Abstract:
Systems and methods for collecting yard waste, and a collection apparatus for receiving the yard waste, are provided. A yard waste collection system for connection with a tractor, the system which optimizes air flow comprising a collection apparatus including a cage suspension frame, a plurality of collapsible portions, and at least a rigid bottom portion, the rigid bottom portion having a drop door that opens and closes relative to the cage suspension frame to allow access to an interior space of the collection apparatus; a cage suspension frame operably connected to the tractor, the collection apparatus being pivotably suspended from the cage suspension frame; and a conduit for allowing passage of yard waste ejected from the tractor to the interior space of the collection apparatus.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject invention relates to systems and methods for collecting yard waste such as leaves, cut grass, and other debris, and a collection apparatus configured to receive the yard waste and to empty the yard waste in an efficient manner. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Typical grass collection apparatuses are provided as attachments to lawn tractors, or as dedicated components of lawn tractors; other detachable devices often require a vacuum or blower to move leaves and yard waste into a bag or container. However, the use of a motorized leaf collection component, in combination with a motorized lawn tractor or lawnmower, can increase the initial cost and subsequent operation and maintenance costs of the leaf collection apparatus, as well as restrict its maneuverability. 
     Further, conventional leaf and debris collection apparatuses often utilize a rigid container that may be heavy and/or difficult to detach from the tractor, or a collapsible pouch-like container that does not provide sufficient support when partially or completely filled with debris, thus making the collection apparatus difficult to handle. Also, collection apparatuses designed primarily for grass collection tend to fill rapidly when used to collect leaves and thus require inefficient and frequent emptying. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Systems and methods for collecting yard waste, including leaves, cut grass, and other debris, and a collection apparatus for receiving and disposing of the yard waste, are provided. In particular, the collection apparatus preferably is rigid and stable during collection so as to withstand the weight and increased volume of leaves and other debris. The collection apparatus also should be permeable to air and particulate debris so as to allow dense packing of the leaves and debris collected. Further, the collection apparatus preferably includes at least side doors and a bottom drop door for emptying the contents of the collection apparatus, thus enabling easy handling and disposal of yard waste and potentially preventing back injuries. Additionally, the collection apparatus preferably is made of a mesh material of sufficient strength and rigidity to receive leaves and other debris during use, but that is collapsible for easy storage and/or shipment. 
     According to the subject invention, a collector for collecting debris from a lawn tractor or grass mower preferably includes a collection apparatus including a frame, a plurality of collapsible portions, and at least a rigid bottom portion, the rigid bottom portion having a drop door that opens and closes relative to the frame to allow access to an interior space of the collection apparatus; a cage suspension frame operably connected to the tractor, the collection apparatus being pivotably suspended from the cage suspension frame; and a conduit for allowing passage of yard waste ejected from the tractor to the interior space of the collection apparatus. 
     Further, the collector is provided with a frame couple for pivotably suspending the collector from a mounting frame that is secured on the lawn tractor, and a mounting base on top of which a cage suspension frame is removably disposed. The cage suspension frame is easily removed for storage and thus allowing the tractor to be used for other purposes without a time-consuming disassembly process. 
     A method of adapting a waste collection system to a tractor can include: providing a mounting frame to an existing mounting portion of the tractor; pivotably suspending a collection apparatus including a frame, a plurality of collapsible portions, and at least a rigid bottom portion, the rigid bottom portion having a drop door that opens and closes relative to the frame to allow access to an interior space of the collection apparatus; and providing a conduit for allowing passage of yard waste ejected from the tractor to the interior space of the collection apparatus. 
     A collector for collecting debris from a grass mower can include: a rigid top portion comprising a frame enclosed in permeable and substantially impermeable portions; a rigid bottom portion; and collapsible side portions including an operator-facing side portion including a top substantially impermeable portion and a bottom permeable portion, a first substantially permeable side portion including a door, and a second and third substantially permeable side portions, where the collector further includes a conduit for allowing passage of ejected debris from an ejection opening of the grass mower to an interior space of the collector. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of the subject invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference character denote corresponding parts throughout the several views and wherein: 
         FIGS. 1A to 1C  depict a leaf collection apparatus assembled on a cage suspension frame and connected to a riding tractor, where vertical doors of the leaf collection apparatus are fully closed in  FIG. 1A , the vertical doors are in a partially opened state in  FIG. 1B , and a drop door is depicted in a partially opened state in  FIG. 1C . 
         FIGS. 2A to 2E  depict the leaf collection apparatus of  FIGS. 1A-1C , where  FIG. 2A  depicts the leaf collection apparatus in its collapsed state,  FIG. 2B  depicts the leaf collection apparatus with unfastened straps,  FIG. 2C  depicts the leaf collection apparatus in a partially expanded state,  FIG. 2D  depicts the leaf collection apparatus in a fully expanded state with a partially opened drop door, and  FIG. 2E  depicts the leaf collection apparatus in the fully expanded state with fastened straps. 
         FIGS. 3A to 3C  depict a sequence for opening the vertical side doors of the leaf collection apparatus of  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
         FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of the leaf collection apparatus that is pivotably suspended from the suspension frame, and a set of fasteners for attaching the collection cage to the suspension frame. 
         FIGS. 5A to 5D  depict a sequence of features to accommodate the coupling of a feed tube from the riding tractor to a star-shaped insertion port of the leaf collection apparatus. 
         FIG. 6A  depicts the leaf collection apparatus of  FIGS. 1A-1C  with a partially opened drop door. 
         FIG. 6B  depicts an enlarged view of the drop door of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  depicts the cage suspension frame being lowered onto a mounting frame of the leaf collection apparatus. 
         FIG. 7B  depicts the cage suspension frame fully inserted into the mounting frame of the leaf collection apparatus. 
         FIGS. 8A-8B  depict the cage suspension frame assembled onto the riding tractor, and an enlarged partial view of the cage suspension frame and safety/stabilizing bar. 
         FIGS. 9A-9B  depict the mounting frame of the leaf collection apparatus aligned to be assembled onto the riding tractor, and the mounting frame secured on the riding tractor. 
         FIGS. 10A-10C  depict various views of a feed conduit fastener for securing a feed conduit, which can be connected to the leaf collection apparatus. 
         FIGS. 11A-11D  depict various views of a leaf collection apparatus according to a second embodiment of the subject invention, which incorporates a vented disposable biodegradable bag in place of the collection cage, the leaf collection apparatus being assembled onto a riding tractor. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a leaf collection apparatus according to another embodiment of the subject invention in which an optional retention strap is provided. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A leaf collection apparatus for use in systems and methods for collecting yard waste is provided for collecting yard waste such as leaves, cut grass, and other debris ejected from a lawn tractor. As used herein, the term “lawn tractor” refers to any commercially available vehicle, including but not limited to lawn tractors, lawnmowers, and other motorized equipment, and encompasses a riding mower. The leaf collection apparatus is arranged to permit emptying of the debris from the leaf collection apparatus with minimum physical exertion by the operator. Also, the leaf collection apparatus preferably includes a substantially collapsible assembly that enables easy storage, and which can be shipped with reduced space requirements, as compared to non-collapsible components. The apparatus further eliminates the need for an additional motorized device. 
     The leaf collection apparatus preferably includes an opening configured to mate with ejection openings and/or tubes of commercially available lawn tractors. The leaf collection apparatus can use the vacuum force passively generated by the riding grass mower to move debris such as cut grass, leaves, and other yard waste into the collection apparatus. The leaf collection apparatus preferably includes collapsible portions that are substantially impermeable to ejected particulates, such as dust particles, on at least a portion that faces the seated operator. The leaf collection apparatus further includes air and particulate permeable portions that allow air and particulates to escape the leaf collection apparatus, creating needed airflow and thus permitting a more dense packing of debris and yard waste. Air flow through the apparatus is critical to the movement of debris through the apparatus and the avoidance of chute blockage because leaves, especially when dry, are lighter in weight per square inch and require greater air movement for collection. This is the reason why apparatuses designed primarily for the collection of grass tend to fill rapidly and clog frequently. 
       FIG. 1A  depicts a leaf collection apparatus  100  assembled on a riding tractor. The leaf collection apparatus  100  preferably is suspended from a cage suspension frame  200  by one or more frame couples  210 . The frame couples  210  may constitute one or more latches and/or hoops that pivotably connect the cage suspension frame  200  and the leaf collection apparatus  100 . As a result of this arrangement, the leaf collection apparatus  100  is pivotable on the cage suspension frame  200 , thus enabling an operator to appropriately position the leaf collection apparatus  100  for emptying and storage, as described herein. 
       FIG. 1B  depicts the leaf collection apparatus  100  with a pair of vertical doors  140 , which are shown in a partially opened state. As described herein, the leaf collection apparatus  100  preferably includes at least one set of side doors (i.e., the vertical doors  140 ) provided on the leaf collection apparatus  100 . The vertical doors  140  are provided on a side portion of the leaf collection apparatus  100  and preferably open outwardly from the leaf collection apparatus  100 . The vertical doors  140  can be provided with one or more fasteners  148  for opening and closing the vertical doors  140 , preferably at least two fasteners as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C . Suitable fasteners can include a snap buckle and two ribbons for attaching male and female ends of the snap buckle on the side portion of the vertical doors  140 . Vertical doors  140  are preferably designed with removable slats that provide for dimensional stability and then are easily removed for storage of the collection cage. The leaf collection apparatus  100  preferably is provided with an additional door located on the bottom of the leaf collection apparatus  100 , where the additional door is referred to herein as a “drop door”  130 . 
       FIG. 1C  depicts the leaf collection apparatus  100  with the drop door  130  in a partially opened state. As further described below, the drop door  130  preferably is provided on a rigid bottom portion of the leaf collection apparatus  100 . The drop door  130  preferably occupies substantially an entire bottom surface of the leaf collection apparatus  100  to facilitate easy disposal of debris, but optionally may extend over only a limited portion of the bottom surface. The drop door  130  can be connected to the leaf collection apparatus  100  by use of a pair of fastening straps (or “fasteners”)  124 . Each of the fasteners  124  preferably includes at least a strap  124   a  attached to the drop door  130  at a first end, and an anchor  124   b  provided at a second end of the fastener  124  for removably connecting the fastener  124  to a top surface (“spine”) of the leaf collection apparatus  100  (see  FIG. 1A ). 
     The vertical side doors  140  and the drop door  130  provide two different methods for emptying the contents (debris, leaves, yard waste, etc.) of the leaf collection apparatus  100 . According to a first method, the frame couples  210  provided on the cage suspension frame  200  enable pivoting (by lifting the opposite end) of the leaf collection apparatus  100  due to the free movement of the coupling anchors disposed on the cage suspension frame. The contents of the leaf collection apparatus  100  can then be emptied through the opened vertical doors  140 . As a result, it is possible to empty the leaf collection apparatus  100 , while reducing the amount of force and energy required to lift the leaf collection apparatus  100 , and thus remove any contents substantially without lifting the leaf collection apparatus  100 . This results, in part, because a greater portion of the collected waste resides in that portion of the collection apparatus  100  that is farthest from the feed tube insert, a direct result of the positive airflow provided by the apparatus. According to a second method for emptying the leaf collection apparatus  100 , the drop door  130  may be opened by releasing the fasteners  124 . According to this method, the contents of the leaf collection apparatus  100  can be emptied by the force of gravity. 
       FIG. 2A  depicts the leaf collection apparatus  100  in its collapsed state. The leaf collection apparatus  100  includes a number of collapsible portions and rigid portions. When collapsed, the leaf collection apparatus  100  occupies a reduced space as depicted in  FIG. 2A . As shown in  FIG. 2A , the leaf collection apparatus  100  preferably includes a rigid top portion  126 . The rigid top portion  126  preferably is formed by enclosing a rigid frame with substantially impermeable side portions  126   a , a substantially impermeable top panel portion  126   b , and a permeable mesh top portion  126   e . The substantially impermeable top portion  126   b  can be joined with the permeable mesh top portion  126   e  along a ridge (spine) formed at the top of the leaf collection apparatus  100 . The ridge can be reinforced with a rigid member (not shown) of the rigid frame. The rigid top portion  126  includes at least two coupling anchors  210   a  for coupling with the suspension frame couples  210 , respectively, to suspend the leaf collection apparatus  100  from the cage suspension frame  200 . The rigid top portion (spine)  126  also includes two fastening anchors  124   c  for coupling with the strap fasteners  124  when the leaf collection apparatus is fully expanded, in order to keep the drop door  130  closed.  FIG. 2B  depicts a collapsed leaf collection apparatus  100  with released fasteners  124 . 
       FIGS. 2C and 2D  depict the leaf collection apparatus  100  in the process of being expanded, and in particular, depict a plurality of permeable mesh portions. The mesh used in the mesh portions can be made from a nylon hex-mesh having a mesh opening in the range of about 3 mm to about 24 mm, although other sizes and materials other than nylon can be used. The mesh opening may be square, round, triangular, hexagonal, or any other suitable shape. For example, the nylon hex-mesh can be a 6 mm nylon hex-mesh. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to: nylon, rayon, cotton, or any blends thereof. Preferably the selected material is moisture and abrasion resistant. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2C , the leaf collection apparatus  100  is in a partially expanded state, and in  FIG. 2D , the leaf collection apparatus  100  is in a fully expanded state. As shown, the leaf collection apparatus  100  includes collapsible and permeable portions that are preferably formed with a flexible mesh material, with the exception of a side portion facing the operator of the riding mower. The side portion facing the operator preferably includes a combination of a substantially impermeable portion at its top, thus protecting the operator, a collapsible mesh portion on its bottom.  FIG. 2D  also depicts the drop door  130  in a partially opened state. The drop door  130  preferably is formed with a rigid frame  130   a . The rigid frame  130   a , when the drop door is fastened to the rigid top portion  126 , can support the weight of the debris and prevents a sagging type of deformation on the bottom of the leaf collection apparatus.  FIG. 2E  depicts the leaf collection apparatus  100  in a fully expanded state with the fasteners  124  connected to corresponding anchors  124   b  to maintain the drop door  130  closed. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  depict a sequence for opening the vertical side doors  140  of the leaf collection apparatus  100 . The leaf collection apparatus  100  can be suspended via the frame couples  210  from the cage suspension frame  200 , which is mounted on a riding tractor (partially shown). The vertical side doors  140  open outwardly from the leaf collection apparatus  100 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . Each of the two vertical doors  140  preferably is formed with a collapsible mesh portion  142  reinforced with removable rigid to semi-rigid portions/slats  144  along the top, bottom and center edges of the side doors  140 . The vertical doors  140  can be secured with the fasteners  148 . The leaf collection apparatus  100  further includes two semi-rigid flaps  147 , each of which is provided across a top portion of the side opening  145 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts an enlarged view of the suspension frame couples  210   a  for pivotably coupling of the leaf collection apparatus  100  to the cage suspension frame  200 . The leaf collection apparatus  100  preferably is suspended from the cage suspension frame  200  by two frame couples  210 , although additional frame couples  210  can be provided depending on the size of the leaf collection apparatus  100 . Each of the frame couples  210  can include two coupling anchors, one of which is provided on the top ridge of the rigid top portion  126  and the other on an end portion of the cage suspension frame  200 . Each of the frame couples  210  can include a double-ended latch hook  210   b  that connects the two coupling anchors  210   a  in order to suspend the leaf collection apparatus from the cage suspension frame  200 . Eye hooks are mounted in the spine of the collection cage to serve as a means to attach the drop door straps when door is in secured or closed position. 
       FIG. 4  also depicts a portion of the leaf conduit  300 , including a fastener  320  and a feed tube  310 , each of which is described in further detail below with respect to  FIG. 5 . In  FIG. 4 , the feed tube  310  has been inserted into a substantially circular opening  150   a , as shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 5A-5D . 
       FIGS. 5A-5D  depict a sequence of a star-shaped insertion port  150  for coupling the feed tube  310  of the leaf conduit  300  from the riding tractor to the leaf collection apparatus  100 . The leaf conduit  300  includes a first substantially tubular portion  310   a  (as shown, this portion  310   a  incorporates a sharp turn or bend) that is to be inserted into the leaf collection apparatus  100 . The leaf conduit  300  further includes a second substantially tubular portion  310   b , which may incorporate a more gradual turn, and a third substantially tubular portion  310   c , which can generally be straight. The shapes and configurations of the respective portions of the feed tube  310  are provided for descriptive purposes only, and are not intended to limit any shapes and/or configurations of the feed tube  310 . 
       FIG. 5B  depicts the first substantially tubular portion  310   a  prior to being inserted into the leaf collection apparatus  100 . As shown, the star-shaped insertion port  150  is formed on the substantially impermeable top-side portion  130  of the leaf collection apparatus  100 . The top-side portion  130  joins with a collapsible mesh bottom-side portion  132  to form an operator-facing side portion of the leaf collection apparatus  100 . The insertion port  150  can be formed by cutting triangular leaves  152  radially from a single point  152   a  on the top-side portion  130 . The leaves  152  remain attached to the top-side portion  130  radially about the point  152   a  and form a substantially circular opening  150   a . Also depicted in  FIGS. 5A-5D , is a conduit fastening portion  222  provided on the cage suspension frame  200 . The conduit fastening portion  222  provides structural support for the gradually-turned portion  310   b , which is to be rested upon the conduit fastening portion  222  and secured with a fastener  320 . 
       FIG. 6A  depicts the leaf collection apparatus  100  coupled to a riding tractor with a partially opened drop door.  FIG. 6B  depicts an enlarged view of the drop door  130  being opened by releasing the straps from the top of the leaf collection apparatus. The drop door  130  is preferably formed with a rigid frame  132 , which is disposed around a rigid mesh  133 . The rigid frame of the drop door  130  is configured to support the weight of the debris to be collected in the leaf collection apparatus  100  during operation of the riding tractor. The drop door  130  also is provided with a fastener anchor  134 , which may be coupled with the fastener  124   b  for securing a collapsed leaf collection apparatus  100 , by wrapping the fastener  124  around the top of the rigid top portion of the leaf collection apparatus  100  (as shown in  FIG. 2A ). 
       FIG. 7A  depicts the cage suspension frame  200  in the process of being lowered onto the mounting base  250 .  FIG. 7B  depicts the cage suspension frame  200  fully lowered onto the mounting base  250 . As shown, the cage suspension frame  200  includes two arms  220  fixed by a horizontal support/safety bar  224  (soft rounded edges of bar prevent potential injury if accidentally bumped into) and a conduit fastening/support bar  222 . Safety bar  224  and support bar  222  provide dimensional stability to the cage suspension frame, forming a rigid frame, upon which the leaf collection apparatus  100  may be suspended. Further, the lower portions of the arms  220  are to be fitted over the tapered top portions  252   a  of the mounting tubes  252  on the mounting base  250  allowing for ease of removal and free up the lawn tractor for other uses. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8A-8B , the two frame couples  210  are provided to pivotably suspend a leaf collection apparatus from the cage suspension frame. As described herein, the leaf collection apparatus preferably is pivotably suspended from the cage suspension frame  200 . This arrangement permits an operator to lift the leaf collection apparatus from its rigid bottom portion and pivot about the frame couples  210  in order to empty the contents of the leaf collection apparatus through the side doors  140 . As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of effort required to empty the contents of the leaf collection apparatus, at least because the cage suspension frame  200  bears substantially all of the weight of the leaf collection apparatus. 
       FIG. 9A  depicts a mounting frame aligned to be assembled onto the riding tractor. As shown, the mounting base  250  comprises two mounting tubes  252 , each of which further includes a tapered upper portion  252   a . The tapered upper portions  252   a  can be slidably inserted into and out of the lower portion of the arms of the cage suspension frame. The mounting tubes  252  are fixed into a rigid frame with two horizontal plates  254 . The mounting base further includes two adaptor plates  256 , each of which is attached one side of the lower portion of the rigid frame. The adaptor plates are provided with mounting holes that align with the standardized mounting holes on the back of the riding mower. 
       FIG. 10A  depicts a feed conduit fastener for securing a feed conduit.  FIGS. 10B and 10C  depict enlarged views of the fastener. As shown, the cage suspension frame  200  includes a conduit fastening/support bar  222 , on top of which the debris feeding conduit is removably supported. Further, a conduit fastener  320  is preferably provided to secure the feed conduit to the conduit fastening/support bar  222 . The conduit fastener  320  preferably includes an elastic cord of a predetermined length and a hook  320   a  on each end of the cord. The conduit fastener  320  preferably hook into a fastening anchor  322  on one end and the conduit fastening/support bar  222  itself on another end to secure the feed conduit in place. 
       FIG. 11A  depicts a top view of a leaf collection apparatus  800 , according to a second embodiment of the subject invention, assembled onto a riding tractor. The leaf collection apparatus  800  is preferably formed with a single polyethylene membrane and comprises a plurality of openings  802  and a conduit insertion opening  810 . The leaf collection apparatus  800  is also formed with a rigid tab  820  to couple with the previous described frame couples  210 . 
     According to another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 12 , a retention strap  250  is provided to secure the leaf collection cage to the conduit fastening/support bar  222 . The retention strap  250  can prevent the leaf collection cage from swaying sway from the feeding tube when the mower travels up an inclined surface. The retention strap  250  preferably allows the leaf collection cage to move up and down, which should not interfere with the intended movements of the leaf collection cage when it is lifted or pivoted. The retention strap preferably is made of the same material as the dust cover or other suitable material. The retention strap may be sewn or attached to the leaf collection by an adhesive. The length of the suspension strap may range from about 10 inches to 20 inches in length, and from about 2 inches to 8 inches in width. The operator may slide the fastener/support bar  222  between the retention strap and the leaf collection cage prior to attaching the leaf collection apparatus. 
     Incorporation By Reference 
     The entire contents of all patents, published patent applications, and other references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.