Method and apparatus for collecting, shredding and dispersing leaves
OwnerDaniel C. Bassinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A leaf vacuum and mulching implement for attachment by three-point-hitch to a farm tractor and driven by mechanical connection to the tractor's power tack-off unit (PTO). The implement utilizes a broad vacuum deck having polymeric skirts in near proximity with the ground and a floating three-point-hitch system for lifting the vacuum deck and allowing it to follow the ground contour. High velocity fans blow debris collected by the vacuum deck to a unique, rotating, multifaceted, conical shredding rotor prior to directional dispersion.
Claims17
A commercial leaf mulching apparatus comprising a means for adaptation to an agricultural tractor vehicle in a three point hitch arrangement whereby said tractor is capable of lifting said mulching apparatus clear of the ground, said apparatus having a means for vacuuming leaves and other fine debris in a wide swath from behind said tractor vehicle and blowing said leaves and other debris into one end of an elongated mulching shredder comprising a conical housing having a discharge end projecting rearwardly relative to said mulching apparatus and having a high speed, elongated conical rotor, rotatable therein, said rotor comprising a plurality of blades forming a plurality of lattices for mulching said leaves said means for vacuuming and said conical mulching shredder being driven by a drive shaft connected to a power output shaft located onboard said tractor vehicle, said conical rotor further comprising a a means for directional dispersion of mulched leaves and debris being discharged from said rotor housing over a large area adjacent said mulching apparatus.
A commercial leaf vacuum and mulching apparatus adaptive to a farm tractor vehicle having a typical three-point-hitch connection capable of lifting the apparatus clear of the ground and a power takeoff shaft, the apparatus comprising:
- a) a rectangular structural deck supported at each corner by a swivel wheel;
- b) a polymeric skirting located below said deck extending downward to near proximity with said ground;
- c) at least one opening in said deck over which is connected a tubular duct;
- d) at least one high velocity fan having an intake and exhaust port said intake port being connected to said tubular duct;
- e) a conical rotor housing having a base and a directionally adjustable discharge end said base connected to said exhaust port of said high velocity fan;
- f) a conical rotor assembly rotatable within said rotor housing having a plurality of blades forming a plurality of lattices;
- g) a means for driving said fan and said rotor assembly connected to a power takeoff output shaft of said tractor;
- and
- h) a bracketing means for adapting said apparatus to the three-point hitch connection elements of a tractor.
A method of vacuuming, mulching, and dispersing leaves and small debris over a large area comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a vacuuming, mulching, and dispersing apparatus adaptive to a farm tractor vehicle having a typical three-point-hitch connection capable of lifting said apparatus clear of the ground and a power takeoff shaft, the apparatus comprising;
- i) a rectangular structural deck supported at each corner by a swivel wheel;
- ii)a polymeric skirting located below said deck extending downward to near proximity with the earth;
- iii) at least one opening in said deck over which is connected a tubular duct;
- iv) at least one high velocity fan having its intake connected to said tubular duct;
- v) a conical rotor housing connected to the outlet of said high velocity fan;
- vi) a conical rotor assembly rotatably located within said rotor housing;
- vii) a drive shaft for driving said fan and said rotor assembly connected to the power takeoff output shaft of said tractor;
- and
- viii) a bracketing means for adapting said apparatus to the three-point hitch connection elements of a tractor;
- b) making said three-pint hitch connection to said tractor;
- c) connecting said drive shaft to said tractor power takeoff shaft;
- d) driving said tractor at a relatively high speed over fallen leaves and debris with said power takeoff engaged said high velocity fan creating a vacuum beneath said deck, thereby collecting leaves and debris from beneath said deck and blowing them into said conical rotor housing;
- e) mulching and particle sizing said debris within said conical rotor housing by repetitious contact with said conical rotor rotating at a speed in excess of 2000 rpm, the rotor comprising:
- i) a central elongated shaft;
- ii) a plurality of hubs located axially along said shaft having a plurality of lattices attached parallel to said shaft and extending radially outwardly therefrom in a conical shape, each lattice comprising a series of horizontal flat bands bent at odd angles in intersecting planes and connected one to the other by rivets, said lattices held in compression by a plurality of bands located perpendicular to said lattices internally and externally encircling the structure;
- iii) a flange bearing located adjacent one end of said shaft for connection to said rotor housing and rotatably supporting said rotor assembly;
- iv) a support member and a collar bearing located upon said shaft adjacent said lattices for diametrical attachment to said rotor housing and rotatable support of said rotor assembly;
- and
- v) a fan blade assembly located upon said shaft adjacent said support member and collar bearing;
- f) dispersing said debris from said rotor housing at high velocity over a large area.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.