Patent Application
20230407585
The present application claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2022901650 filed on Jun. 17, 2022. The entire contents of the above-listed application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
The present disclosure relates to a sweeper apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus for sweeping ground surfaces in an outdoor environment. The apparatus of this disclosure may be used for sweeping ground surfaces in a range of locations and contexts, including playing fields, golf courses, automotive racetracks, as well as airfields and airport tarmacs to prevent debris interfering with aircraft.
It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the present disclosure in relation to a sweeper apparatus for the collection of debris from an outdoor playing field, such as a football pitch, hockey pitch or tennis court. In this context, the debris to be collected may include leaves, twigs, seed pods, and/or other litter from the surrounding trees and shrubs, but may also include foreign objects, such as metal objects, that may have found their way onto the field. As noted above, however, the apparatus of this disclosure is not limited to outdoor playing fields and may be used for sweeping ground surfaces in a variety of locations and contexts. Indeed, the sweeper apparatus may also be suitable for use in some indoor applications. For the purposes of this disclosure, therefore, the term “ground surface” as it is used herein will be understood to include any ground covering of the area to be swept, including, but not limited to, grass, artificial grass, synthetic rubber, asphalt, concrete, and paving.
Any reference to or discussion of background art, including to any documents, herein is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure only and is not to be considered as an admission that such background art forms part of the state of the art or is widely known or forms a part of the common general knowledge in the relevant field in Australia or in any other country at the date of this application.
Apparatuses of this general type for collecting debris from the ground surfaces of outdoor playing fields and airfields are known. An example of such an apparatus is described in the International patent application published as WO 2017/075651 A1. The present disclosure is concerned with providing a new or improved sweeper apparatus or with providing a useful alternative to the known apparatuses.
According to one broad aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for sweeping a ground surface, comprising: a panel member configured to be moved across a ground surface to sweep the ground surface, the panel member having an underside which, in use, faces the ground surface to be swept, an upper side which provides at least one 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/s 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/s 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, desirably a flexible cover, supported on the frame spaced above the collection surface/s when the debris retaining assembly is mounted on the panel member.
In this way, the at least one frame member cooperates with the cover to form or define a collection space between the cover and the collection surface/s on the upper side of the panel member. This arrangement provides enhanced debris collection performance and can provide the user with a clearer view of the debris that accumulates in the collection space. It may also facilitate better access for a user when emptying the debris from the collection space.
In an embodiment, the at least one frame member comprises a rib or a strut or a batten for supporting the cover spaced above the at least one collection surface. In this context, the frame member (e.g., the rib or strut or batten) may preferably span or extend across a substantial width of the panel member. It will be appreciated that each frame member, preferably in the form of a relatively long and thin rod or strip, should preferably be relatively stiff and yet sufficiently flexible for bending to adopt a desired curved profile for shaping the cover of the assembly. To this end, each frame member may be comprised of a durable and light-weight material, such as polymer plastic. Some examples of suitable plastics include polyamide (PA, Nylon), polyethylene (PE, HDPE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), and polyurethane (PU). It will also be appreciated that other materials, including composites, such as fibre-reinforced polymer, (e.g., fibreglass), and metals, such as steel or aluminium, would also be suitable for the frame member(s). In this regard, each elongate frame member will preferably be resiliently flexible.
In an embodiment, the at least one frame member is configured to be secured, preferably in a releasable manner, to the panel member to form or define a collection space between the cover and the collection surface/s on the upper side of the panel member.
In an embodiment, the at least one frame member comprises a plurality of frame members. These are preferably arranged to extend substantially parallel to one another, and preferably transversely or laterally across a width of the panel member, which may facilitate rolling up of the apparatus for storage. Thus, the at least one frame member will preferably extend substantially parallel to a leading edge of the panel member, especially if the panel member is generally rectangular, and/or perpendicular to the direction of travel. It will be appreciated, however, that other orientations of the one or more frame members are also possible; e.g., extending in the direction of travel.
In an embodiment, the at least one frame member comprises a single frame member and/or forms or defines a single span transversely or laterally across a width of the panel member. In this regard, the span preferably extends substantially parallel to a leading edge of the panel member, especially if the panel member is generally rectangular. This arrangement provides easier collapsibility of the debris retaining assembly for storage; i.e., when there is only a single frame member or only a single span supporting the cover that is to be collapsed; for example, as the sweeper apparatus is rolled-up and/or folded away for storage. It should be appreciated that, though it is possible to disassemble the sweeper apparatus to separate the debris retaining assembly from the panel member, one of the advantages of this disclosure is that the sweeper apparatus can be conveniently compacted and stored without the need for such disassembly.
In the case of the at least one frame member defining a single span transversely or laterally across the width of the panel member, it will be appreciated that the at least one frame member may still comprise a plurality of frame members (e.g., ribs or struts or battens). In such a case, the plurality of frame members combine with one another (e.g., in end-to-end relationship) to form the single span. By dividing the span into a plurality of separate frame members in this way, the collapsibility may be further enhanced.
In an embodiment, the cover comprises a flexible sheet of material and the at least one frame member shapes the cover over the collection surface/s. In this context, the cover may be stretched or tensioned over the at least one frame member. For example, the cover may comprise a textile material and/or a mesh material which is air-permeable. Alternatively, the cover may comprise a sheet of plastic material, which may optionally be perforated to allow air transmission. The air permeability enables the air or wind to travel through the cover as the apparatus is moved across the ground surface in use. Further, the cover may comprise an elastic material or a ‘stretch’ material to facilitate tensioning or shaping of the cover over the at least one frame member. The at least one frame member may be connected to and/or incorporated in the cover to form an integrated debris retaining assembly configured to be mounted on the panel member. In this regard, the cover may include one or more sleeves, channels, cuffs, or pockets for receiving a respective frame member (e.g., rib or strut or batten) therein. Alternatively, the frame member(s) and/or the cover may include one or more fasteners or clips for interconnecting the frame member(s) and the cover. For example, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro™, may be used to interconnect the cover with the frame member(s). The elastic nature of the material of the cover, including the one or more sleeves, channels, or pockets for receiving the respective frame member/s (e.g., rib/s, strut/s, or batten/s) therein may enhance the collapsible nature of the debris retaining assembly of the sweeper apparatus (e.g., in storage) by providing a more readily deformable configuration.
In an embodiment, the cover is configured to be releasably fixed to or mounted on the panel member, preferably via one or more straps and 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. In an alternative embodiment, the cover may be integrally connected to the panel member of the apparatus, and the at least one frame member may optionally be removable or separable from the cover to allow the cover to lie flat against panel member in a more compact configuration when not in use; e.g., for storage. In this context, the debris retaining assembly comprising the frame and the cover is preferably collapsible when it is not fixed to or mounted on the panel member for compact storage. Alternatively, or in addition, the debris retaining assembly comprising the frame and the cover is desirably collapsible when it is fixed to or mounted on the panel member for compact storage. For example, the sweeper apparatus of the disclosure may be adapted to be rolled up for storage when not in use. By configuring the debris retaining assembly sufficiently flexible and resilient, the sweeper apparatus may be rolled up with the debris retaining assembly mounted on the panel member. To this end, the cover may comprise an elastically stretchable textile and each frame member (e.g., rib, strut or batten) may be highly flexible. Where the frame members are connected to and/or incorporated in the cover, the cover may thus simply stretch as the frame members are deformed during rolling up of the panel member.
In an embodiment, the cover, when mounted on the panel member, defines an opening into a collection space between the cover and the upper side of the panel member. The opening faces a forward direction or a direction of travel in which the apparatus is configured to be moved across the ground surface. The opening may optionally extend across a substantial width of the panel member. The front opening or forward-facing opening provides a clear and unobstructed view of the debris in the collection space and provides easy access for a user to remove collected items. This arrangement also operates to collect debris that may be flicked-up by a leading edge of the apparatus as it is moved over the ground surface.
In an embodiment, the cover may include a (re)movable closure, such as a flap, for the front opening or forward-facing opening. In this way, the front opening or forward-facing opening need not be permanently open but may also be closed or obscured when desired or practical. The closure preferably comprises the same material as the cover. The closure, which may be in the form of a fabric panel, can be movable or removable from the opening such that the sweeper apparatus can be used with the opening in either a closed state or an open state. One or more fasteners, such as a zipper or other suitable fastening means, e.g., studs or Velcro™ straps, can be provided for removably securing the closure to the cover around a periphery of the opening.
According to another aspect, the disclosure provides 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 or a plurality of collection surfaces for collecting debris swept from the ground surface; and a cover configured to be mounted on the panel member for trapping the debris conveyed to the one or more collection surfaces on the upper side of the panel member. 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. The panel member typically includes a plurality of openings that extend between the underside and the upper side for conveying debris from the ground surface to the collection surface/s.
In an embodiment, the cover is self-supporting. In this way, the cover may have sufficient stiffness or rigidity to be supported on the panel member without an independent frame. That is, the cover may be formed from a material that does not require a separate frame. Thus, while the cover is preferably flexible and/or foldable so as to be collapsible for compact storage, in an in-use configuration, the cover still forms a canopy that is self-supported spaced above the panel member to define a collection space for the debris. Alternatively, the cover may be supported on a frame structure, as described above. In an embodiment, 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, wherein the opening faces a direction in which the apparatus is configured to be moved across the ground surface to sweep the ground surface.
In an embodiment, the panel member is preferably flexible and may comprise a mat-like structure. Length and width dimensions of the panel member may be selected to suit a particular use, but these dimensions may, for example, be in the range of about 1.0 to 3.0 metre(s) for length and about 1.0 to 3.0 metre(s) for width. The apparatus can be moved across the ground surface manually to perform the sweeping operation but both the drag resistance exerted by the ground surface and the size of the area to be swept will typically render manual operation impractical. Thus, more typically, the apparatus will be moved across the ground surface mechanically, e.g., by towing the apparatus behind a vehicle driven by the user. The towing speed may vary depending on the surface being swept and the size of the area to be covered. Towing speeds in the range of about 5 to 45 kilometres per hour (km/h) are typical for playing fields, airports, automotive racetracks, and for other sealed or paved surfaces. For grass surfaces, towing speeds in a lower end of that range (e.g., about 5 to 30 km/h) are more typical.
In an embodiment, each opening between the underside and the upper side of the panel member for conveying debris from the ground surface to the collection surface extends transversely or laterally of the panel member. The one or more collection surfaces is/are arranged or provided on the upper side of the panel member adjacent an opening or a group of openings.
In an embodiment, the panel member includes a plurality of collection surfaces at locations which are spaced apart from one another longitudinally along the length of the apparatus, i.e., in the direction of travel or movement, with each collection surface being associated with a respective opening or group of openings in the panel member.
In an embodiment, each of the one or more openings in the panel member includes or is formed in a guide structure for guiding transfer or conveyance of debris from the ground surface to the respective collection surface of the apparatus. To this end, the guide structure includes an inclined surface which extends upwards and rearwards, in use, from a position at or close to the ground surface to a collection surface on the upper side of the panel member. The inclined surface typically extends to a rear edge of the respective or associated opening. When the apparatus is moved over the ground surface, e.g., hand-drawn or by vehicle towing, the debris then passes from the underside of the apparatus along the inclined surfaces and through the openings to the respective collection surfaces.
In an embodiment, the panel member includes ground-engaging elements for agitating loose debris such as leaves, stones, twigs and the like on the ground surface by contact therewith. The ground-engaging elements are preferably provided forward of the one or more openings in the direction of travel. In this regard, each of the one or more openings may have associated ground-engaging elements provided forward thereof. The ground-engaging elements may, for example, comprise pads of bristles or flexible rubber strands, carpet or other textiles. The ground-engaging elements should preferably agitate the loose debris without causing damage to the ground surface being swept.
According to a further aspect, the present disclosure provides 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 at least one 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/s on the upper side of the panel member; and a flexible cover configured to be mounted on the upper side of the panel for trapping the debris conveyed to the collection surface, wherein the cover is supported spaced above the collection surface by a frame when the cover is mounted on the panel member and wherein the cover is open in a forward-facing direction.
According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a debris retaining assembly for an apparatus for sweeping a ground surface with a panel member, an under-side of the panel member in use facing the ground surface to be swept and an upper side of the panel member providing one or more collection surfaces for collecting debris swept from the ground surface. The debris retaining assembly is configured to be mounted on the panel member for trapping the debris conveyed to the collection surface/s 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 assembly is mounted on the panel member. In this regard, it will be noted that the debris retaining assembly of the disclosure may be designed to be retro-fitted to an existing sweeper apparatus.
According to yet a further aspect, the present disclosure provides 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. The cover is configured to be mounted on the panel member for trapping 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. As above, the cover may be configured to be retro-fitted to an existing sweeper apparatus.
Some advantages provided by embodiments of the sweeper apparatus of the present disclosure may include the following: (i) fewer components, like toggles, battens, tabs, heat shrink; (ii) quicker and easier set up and disassembly; (iii) easier emptying of the collected debris via access through the opening without removing the cover; (iv) a better view of debris in the collection space; and (v) collection of debris flicked-up by the leading edge of the sweeper.
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:
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.
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.
With reference to drawings
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.
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 mm×3 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.
As can be clearly seen in
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.
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
Referring now to
As like reference signs designate like parts in the sweeper apparatus 1 shown in drawing
With reference to drawing
With reference to
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.
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.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022901650 | Jun 2022 | AU | national |
