GROUND SURFACE OBJECT COLLECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a ground surface object collection apparatus. More particularly, the disclosure relates to collecting garbage and other objects from a ground surface.

BACKGROUND

Collecting objects, like garbage, can be cumbersome and often takes a lot of labor to complete. Current methods include, but are not limited to, picking objects up by hand, using a picker pin to poke the objects, and/or using an extended grabber tool to pick up the objects. For events like parades and concerts, there are often loads of objects to collect in a shortened period of time. This often requires a lot of manpower to individually pick up each object and place it in a trash bin.

Therefore, a need exists to solve the deficiencies present in the prior art. What is needed is a machine that collects objects from a ground surface. What is needed is a device that collects and disposes of garbage mechanically. What is needed is an apparatus that can be handedly used by a human to collect objects. What is needed is a device that uses work from a source of locomotion, like a vehicle, to mechanically collect garbage and other objects.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the disclosure advantageously provides a machine that collects objects from a ground surface. An aspect of the disclosure advantageously provides a device that collects and disposes of garbage mechanically. An aspect of the disclosure advantageously provides an apparatus that can be handedly used by a human to collect objects. An aspect of the disclosure advantageously provides a device that uses work from a source of locomotion, like a vehicle, to mechanically collect garbage and other objects.

Accordingly, the disclosure may feature a ground surface object collection apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a chassis, a collection basket, a roller, and a wheel. The chassis may be attachable to a source of locomotion. The collection basket may be mounted to a base arm of the chassis via couplings to partially enclose an interior receptacle space. The collection basket may have a first collection basket end distal to a second collection basket end, wherein the first collection basket end may comprise an object removal member and an opening to selectively provide access to the interior receptacle space. The roller may be substantially cylindrical and may have extended members protruding from an exterior roller surface of the roller to puncture and carry objects in a path of rotation to be deposited inside the collection basket. The wheel may be operatively attached to the chassis to at least partially configure the roller to a selectable elevation. A work transfer device may use a source of rotation to turn the roller about the path of rotation. A roller axis of the roller may be perpendicular to the path of rotation.

In another aspect, the source of rotation may be provided by the source of locomotion.

In another aspect, the source of rotation may comprise a drive shaft.

In another aspect, the chassis may be attached to the source of locomotion via a push bar.

In another aspect, the chassis may be attached to the source of locomotion via a hitch. The source of locomotion may be a vehicle.

In another aspect, the extended members may be spikes constructed of a durable material.

In another aspect, the object removal member may be forked.

In another aspect, the exterior roller surface may comprise extended member receiving apertures. The extended members may comprise an installation shaft. The installation shaft may be removably secured to the roller via the extended member receiving apertures.

In another aspect, the selectable elevation of the roller is selectively adjusted using hydraulics being driven by the source of locomotion.

In another aspect, the collection basket may comprise drain apertures for liquid release.

In another aspect, the collection basket may comprise a lid coupled to the collection basket. The extended members may be replaceable.

Accordingly, the disclosure may feature a collection apparatus for ground surface objects which may comprise a chassis, a collection basket, a roller, and a wheel. The chassis may be attachable to a source of locomotion provided by a vehicle. The chassis may also comprise a base arm. The collection basket may be mounted to the base arm via couplings to partially enclose an interior receptacle space. The collection basket may have a first collection basket end distal to a second collection basket end. The first collection basket end may comprise an object removal member being forked and an opening to selectively provide access to the interior receptacle space. The roller may be substantially cylindrical and may have spikes protruding from an exterior roller surface of the roller to puncture and carry objects in a path of rotation to be deposited inside the collection basket. The roller may comprise extended member receiving apertures. The wheel may be operatively attached to the chassis to at least partially configure the roller to a selectable elevation. A work transfer device may use a source of rotation to turn the roller about the path of rotation. A roller axis of the roller may be perpendicular to the path of rotation. The spikes may comprise an installation shaft. The installation shaft may be removably secured to the roller via the extended member receiving apertures.

In another aspect, the source of rotation may turn the roller via a loop of material.

In another aspect, the chassis may be attached to the source of locomotion via a hitch.

In another aspect, the spikes may be replaceable.

In another aspect, the selectable elevation of the roller may be selectively adjusted using hydraulics being driven by the source of locomotion.

In another aspect, the collection basket may comprise drain apertures for liquid release.

Accordingly, the disclosure may feature a method of collecting objects from a ground surface using an object collection apparatus. The method may include (a) attaching a chassis having a base arm to a source of locomotion, wherein a collection basket may be mounted to the chassis via couplings, the collection basket may partially enclose an interior receptacle space between a first collection basket end distal to a second collection basket end, and wherein the first collection basket end may comprise an object removal member and an opening to selectively provide access to the interior receptacle space. The method may also include (b) configuring a roller to a selectable elevation via a wheel operatively attached to the chassis. Then, the method may include (c) rotating the roller in a path of rotation, the roller may be substantially cylindrical and may have extended members protruding from an exterior roller surface of the roller to puncture and carry the objects in the path of rotation to be deposited inside the collection basket. Next, the method may include (d) puncturing the objects with the extended members. The method may continue by (e) carrying the objects in a path of rotation from the ground surface to the collection basket, wherein a work transfer device may use a source of rotation to turn the roller about the path of rotation, and wherein a roller axis of the roller may be perpendicular to the path of rotation. The method may finally include (f) extracting the objects from the elongated members into the collection basket via the object removal member.

In another aspect, the exterior roller surface may comprise extended member receiving apertures. The extended members may comprise an installation shaft. The installation shaft may be removably secured to the roller via the extended member receiving apertures.

In another aspect, the selectable elevation of the roller may be selectively adjusted using hydraulics being driven by the source of locomotion. The source of locomotion may be a vehicle.

Terms and expressions used throughout this disclosure are to be interpreted broadly. Terms are intended to be understood respective to the definitions provided by this specification. Technical dictionaries and common meanings understood within the applicable art are intended to supplement these definitions. In instances where no suitable definition can be determined from the specification or technical dictionaries, such terms should be understood according to their plain and common meaning. However, any definitions provided by the specification will govern above all other sources.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages described by this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ground surface object collection apparatus, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of a ground surface object collection apparatus, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of a ground surface object collection apparatus, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an extended member of a ground surface object collection apparatus, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a ground surface object collection apparatus connected to a source of locomotion, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a ground surface object collection apparatus being used by a person, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart view of an illustrative method of using a ground surface object collection apparatus, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart view of an alternative illustrative method of using a ground surface object collection apparatus, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure is provided to describe various embodiments of a ground surface object collection apparatus. Skilled artisans will appreciate additional embodiments and uses of the present invention that extend beyond the examples of this disclosure. Terms included by any claim are to be interpreted as defined within this disclosure. Singular forms should be read to contemplate and disclose plural alternatives. Similarly, plural forms should be read to contemplate and disclose singular alternatives. Conjunctions should be read as inclusive except where stated otherwise.

Expressions such as “at least one of A, B, and C” should be read to permit any of A, B, or C singularly or in combination with the remaining elements. Additionally, such groups may include multiple instances of one or more element in that group, which may be included with other elements of the group. All numbers, measurements, and values are given as approximations unless expressly stated otherwise.

For the purpose of clearly describing the components and features discussed throughout this disclosure, some frequently used terms will now be defined, without limitation. The term object, as it is used throughout this disclosure, is defined as something material that may be handled, including, but not limited to, garbage. The term chassis, as it is used throughout this disclosure, is defined as a supporting frame of the ground surface object collection apparatus. The term roller, as it is used throughout this disclosure, is defined as a cylinder that may have the capability of rotating to assist in the collection of objects. The term source of locomotion, as it is used throughout this disclosure, is defined as a point of origin that may be turned on or off to assist in the moving of the collection apparatus. The term forked, as it is used throughout this disclosure, is defined as a shape that may be divided into two or more branches/points. The term source of rotation, as it is used throughout this disclosure, is defined as a point of origin that may be turned on or off to assist in the action of turning the roller about an axis. The term path of rotation, as it is used throughout this disclosure, is defined as a direction of turning about an axis. The term couplings, as it is used throughout this disclosure, is defined as a device that serves to connect the ends of adjacent parts or objects. The term loop of material, as it is used throughout this disclosure, is defined as a closed curving of elements of which something is composed of, for example, a belt or chain.

Various aspects of the present disclosure will now be described in detail, without limitation. In the following disclosure, a ground surface object collection apparatus will be discussed. Those of skill in the art will appreciate alternative labeling of the ground surface object collection apparatus as a garbage collection apparatus, manual object collector, vehicular rubbish hitch, collection apparatus for ground surface objects, handheld ground surface collection apparatus, the invention, or other similar names. Similarly, those of skill in the art will appreciate alternative labeling of the ground surface object collection apparatus as a method of collecting garbage and other objects, technique for collecting objects via a roller to be deposited into a collection bin, garbage collection method, object removal operation to clean ground surfaces, method, operation, the invention, or other similar names. Skilled readers should not view the inclusion of any alternative labels as limiting in any way.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, the ground surface object collection apparatus will now be discussed in more detail. The ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 may include a chassis 110, 310, 510, 610, wheel 134, 234, 334, 534, 634, source of locomotion 542, 642, roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626, source of rotation 536, collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612, object removal member 122, 222, and additional components that will be discussed in greater detail below. The ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 may operate one or more of these components interactively with other components for collecting garbage and other objects 140, 240 from a ground surface.

A ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 enabled by this disclosure may provide a number of advantages over current solutions. Some examples of these advantages are provided below, without limitation. The ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 may allow for a larger volume of objects 140, 240, like garbage, to be collected. The ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 may allow for attachment to a source of locomotion 542, 642, like a vehicle 548, for faster collection of objects 140, 240. The ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 may include a collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 to store a large volume of objects 140, 240 after they have been collected. The ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 may include drain apertures 358 to release liquids that may have been stored inside the objects 140, 240 that have already been collected. The ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 may also be connected to a source of locomotion 542, 642, like a person, to push the apparatus.

The chassis will now be discussed in greater detail. FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 6 highlight examples of the chassis, which may also be shown in other figures.

Generally, the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 may be the supporting frame of the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600. The chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 may be provided for in numerous configurations. Configurations include, but are not limited to, generally rectangular-like, generally X-like, generally Y-like, generally I-like, and/or generally H-like, without limitation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various shapes and sizes of the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 that may optimize the load bearing value of the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610, after having the benefit of this disclosure. The collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612, which will be discussed in greater detail below, may be mounted onto a base arm 118, 318, 518, 618 of the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 and/or another portion of the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610. The chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 may be made of one or more materials. These include, but are not limited to, reinforced composite steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, and/or wood. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate various additional materials that could be used for the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610, after having the benefit of this disclosure.

The chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 may extend at least partially underneath the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612. In the same or other embodiments, the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 may extend past the length of the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 to advantageously attach to a source of locomotion 542, 642, which will be discussed in greater detail below. In numerous embodiments, the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 may meet at a conjunction beyond the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 to connect to the source of locomotion 542, 642. In the same or other embodiments, the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 may include an extended beam to connect to the source of locomotion 542, 642.

The connection between the source of locomotion 542, 642 and the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 may be provided for in various configurations. These include, but are not limited to, a push bar 644, a hitch 546 and ball, a clevis hitch, a drawbar, and/or a pintle hook. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate the various connections that may be used to connect a chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 to a source of locomotion 542, 642, after having the benefit of this disclosure.

In embodiments where the connection between the source of locomotion 542, 642 and the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 is a push bar 644, various additional elements may be added to the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 to allow for easier movement when in use. These additional elements may include a gas powered engine and/or an electrically powered motor, without limitation. The addition of these elements may advantageously allow for a person 642 to push the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 with ease. Furthermore, the addition of one of these elements, such as a gas powered engine and/or electrically powered motor, may also be used as source of rotation 536 to move the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626 in the path of rotation 132, 532. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various other elements that may be added to the apparatus, after having the benefit of this disclosure.

Additionally, the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 may further comprise a base arm 118, 318, 518, 618. The base arm 118, 318, 518, 618 may be attached to the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 via couplings 320 to firmly connect the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 to the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610. In embodiments, the base arm 118, 318, 518, 618 may extend along at least part of the length, width, and/or diagonal of the bottom surface of the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612, without limitation. Couplings 320 may be installed throughout the numerous portions of the base arm 118, 318, 518, 618 to secure the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 to the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610. The couplings 320 may be comprised of one or more durable materials including, but not limited to, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, acetal, maraging steel, and/or titanium. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the several materials that may be used to make the couplings 320 to secure the base arm 118, 318, 518, 618 to the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610, after having the benefit of this disclosure.

The wheel will now be discussed in greater detail. FIGS. 1-3 and 5-6 highlight examples of the wheel, which may also be shown in other figures.

One or more wheel 134, 234, 334, 534, 634 may be connected to the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various number of wheels that may be connected to the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 to advantageously allow for movement of the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600, after having the benefit of this disclosure. In various embodiments, the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 may further include an axle to connect two wheels that are on opposite sides of the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600. The ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 may be comprised of pressed steel wheels, cast steel wheels, and/or wire-spoked wheels, without limitation. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate the several types of wheels 134, 234, 334, 534, 634 that may be used with the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600, after having the benefit of this disclosure. Additionally, the wheel 134, 234, 334, 534, 634 that may be operatively attached to the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 may assist in the at least partial configuration of the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626 to a selectable elevation, which will be discussed in greater detail below.

In numerous embodiments, the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 may further include one or more wheel covers. The wheel cover may at least partially cover a part of the wheel 134, 234, 334, 534, 634 to advantageously protect the wheel 134, 234, 334, 534, 634 from certain elements and dangers. In the same or different embodiments, the number of wheel covers may be equal to the number of wheels 134, 234, 334, 534, 634 attached to the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 of the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600. The wheel covers may be made of several durable materials, including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, and/or titanium. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various materials that may be used to create the wheel covers.

The source of locomotion will now be discussed in greater detail. FIGS. 5 and 6 highlight examples of the source of locomotion, which may also be shown in other figures.

The source of locomotion 542, 642 may be the origin point of movement for the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600. In various embodiments, the source of locomotion 542, 642 may be a vehicle 548 or a person, without limitation. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate the numerous sources of locomotion that may be used to advantageously allow for movement of the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600, after having the benefit of this disclosure.

As previously mentioned, in various embodiments, a part of the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 may be connected to the source of locomotion 542, 642 to guide and/or move the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600. In embodiments where the source of locomotion 542, 642 is a vehicle 548, the vehicle 548 may provide for a ball, so that the hitch 546 of the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 may advantageously connect to the vehicle 548. In other embodiments when the source of locomotion 542, 642 is a person, the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 may include a push bar 644 for the person to grab onto and use the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate the other elements of the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 that may be included to provide for an effective use by the source of locomotion 542, 642 of the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600, after having the benefit of this disclosure.

The roller will now be discussed in greater detail. FIGS. 1-3 and 5-6 highlight examples of the roller, which may also be shown in other figures. FIG. 4 highlights an example of an elongated member, which may also be shown in other figures.

Generally, the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626 may be connected to the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 via a pole extending from the roller axis 138, 338, 538, 638 to an area around the wheel 134, 234, 334, 534, 634. The roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626 may be substantially cylindrical; however, other embodiments may include the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626 in a variety of shape configurations, without limitation.

The roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626 may have a roller axis 138, 338, 538, 638 and a path of rotation 132, 532. The roller axis 138, 338, 538, 638 may be the line about which the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626 rotates. The path of rotation 132, 532 may be the direction and/or way the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626 rotates. In several embodiments, the roller axis 138, 338, 538, 638 may be perpendicular to the path of rotation 132, 532 of the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626.

The roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626 may additionally have extended members 130, 230, 330, 430. In various embodiments, the extended members 130, 230, 330, 430 may protrude from an exterior roller surface 128, 228, 328 of the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626. The extended members 130, 230, 330, 430 may advantageously puncture and carry objects 140, 240 in a path of rotation 132, 532 from the ground surface to be deposited inside the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612.

In numerous embodiments, the extended members 130, 230, 330, 430 may be comprised of a durable material. Examples of durable materials that may be used include, but is not limited to, steel, aluminum, titanium, iron, carbon fiber, synthetic materials, and/or materials with a desirable level of hardness or resistance to deformation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, several alternative types of materials that may be used to comprise the extended members 130, 230, 330, 430 after having the benefit of this disclosure, which are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

In embodiments, the extended members 130, 230, 330, 430 may further comprise an installation shaft 454. In the same or different embodiments, the exterior roller surface 128, 228, 328 may comprise extended member receiving apertures. The installation shaft 454 of the extended member may be removably secured to the extended member receiving apertures. In some embodiments, the installation shaft 454 and the interior of the extended member receiving apertures may be threaded, so that the installation shaft 454 may be screwed into the extended member receiving apertures. In other embodiments, the installation shaft 454 and the interior of the extended member receiving apertures may include a removably installed socket area, so that the installation shaft 454 may be snapped into the extended member receiving apertures. Nonetheless, those skilled in the art will appreciate the many other ways in which the installation shaft 454 of the extended member may be removably secured to the extended member receiving apertures. Additionally, in the same or other embodiments, the extended members 130, 230, 330, 430 may be replaceable, which may advantageously allow for a longer time of use of the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600.

In various embodiments, the extended members 130, 230, 330, 430 may be comprised of spikes 150, 250, 350, 450 to advantageously puncture and collect objects 140, 240 when the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 is in use. However, the extended members 130, 230, 330, 430 may be various shapes and sizes to serve the same or other purposes, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, after having the benefit of this disclosure.

The source of rotation will now be discussed in greater detail. FIG. 5 highlights an example of the source of rotation, which may also be shown in other figures.

Generally, the source of rotation 536 may be provided by the source of locomotion 542, 642. In most embodiments, the source of rotation 536 at least partially assists in turning the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626 in the path of rotation 132, 532 via the roller axis 138, 338, 538, 638, without limitation. For example, the source of rotation may include an engine, such as an internal combustion engine, that provides rotational force as an output, without limitation. In the same or other embodiments, the source of rotation 536 may also assist the wheel 134, 234, 334, 534, 634 in selectively adjusting the elevation of the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600, without limitation. In the same or different embodiments, the source of rotation 536 may further assist in the selective adjustment of the height of the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626, without limitation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the several other elements that may be assisted by the source of rotation 536, after having the benefit of this disclosure.

In embodiments, the height of the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626, the height of the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600, and/or the turning velocity of the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626 may be adjusted using hydraulics 256, 556, pumps, a drive shaft 340, and/or a loop of material, without limitation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the numerous mechanisms that may used to adjust the various elements of the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600, after having the benefit of this disclosure. In the same or different embodiments, the loop of material may be a belt drive and/or a chain drive, without limitation. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate the various other material mechanisms that may be used in place of the loop of material, after having the benefit of this disclosure.

In the same or different embodiments, a work transfer device may advantageously use the source of rotation 536 to assist in turning the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626 about the path of rotation 132, 532. The work transfer device may advantageously be located on the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 to transfer rotational force from the source of rotation 536, for example as may be provided by the source of locomotion 542, 642, to a more ideal type of motion that may be used to assist in turning the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626 about the path of rotation 132, 532. In other embodiments, the work transfer device may also be used for adjusting the height of the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626 as well as the height of the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600, without limitation. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate the various uses of the work transfer device within the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600, after having the benefit of this disclosure.

The collection basket will now be discussed in greater detail. FIGS. 1-3 and 5-6 highlight examples of the collection basket, which may also be shown in other figures.

Generally, the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 may be attached to the base arm 118, 318, 518, 618 of the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610. The collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 may at least partially enclose an interior receptacle to temporarily store objects 140, 240 that have been collected and disposed of via the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626. The collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 may be built from one or more durable materials, including, but not limited to, aluminum, steel, and/or wood. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate the numerous materials that may be used for the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612, after having the benefit of this disclosure.

In several embodiments, the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 may have a first collection basket end 114, 314, 514, 614 distal to a second collection basket end 116, 316, 516, 616. The first collection basket end 114, 314, 514, 614 may comprise an object removal member 122, 222 and an opening 124, 224 to selectively provide access to the interior receptacle space 162, 262. The object removal member 122, 222 will be discussed in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the opening 124, 224 to selectively provide access to the interior receptacle space 162, 262 may extend the width of the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612, however, those skilled in the art will appreciate additional sizes of the opening 124, 224 that may be used consistently with, and thus be provided by, the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

In various embodiments, the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 may further include a lid 560 coupled to the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 to allow for temporary access and/or restriction to the interior receptacle space 162, 262, without limitation. In one embodiment, the lid 560 may temporarily cover at least part of the opening 124, 224 on the first collection basket end 114, 314, 514, 614 of the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612. In another embodiment, the lid 560 may temporarily cover a second opening located on the second collection basket end 116, 316, 516, 616 of the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate the various locations that a lid 560 may exist on the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612, after having the benefit of this disclosure.

In embodiments, the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 may also include drain apertures 358. The drain apertures 358 may be located at the bottom surface of the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612. The bottom surface of the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 may have a slight slope towards the drain apertures 358 for any liquid that was received in the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 to exit the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 via the drain apertures 358. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate the numerous locations of the drain apertures 358 along with any additional changes to the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 to allow for removal of liquid in the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612, after having the benefit of this disclosure.

In at least one embodiment, the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 may be at least partially emptied through a tilting or partial disconnection mechanism. For example, the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 may be tilted such that its first collection basket end 114, 314, 514, 614 is angled to allow the contents to spill out through the opening 124, 224. This tilting action can be facilitated by a hinge or pivot point connecting the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 to at least part of the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610, enabling a controlled and efficient emptying process.

Alternatively, in a second embodiment, the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 may be partially disconnected from the chassis 110, 310, 510, 610 for emptying. This disconnection could involve releasing a latch or fastener that secures the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 to the chassis. Once partially detached, the collection basket 112, 212, 312, 512, 612 can be tilted or at least partially removed from the chassis for easier access to the collected objects.

The object removal member will now be discussed in greater detail. FIGS. 1 and 2 highlight examples of the object removal member, which may also be shown in other figures.

As previously mentioned, the object removal member 122, 222 may be located on the first collection basket end 114, 314, 514, 614. The object removal member 122, 222 may advantageously allow the extended members 130, 230, 330, 430 of the roller 126, 226, 326, 526, 626 to pass in between the object removal member 122, 222 while the object removal member 122, 222 grab the objects 140, 240 from the extended members 130, 230, 330, 430 and lead them into the interior receptacle space 162, 262.

In embodiments, the object removal member 122, 222 may be forked, wherein the parts of the object removal member 122, 222 that are extended pass in between the locations of the extended members 130, 230, 330, 430. In other embodiments, the object removal member 122, 222 may be of several other shapes, as appreciated by those skilled in the art, after having the benefit of this disclosure.

The object removal member 122, 222 may be made of one or more durable materials. These include, but are not limited to, steel, aluminum, and wood. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various materials that may be used to create the object removal member 122, 222.

In one or more embodiments, the object removal member 122, 222 may be sloped towards the interior receptacle space 162, 262 to advantageously allow the objects 140, 240 collected from the ground surface via the elongated members to fall into the interior receptacle space 162, 262. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate the various angles that the object removal member 122, 222 may be attached to the ground surface object collection apparatus 100, 200, 300, 500, 600, after having the benefit of this disclosure.

In operation, a method may be provided for collecting garbage and other objects from a ground surface. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the following methods are provided to illustrate an embodiment of the disclosure, and should not be viewed as limiting the disclosure to only those methods or aspects. Skilled artisans will appreciate additional methods within the scope and spirit of the disclosure for performing the operations provided by the examples below after having the benefit of this disclosure. Such additional methods are intended to be included by this disclosure.

Referring now to flowchart 700 of FIG. 7, an example for an illustrative method of using a ground surface object collection apparatus will be described, without limitation. Starting with Block 702, the operation may begin by rotating a roller in a path of rotation (Block 704). Next, the roller may puncture objects with extended members of the roller (Block 706). Then, the roller may carry the objects in the path of rotation from a ground surface to a collection basket (Block 708). Finally, the apparatus may extract the objects from the elongated members (Block 710). The operation may end with Block 712.

Referring now to flowchart 800 of FIG. 8, an example for an alternative illustrative method of using a ground surface object collection apparatus will be described, without limitation. Starting with Block 802, the operation may begin by attaching a chassis to a source of locomotion, wherein a collection basket is mounted to the chassis via couplings (Block 804). Next, the roller may be configured to a selectable elevation via a wheel operatively attached to the chassis (Block 806). Then, the roller may be rotated in a path of rotation (Block 808). After, the roller may puncture objects with extended members of the roller (Block 810). Later, the objects may be carried in the path of rotation from a ground surface to the collection basket (Block 812). Finally, the objects may be extracted from the elongated members into the collection basket via the object removal member of the collection basket (Block 814). The operation may end with Block 816.

While various aspects have been described in the above disclosure, the description of this disclosure is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention. The invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims and not the illustrations and examples provided in the above disclosure. Skilled artisans will appreciate additional aspects of the invention, which may be realized in alternative embodiments, after having the benefit of the above disclosure. Other aspects, advantages, embodiments, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.