Patent ID: 7716773

Claim:
A debris sweeper for a turf surface, which comprises: (a) a tow frame having transport wheels that rotate about a transverse wheel axis of rotation; (b) a lift frame connected to the tow frame for pivoting about a transverse lift frame pivot axis such that the lift frame pivots between a lower, debris collecting position and an upper, debris dumping position; and (c) a hopper for receiving and holding debris picked up from the turf surface in the lower, debris collecting position of the lift frame and for dumping debris therefrom in the upper, debris dumping position of the lift frame, wherein the hopper is pivotally connected to the lift frame for pivoting about a transverse hopper pivot axis that is separate and distinct from the lift frame pivot axis with the separate hopper pivot axis permitting the hopper to pivot independently from the lift frame at least when the lift frame is in the lower, debris collecting position thereof.