Patent Publication Number: US-2023142652-A1

Title: Debris collection system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Debris collection machines are used to collect debris and yard waste, such as leaves and grass clippings. Some types of existing machines have a wheeled chassis supporting a motorized fan system to generate a vacuum to collect the yard waste. With such machines, a permanent collector bag, such as a permeable cloth or fabric bag is frequently used. In many applications, the collector bag and the vacuum apparatus connected to the collector bag are arranged such that the collector bag is difficult to fully fill and/or such that removal of the collector bag is cumbersome and results in undesirable spillage. Further, the use of a permanent collector bag requires the transfer of collected contents, such as to a disposable bag. Therefore, improvements in debris collection machines are needed. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates generally to debris collection machines. In one possible configuration, and by non-limiting example, a debris collection machine includes a vacuum assembly including a chassis including wheels mounted to the chassis, a motor mounted to the chassis, a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a fan powered by the motor and positioned within the housing, and the fan having a plurality of blades. The machine can also include a collection assembly in communication with the outlet of the housing of the vacuum assembly, the collection assembly including a support frame being sized and shaped to receive a collection bag, a cover including a permeable member and a clamping section, the cover being connected to the outlet of the vacuum assembly and connected to the clamping section, wherein the cover has an open position and a closed position, wherein, when in the closed position, the clamping section secures a portion of the collection bag between the clamping section and the support frame. 
     In some examples, the support frame that receives the clamping interface forms a bag receptacle ring. 
     In some examples, the bag receptacle ring is rectangular. 
     In some examples, the cover further includes an outer lid, the lid enclosing the permeable guard and clamping interface, wherein the lid has at least one vent. 
     In some examples, the cover is hingedly connected to the chassis. 
     In some examples, the cover includes a latch, the latch being configured to selectably connect the cover to the support frame. 
     In some examples, the wheels are propelled by a belt rotatable by an engine. 
     In some examples, the chassis further includes a bag support platform. 
     In some examples, the bag support platform is configured to support the collection bag in a vertical position. 
     In some examples, the bag support platform is foldable between a support position and a storage position. 
     In some examples, a handle is rotatably connected to the chassis, the handle being movable between an operating position and a storage position. 
     In some examples, the motor supports the cover when the cover is in the open position. 
     In some examples, the collection bag is non-permeable. 
     In some examples, the collection bag is a paper bag having a generally rectangular cross-section. 
     A debris collection assembly for a debris collection machine can include a support frame including a main frame sized and shaped to be received into a collection bag; a cover including a shroud portion and a clamping section, the shroud portion including an opening for receiving an outlet of a debris conveyance tube, wherein the cover has an open position and a closed position, wherein, when in the closed position, the clamping section forms a clamping interface with the support frame such that a collection bag can be clamped between the clamping section and the support frame. 
     In some examples, the support frame has a generally rectangular shape. 
     In some examples, the support frame has a generally round cross-sectional shape and the clamping section has a clamping surface having a semi-circular cross-sectional shape. 
     In some examples, the support frame further includes a support member extending from the main frame, the support member being for attaching the support frame to the debris collection machine. 
     In some examples, a latch assembly is provided and mounted to the cover. 
     In some examples, the support frame further includes a latch bar extending from the main frame, the latch bar being configured for engagement with the latch assembly. 
     In some examples, the shroud portion defines one or more vent openings. 
     In some examples, the shroud portion is rotatable with respect to the main frame. 
     A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
         FIG.  1    is a top front left perspective view of a debris collection machine with a collection bag, according to one example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a top rear left perspective view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  2 A  is a top rear left perspective view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   , with the collection bag removed. 
         FIG.  3    is a bottom front left perspective view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a top front right perspective view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    is a right side view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    is a left side view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7    is a front view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  8    is a rear view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  8 A  is a rear view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   , with the collection bag removed. 
         FIG.  9    is a top view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  10    is a bottom view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  11    is a cross-sectional view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   , taken along the line  11 - 11  in  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   , with a cover of the machine placed in an open position and during an installation step of the collection bag. 
         FIG.  13    is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  14    is another perspective view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   , with a cover of the machine placed in an open position and during an installation step of the collection bag. 
         FIG.  15    is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG.  14   . 
         FIG.  16    is another perspective view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   , with a cover of the machine placed in an open position and during an installation step of the collection bag. 
         FIG.  17    is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG.  16   . 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   , with a cover of the machine placed in a closed position and during an installation step of the collection bag. 
         FIG.  19    is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  20    is an enlarged cutaway view of a portion of  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  21    is a rear end view of a portion of  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  22    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the debris collection machine and collection bag of  FIG.  18   , taken along the line  22 - 22  in  FIG.  21   . 
         FIG.  23    is a top right rear perspective view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   , placed in a storage position and with the collection bag removed. 
         FIG.  24    is a right side view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  23   . 
         FIG.  24 A  is a left side view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  23   . 
         FIG.  25    is a front view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  23   . 
         FIG.  26    is a rear view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  23   . 
         FIG.  27    is a top view of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  23   . 
         FIG.  28    is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  29    is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG.  29   . 
         FIG.  30    is a side view of a cover of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  31    is a front view of the cover of  FIG.  30   . 
         FIG.  32    is a rear view of the cover of  FIG.  30   . 
         FIG.  33    is a top view of the cover of  FIG.  30   . 
         FIG.  34    is a bottom view of the cover of  FIG.  30   . 
         FIG.  35    is a top perspective view of a clamp part of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  36    is a bottom perspective view of the clamp part of  FIG.  35   . 
         FIG.  37    is a side view of the clamp part of  FIG.  35   . 
         FIG.  38    is a front view of the clamp part of  FIG.  35   . 
         FIG.  39    is a rear view of the clamp part of  FIG.  35   . 
         FIG.  40    is a top view of the clamp part of  FIG.  35   . 
         FIG.  41    is a bottom view of the clamp part of  FIG.  35   . 
         FIG.  42    is a top perspective view of a support frame of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  43    is a bottom perspective view of the support frame of  FIG.  42   . 
         FIG.  44    is a side view of the support frame of  FIG.  42   . 
         FIG.  45    is a perspective exploded view of a portion of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  46    is a perspective view of a rotor assembly of the debris collection machine of  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims. 
       FIGS.  1  to  4    show various perspective views of a debris collection machine  100  to which a collection bag  10  is mounted, with the exception of  FIG.  2 A  which shows the debris collection machine  100  without the collection bag  10  installed.  FIGS.  5  and  6    show side views of the debris collection machine  100  and collection bag  10 , while  FIGS.  7  and  8    respectively show front and rear views of the same.  FIG.  8 A  shows a rear view of the debris collection machine  100  with the collection bag  10  removed.  FIGS.  9  and  10    respectively show top and bottom views of the debris collection machine  100  and collection bag  10 .  FIG.  11    shows a cross-sectional side view of the debris collection machine  100  and collection bag  10 , as taken at line  11 - 11  on  FIG.  9   .  FIGS.  45  and  46    show perspective views of components of the debris collection machine  100 . As described further herein, the debris collection machine  100  is configured to generate a vacuum for collecting debris from a ground surface, such as yard waste, and is further configured to transport the debris to the collection bag  10 . Non-limiting examples of yard waste are leaves, grass clippings, plant and tree trimmings, mulch, and any other vegetative organic matter. 
     The collection bag  10  can be any type of bag suitable for collecting yard waste. For example, the collection bag  10  can be formed from cloth, paper, or plastic and can be either permeable or non-permeable. In general terms, permeable bags allow air to flow through the wall(s) of the bag while non-permeable bags do not allow for such airflow. In the particular example presented herein, the collection bag  10  is a standard self-standing  30  gallon paper lawn/leaf collection bag widely available at retail hardware and home goods stores. Such collection bags  10  are typically formed with two-ply kraft paper and have a generally rectangular cross-section. As this type of bag is typically opened from an initially folded position, the sides generally have additional creases and folds that cause the bag to have sides that are not entirely straight and/or parallel to each other. The term “generally rectangular” used herein is intended to include such bags as they can or would have a fully or more fully rectangular cross-sectional shape were the sides held in a straightened arrangement. The most common size for such bags is 16 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 35 inches tall, although other sizes are possible. Although not required, the collection bag  10  shown in the drawings and described herein has the above-identified characteristics. The collection bag  10  can also be characterized as being compostable or biodegradable and can be configured to meet various related standards, such as ASTM D6400, ASTM D6868, and ISO 14855. 
     In one aspect, the debris collection machine  100  includes a chassis structure  104  that includes wheels  106 . The chassis structure  104  includes a main frame  104   a  supporting a motor  108  and a housing arrangement  110 . The chassis structure  104  is also shown as including a support frame  104   b  mounted to the main frame  104   a  and a handle  104   c  rotatably mounted to the support frame  104   b  and secured by a pair of knobs  104   g.  The chassis structure  104  also includes a bag support platform  104   d  rotatably mounted to the main frame  104   a.  The bag support platform  104   d  supports the bottom side of the collection bag  10 . The housing arrangement  110  includes, in part, an inlet structure  112  and a rotor chamber housing  114 . A rotor assembly  116  is also provided and is housed within the rotor chamber housing  114 . The rotor assembly  116  is a rotating component that generates and airflow and/or vacuum. The rotor assembly  116  thus may be characterized as being a fan and/or an impeller. In one aspect, the aforementioned features of the debris collection machine  100  can be characterized as forming a vacuum assembly. In one aspect, and as can be seen at  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the debris collection machine  100  can be provided with a height adjustment mechanism  107  operably connected to the front wheels  106  so that the height of the inlet structure  112  can be adjusted, as desired for a particular application. In one aspect, the debris collection machine  100  can also be provided with a drive system  109  for propelling the rear wheels  106 . The drive system  109  may be an electric drive system or a mechanical drive system. In the example shown, the drive system  109  includes a transmission/clutch arrangement  109   a  operably connected to the rear wheels  106 , for example connected to the axle extending between the rear wheels  106 . The drive system  109  can further include a drive belt (not shown) extending between a pully mounted to a shaft  108   a  of the motor  108  and the transmission/clutch arrangement  109   a  such that the motor  108  can provide power to the wheels  106 . The drive system  109  can further include a lever  109   b,  shown as being mounted to the support frame  104   b  for operating the handle  104   c,  for enabling an operator to selectively engage and disengage the transmission/clutch arrangement  109   a.    
     The debris collection machine  100  is also shown as including a collection assembly  120  including an outlet tube  122  and a cover assembly  124 , wherein the outlet tube  122  extends between a debris discharge of the rotor chamber housing  114  and the cover assembly  124 . The outlet tube  122  is flexible. As discussed in more detail later, the cover assembly  124  functions to support and retain the collection bag  10  in position such that debris collected by the vacuum assembly can be delivered to the collection bag  10 . 
     In one aspect, the motor  108  provides power to the debris collection machine  100 . In some examples, the motor  108  is an internal combustion engine. In other examples, the motor  108  is an electric moto. In other examples still, the motor  108  is a hybrid electric engine. 
     In one aspect, the housing arrangement  110  at least partially contains the internal components of the debris collection machine  100 .  FIG.  45    shows these components in an exploded view. In one aspect, the inlet structure  112  is mounted at a front end of the support frame  104   b  of the chassis structure  104 . As shown, the inlet structure  112  has a main body  112   a  extending between an inlet end  112   b,  which is downward facing relative to the ground, and an outlet end  112   c,  which is upward facing relative to the ground. As such, the main body  112   a  defines an interior flow passageway  112   d  extending between the inlet and outlet ends  112   b,    112   c.  The main body  112   a  is further shown as including a flange  112   e  for enabling the main body  112   a  to be mounted to the bottom side of the support frame  104   b  such that an opening  104   e  in the support frame  104   b  is aligned with the outlet end  112   c.    
     In one aspect, the rotor chamber housing  114  defines a main body  114   a  defining a rotor cavity  114   b  extending between an inlet end  114   c  and an outlet end  114   d.  The rotor cavity  114   b  receives the rotor assembly  116 . The main body  114   a  is further provided with a shaft opening  114   e  such that the shaft  108   a  of the motor  108  can extend through the rotor chamber housing  114  and connect to the rotor assembly  116 . The main body  114   a  is also provided with a collection outlet  114   f  and a chipper inlet  114   g.    
     The rotor assembly  116  is rotationally powered by the motor  108 , via connection to the shaft  108   a,  and is positioned within the rotor cavity  114   b.  The rotor assembly  116  is shown in the cross-section of  FIG.  11    and in isolation at  FIGS.  45  and  46   . In one aspect, the rotor assembly  116  includes a base plate  116   a  and a plurality of vanes  116   b  affixed to the base plate  116   a.  When the rotor assembly  116  rotates, the vanes  116   b  generate a negative air pressure on the side of the rotor assembly  116  facing the inlet structure  112  and a positive air pressure on the side of the rotor assembly  116  facing the collection outlet  114   f  and the chipper inlet  114   g.  The vanes  116   b  can be provided with serrated edges  116   c  to aid in reducing debris as it passes across the rotor assembly  116 . As most easily seen at  FIG.  46   , the rotor assembly  116  is also shown as being provided with an opening  116   d  in the base plate  116   a  and a reducing element  116   e  adjacent the opening  116   d.  The reducing element  116   e,  in the example shown, is configured as a separate part mounted to the base plate  116   a  via fasteners  131  and is provided with a blade or sharp edge adjacent the opening  116   d.  In one aspect, debris is cut or chopped by the reducing element  116   e  as it rotates with the rotor assembly  116  and subsequently passes through the opening  116   d.  The rotor assembly  116  is also provided with a receiving structure  116   f  for receiving the shaft  108   a  and securing the rotor assembly  116  to the shaft  108   a.    
     The housing arrangement  110  is further shown as including an outlet collar  118  having a main body  118   a  extending between an inlet end  118   b  and an outlet end  118   c.  The outlet end  118   c  of the outlet collar  118  is connected to the collection outlet  114   f  of the main body  114   a  while the outlet end  118   c  is connected to outlet tube  122 . A transition or ramp piece  118   d  can also be provided at the interface between the main bodies  114   a,    118   a  to minimize the collection or trapping of debris at the connection. 
     The housing arrangement  110  is also shown with an chipper inlet  119  for receiving manually-fed debris, such as tree or bush branches. The chipper inlet  119  is an optional attachment. Once fed into the chipper inlet  119 , debris is cut, chopped, or otherwise reduced by the reducing element  116   e,  passed through the opening  116   d  and discharged through the collection outlet  114   f,  outlet collar  118 , outlet tube  122 , and into the collection bag  10 . In one aspect, the chipper inlet  119  has a main body  119   a  extending between an outlet end  119   b  and an inlet end  119   c.  The outlet end  119   b  is connected to the chipper inlet  114   g  of the main body  114   a.  Where it is not desired to provide the debris collection machine  100  with a chipper function or where the chipper function is not in use, a plate can be mounted to the main body  114   a  to cover and close the chipper inlet  114   g.  As only a small amount of vacuum is created at the chipper inlet  114   g  by the rotor assembly  116 , the debris collection machine  100  can operate normally without requiring a cover plate. In either configuration, all debris collected within the housing arrangement  110  will be discharged to the collection outlet  114   f  and further processed as previously described. 
     As previously indicated, the debris collection machine  100  includes a collection assembly  120  arranged to deposit debris collected discharged from the outlet collar  118  via an outlet tube  122  which is flexible connected to a cover assembly  124 .  FIGS.  28  to  24    show various aspects the cover assembly  124 .  FIG.  28    shows an exploded view of the cover assembly  124  and depicts a support frame  126 , a clamping section  128 , a shroud arrangement  130 , an attachment arrangement  132 , and a latch arrangement  134 .  FIG.  29    shows an exploded view of the shroud arrangement  130  while  FIGS.  30  to  34    show various views of a shroud body  130   a  of the shroud arrangement  130  in isolation.  FIGS.  35  to  41    show various views of the clamping section  128  in isolation while  FIGS.  42  to  44    show various views of the support frame  126  in isolation. 
     In one aspect, the support frame  126  include a main frame  126   a  which is rectangular-shaped and formed from tubing. In the example shown, the tubing of the main frame  126   a  has a generally circular cross-sectional shape. Other shapes are possible. The main frame  126   a  has dimensions that are slightly smaller than that of the collection bag  10  and has a matching length/width aspect ratio such that the main frame  126   a  can be received into the collection bag  10 . As shown, the main frame  126   a  is generally disposed along a horizontal plane such that the collection bag  10  will hang in a generally vertical orientation. However, the main frame  126   a  may be disposed at other angles or orientations. 
     In one aspect, the support frame  126  further includes a pair of support members  126   b  attached to the main frame  126   a.  The support members  126   b  have first end portions  126   c  that are received into apertures  104   f  of the support frame  104   b  such that the support members  126   b  can be secured to the support frame  104   b,  such as by welding. The support members  126   b  have second end portions  126   d  that are received into apertures  126   e  of the main frame  126   a  such that the support members  126   b  can be secured to the main frame  126   a,  for example by welding. Although two support members  126   b  are shown, more or fewer may be provided, such as a single support member. As shown, each support member  126   b  can be characterized as further having as portions  126   f,    126   g,    126   h,    126   i  and  126   j  located between the end portions  126   c,    126   d,  wherein portions  126   f,    126   h,  and  126   j  are curved and portions  126   g  and  126   i  are straight, along with the end portions  126   c,    126   d.  As configured, the second end portion  126   d  is connected to a bottom side  126   n  of the main frame  126   a  and extends in a downward direction such that the adjacent curved portion  126   j  is below the main frame  126   a.  The portion  126   i  extends upwardly through an interior portion  127  of the main frame  126   a  such that the portion  126   i  is spaced from the main frame  126   a.  The curved portion  126   h,  located above the main frame  126   a,  curves back towards the main frame  126   a  such that the adjacent portion  126   g  is spaced from the main frame  126   a  and extends beyond an outer perimeter  126   k  defined by the main frame  126   a.  Adjacent curved portion  126   f  curves downwardly to the first end portions  126   c  which in turn extends downwardly such that the end portions are received into a top portion of the support frame  104   b  at apertures  104   f  With such a construction, the main frame  126   a  is fully supported by the support members  126   b  while the outer surface  126   k,  a perimeter interior surface  126   p,  and a top surface  126   m  are completely free from obstruction by the support members  126   b.  As discussed later, this construction enables the main frame  126   a  to be received into the interior of the collection bag  10  and for the end of the collection bag  10  to be wrapped around the top surface  126   m  and outer surface  126   k  of the main frame  126   a  without interference from the support members  126   b.    
     In one aspect, the support frame  126  further includes a latch bar  126   q  secured to the main frame  126   a  on a side opposite the support members  126   b.  As discussed later, the latch bar  126   q  provides a surface against which a latch mechanism can be mounted to the cover assembly  124 . The latch bar  126   q  extends between an end portion  126   r  and an end portion  126   s.  The end portion  126   r  is configured as a looped latch portion  126   r.  As shown, latch bar  126   q  can be characterized as further having as portions  126   t,    126   u,    126   v,    126   w,  and  126   x  located between the end portions  126   r,    126   s,  wherein portions  126   t,    126   v,  and  126   x  are curved and portions  126   u  and  126   w  are straight, along with the end portion  126   s.  As configured, the end portion  126   s  is connected to the bottom side  126   n  of the main frame  126   a  and extends in a downward direction such that the adjacent curved portion  126   x  is below the main frame  126   a.  The portion  126   w  extends upwardly through the interior portion  127  of the main frame  126   a  such that the portion  126   w  is spaced from the main frame  126   a.  The curved portion  126   v,  located above the main frame  126   a  curves back towards the main frame  126   a  outer perimeter  126   k  such that the adjacent portion  126   u  is spaced from the main frame  126   a  and extends beyond the outer perimeter  126   k  defined by the main frame  126   a.  The curved portion  126   t  curves downwardly to the end portion  126   r.  With such a construction, the main frame  126   a  is fully supported by the support members  126   b  while the perimeter outer surface  126   k,  the perimeter interior surface  126   p,  and the top surface  126   m  are completely free from obstruction by the latch bar  126   q.  This construction enables the main frame  126   a  to be received into the interior of the collection bag  10  and for the end of the collection bag  10  to be wrapped around the top surface  126   m  and outer surface  126   k  of the main frame  126   a  without interference from the latch bar  126   q.    
     In one aspect, the shroud arrangement  130  and clamping section  128  are attached to each other, via fasteners  131  such as screws or bolts, and together form an assembly that is rotatably mounted to the support frame  104   b  via the attachment arrangement  132 . Although the shroud arrangement  130  and clamping section  128  are shown as separately formed and attached components, a construction is possible in which the features of the clamping section  128  are provided on the shroud body  130   a.  As shown at  FIG.  28   , the attachment arrangement  132  includes a pair of U-shaped members  132   a  that receive a horizontal portion of the support frame  104   b  and are bolted to the shroud body  130   a  with fasteners  132   b  such that the shroud body  130   a  is attached to the clamping section  128  and rotate about the horizontal portion of the support frame  104   b  between open and closed positions. The latch arrangement  134 , also mounted to the shroud body  130   a,  includes a latch portion  134   a  that engages with the looped latch portion  126   r  of the latch bar  126   q  and can be selectively engaged and disengaged from the latch bar  126   q  via a handle  134   b  of the latch arrangement  134 . 
     As most clearly illustrated at  FIGS.  29  to  34   , the shroud body  130   a  defines an interior volume  130   b  with a plurality of vent openings  130   c,    130   d.  The vent openings  130   c  are configured for receiving removable grill sections  130   e,  which are connected to the shroud body  130   a  via a snap-fit type connection. The vent openings  130   d  are formed with integral grill sections  130   f.  The shroud body  130   a  can be alternatively configured with all or no integral grill sections  130   f  or all or no separate removable grill sections  130   e.  The shroud body  130   a  is also configured with an opening  130   g  for receiving the outlet tube  122 . The shroud arrangement  130  functions to receive the collected debris from the outlet tube  122  such that the debris can be deposited into the collection bag  10  while allowing for the associated volume of air generated by the rotor assembly  116  to be vented via vent openings  130   c,    130   d.  Such a construction enables the collection bag  10  to be made from an impermeable material (e.g. kraft paper or plastic) since the airflow from the rotor assembly  116  does not flow through the collection bag  10  itself. In some examples, a cloth or mesh liner  133  (see  FIGS.  11  and  28   ) is provided between the outlet of the outlet tube  122  and the vent openings  130   c,    130   d  such that smaller particulate matter is trapped within the interior of the shroud body  130   a  and ultimately deposited within the collection bag  10 . As shown, the mesh liner  133  is attached at one end to the outlet tube  122  and to the clamping section  128  at the other end such that all debris must flow from the outlet tube  122 , through the clamping section  128 , and into the collection bag  10  while the air conveying the debris can pass through the mesh liner  133  and vent openings  130   c,    130   d  in the shroud body  130   a.    
     As most clearly illustrated at  FIGS.  35  to  41   , the clamping section  128  is provided with a main body  128   a  that defines an interior portion  128   b,  about which a clamping surface  128   c  is defined. The clamping surface  128   c  is configured with the same height and width dimensions as the main frame  126   a  and is additionally provided with a shape that is complementary to the shape of the cross-sectional shape of the main frame  126   a.  As such, the main frame  126   a  and the clamping surface  128   c  can be characterized as having matching cross-sectional geometries. In the example configuration shown, the clamping surface  128   c  is provided with a semi-circular shape since the tubing of the main frame  126   a  is provided with a circular cross-sectional shape. Accordingly, when the cover assembly  124  is in the closed position relative to the support frame  126 , the clamping surface  128   c  directly faces and abuts the main frame  126   a  to provide a clamping interface such that the collection bag  10 , which is wrapped about the main frame  126   a,  can be clamped between the main frame  126   a  and the clamping surface  128   c.  The clamping section  128  is further provided with shroud portions  128   d,    128   e  for respectively covering and shielding the support members  126   b  and latch bar  126   q  from incoming collected debris discharged from the outlet tube  122  as the debris drops into the collection bag  10 . The clamping section  128  is further provided with a plurality of mounting structures  128   f  with apertures for receiving fasteners  131  such that the clamping section  128  can be secured to the shroud body  130   a.    
     Referring to  FIGS.  12  to  22   , the installation of a collection bag  10  onto the debris collection machine  100  is illustrated.  FIG.  12    shows an initial step in which the cover assembly  124  is placed in an open position relative to the support frame  126 . When the cover assembly  124  is in an initially closed position, the handle  134   b  of the latch arrangement  134  can be moved in an upward direction to disengage the latch portion  134   a  from the looped latch portion  126   r  of the latch bar  126   q.  Once the cover assembly  124  is in the open position, a collection bag  10  can be placed beneath the support frame  126  and moved in the upward direction. Once the mouth of the collection bag  10  is vertically aligned with the main frame  126   a  of the support frame  126 , as shown at  FIG.  13   , the collection bag  10  can be further moved vertically such that the main frame  126   a  is received into the interior of the collection bag  10 , as shown at  FIGS.  14  and  15   . In this position, the bottom of the collection bag  10  is supported by the bag support platform  104   d,  which is shown in the exemplary drawings as being horizontal. Other orientations of the bag support platform  104   d  are possible. Once in this position, the top portion of the collection bag  10  can be folded over the main frame  126   a  top side  126   m  and perimeter interior surface  126   p  such that the top portion of the collection bag  10  generally extends back towards and/or into the interior of the collection bag  10 , as shown at  FIGS.  16 ,  17 , and  22   . Where a standard kraft paper bag is used, the paper has been found to be compliant enough to be folded in such a manner. Once the collection bag  10  has been installed as described, the cover assembly  124  can be returned to the closed position such that the collection bag  10  is clamped between the main frame  126   a  and the clamping surface  128   c  of the clamping section  128 . To fully clamp and secure the collection bag  10 , an operator applies a sufficient closing force to bring the latch arrangement  134  into engagement with the looped latch portion  126   r  of the latch bar  126   q,  whereby the latch arrangement  134  provides the necessary retention force. Notably, when the collection bag  10  is installed in such a manner, the collection bag  10  is oriented vertically such that the collection bag  10  can be filled to full capacity. Although a vertical orientation is advantageous in enabling the collection bag  10  to be fully filled, other orientations are possible. For example, the collection bag  10  could be disposed between vertical and 45 degrees from vertical in some applications. In some examples, the collection bag  10  is vertical at the clamping location and is non-vertical at a location remote from the clamping location. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  23  to  27   , the debris collection machine  100  is shown as being placed in a storage position such that the overall length of the machine is shortened. In the storage position, the cover assembly  124  is rotated into the open position such that the top of the shroud body  130   a  rests on the motor  108 . Additionally, the handle  104   c  is rotated fully forward such that the handle  104   c  is rotated over the motor  108 . In the storage position, the bag support platform  104   d  is also rotated in an upward direction to shorten the length of the debris collection machine  100 . The debris collection machine  100  can additionally include a bag rack  137  for the various bags discussed throughout. The bag rack  137  is shown in  FIGS.  23 - 27    with the debris collection machine  100  in the storage position. However, the bag rack  137  can be included with the debris collection machine  100  in the normal upright position. The bag rack  137  is mounted to the handle  104   c.  The bag rack  137  is rotatable with the handle  104   c  so that paper bags can be held when the handle  104   c  is in the upright position. 
     The aforementioned components can be formed from a variety of materials using various different processes. For example, the support frame  126  can be formed from metal material while the cover assembly  124  shroud and clamping section  128  can be formed from an injection molded plastic material. 
     The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.