US20070136983A1

US20070136983A1 - Paddock Vacuum Systems

Info

Publication number: US20070136983A1
Application number: US11/548,623
Authority: US
Inventors: David Oberhofer; Emanuel Szumer
Original assignee: Monet Design Co Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Monet Design Co Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-11-18
Filing date: 2006-10-11
Publication date: 2007-06-21

Abstract

A paddock vacuum having a removable leaf-blower as the vacuum source. The paddock vacuum also has an improved air-tight door that resists deformation under vacuum, an internal filter, and other structural improvements. The paddock vacuum tilts for easy emptying.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims priority from Australian patent application serial number 2005906402, filed Nov. 18, 2005, entitled “BLOWER/VACUUM CONVERSION SYSTEM”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to paddock vacuum systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a paddock vacuum system comprising a removable blower and a hinged door. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a paddock vacuum system comprising an improved hinged door and a curved vacuum chamber that together resist air leaks around the door seal into the vacuum chamber.
In addition, the present invention relates to a paddock vacuum system with a concave, vacuum resistant door that is not a significant part of the debris storage volume of the vacuum chamber.
No system exists that provides a paddock vacuum with a removable blower and a hinged door. Further, no system exists that provides a paddock vacuum comprising an improved hinged door and a curved vacuum chamber that together resist air leaks around the door seal into the vacuum chamber.
In addition, no paddock vacuum system exists that provides a paddock vacuum with a concave, vacuum resistant door that is not a significant part of the debris storage volume of the vacuum chamber.
Therefore, a need exists for a paddock vacuum with a removable blower and a hinged door. Further, a need exists for a system that provides a paddock vacuum comprising an improved hinged door and a curved vacuum chamber that together resist air leaks around the door seal into the vacuum chamber.
In addition, a need exists for a paddock vacuum with a concave, vacuum resistant door that is not a significant part of the debris storage volume of the vacuum chamber.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a paddock vacuum system.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system having a removable blower. It is yet another object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system having an improved air-tight door. It is also an object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system having improved structural strength and weather-resistance.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a paddock vacuum system, comprising: at least one debris receptacle to receive debris; at least one vacuum structured and arranged to pull air out of such at least one debris receptacle; at least one nozzle structured and arranged to direct air and debris into such at least one debris receptacle in response to such at least one vacuum pulling air out of such at least one debris receptacle; at least one hinged door structured and arranged to provide access to at least one interior of such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one hinged door is substantially air-tight when closed; at least one transporter structured and arranged to assist transport of such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one vacuum is structured and arranged to be interchangeably removable from and attachable to such at least one debris receptacle by at least one user; wherein such at least one vacuum is user-operable independently of such at least one debris receptacle after being removed from such at least one debris receptacle by such at least one user.
Moreover, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one hinged door is rotated upward to open and is rotated downward to close. Additionally, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one hinged door is concave relative to such at least one debris receptacle when such at least one hinged door is closed, whereby such at least one hinged door is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within such at least one debris receptacle. Also, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one hinged door comprises at least one excluder structured and arranged to substantially exclude debris from at least one concave interior space of such at least one hinged door. In addition, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one debris receptacle is substantially rounded, whereby such at least one debris receptacle is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within such at least one debris receptacle.
And, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one debris receptacle is substantially rounded, wherein such at least one hinged door is substantially rounded to match the shape of such at least one debris receptacle adjacent at least one door seal; whereby such at least one door seal is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within such at least one debris receptacle. Further, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one hinged door comprises at least one groove, about the circumference of such at least one hinged door, adapted to abut such at least one debris receptacle when such at least one hinged door is closed; wherein such at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one perpendicularly outward-facing flange structured and arranged to fit within such at least one groove when such at least one hinged door is closed; wherein such at least one hinged groove comprises at least one resilient sealant material. Even further, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one groove comprises at least one resilient sealant.
Moreover, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one input aperture structured and arranged to fluidly connect such at least one nozzle to such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one output aperture structured and arranged to fluidly connect such at least one vacuum to such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one input aperture and such at least one output aperture are located adjacent each other; and wherein such at least one input aperture and such at least one output aperture are located at least above the mid-height of such at least one debris receptacle. Additionally, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, further comprising at least one filter adjacent such at least one output aperture. Also, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, further comprising at least one output aperture structured and arranged to fluidly connect such at least one vacuum to such at least one debris receptacle; and at least one seal between such at least one output aperture and such at least one vacuum.
In addition, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one vacuum comprises at least one four-stroke engine. And, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one vacuum comprises at least one two-stroke engine. Further, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one debris receptacle is hingedly attached to such at least one transporter. Even further, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one transporter comprises at least one tilter adapted to tilt such at least one debris receptacle whereby debris is dumped from such at least one debris receptacle.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a paddock vacuum system, comprising: at least one debris receptacle to receive debris; at least one vacuum structured and arranged to pull air out of such at least one debris receptacle; at least one nozzle structured and arranged to direct air and debris into such at least one debris receptacle in response to such at least one vacuum pulling air out of such at least one debris receptacle; at least one hinged door structured and arranged to provide access to at least one interior of such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one hinged door is substantially air-tight when closed; at least one transporter structured and arranged to assist transport of such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one hinged door is rotated upward to open and is rotated downward to close; wherein such at least one hinged door is concave relative to such at least one debris receptacle when such at least one hinged door is closed, whereby such at least one hinged door is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one hinged door comprises at least one excluder structured and arranged to substantially exclude debris from at least one concave interior space of such at least one hinged door; wherein such at least one debris receptacle is substantially rounded, whereby such at least one debris receptacle is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one hinged door comprises at least one groove, about the circumference of such at least one hinged door, adapted to abut such at least one debris receptacle when such at least one hinged door is closed; and wherein such at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one perpendicularly outward-facing flange structured and arranged to fit within such at least one groove when such at least one hinged door is closed.
Moreover, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one hinged groove comprises at least one resilient sealant material. Additionally, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one input aperture structured and arranged to fluidly connect such at least one nozzle to such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one output aperture structured and arranged to fluidly connect such at least one vacuum to such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one input aperture and such at least one output aperture are located adjacent each other; and wherein such at least one input aperture and such at least one output aperture are located at least above the mid-height of such at least one debris receptacle. Also, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, further comprising at least one filter adjacent such at least one output aperture.
In addition, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one vacuum comprises at least one four-stroke engine. And, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one vacuum comprises at least one two-stroke engine. Further, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one vacuum is structured and arranged to be interchangeably removable from and attachable to such at least one debris receptacle by at least one user. Even further, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one vacuum is user-operable independently of such at least one debris receptacle after being removed from such at least one debris receptacle by such at least one user. Moreover, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one debris receptacle is hingedly attached to such at least one transporter. Additionally, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one transporter comprises at least one tilter adapted to tilt such at least one debris receptacle whereby debris is dumped from such at least one debris receptacle.
Also, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, further comprising at least one output aperture structured and arranged to fluidly connect such at least one vacuum to such at least one debris receptacle; and at least one seal between such at least one output aperture and such at least one vacuum.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a paddock vacuum system, comprising: at least one debris receptacle to receive debris; at least one vacuum structured and arranged to pull air out of such at least one debris receptacle; at least one nozzle structured and arranged to direct air and debris into such at least one debris receptacle in response to such at least one vacuum pulling air out of such at least one debris receptacle; at least one hinged door structured and arranged to provide access to at least one interior of such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one hinged door is substantially air-tight when closed; at least one transporter structured and arranged to assist transport of such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one transporter comprises a plurality of 2 mm thick 40/40 steel tubes having a powder coated finish; wherein such at least one hinged door is rotated upward to open and is rotated downward to close; wherein such at least one hinged door is concave relative to such at least one debris receptacle when such at least one hinged door is closed, whereby such at least one hinged door is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one hinged door comprises at least one excluder structured and arranged to substantially exclude debris from at least one concave interior space of such at least one hinged door; wherein such at least one debris receptacle is substantially rounded, whereby such at least one debris receptacle is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one hinged door comprises at least one groove, about the circumference of such at least one hinged door, adapted to abut such at least one debris receptacle when such at least one hinged door is closed; wherein such at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one perpendicularly outward-facing flange structured and arranged to fit within such at least one groove when such at least one hinged door is closed; wherein such at least one hinged groove comprises at least one resilient sealant material; wherein such at least one vacuum is structured and arranged to be interchangeably removable from and attachable to such at least one debris receptacle by at least one user; wherein such at least one vacuum is user-operable independently of such at least one debris receptacle after being removed from such at least one debris receptacle by such at least one user.
In addition, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one input aperture structured and arranged to fluidly connect such at least one nozzle to such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one output aperture structured and arranged to fluidly connect such at least one vacuum to such at least one debris receptacle; wherein such at least one input aperture and such at least one output aperture are located adjacent each other; and wherein such at least one input aperture and such at least one output aperture are located at least above the mid-height of such at least one debris receptacle. And, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, further comprising at least one output aperture structured and arranged to fluidly connect such at least one vacuum to such at least one debris receptacle; and at least one seal between such at least one output aperture and such at least one vacuum.
Further, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one vacuum comprises at least one four-stroke engine. Even further, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one vacuum comprises at least one two-stroke engine. Even further, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one debris receptacle is hingedly attached to such at least one transporter. Even further, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such at least one transporter comprises at least one tilter adapted to tilt such at least one debris receptacle whereby debris is dumped from such at least one debris receptacle. Even further, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, further comprising at least one filter adjacent such at least one output aperture.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a paddock vacuum system, comprising; receiver means for receiving debris; input means for inputting air and debris into such receiver means; output means for outputting air from such receiver means; transporter means for transporting such receiver means; wherein such output means is detachable from such receiver means; wherein such output means further comprises blower means for blowing air; wherein such blower means is removable from such receiver means; wherein such blower means is operable independently of such receiver means after being removed from such receiver means; wherein such receiver means comprises access means for accessing such debris received by such receiver means; wherein such access means is openable and closeable; wherein such access means forms at least one air-tight seal when closed; wherein such access means is hingedly attached to such receiver means.
Even further, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such access means is hingedly attached to such receiver means wherein such access means is rotated upward to open and is rotated downward to close. Even further, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such access means is substantially flat adjacent such receiver means whereby debris is not contained in such access means. Even further, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such access means is concave relative to such receiver means when such access means is closed, whereby such access means is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within such receiver means. Even further, it provides such a paddock vacuum system, wherein such receiver means is substantially rounded, whereby such receiver means is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within such receiver means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating the paddock vacuum, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the blower removed.
FIG. 2 shows a side view illustrating the paddock vacuum, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, showing the user attaching the blower.
FIG. 3 shows a front view illustrating the paddock vacuum, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, detailing the connection between the blower and the vacuum chamber.
FIG. 4 shows a side view illustrating the paddock vacuum, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, with the door shut.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view illustrating another paddock vacuum according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows a front view illustrating the paddock vacuum, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, with the hose moved to the side as in use.
FIG. 7 shows a side view illustrating the paddock vacuum, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, with the door shut.
FIG. 8 shows a rear view illustrating the paddock vacuum, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, with the door open.
FIG. 9 shows a side view illustrating the paddock vacuum, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, being dumped.
FIG. 10 shows a front view illustrating the paddock vacuum, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, with the hose and blower removed.
FIG. 11 shows a front view illustrating yet another paddock vacuum, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the hose removed.
FIG. 12 shows a side view illustrating the paddock vacuum according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 shows a side view illustrating another paddock vacuum according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 shows another side view illustrating the paddock vacuum according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 shows a top view illustrating the paddock vacuum according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 13.
FIG. 16 shows a front view illustrating the paddock vacuum according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 13.
FIG. 17 shows section 17-17 of FIG. 16 with an enlarged detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating paddock vacuum 101, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with blower 110 removed.
Preferably, paddock vacuum system 100 comprises paddock vacuum 101, as shown. Preferably, paddock vacuum 101 comprises blower 110 and vacuum 120, as shown.
Preferably, blower 110 comprises a commercially available landscape leaf-blower, as shown. Preferably, blower 110 comprises either a two-stroke or four-stroke internal combustion engine or an electrical engine. Preferably, blower 110 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one vacuum comprises at least one two-stroke engine) comprises a two-stroke, 1.1 horsepower, HONDA™ leaf blower. In an alternative preferred embodiment, blower 110 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one vacuum comprises at least one four-stroke engine) comprises a four-stroke, 3.2 horsepower, KAWASAKI™ leaf blower. In yet another preferred embodiment, blower 110 comprises an electric leaf-blower. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other leaf-blowers, such as other brands, other horse-powers, other sizes, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, blower 110 (at least embodying herein wherein such output means further comprises blower means for blowing air) comprises housing 111, as shown. Preferably, housing 111 comprises carry handle 112, as shown.
Preferably, housing 111 comprises air inlet 113 and air outlet 114, as shown. Preferably, a small internal combustion engine (not shown) drives an impellor or fan (also not shown) within housing 111 to draw air 102 through air inlet 113. Preferably, air inlet 113 is perforated to exclude large debris, as shown. Preferably, the impellor accelerates and pressurizes air 102 within housing 111 and then expels air 102 through outlet 114.
Preferably, air outlet 114 is arranged to receive one end of blower head 115 which in turn receives blower nozzle 116 at the other end, as shown.
Preferably, vacuum unit 120 comprises hollow debris collector 121, as shown. Preferably, debris collector 121 is molded of suitable plastics material, as shown. Preferably, debris collector 121 comprises polyethylene, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other debris collector materials, such as other plastics (such as ABS plastic, polypropylene, etc.), fiberglass, metal, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, debris collector 121 comprises transporter 155, as shown. Preferably, transporter 155 allows debris collector 121 to be moved, preferably rolled, from place to place by the user. Preferably, transporter 155 (at least embodying herein at least one transporter structured and arranged to assist transport of such at least one debris receptacle) comprises front wheel 122 and a pair of rear wheels 123 (optionally with pneumatic tires), as shown. Preferably, vacuum unit 120 comprises handle assembly 124 at the front of the debris collector 121, as shown. Preferably, handle assembly 124, in combination with one front wheel 122 and a pair of rear wheels 123, permits the user to easily move vacuum unit 120 like a wheelbarrow. Preferably, debris collector 121 is tipped over rear wheels 123 in order to empty debris collector 121 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one debris receptacle is hingedly attached to such at least one transporter).
Preferably, waste collected in debris collector 121 is discharged through door 125. Preferably, door 125 (at least embodying herein at least one hinged door structured and arranged to provide access to at least one interior of such at least one debris receptacle) is hingedly mounted to selectively close over opening 126 (as shown in FIG. 8), preferably in the rear of debris collector 121.
Preferably, vacuum head 127 (at least embodying herein at least one nozzle structured and arranged to direct air and debris into such at least one debris receptacle in response to such at least one vacuum pulling air out of such at least one debris receptacle) is connected via flexible hose 128 to suction inlet 129 on the top of debris collector 121, as shown. Preferably, suction inlet 129 communicates with waste collection compartment 132 in the interior of debris collector 121, as shown.
Preferably, debris collector 121 comprises exhaust outlet 130, as shown. Preferably, suction inlet 129 and exhaust outlet 130 are located above the midline of the debris collector 121 and is in communication with waste collection compartment 132 of debris collector 121 (at least embodying herein at least one debris receptacle to receive debris), as shown. Preferably, exhaust outlet 130 comprises peripheral seal 131 around the mouth of air exhaust 130, as shown. Preferably, peripheral seal 131 comprises resilient or flexible plastics or rubber material. Preferably, peripheral seal 131 assists in providing a substantially air-tight seal between blower 110 and air exhaust 130.
Preferably, debris collector 121 comprises planar top wall portion 133, as shown. Preferably, planar top wall portion 133 comprises abutment plate 134, as shown. Preferably, abutment plate 134 is operable to engage base 117 of housing 111 of blower 110 (at least embodying herein at least one vacuum structured and arranged to pull air out of such at least one debris receptacle), as shown in FIG. 2.
When the blower 110 is to be used for blowing purposes, blower head 115 (with its nozzle 116) is preferably fitted to air outlet 114, as shown. Blower 110 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one vacuum is user-operable independently of such at least one debris receptacle after being removed from such at least one debris receptacle by such at least one user) can be carried by a user by handle 112 to blow debris, e.g., leaves, across or from a surface being cleaned.
It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the ability to quickly and easily detach blower 110 (at least embodying herein wherein such output means is detachable from such receiver means) from, and attach blower 110 (at least embodying herein wherein such blower means is removable from such receiver means) to, vacuum unit 120, means that blower 110 can be used both as the suction (or vacuum) generating source for vacuum unit 120, and can also be easily operated as a conventional leaf-blower, providing the benefits of both functions in a single unit.
FIG. 2 shows a side view illustrating paddock vacuum 101, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, showing the user attaching blower 110. When the operator requires a vacuum unit, e.g., to pick up animal waste in a paddock or yard, blower head 115 is preferably detached from air outlet 114 of body 111 of blower 110 and then air inlet 113 of blower 110 is arranged in sealing engagement with air exhaust 130 of debris collector 121 of vacuum unit 120 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one vacuum is structured and arranged to be interchangeably removable from and attachable to such at least one debris receptacle by at least one user). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, intended use, etc., other vacuum-able materials, such as other small debris, nuts, seeds, golf balls, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, peripheral seal 131 provides a substantially air-tight connection between air exhaust 130 and the portion of housing 111 surrounding air inlet 113 of blower 110, as shown. Preferably, abutment plate 134 engages base 117 of housing 111 to assist in locating, and restraining, blower 110 relative to vacuum unit 120, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, intended use, etc., other means for securing the base of the blower relative to the vacuum unit, such as an integrally molded stop, a molded recess, a catch, a strap, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, catch 140 is releasably engaged with a finger or stop 141 on debris collector 121 of vacuum unit 120, adjacent air exhaust 130, to secure blower 110 to vacuum unit 120, as shown. Preferably, catch 140 comprises resilient strap 142 attached at one end to housing 111 of blower 110, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, intended use, materials requirements, etc., other means of securely and releasably attaching the blower to the vacuum unit, such as clamps, metal latches, a screw-fitting, easily accessible bolts, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, air outlet 114 comprises lugs 117 and peripheral flange 118, as shown. Preferably, lugs 119 and peripheral flange 118 provide a sealed, bayonet-type connection between air outlet 114 and blower head 115, as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows a front view illustrating paddock vacuum 101, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, detailing the connection between blower 110 and vacuum unit 120. Preferably, paddock vacuum 101 comprises exhaust filter 1615 adjacent exhaust outlet 130, as shown. Preferably, exhaust filter 1615 prevents large debris from being sucked through exhaust outlet 130 into blower 1310. Preferably, exhaust filter 1615 comprises metal mesh 1617 supported by plastic frame 1619, as shown.
FIG. 4 shows a side view illustrating paddock vacuum 101, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, with door 125 shut. Preferably, blower 110 is operated to draw air 102 through air exhaust 130 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one output aperture structured and arranged to fluidly connect such at least one vacuum to such at least one debris receptacle) from collection chamber 132 within debris collector 121 of vacuum unit 120 to create at least a partial vacuum within collection chamber 132, which will cause air 102 and waste to be drawn through suction nozzle 121 and flexible hose 128 (as shown in FIG. 1), into collection chamber 132 via suction inlet 129 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one input aperture structured and arranged to fluidly connect such at least one nozzle to such at least one debris receptacle; and at least embodying herein input means for inputting air and debris into such receiver means). Preferably, air drawn from collection chamber 132, through air exhaust 130 (at least embodying herein output means for outputting air from such receiver means), passes through air inlet 113 and out air outlet 114 of blower 110. Preferably, debris drawn into collection chamber 132 falls to the bottom of collection chamber 132 due to decreased wind velocity upon entering the open space of collection chamber 132.
Preferably, paddock vacuum 101 is about 1.3 meters in length, about 0.72 meters wide, and about 0.94 meters tall. Preferably, paddock vacuum 101 has a debris capacity of about 200 liters. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other sizes, such as 100 liter capacity, 50 liter capacity, 5000 liter capacity, etc., may suffice.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view illustrating paddock vacuum 501 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, paddock vacuum system 100 comprises paddock vacuum 501, as shown. Preferably, paddock vacuum 101 is an adaptation of paddock vacuum 101, as shown. Preferably, paddock vacuum 101 comprises blower 110, vacuum unit 120, and chassis 515, as shown. Preferably, paddock vacuum 501 is about 1.5 meters in length, about 0.8 meters wide, and about 0.95 meters tall. Preferably, paddock vacuum 501 has a debris capacity of about 400 liters.
FIG. 6 shows a front view illustrating paddock vacuum 501, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, with hose 128 moved to the side as in use. Preferably, the user uses flexible hose 128 to reach debris to be vacuumed into debris collector 121 (at least embodying herein receiver means for receiving debris).
FIG. 7 shows a side view illustrating paddock vacuum 501, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, with door 125 shut. Preferably, transporter 155 (at least embodying herein transporter means for transporting such receiver means) comprises chassis 515, as shown. Preferably, chassis 515 comprises axle 530, wheels 540, tow structure 550, and vacuum support structure 560, as shown. Preferably, chassis 515 is strong and weather-resistant for rugged outdoor use. Preferably, chassis 515 comprises a plurality of 2 mm thick 40/40 steel tubes 516. Preferably, chassis 515 comprises a powder coat finish. Preferably, chassis 515 comprises a plurality of 2 mm thick 40/40 steel tubes 516 comprising a powder coat finish (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one transporter comprises a plurality of 2 mm thick 40/40 steel tubes having a powder coated finish). Preferably, strong steel tubes 516 with powder-coat are resistant to damage and rust under outdoor-use conditions. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other chassis materials, such as anodized metals, stainless steel, solid bars, wood, plastic, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, tow structure 550 attaches to axle 530, as shown. Preferably, tow structure 550 enables paddock vacuum 501 to be towed behind a vehicle, such as, for example, a tractor, an all-terrain vehicle, a truck, a ride-on mower, etc.
Preferably, vacuum unit 120 is fixedly attached to vacuum support structure 560, as shown. Preferably, vacuum support structure 560 is attached to axle 530 such that vacuum support structure 560 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one transporter comprises at least one tilter adapted to tilt such at least one debris receptacle whereby debris is dumped from such at least one debris receptacle) freely rotates about axle 530 such that vacuum unit 120 can be tipped over to be dumped, as shown in FIG. 9. Preferably, the weight of vacuum unit 120 and vacuum support structure 560 rests on tow structure 550 in use.
FIG. 8 shows a rear view illustrating paddock vacuum 501, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, with door 125 open. Preferably, door 125 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one hinged door is substantially air-tight when closed) provides an air-tight seal over opening 126, as shown.
Preferably, door 125 comprises hinge 810, as shown. Preferably, hinge 810 hingedly attaches door 125 to debris collector 121 adjacent opening 126, as shown. Preferably, hinge 810 is placed such that door 125 opens upward and closes downward, as shown, so that door 125 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one hinged door is rotated upward to open and is rotated downward to close) is out of the way when debris is being dumped from debris collector 121. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other hinge placement, such as a sideways-opening door, a removable door, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, door 125 is concave outward from debris collector 121 (when door 125 is closed) in order to provide a vacuum-resistant shape to door 125, as shown in FIG. 7. Preferably, door 125 (at least embodying herein access means for accessing such debris received by such receiver means) is not substantially deformed by vacuum within debris collector 121 in use. Preferably, door 125 is vented to the outside so that vacuum pressure does not build up within door 125 (the vacuum is preferably held by excluder 860, as described below). If door 125 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one hinged door is concave relative to such at least one debris receptacle when such at least one hinged door is closed, whereby such at least one hinged door is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within such at least one debris receptacle) were to deform significantly under vacuum, air would leak into debris collector 121 around the edges of door 125 and reduce the amount of vacuum available for collecting debris. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other vacuum-resistant door designs, such as concave doors, a door where the concave outside door layer is not vented so that it is pulled against the debris collector, a strong flat door, a concave door with no excluder that is situated to avoid filling up with debris, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, door 125 is closed with metal latches on either side of door 125. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other door securing means, such as locks, straps, one latch, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, door 125 comprises excluder 860, as shown. Preferably, excluder 860 prevents debris from entering at least part of the volume of door 125, as shown in FIG. 17. Preferably, excluder 860 excludes debris from entering at least half of the volume of door 125, as shown. More preferably, excluder 860 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one hinged door comprises at least one excluder structured and arranged to substantially exclude debris from at least one concave interior space of such at least one hinged door) excludes debris from at least three-quarters of the volume of door 125, as shown. Preferably, excluder 860 comprises plastic. Preferably, excluder 860 comprises troughs 865 for structural strength, as shown. Preferably, excluder 860 is integrally molded with door 125, as shown in FIG. 17. Preferably, excluder 860 prevents heavy debris from filling up door 125, which would make door 125 difficult to open.
Preferably, debris collector 121 is substantially rounded in shape on the sides, as shown. Preferably, debris collector 121 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one debris receptacle is substantially rounded, whereby such at least one debris receptacle is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within such at least one debris receptacle) is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within debris collector 121. Preferably, door 125 fits against debris receptacle 121 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one debris receptacle is substantially rounded, wherein such at least one hinged door is substantially rounded to match the shape of such at least one debris receptacle adjacent at least one door seal) in a continuous, flowing curve (as shown in FIG. 7) in order to minimize deformation of opening 126 and/or door 125 under vacuum.
Preferably, door 125 comprises groove 870, as shown. Preferably, groove 870 is located about the circumference of door 125 such that groove 870 abuts debris collector 121 when door 125 is closed, as shown. Preferably, debris collector 121 comprises at least one perpendicularly outward-facing flange 875, as shown. Preferably, flange 875 fits within groove 870 when door 125 is closed, as shown. Preferably, groove 870 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one hinged door comprises at least one groove, about the circumference of such at least one hinged door, adapted to abut such at least one debris receptacle when such at least one hinged door is closed) is at least partially filled with resilient sealant material 880, as shown. Preferably, resilient sealant material 880 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one groove comprises at least one resilient sealant material) assists in forming an air-tight seal between groove 870 and flange 875 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one perpendicularly outward-facing flange structured and arranged to fit within such at least one groove when such at least one hinged door is closed). Preferably, resilient sealant material 880 comprises closed-celled foam rubber. Preferably, excluder 860 is pulled inward by vacuum pressure when paddock vacuum 501 is in use, assisting in sealing door 125 (at least embodying herein whereby such at least one door seal is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within such at least one debris receptacle) against debris collector 121. Preferably, excluder 860 extends to groove 870, as shown, providing a vacuum-tight barrier against debris receptacle 121. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, intended use, etc., other resilient sealant materials, such as silicone rubber, solid rubber, gel, the groove being on the debris collector while the flange is on the door, the sealant being situated on the flange, etc., may suffice.
FIG. 9 shows a side view illustrating paddock vacuum 501, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, being dumped. Preferably, door 125 is opened, and vacuum support structure 560 is tipped upward, as shown, to dump debris out of debris collector 121. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, etc., other arrangements, such as installing a disposable bag in the debris collector, etc., may suffice.
FIG. 10 shows a front view illustrating paddock vacuum 501, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, with hose 128 and blower 110 removed. Preferably, suction inlet 129 and exhaust outlet 130 are located above the midline of the debris collector 121 and in communication with waste collection compartment 132 of debris collector 121 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one input aperture and such at least one output aperture are located at least above the mid-height of such at least one debris receptacle), as shown. This arrangement helps to prevent debris from being expelled by blower 110. Preferably, suction inlet 129 and exhaust outlet 130 are located adjacent each other (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one input aperture and such at least one output aperture are located adjacent each other), as shown.
FIG. 11 shows a front view illustrating yet another paddock vacuum 1101, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, with hose 128 removed. Preferably, paddock vacuum system 100 comprises paddock vacuum 1101, as shown. Preferably, paddock vacuum 1101 is an adaptation of paddock vacuum 501, as shown. Preferably, paddock vacuum 1101 comprises blower 110, vacuum unit 120, and chassis 515, as shown. Preferably, paddock vacuum 1101 is about 1.8 meters in length, about one meter wide, and about 1.1 meters tall. Preferably, paddock vacuum 1101 has a debris capacity of about 800 liters. Preferably, paddock vacuum 1101 has large, all-terrain wheels 1140, as shown.
FIG. 12 shows a side view illustrating paddock vacuum 1101 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 shows a side view illustrating paddock vacuum 1301 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, paddock vacuum system 100 comprises paddock vacuum 1301, as shown. Preferably, paddock vacuum 1301 is an adaptation of paddock vacuum 501, as shown. Preferably, paddock vacuum 1301 comprises blower 110, vacuum unit 120, and chassis 515, as shown. Preferably, blower 110 comprises blower 1310, as shown. Preferably, blower 1310 comprises a BL5100 model leaf blower manufactured by Maruyama U.S. Inc., of Denton, Tex., USA.
FIG. 14 shows another side view illustrating paddock vacuum 1301 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 shows a top view illustrating paddock vacuum 1301 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 13.
FIG. 16 shows a front view illustrating paddock vacuum 1301 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 13, as shown.
FIG. 17 shows section 17-17 of FIG. 16 with an enlarged detail. Preferably, blower 1310 comprises fitting 1605, as shown. Preferably, fitting 1605 fits into seal 1610 (at least embodying herein at least one seal between such at least one output aperture and such at least one vacuum) which is fixed within exhaust outlet 130 (at least embodying herein at least one output aperture structured and arranged to fluidly connect such at least one vacuum to such at least one debris receptacle), as shown. Preferably, seal 1610 provides a substantially air-tight seal between fitting 1605 and exhaust outlet 130, as shown. Preferably, seal 1610 comprises resilient material, preferably rubber.
Preferably, paddock vacuum 1301 comprises exhaust filter 1615 adjacent exhaust outlet 130, as shown. Preferably, exhaust filter 1615 prevents large debris from being sucked through exhaust outlet 130 into blower 1310. Preferably, exhaust filter 1615 comprises metal mesh 1617 supported by plastic frame 1619, as also shown in FIG. 3. In a preferred alternative embodiment, exhaust filter 1615 comprises a plastic mesh supported by a plastic frame. In yet another preferred alternative embodiment, exhaust filter 1615 comprises a plastic mesh supported by a metal frame. Preferably, paddock vacuum 101, paddock vacuum 501, paddock vacuum 1101, and paddock vacuum 1301 each comprise exhaust filter 1615 (at least embodying herein at least one filter adjacent such at least one output aperture).
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes modifications such as diverse shapes, sizes, and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.

Claims

1) A paddock vacuum system, comprising:

a) at least one debris receptacle to receive debris;

b) at least one vacuum structured and arranged to pull air out of said at least one debris receptacle;

c) at least one nozzle structured and arranged to direct air and debris into said at least one debris receptacle in response to said at least one vacuum pulling air out of said at least one debris receptacle; and

d) at least one hinged door structured and arranged to provide access to at least one interior of said at least one debris receptacle;

e) wherein said at least one hinged door is substantially air-tight when closed;

f) at least one transporter structured and arranged to assist transport of said at least one debris receptacle;

g) wherein said at least one vacuum is structured and arranged to be interchangeably removable from and attachable to said at least one debris receptacle by at least one user; and

h) wherein said at least one vacuum is user-operable independently of said at least one debris receptacle after being removed from said at least one debris receptacle by such at least one user.

2) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 1, wherein said at least one hinged door is rotated upward to open and is rotated downward to close.

3) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 1, wherein said at least one hinged door is concave relative to said at least one debris receptacle when said at least one hinged door is closed, whereby said at least one hinged door is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within said at least one debris receptacle.

4) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 3, wherein said at least one hinged door comprises at least one excluder structured and arranged to substantially exclude debris from at least one concave interior space of said at least one hinged door.

5) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 1, wherein said at least one debris receptacle is substantially rounded, whereby said at least one debris receptacle is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within said at least one debris receptacle.

6) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 1,

a) wherein said at least one debris receptacle is substantially rounded; and

b) wherein said at least one hinged door is substantially rounded to match the shape of said at least one debris receptacle adjacent at least one door seal;

c) whereby said at least one door seal is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within said at least one debris receptacle.

7) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 1,

a) wherein said at least one hinged door comprises at least one groove, about the circumference of such at least one hinged door, adapted to abut said at least one debris receptacle when said at least one hinged door is closed;

b) wherein said at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one perpendicularly outward-facing flange structured and arranged to fit within said at least one groove when said at least one hinged door is closed; and

c) wherein said at least one hinged groove comprises at least one resilient sealant material.

8) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 7, wherein said at least one groove comprises at least one resilient sealant.

9) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 1,

a) wherein said at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one input aperture structured and arranged to fluidly connect said at least one nozzle to said at least one debris receptacle;

b) wherein said at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one output aperture structured and arranged to fluidly connect said at least one vacuum to said at least one debris receptacle;

c) wherein said at least one input aperture and said at least one output aperture are located adjacent each other; and

d) wherein said at least one input aperture and said at least one output aperture are located at least above the mid-height of said at least one debris receptacle.

10) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 9, further comprising at least one filter adjacent said at least one output aperture.

11) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 1, further comprising:

a) at least one output aperture structured and arranged to fluidly connect said at least one vacuum to said at least one debris receptacle; and

b) at least one seal between said at least one output aperture and said at least one vacuum.

12) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 1, wherein said at least one vacuum comprises at least one four-stroke engine.

13) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 1, wherein said at least one vacuum comprises at least one two-stroke engine.

14) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 1, wherein said at least one debris receptacle is hingedly attached to said at least one transporter.

15) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 1, wherein said at least one transporter comprises at least one tilter adapted to tilt said at least one debris receptacle whereby debris is dumped from said at least one debris receptacle.

16) A paddock vacuum system, comprising:

a) at least one debris receptacle to receive debris;

c) at least one nozzle structured and arranged to direct air and debris into said at least one debris receptacle in response to said at least one vacuum pulling air out of said at least one debris receptacle;

g) wherein said at least one hinged door is concave relative to said at least one debris receptacle when said at least one hinged door is closed, whereby said at least one hinged door is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within said at least one debris receptacle;

h) wherein said at least one hinged door comprises at least one excluder structured and arranged to substantially exclude debris from at least one concave interior space of said at least one hinged door;

i) wherein said at least one debris receptacle is substantially rounded, whereby said at least one debris receptacle is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within said at least one debris receptacle;

j) wherein said at least one hinged door comprises at least one groove, about the circumference of such at least one hinged door, adapted to abut said at least one debris receptacle when said at least one hinged door is closed; and

k) wherein said at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one perpendicularly outward-facing flange structured and arranged to fit within said at least one groove when said at least one hinged door is closed.

17) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 16, wherein said at least one groove comprises at least one resilient sealant material.

18) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 16,

19) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 18, further comprising at least one filter adjacent said at least one output aperture.

20) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 16, wherein said at least one vacuum comprises at least one four-stroke engine.

21) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 16, wherein said at least one vacuum comprises at least one two-stroke engine.

22) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 16, wherein said at least one vacuum is structured and arranged to be interchangeably removable from and attachable to said at least one debris receptacle by at least one user.

23) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 22, wherein said at least one vacuum is user-operable independently of said at least one debris receptacle after being removed from said at least one debris receptacle by such at least one user.

24) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 16, wherein said at least one debris receptacle is hingedly attached to said at least one transporter.

25) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 16, wherein said at least one transporter comprises at least one tilter adapted to tilt said at least one debris receptacle whereby debris is dumped from said at least one debris receptacle.

26) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 16, further comprising:

27) A paddock vacuum system, comprising:

a) at least one debris receptacle to receive debris;

g) wherein said at least one hinged door is rotated upward to open and is rotated downward to close;

h) wherein said at least one hinged door is concave relative to said at least one debris receptacle when said at least one hinged door is closed, whereby said at least one hinged door is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within said at least one debris receptacle;

i) wherein said at least one hinged door comprises at least one excluder structured and arranged to substantially exclude debris from at least one concave interior space of said at least one hinged door;

j) wherein said at least one debris receptacle is substantially rounded, whereby said at least one debris receptacle is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within said at least one debris receptacle;

k) wherein said at least one hinged door comprises at least one groove, about the circumference of such at least one hinged door, adapted to abut said at least one debris receptacle when said at least one hinged door is closed;

l) wherein said at least one debris receptacle comprises at least one perpendicularly outward-facing flange structured and arranged to fit within said at least one groove when said at least one hinged door is closed;

m) wherein said at least one groove comprises at least one resilient sealant material;

n) wherein said at least one vacuum is structured and arranged to be interchangeably removable from and attachable to said at least one debris receptacle by at least one user; and

o) wherein said at least one vacuum is user-operable independently of said at least one debris receptacle after being removed from said at least one debris receptacle by such at least one user.

28) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 27, wherein said at least one transporter comprises a plurality of 2 mm thick 40/40 steel tubes having a powder coated finish.

29) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 27,

30) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 27, further comprising:

31) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 27, wherein said at least one vacuum comprises at least one four-stroke engine.

32) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 27, wherein said at least one vacuum comprises at least one two-stroke engine.

33) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 27, wherein said at least one debris receptacle is hingedly attached to said at least one transporter.

34) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 27, wherein said at least one transporter comprises at least one tilter adapted to tilt said at least one debris receptacle whereby debris is dumped from said at least one debris receptacle.

35) The paddock vacuum system, according to claim 27, further comprising at least one filter adjacent said at least one output aperture.

36) A paddock vacuum system, comprising:

a) at least one debris receptacle, to receive debris, having at least one exit door portion;

b) at least one transporter structured and arranged to assist transport of said at least one debris receptacle;

c) at least one vacuum structured and arranged to provide working vacuum pressure to pull air out of said at least one debris receptacle;

d) at least one nozzle structured and arranged to direct air and debris into said at least one debris receptacle in response to said at least one vacuum pulling air out of said at least one debris receptacle;

e) at least one door, situate within said at least one exit door portion, structured and arranged to provide access to at least one interior of said at least one debris receptacle;

f) wherein said at least one debris receptacle is substantially rounded;

g) wherein said at least one door is concave relative to such at least one interior said at least one debris receptacle when said at least one door is closed, wherein said at least one door is structurally resistant to deformation caused by vacuum pressure within said at least one debris receptacle;

h) wherein at least one periphery of said at least one door comprises at least one air sealing system;

i) wherein said at least one exit door portion has matching concavity with at least one concavity of said at least one door;

j) wherein such matching concavity is such that said at least one said at least one exit door portion, said at least one door, and said at least one air sealing system are structurally resistant to deformation caused by working vacuum pressure within said at least one debris receptacle; and

k) wherein said at least one door is substantially air-tight when closed.