284 are employed. Debris passes first between rollers 280 and 282. By deflector plate 286 the debris is then directed to the passageway between rollers 282 and 284. In all instances the rollers are driven by wheel 12 using means suggested hereinbefore. No belt is employed in the modifications shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.
This invention thus provides a sweeper which makes possible stages of compression of debris not possible heretofore. The debris bags do not have to be changed as frequently as in known devices, and compression of debris is achieved with very little power input. It has been shown that various embodiments of this invention are possible within the spirit thereof. Thus spur gears can be employed in lieu of chains and sprockets to reverse the direction of rotation of rollers. As another example instead of cover 6, upwardly extending shields or deflecting plates can be used, leaving the conveying means exposed from the top. In each instance a high degree of compression is obtained so that large volumes of debris can be bagged before removal of the bag is necessary. By this invention bag removal is made easy and power requirements are minimal. In addition straps, or even a single sheet, can be placed across legs 83 and 84 of the bag supporting frame to support the filled bag when the frame is lowered as shown in FIG. 4. A motor can be mounted on a plate at the rear of the unit if desired, as shown in FIG. 8. However, it will generally not be necessary to do so. In addition, a thatching unit can be used instead of a brush. These and other variations will occur to those skilled in the art. Such ramifications are deemed to be within the scope of this invention.
This invention in one of its aspects relates to a sweeping apparatus of the cylindrical rotary brush type, capable of collecting grass cuttings, leaves and the like from lawns, and debris from areas such as parking lots.
The apparatus herein has the advantage that it can be converted for thatching by interchanging the horizontal cylindrical brush with a drum provided with projecting wire fingers.
In a more important aspect the invention pertains to a sweeping apparatus wherein it is unnecessary for the operator of the apparatus to empty a collecting hopper or bin. Sweepings are urged in compacted form into a disposable bag.
In still another of its aspects the invention provides novel bag support means.
Lawn sweepers are known in which sweepings are discharged into bags. Such an apparatus is described in U. S. Pat. No. 3,229,320. In the collecting apparatus shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,229,320 the debris is conveyed by helical blades to a side outlet having a bag opening pulled over it, the bag being squeezed up in bellows-like fashion. The compressed bag rests on an apron having a circular end plate integral with it at its outside end. The apron-plate arrangement is slideable toward and away from the helical conveyor. To resist lateral movement of the apron away from the helical blades a spring pressed tooth carried thereby rides in a plurality of inclined teeth. This keeps the bag compressed and offers some resistance as it is filling.
The sweeper described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,229,320 overcomes the problem of having to empty a hopper. It is, however, subject to certain disadvantages. Thus, the cylindrical sweeping element must rotate quite rapidly in order to throw debris up into the helix. In addition, even though the tension of the bag filling resistance element attached to the apron can be varied, debris compression is still not as great as is desirable.
In accordance with this invention a sweeper-bagger is provided, affording a much greater degree of compression of debris than has been obtainable in existing apparatus. The brush also need not revolve as rapidly in the apparatus herein. In addition, whereas a power unit can be incorporated in the machine, it operates effectively without such a unit when pushed by an operator or pulled by a small yard tractor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The apparatus provided herein is a sweeper or thatcher of the rotary brush type, having a substantially cylindrical sweeping unit adapted for rotation about a horizontal axis. The apparatus is provided with a pair of compression rollers in counterrotational abutment with each other on parallel axes. Debris conveying means are positioned between the sweeping unit and compression rollers to convey debris from the sweeping unit to the compression rollers. Tensioning means are, of course, adapted to urge one roller against the other one. This compresses debris drawn between the rollers on counterrotation of the rollers. A debris confining chamber receives compressed debris passing between the compression rollers, and through an outlet therein, debris is forced into a disposal bag. The apparatus includes means for removably attaching a debris disposal bag over the discharge outlet, and disposal bag support means for holding a bag in position to be force filled through the confining chamber outlet. Means are provided to drive the sweeper unit and the compression rollers as the apparatus is drawn or pushed forwardly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This invention thus provides a sweeper wherein each increment of debris is handled only once by the sweeping element and then conveyed in compact form to a mesh or film plastic bag of the type usually used for trash and leaf disposal. The brush operates equally well whether pulled by a tractor or pushed by hand. However if a large unit is made, say, for commercial purposes, it may be fitted with its own auxiliary power unit. The cylindrical brush or broom is the type normally used for this purpose having a plurality of discrete brush elements mounted across a cylindrical sleeve. This and other features of the invention will be more fully understood by reference to the accompanying drawing showing several forms of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing the external features of one form of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus with portions cut away.
FIG. 3 is a section along 3--3 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a view showing a preferred bag holding apparatus.
FIGS. 5 and 5a are partial top views showing different ways of driving the apparatus.
FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are diagrammatic representations showing three other embodiments of the invention.
Referring now further to the drawings, the machine 2 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with side panels 4 having generally arcuate top edges supported on opposite sides of the sweeper by suitable braces (not shown). A curved sheet 6 forms a cover or cage enclosing the front end of the machine. Side panels 4, cover 6 and top section 8 form the housing for the sweeper. Supporting the housing at its base is a frame 10. Generally, the frame, in plan as seen in FIG. 2, is in the form of adjacent rectangles lying in a horizontal plane. The front rectangle is wider than the rectangular back end of the frame, in the direction of travel.
Since the brush, the compression rollers, and the drive means are all anchored to frame 10, the frame, through wheels 12, supports the entire machine. The compression rollers are suspended from this frame so that they are biased toward each other. Transversely across the wider front end of frame 10 a cylindrical brush or thatching element 14 is mounted on shaft 16. The shaft is journaled in bearings 18 which are mounted on frame 10. One end of the shaft 16 extends beyond frame 10 in order to carry driven sprocket wheel 20, to be described shortly. To afford interchangeability from brushing to thatching it is preferred that the brush elements be mounted on a sleeve 15 which locks onto shaft 16.
Turning now to the suspension system, the leaves and other debris are compressed by rollers 22 and 24, and means must be provided urging them against each other while at the same time permitting them to move apart. To accomplish this, suspension bars 26 and 27 are disposed transversely across the frame. Suspension bars 26 and 27 are connected to braces or frame elements on each side wall of the sweeping unit. Through bearings 32 and 33 suspension bars 26 and 27 are pivotally journaled in the sides of the apparatus. These bars are important not only because they support arms 29 and 31, but because they carry movable walls and scrapers defining the debris confining chamber.
Attached to suspension bar 26 through suitably spaced jibs is confining chamber wall 34. Since both arm 29 and wall 34 are integral with suspension bar 26, wall 34 tilts as arm 29 tilts. Wall 34 is angled so that the opening between top 8 and wall 34 remains as small as possible. Affixed to the bottom end of wall 34 is scraper blade 23. The opposite wall 35 (FIG. 3) of the debris confining chamber is carried by suspension bar 27. Wall 35 is supported by strut member 25 which is integral with suspension bar 27. A scraper blade 28 is also attached to this wall at a point nearest roller 24.
Drive compression roller 22 is locked on drive axle 36. Compression roller drive axle 36 also carries wheels 12. Because of positive one directional clutch means 40, the wheels on rotation drive compression roller axle 36 and rotate compression drive roller 22. The clutch means 40 includes drive dogs or similar slip pawl means affected by gravity so that the roller does not rotate when the rotation of the wheels is reversed. Compression roller drive axle 36 is carried in suitable bearings 37 in arms 29 on each end of suspension bar 26 as shown in FIG. 3.
Journaled in suitable bearings 39 in angular arms 31 on each side of frame 10 is idler compression roller axle 42. Locked on, or integral with, this axle is idler compression roller 24. Compression rollers 22 and 24 thus extend transversely across the frame between its narrower sides. Oppositely placed springs 46 urge arm 29 and arm 31 on each side of the frame toward each other bringing compression rollers 22 and 24 into operation. From FIG. 3 it can be seen that idler compression roller 24 is capable of vertical movement because of its positioning by angular arm 31. This movement is restricted by debris conveying belt 50. The width of debris conveying belt 50 is approximately equal to the width of the compression rollers. The conveying belt passes over, enveloping idler compression roller 24 and extends across the bottom of the machine within the housing, surrounding conveying belt idler roller 54. Rollers 24 and 54 can be shaped, e.g. curved outwardly (crowned) toward their longitudinal center points, to prevent debris conveying belt 50 from scooting or slipping to one side. For maximum compression efficiency, compression roller 22 is curved inwardly to match the crown on roller 24.
The brush element driving means will now be described. The idler belt roller axle 52 extends beyond roller 54 as shown in FIG. 2. Axle 52 is journaled in bearings 56 in bracket elements 58 affixed to the sides of frame 10. In a plane with idler sprocket wheel 20 is drive sprocket wheel 60, locked on the end of idler belt roller axle 52. A brush drive chain 63 passes around and engages the aligned sprocket wheels 20 and 60. A chute 62 can be interposed between the cylindrical brush element 14 and belt roller 54, as shown in FIG. 3, or the roller can be adjacent the brush element.
Various clamping means are available for holding a bag over the housing opening and for suspending its closed end. Thus a flexible band can be stretched around the opening and against the outside of a bag placed over the opening. This, however, only holds the bag tightly at its corners unless the opening is round. The bag can pull out in between the corners. In accordance with an aspect of this invention novel bag carrying means are provided. The means herein resist bag slipping at all points around lip 80 of the housing opening 70. A particular advantage of the bag carrying means provided herein is that the bag can be lowered thereby as shown in FIG. 4, to be released by the action of the foot while the open end of the bag is being closed up. The bag supporting means 72 will best be understood by reference to FIGS. 1 and 4. From these figures it can be seen that bag supporting member 72 is in the form of a U-frame having substantially parallel side members 83 (see FIG. 1) and 84 (see FIG. 3) joined together by a crossbar 85 across the top. Linking means such as tabs 86 (see FIG. 1) and 87 (see FIG. 3) extend upwardly from the top section 8 of the housing and the bottom ends of side members 83 and 84 are pivotally secured to these tabs by suitable pins so that the bag supporting frame extends upwardly away from opening 70 as seen in FIG. 3. The bag is held in place over opening 70 by a rigid band 88 carried by the bag supporting frame legs 83 and 84 by means of brackets 89 and 90. Rigid band 88 extends outwardly from and is almost perpendicular to the bag supporting frame legs. The band is either rectangular or round, being the exact shape of the opening so that it is slideable thereover. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 4 herein the opening is rectangular (FIG. 2). Therefore band 88 is rectangular and is approximately the same size as lip 80 of opening 70. An elastomeric flexible collar such as rubber collar 91 is fixed around lip 80. When arms or members 83 and 84 of the bag supporting frame are urged forward toward opening 70, band 88 is lowered over lip 80 seating on rubber collar 91. Band 88 is unseated when the bag supporting frame is lowered away from opening 70 toward the position shown in FIG. 4. It can be seen that when a bag 92 is wrapped over band 88 rubber collar 91 holds the bag in place when band 88 is seated as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.
As indicated hereinbefore one of the advantages of the bag supporting means provided herein is that it can be operated by foot. This is accomplished by a clamping plate 93 operable by a second U-frame. Using tabs welded to legs 83 and 84, or a similar connection, arm 98 and a parallel arm (not seen) of the clamping frame are pivotally connected to legs 83 and 84 of the bag supporting frame. Since arms 98 are shorter than legs 83 and 84, the tabs are mounted part way up so that crossbar 100 is about as high as crossbar 85, the clamping frame extending upwardly and outwardly from the back of the bag supporting frame at an upwardly directed angle thereto as shown in FIG. 1. Clamping plate 93 is carried by the clamping frame by means of bolts 101 passing through legs 83 and 84 of the bag carrying frame to the front side. Behind and adjacent clamping plate 93 are bag retaining members or rods 82 integral with legs 83 and 84 of the bag supporting frame. Coil spring 103 and a similar one not shown surrounding clamp bolts 101 urge the clamping frame crossbar 100 away from the bag supporting frame crossbar 85. This securely holds clamping plate 93 in its normal position against bag supporting frame member 72 when the angle between the clamping frame and the bag supporting frame is maximal.
It will be apparent that locking braces or similar means must be used to hold the bag supporting frame in position when band 88 is seated over opening 70. A preferred means for accomplishing this is to employ a retaining rod 106. By means of tab 107 on the housing, rod 106 is connected to the housing to pivot so that its free upper end swings over and engages crossbar 85 of the bag supporting frame. Any releasable latching means 108 can be used to hold retaining rod 106 and the supporting frame together. Desirably a roll holder will be installed across arms 98 of the clamping frame below crossbar 100 to hold a roll 109 of plastic bags. When a bag 92 is full, the supporting frame will be lowered as shown in FIG. 4. Springs 103 can then be compressed by pressing on crossbar 85 with one foot while removing the open end of bag 92 from the inside of rigid band 88.
In operation, a bag 92 is locked over opening 70 as described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 4, and the machine is ready for use. As will be seen a small model can be made to be pushed by the operator. However generally a braced tongue 74 is attached to the frame at the front of the housing. A latch type of hitch will be provided on the tongue so that the machine can be connected to a small tractor or other vehicle. The sweeper unit 14 is set to the desired height by lever 77. Tongue 74 is jointed at the base 79 of lever 77. This and a pivotal tractor connection permit the unit to be bent upwardly at 79 relative to the wheels and the tractor hitch to raise the brush element. The height is adjusted by lever 78.
When the machine is pulled forward wheels 12 through one-way clutch means 40 bring about a counterclockwise rotation of drive compression roller 22. This roller frictionally drives both belt 50 and idler compression roller 24 in a clockwise direction. The rotation of endless belt 50 and idler compression roller 24 drive idler belt roller 54 (FIG. 2). The clockwise rotation of this idler roller 54 turns sprocket drive wheel 60 clockwise. Through brush drive chain 63 and idler sprocket wheel 20, the brush element 14 is driven in a clockwise direction.
It can be seen that clockwise rotation of brush element 14 lifts debris at the front end of the machine as shown by the arrows in FIG. 3 and discharges the debris down chute 62 onto endless belt 50. The belt conveys the debris to compression roller 22. As the belt passes under this roller the debris undergoes a first stage of compression. The second stage of debris compression takes place as the debris is forced between drive compression roller 22 and idler compression roller 24 by the rotation of roller 22 and belt 50. The debris then accumulates in debris confining chamber 81 as it passes upwardly between the rollers.
As the sweeper continues to operate, debris confining chamber 81 fills up. Due to gravitational forces and the fact that opening 70 is smaller than chamber 81 beneath it, the debris undergoes an auxiliary stage of compression. Within chamber 81, scraping elements 23 and 28 keep the rollers free of debris. It will be noted that scraping element 23 moves as arm 29 moves, keeping it against roller 22. Arm 25 keeps scraper 28 against debris conveying belt 50. The debris accumulating in confining chamber 81 is ultimately forced through opening 70 by increments of debris entering the chamber beneath it. In compacted form the debris is gradually lifted in successive layers into bag 92 until the bag is crammed full.
Whereas in the sweeping unit described the wheels 12 the drive roller 22, it will frequently be more desirable to drive the roller surrounded by the debris conveying belt, i.e. roller 24. Two ways in which this can be readily accomplished are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5a. The modification of FIG. 5 illustrates drive means which utilizes the weight of the load to tension the drive chain. Hence, as the weight increases additional driving power is produced. This weight also increases the tension on the belt. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, wheels 12 bring about the counterclockwise rotation of driven sprocket wheel 120 through one way direction clutch 40. A drive chain 122 passes around this wheel and under transmission sprocket 124 where it engages the teeth of transmission sprocket 124 mounted on the axle 42 of roller 24. The direction of rotation of roller 24 is reversed by the use of idler sprocket 126, permitting drive chain 122 to pass beneath sprocket 124. In the modification of FIG. 5a, the wheel 12 is mounted on axle 36 as in FIG. 2. However in this instance the wheel does not rotate roller 22. Rather, through sleeve means and bearing 114, axle 36 rotates freely within roller 22. Integral with axle 36 is drive sprocket wheel 116. Transmission sprocket wheel 112, effecting the rotation of roller 24, is mounted on the end of axle 42 extending beyond the frame through bearing 115. An idler sprocket 110 is mounted on the frame. Drive chain 113 passes around idler sprocket wheel 110 and transmission wheel 112. It passes only over drive sprocket wheel 116 with only the lower portion of the chain 113 engaging the wheel 116. Counterclockwise rotation of drive wheel 116 thus drives transmission sprocket wheel 112 and hence roller 24 in a clockwise direction. It will be appreciated that as the load forces the compression rollers apart, the tension on the drive chain 113 is increased.
An apparatus has been described in which there are two stages of compaction. It will be appreciated that utilizing the principles of this invention a single stage of compaction, or even three stages of compaction can be accomplished. This is illustrated diagrammatically in FIGS. 6 and 7. A different mode of achieving two stages of compression is also possible. This is illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 6 also shows a hand propelled unit.
Referring now to FIG. 6, by chute 162 debris is conveyed to rollers 164 and 166. The debris is confined in chamber 168 prior to being forced into bag 170. With this embodiment bag 170 should be somewhat more horizontal in order to receive the debris from a single stage of compression. This model is particularly adaptable to hand operation using handle 172. The apparatus shown in FIG. 7 effects three stages of debris compression. Grass, leaves or trash conveyed by chute 266 are first compressed between rollers 268 and 270. The debris is then drawn between rollers 268 and 272, and finally between rollers 272 and 274. Deflection or scraping elements 276 and 278 attached to the side panels of the unit are disposed between the rollers to conduct debris from roller to roller. Deflection elements 276 and 278 are not in contact with roller 272.
A sweeper in which two stages of debris compression are achieved by means differing from those shown heretofore is shown in FIG. 8. This unit is motor driven, rollers 280 and 284 being out of contact. Rather than a conveying belt 50 and two rollers, three rollers 280, 282 and 284 are employed. Debris passes first between rollers 280 and 282. By deflector plate 286 the debris is then directed to the passageway between rollers 282 and 284. In all instances the rollers are driven by wheel 12 using means suggested hereinbefore. No belt is employed in the modifications shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.
This invention thus provides a sweeper which makes possible stages of compression of debris not possible heretofore. The debris bags do not have to be changed as frequently as in known devices, and compression of debris is achieved with very little power input. It has been shown that various embodiments of this invention are possible within the spirit thereof. Thus spur gears can be employed in lieu of chains and sprockets to reverse the direction of rotation of rollers. As another example instead of cover 6, upwardly extending shields or deflecting plates can be used, leaving the conveying means exposed from the top. In each instance a high degree of compression is obtained so that large volumes of debris can be bagged before removal of the bag is necessary. By this invention bag removal is made easy and power requirements are minimal. In addition straps, or even a single sheet, can be placed across legs 83 and 84 of the bag supporting frame to support the filled bag when the frame is lowered as shown in FIG. 4. A motor can be mounted on a plate at the rear of the unit if desired, as shown in FIG. 8. However, it will generally not be necessary to do so. In addition, a thatching unit can be used instead of a brush. These and other variations will occur to those skilled in the art. Such ramifications are deemed to be within the scope of this invention.