US3722025A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Leaf collector
Assignee: Gledhill Road Machinery Co
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Filing: 1971-07-12
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Granted: 1973-03-27
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Expires: 1991-07-12
Abstract
Abstract Leaf collecting apparatus including a nozzle positioned close to the ground to serve as an inlet for leaves which are conducted through appropriate ducting to a refuse container. A conventional blower is used to apply a vacuum for sucking the leaves into the nozzle. Hydraulically actuated piston and cylinder combinations are used for adjusting the location of the nozzle both vertically and horizontally to position it for effective operation. Means are also provided for allowing the nozzle to pivot about both a horizontal and vertical axis when said nozzle encounters an obstruction. Biasing means are provided for automatically returning the nozzle to its adjusted position after the nozzle moves away from the obstruction.
Inventors
- 👤 W Gledhill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 15:11
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01H; E01H1/00; E01H1/08; E01H1/0827; E01H1/0836
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
In leaf collecting apparatus including in combination, a duct connected to a nozzle, said nozzle having its inlet positioned close to the ground when in operative position, means for causing the formation of a vacuum in said duct to suck leaves into said nozzle and through the duct for discharge at a specified location, said nozzle and at least a portion of said duct being supported on a mobile unit, the improvement comprising: hydraulically actuated means for adjusting the location of the nozzle vertically and horizontally into operative position, said nozzle being supported on said mobile unit by means for allowing it to pivot about both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis when it encounters an obstrUction, spring biasing means for automatically returning the nozzle to its adjusted operative position after the nozzle moves away from the obstruction either by rotation about said horizontal axis, said vertical axis or both.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
In leaf collecting apparatus including in combination, a duct connected to a nozzle, said nozzle having its inlet positioned close to the ground when in operative position, means for causing the formation of a vacuum in said duct to suck leaves into said nozzle and through the duct for discharge at a specified location, said nozzle and at least a portion of said duct being supported on a mobile unit, the improvement comprising: hydraulically actuated means for adjusting the location of the nozzle vertically and horizontally into operative position, said nozzle being supported on said mobile unit by means for allowing it to pivot about both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis when it encounters an obstrUction, spring biasing means for automatically returning the nozzle to its adjusted operative position after the nozzle moves away from the obstruction either by rotation about said horizontal axis, said vertical axis or both.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The leaf collecting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the spring biasing means for said vertical axis comprises a spring with its first end connected to one side of the nozzle and its second end connected to the mobile unit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
a second telescoped piston and cylinder combination, an end of one of the second piston and cylinder combination being connected to the mobile unit and an end of the other being connected to the support arm, said first and second combinations operating together to locate the nozzle in operative position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
a second telescoped piston and cylinder combination, an end of one of the second piston and cylinder combination being connected to the mobile unit and an end of the other being connected to the support arm, said first and second combinations operating together to locate the nozzle in operative position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
a second telescoped piston and cylinder combination, an end of one of the second piston and cylinder combination being connected to the mobile unit and an end of the other being connected to the support arm, said first and second combinations operating together to locate the nozzle in operative position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
50 words
a second telescoped piston and cylinder combination, an end of one of the second piston and cylinder combination being connected to the mobile unit and an end of the other being connected to the support arm, said first and second combinations operating together to locate the nozzle in operative position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The leaf collecting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the spring biasing means for said horizontal axis comprises a spring with its first end attached to the nozzle and its second end attached to said mobile unit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The leaf collecting apparatus of claim 2 wherein the spring biasing means for said horizontal axis comprises a spring with its first end attached to the nozzle and its second end attached to said mobile unit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
55 words
The leaf collecting apparatus of claim 4 wherein the nozzle is supported on a support arm connected to the mobile unit, the connection between the mobile unit and the support arm including means for allowing the arm to pivot from said connection about both horizontal and vertical axes in response to the hydraulically actuated means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The leaf collecting apparatus of claim 5 wherein the hydraulically actuated means comprises,
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
55 words
The leaf collecting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the nozzle is supported on a support arm connected to the mobile unit, the connection between the mobile unit and the support arm including means for allowing the arm to pivot from said connection about both horizontal and vertical axes in response to the hydraulically actuated means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The leaf collecting apparatus of claim 7 wherein the hydraulically actuated means comprises,
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The leaf collecting apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least part of the duct is formed of flexible material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
43 words
The leaf collecting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mobile unit comprises a trailer fixed to the rear of a truck, said truck including a container to receive leaves, the outlet end of said duct being positioned to discharge leaves into said container.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-03-26 | 1976-09-25 | 1977-03-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-26 | 1980-09-25 | 1981-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-26 | 1984-09-25 | 1985-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |