Gary Tyler Floyd

US Patent:

52187373, Jun 15, 1993

Filed:

Aug 19, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/746616

Inventors:

Homer L. Dansby - Denton TX
William E. Green - Minden LA
Gary F. Floyd - Minden LA

International Classification:

A47L 500

US Classification:

15347

Abstract:

A detachable hopper and vacuum apparatus which includes a mobile, detachable hopper adapted for use with the vacuum apparatus of this invention or towed by a tractor or alternative towing vehicle or apparatus, and characterized by a sliding tongue which is extendible in one embodiment for coupling to the towing apparatus and retractable in a second embodiment for coupling to the vacuum apparatus by means of a dual-contact coupling system. The hinged panel defines the upper half of the front panel of the detachable hopper and features a window for receiving the discharge chute of the towing vehicle or vacuum apparatus. Pivoting tandem wheels are provided on the detachable hopper for easily traversing uneven terrain. The vacuum apparatus includes a frame fitted with a blower housing, an engine connected to a blower within the blower housing for sweeping grass clippings and other debris through a chute assembly provided with bellows on the bottom side thereof and wheels for guiding the bellows over uneven terrain. Caster wheels are also provided on the vacuum apparatus and are designed for 360 degree, selectively locking, pivotal operation when the vacuum apparatus is coupled to the detachable hopper by means of the dual-contact coupling mechanism.