DEBRIS COLLECTION APPARATUS WITH MECHANICAL RESIDUE SUCTION

FIELD

[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to the field of debris collection, and more specifically, to debris collection apparatuses having mechanical suction generators.

BACKGROUND

[0002]A surface (e.g., a floor, a countertop, a table, a shelf, a deck, a platform, or any other surface) may collect debris (e.g., dust, dirt, sand, soot, powder, scrap, or any other waste or particle) thereon. A surface may be subjected to certain debris depending on its use or location. For example, a table located near a beach may often accumulate sand. As another example, a floor in a machine-shop may often accumulate metal shavings. A surface that has debris disposed (e.g., accumulated) thereon may be referred to as a dirty surface.

[0003]A dustpan may be used to clean a dirty surface by providing an intermediary surface onto which the debris may be transferred during disposal thereof. For example, a broom may be used to urge (e.g., sweep) the debris onto the dustpan, whereby the dustpan may be moved to another location (e.g., a wastebasket) to dispose of the debris. Some surfaces may require multiple operations to clean (e.g., to remove the debris therefrom). For example, some surfaces may require that the dustpan be repositioned to access certain portions of the debris disposed on the surface.

SUMMARY

[0004]One aspect of the disclosure is an apparatus configured to collect debris disposed on a surface. The apparatus includes a lower panel and an upper panel disposed above the lower panel. The apparatus may also include a bellows connecting the upper panel to the lower panel to define a chamber. The apparatus may also include a slot that is disposed at a front edge of the lower panel that is opposite a rear edge, in which the rear edge of the lower panel is disposed at a rear portion of the apparatus. The upper panel may be pivotable relative to the lower panel between an open configuration and a closed configuration via a hinge disposed at the rear portion of the apparatus. When the upper panel is in the closed configuration, a front edge of the upper panel may extend over the slot to contact the surface such that the debris disposed on the surface is transferable from the surface to the upper panel. When the upper panel moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the front edge of the upper panel may move upwards to expose the slot, and the bellows may expand to generate a suction at the slot to urge at least some of the debris disposed on the surface into the chamber.

[0005]Another aspect of the disclosure is a debris collection apparatus that includes an upper member positioned above and moveable relative to a lower member. The upper member may include a first panel that defines an upper chamber. The lower member may include a second panel and a slot. The debris collection apparatus may also include a membrane that extends between the upper member and the lower member to define a lower chamber. The upper chamber may be separated from the lower chamber by the first panel to inhibit debris from traveling between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. The membrane may be configured to generate a low-pressure area within the lower chamber when the upper member is moved relative to the lower member. The low-pressure area may be configured to urge debris from a surface in an environment around the debris collection apparatus through the slot and into the lower chamber.

[0006]Another aspect of the disclosure is a method for collecting debris disposed on a surface in an environment. The method may include positioning the debris collection apparatus on the surface in the environment such that a front edge of an upper panel of the debris collection apparatus is adjacent to the debris. The method may also include urging some of the debris onto the upper panel of the debris collection apparatus such that a remainder of the debris is collected at the front edge of the upper panel. The method may also include generating a vacuum at a slot disposed at a front edge of a lower panel that is disposed below the upper panel by moving the upper panel away from the lower panel to expand a bellows that extends between the upper panel and the lower panel to create a low-pressure area within a chamber defined by the bellows. The method may also include urging at least some of the remainder of the debris through the slot and into the chamber via the vacuum generated at the slot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1A is a front upper perspective view illustration of a debris collection apparatus in a closed configuration according to an example.

[0008]FIG. 1B is a front upper perspective view illustration of the debris collection apparatus of FIG. 1A in an open configuration.

[0009]FIG. 2A is a side perspective view illustration of the debris collection apparatus of FIG. 1A in the closed configuration.

[0010]FIG. 2B is a side perspective view illustration of the debris collection apparatus of FIG. 1A in the open configuration.

[0011]FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional view illustration of the debris collection apparatus in the closed configuration taken along line 3A-3A of FIG. 1A showing debris being collected into an upper chamber.

[0012]FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional view illustration of the debris collection apparatus in the open configuration taken along line 3B-3B of FIG. 1B showing a vacuum urging the debris into a lower chamber.

[0013]FIGS. 4A-4B are upper perspective view illustrations of the debris collection apparatus of FIG. 1 showing a lever coupling and a locking device.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for collecting debris with the debris collection apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015]The disclosure herein relates to a debris collection apparatus. An example of a debris collection apparatus is a dustpan. A dustpan may be used to clean a dirty surface (e.g., a floor, a countertop, a table, a shelf, a deck, a platform, or any other surface having debris thereon) by providing an intermediary surface onto which the debris (e.g., dust, dirt, sand, soot, powder, scrap, or any other waste or particle) may be transferred when disposing thereof. For example, a dustpan may be positioned on a dirty surface such that a front edge of the dustpan is located proximate (e.g., adjacent to) debris disposed on the dirty surface. An implement (e.g., a broom) may then be used to urge (e.g., brush, sweep, push, etc.) the debris onto the dustpan. However, because the dustpan includes a thickness, some of the debris (e.g., a line of debris) may collect at the front edge thereof due to the debris being inhibited from traveling from the dirty surface over the raised front edge. This line of debris may be referred to herein as a residue line.

[0016]To collect the residue line, the dustpan may be repositioned such that the front edge of the dustpan is no longer parallel with the residue line (e.g., such that the front edge of the dustpan is generally perpendicular to the residue line), whereby the implement is again used to urge the residue line onto the dustpan. This process may be repeated until the residue line is negligible (e.g., until the residue line is removed or substantially removed from the dirty surface). The debris collection apparatus described herein may include an upper member that is moveable relative to a lower member to generate a vacuum (e.g., a suction) at a front edge of the debris collection apparatus that urges (e.g., sucks, pulls, etc.) the residue line into a collection chamber of the debris collection apparatus. By generating a vacuum at the front edge of the debris collection apparatus to remove the residue line from a dirty surface, the debris collection apparatus described herein may be operable to clean the dirty surface (e.g., remove all or substantially all debris from the dirty surface) without repositioning the debris collection apparatus.

[0017]As described in further detail below, the debris collection apparatus described herein may include a bellows that extends between the upper member and the lower member to define a lower chamber. The upper member may include an upper panel onto which an implement (e.g., a broom) may urge the debris, whereby a residue line (e.g., a remainder of the debris) may collect at a front edge thereof. When the upper member moves relative to the lower member, the bellows may expand to generate a suction (e.g., a vacuum) at a slot located below the front edge of the upper panel that urges the residue line through the slot and into the lower chamber. Thereafter, the debris collection apparatus may be transferred to another location (e.g., a wastebasket) for disposal of the debris (e.g., the debris urged onto the upper panel by the implement and/or the debris urged into the lower chamber by the suction). Accordingly, by generating a vacuum at the slot that urges the residue line into the lower chamber, the debris collection apparatus described herein may obviate the need to reposition the debris collection apparatus to remove the residue line.

[0018]FIGS. 1A-1B are isometric view illustrations of a debris collection apparatus 100. FIG. 1A shows the debris collection apparatus 100 in a closed configuration and FIG. 1B shows the debris collection apparatus 100 in an open configuration. The debris collection apparatus 100 comprises a front portion 102 and a rear portion 104 that is opposite the front portion 102. A longitudinal direction of the debris collection apparatus 100 may be defined as extending between the front portion 102 and the rear portion 104, in which a lateral direction may be defined as extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction.

[0019]The debris collection apparatus 100 includes an upper member 106 and a lower member 108. The upper member 106 may be disposed (e.g., positioned, located, etc.) above the lower member 108. In other words, the lower member 108 may be disposed below the upper member 106. For example, the upper member 106 may be substantially stacked upon the lower member 108 such that the upper member 106 covers at least a portion of the lower member 108. As shown, the upper member 106 may be moveable relative to the lower member 108 between the closed configuration (FIG. 1A) and the open configuration (FIG. 1B).

[0020]In some implementations, the upper member 106 may be pivotable relative to the lower member 108. For example, a hinge 110 disposed at the rear portion 104 of the debris collection apparatus 100 may pivotally couple the upper member 106 to the lower member 108. The hinge 110 may define a pivot axis for movement of the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108 that extends in the lateral direction of the debris collection apparatus 100. In some implementations, the hinge 110 may be configured to bias (e.g., continuously urge) the debris collection apparatus 100 into the closed configuration. For example, the hinge 110 may comprise a spring that is configured to bias the upper member 106 toward the lower member 108. The hinge 110 may comprise any suitable type of hinge.

[0021]The debris collection apparatus 100 may also include a lever 112 (e.g., a handle) that is configured to move (e.g., pivot) the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108 (e.g., between the closed configuration and the open configuration). As shown, the lever 112 may be disposed at the rear portion 104 of the debris collection apparatus 100. In some implementations, the lever 112 may be disposed rearward of the hinge 110 (e.g., may be disposed more toward the rear portion 104 of the debris collection apparatus 100 than the hinge 110, may be disposed further from the front portion 102 of the debris collection apparatus 100 than the hinge 110). As explained in further detail below, the lever 112 may be coupled to the upper member 106 via a lever coupling 114 such that movement of the lever 112 may result in movement of the upper member 106. In some implementations, the debris collection apparatus 100 may include a locking device 116. As described in further detail below, the locking device 116 may be configured to lock (e.g., maintain, hold, retain, etc.) the debris collection apparatus 100 in the open configuration. For example, the locking device 116 may be configured to retain the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108 in the open configuration.

[0022]The upper member 106 may include an upper panel 118 onto which debris disposed on a surface in an environment around the debris collection apparatus 100 (see FIGS. 3A-3B) may be collected. As used herein, the surface in the environment around the debris collection apparatus 100 may be referred to as an environmental surface. For example, when the debris collection apparatus 100 is in the closed configuration (FIG. 1A), an implement (e.g., a broom) may be used to urge (e.g., brush, sweep, push, etc.) the debris on the environmental surface onto the upper panel 118 of the upper member 106. In some implementations, the upper panel 118 may be substantially planar (e.g., flat). In other implementations, however, the upper panel 118 may have a curved geometry or some other geometry. For example, the upper panel 118 may include a lip (not shown) that is configured to inhibit the debris that is collected on the upper panel 118 from egressing from the debris collection apparatus 100 (e.g., from traveling toward the front portion 102 of the debris collection apparatus 100 and off the upper panel 118).

[0023]The upper member 106 may also include upper side walls 120 (e.g., two of the upper side walls 120) that extend generally upwards from lateral sides of the upper panel 118. In some implementations, the upper member 106 may also include an upper ceiling 122 that extends generally upward from a rear edge (see FIGS. 3A-3B) of the upper panel 118 and between the upper side walls 120 of the upper member 106. As shown, in some implementations, the upper ceiling 122 may have a curved geometry such that a rear portion of the upper ceiling 122 that extends from the upper panel 118 defines a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the upper panel 118 and curves as the upper ceiling 122 extends forward over the upper panel 118 such that an apex of the upper ceiling 122 defines a plane that is substantially parallel with the upper panel 118.

[0024]As shown, the upper side walls 120 and the upper ceiling 122 may cooperatively cover at least a portion of the upper panel 118. For example, as shown, the upper ceiling 122 extends over a majority of the upper panel 118 while leaving a front edge (see FIGS. 3A-3B) of the upper panel 118 exposed to the environment. Leaving the front edge of the upper panel 118 exposed to the environment may allow the implement (e.g., a broom) to access a portion of the upper panel 118 such that the debris on the environmental surface can be urged onto the upper panel 118. In some implementations, however, the upper ceiling 122 may extend over an entirety of the upper panel 118 of the upper member 106 (e.g., may extend over substantially all of an area defined by the upper panel 118).

[0025]In some implementations, the upper panel 118 and one or more of the upper side walls 120 or the upper ceiling 122 may define an upper chamber 124 into which the debris disposed on the environmental surface may be collected. For example, when the debris collection apparatus 100 is in the closed configuration (FIG. 1A), an implement (e.g., a broom) may be used to urge (e.g., brush, sweep, push, etc.) the debris on the environmental surface into the upper chamber 124 of the upper member 106. Where the upper chamber 124 is further defined by the upper side walls 120 and/or the upper ceiling 122, the upper side walls 120 and/or the upper ceiling 122 may be configured to contain the debris that is collected in the upper chamber 124 (e.g., while the debris collection apparatus 100 travels to a debris disposal location) such that the debris is inhibited from egressing from the upper chamber 124 (e.g., inhibited from traveling off of the lateral sides or the rear edge of the upper panel 118).

[0026]The lower member 108 may include a lower panel 126 and lower side walls 128 (e.g., two of the lower side walls 128) that extend generally upward from lateral sides of the lower panel 126. As shown, a portion (e.g., a lower portion) of the upper member 106 may be disposed between the lower side walls 128 (e.g., disposed within a space defined by the lower panel 126 and the lower side walls 128). The lower panel 126 may be configured to lay on (e.g., contact, extend across, rest upon, etc.) the environmental surface. In some implementations, the lower panel 126 may be substantially planar (e.g., flat). In other implementations, however, the lower panel 126 may have a curved geometry or some other geometry. For example, the lower panel 126 may include a lip (not shown) that is configured to inhibit the debris that is collected in the lower chamber from egressing from the debris collection apparatus 100.

[0027]The lower member 108 may also include a slot 130 disposed at the front portion 102 of the debris collection apparatus 100. For example, the slot 130 may be disposed along a front edge (see FIGS. 2A-2B) of the lower panel 126. In some implementations, the slot 130 may extend along an entirety of a lateral width of the front edge of the lower panel 126. In other implementations, the slot 130 may extend along only a portion of the lateral width of the front edge of the lower panel 126 or may include multiple slots 130 spaced along the lateral width of the front edge of the lower panel 126.

[0028]The lower member 108 may also include a bellows 132 that extends between the upper member 106 and the lower member 108 to define a lower chamber (see FIGS. 3A-3B) of the debris collection apparatus 100 that is below the upper chamber 124. When the debris collection apparatus 100 is in the closed configuration (FIG. 1A), the bellows 132 may be collapsed (e.g., folded) such that the lower chamber has a minimum volume. When the debris collection apparatus 100 is in the open configuration (FIG. 1B), the bellows 132 may be expanded such that the lower chamber has a maximum volume. In some implementations, the bellows 132 may extend between a component of the upper member 106 (e.g., the upper panel 118) and a component of the lower member 108 (e.g., the lower panel 126) such that the bellows 132 and one or more components of the upper member 106 and/or one or more components of the lower member 108 may cooperatively define the lower chamber. For example, the lower chamber may be defined by the bellows 132 and one or more of the upper panel 118 or the lower panel 126.

[0029]In some implementations, the bellows 132 may extend generally downward from lateral sides of the upper panel 118. In such an implementation, the bellows 132 may define the lower chamber to extend across an entirety of a lateral width of the upper panel 118. Furthermore, in some implementations, the bellows 132 may extend generally upward from lateral sides of the lower panel 126 inboard of the lower side walls 128 such that the bellows 132 extends between the lower side walls 128 of the lower member 108. In such an implementation, the bellows 132 may define the lower chamber to extend across an entirety of a lateral width of the lower panel 126. In other implementations, the bellows 132 may extend generally upward from the lower side walls 128 of the lower member 108. In such an implementation, the lower chamber may be defined at least by the bellows 132, the lower panel 126, and the lower side walls 128.

[0030]The lower chamber may be sealed (e.g., substantially sealed) from the environment except through the slot 130. In some implementations, the slot 130 may include one or more spacers 140 (e.g., two of the spacers 140) that are configured to support the slot 130, for example, to prevent the slot 130 from collapsing. Collapse of the slot 130 may inhibit the suction (e.g., the vacuum) from forming at the slot 130 and/or may inhibit debris (e.g., the residue line) from traveling through the slot 130. For example, the slot 130 may be formed from a thin material that may be susceptible to deformation upon receipt of a force. To prevent such deformation, one or more of the spacers 140 may be spaced along a lateral width of the slot 130 to ensure that air may travel through the slot 130 upon movement of the upper member 106 away from the lower member 108.

[0031]Although described herein as the bellows 132, any suitable membrane, fabric, elastomer, sheet, or the like may be employed (e.g., may extend between the upper member 106 and the lower member 108 to define the lower chamber). For example, the bellows 132 may be or comprise any flexible (e.g., semi-flexible) material that is impermeable (e.g., substantially-impermeable) to air and that may expand and collapse with movement of the upper member 106 toward and away from the lower member 108. In some implementations, the bellows 132 may include one or more structures that are configured to control the expansion and collapse of the bellows 132. For example, the bellows 132 may include stiff portions (e.g., wires) that are configured to fold the bellows 132 upon itself when the upper member 106 moves (e.g., pivots) toward the lower member 108. The slot 130 may be disposed between the lower panel 126 and the bellows 132 along the front edge of the lower panel 126 (see FIGS. 2A-2B) such as to provide an elongated aperture along the front edge the lower panel 126 through which debris may enter the lower chamber.

[0032]When the debris collection apparatus 100 is in the closed configuration (FIG. 1A), the front edge of the upper panel 118 may extend over the slot 130 such as to interface with (e.g., contact) the environmental surface. Accordingly, the debris disposed on the environmental surface may be urged over the slot 130 and onto the upper panel 118 (e.g., into the upper chamber 124). In some implementations, the upper member 106 may include a compliant strip 134 that extends from the front edge of the upper panel 118 in a generally forward direction (e.g., toward the front portion 102 of the debris collection apparatus 100). In some implementations, the compliant strip 134 may also extend in a generally downward direction. When the debris collection apparatus 100 is in the closed configuration (FIG. 1A), the compliant strip 134 may extend over the slot 130 (e.g., an entirety of a lateral width of the slot 130) to contact the environmental surface near the front portion 102 of the debris collection apparatus 100. In some implementations, the compliant strip 134 may be thin such that the debris may be minimally inhibited by a thickness of the compliant strip 134 as it is urged from the environmental surface to the upper panel 118 (e.g., into the upper chamber 124). Furthermore, the compliant strip 134 may be tapered such that the compliant strip 134 gradually becomes thinner as the compliant strip 134 extends from the upper panel 118 (e.g., in the generally forward direction). The compliant strip 134 may also be configured to deform (e.g., bend) upon contact with the environmental surface such as to provide a substantially flat transition surface between the environmental surface and the upper panel 118.

[0033]After urging the debris from the environmental surface to the upper panel 118 (e.g., into the upper chamber 124), a line of debris may remain on the environmental surface at the front edge of the upper panel 118 (e.g., at a front edge of the compliant strip 134 that contacts the environmental surface) due to the thickness of the front edge of the upper panel 118 (e.g., the thickness of the compliant strip 134) inhibiting the debris from traveling onto the upper panel 118 (e.g., into the upper chamber 124). To collect this residue line without repositioning the debris collection apparatus 100 (e.g., without repositioning the lower panel 126 of the lower member 108 on the environmental surface), the upper member 106 may be moved away from (e.g., pivoted away from) the lower member 108 (e.g., via the lever 112) to expose the slot 130. Furthermore, as the upper member 106 moves away from (e.g., pivots away from) the lower member 108, the bellows 132 may expand to generate a suction (e.g., a vacuum) at the slot 130 to urge the residue line through the slot 130 and into the lower chamber. For example, as the bellows 132 expands, the volume of the lower chamber may increase. However, as explained previously, the lower chamber may be sealed (e.g., substantially sealed) from the environment except through the slot 130. Accordingly, as the volume of the lower chamber increases, a pressure within the lower chamber may decrease and thereby generate a suction (e.g., a vacuum) at the slot 130 that urges (e.g., sucks, pulls, etc.) the residue line through the slot 130 and into the lower chamber. Stated differently, movement of the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108 may generate a low-pressure area within the lower chamber that is configured to urge the residue line through the slot 130 and into the lower chamber.

[0034]Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, the lower member 108 of the debris collection apparatus 100 may include a lower rear wall 136 that extends generally upwards from the lower panel 126 and extends between the lower side walls 128. The lower rear wall 136 may provide structural support to the lower member 108 and/or components thereof and may be configured to mount certain components of the debris collection apparatus 100 thereon. For example, the lever 112 may be coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the lower rear wall 136 such that the lever coupling 114 extends therethrough to couple to the upper ceiling 122 of the upper member 106, such that the lever 112 may be pivoted relative to the lower rear wall 136 to move the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108. As another example, the locking device 116 may extend through the lower rear wall 136 and be configured to interface therewith to maintain the debris collection apparatus 100 in the open configuration. The lower member 108 may also include a structural member 138 that extends from the lower rear wall 136 between the lower side walls 128 and that is configured to stiffen the lower rear wall 136 and/or the lower side walls 128. In some implementations, the structural member 138 may be configured to cover portions of the debris collection apparatus 100. For example, the structural member 138 may extend over (e.g., cover) the lever coupling 114, the locking device 116, and/or portions thereof.

[0035]Although the lever 112 is depicted herein as a hand-lever (e.g., a lever grippable and moveable by a human hand), the lever 112 may comprise any suitable device that may, in cooperation with the lever coupling 114, move (e.g., pivot) the upper member 106 relative to (e.g., away from) the lower member 108 in response to receiving a mechanical input from a user. For example, in some implementations, the lever 112 may comprise a foot-lever (e.g., a lever that includes a platform on which a foot may apply pressure) or any other suitable type of lever. In some implementations, the lever 112 may extend to a length that enables a user to provide a mechanical input to move the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108 while in a standing position. For example, when the debris collection apparatus 100 is positioned on the environmental surface, the lever 112 may extend to a length that positions an end of the lever 112 at (e.g., near, adjacent to, etc.) a waist of a person (e.g., an average person or a person having dimensions of a ninety-fifth percentile person). In such an implementation, the lever 112 and the lever coupling 114 may be configured to receive the mechanical input from the user via pivotal movement of the lever 112 relative to the lower member 108 of the debris collection apparatus 100.

[0036]In other implementations, however, the lever 112 and the lever coupling 114 may be configured receive some other mechanical input from the user to cause movement of the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108. For example, in some implementations, the lever 112 and the lever coupling 114 may be configured as a hand-squeeze device (e.g., a device squeezable by a human hand to apply a force). In such an implementation, the lever 112 may extend to a length that positions an end of the lever 112 at (e.g., near, adjacent to, etc.) the waist of a person, and a portion of the lever coupling 114 may extend from the end of the lever 112 to the upper member 106 of the debris collection apparatus 100. Accordingly, the lever coupling 114 may be configured to transfer (e.g., modify) the force (e.g., the squeezing force) applied to the end of the lever 112 to the upper member 106 of the debris collection apparatus 100 to move (e.g., pivot) the upper member 106 relative to (e.g., away from) the lower member 108.

[0037]In some implementations, one or more components of the upper member 106 and/or one or more components of the lower member 108 may be transparent (e.g., may comprise or be formed from a transparent material) such that components of the debris collection apparatus 100 (e.g., the lever coupling 114, the locking device 116, and/or portions thereof), debris collected on the upper panel 118 (e.g., in the upper chamber 124), and/or debris collected in the lower chamber may be viewable from the environment. For example, where one or more components of the upper member 106 are transparent, the upper panel 118, the upper side walls 120, and/or the upper ceiling 122 may be transparent (e.g., may comprise or be formed from a transparent material such as acrylic or the like). Where one or more components of the lower member 108 are transparent, the lower panel 126, the lower side walls 128, the slot 130, the bellows 132, the compliant strip 134, the lower rear wall 136, and/or the structural member 138 may be transparent (e.g., may comprise or be formed from a transparent material such as acrylic or some other transparent polymer or elastomer. For example, where the upper panel 118 is transparent, the upper panel 118 may comprise or be formed from acrylic or the like such that the upper panel 118 is rigid (e.g., substantially rigid). As another example, where the bellows 132 is transparent, the bellows 132 may comprise or be formed from a transparent elastomer or the like such that the bellows 132 may expand and contract upon movement of the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108 while remaining sealed (e.g., substantially sealed) from the environment. In some implementations, all of the upper member 106 (e.g., all of the components of the upper member 106) and/or all of the lower member 108 (e.g., all of the components of the lower member 108) may be transparent (e.g., may comprise or be formed from a transparent material).

[0038]In some implementations, portions of components of the upper member 106 and/or the lower member 108 may be transparent such as to define one or more windows 141 thereon. In the illustrated implementation, for example, the upper ceiling 122 of the upper member 106 may include one of the windows 141 disposed at a central portion thereof and the lower side walls 128 of the lower member 108 may each include one of the windows 141 disposed on a rear portion thereof. Accordingly, debris collected on the upper panel 118 (e.g., in the upper chamber 124) may be viewable from above the debris collection apparatus 100 through the window 141 disposed on the upper ceiling 122 and the lever coupling 114, the locking device 116, and/or portions thereof may be viewable from lateral sides of the debris collection apparatus 100 through the window 141 disposed on each of the lower side walls 128. Although the one or more windows 141 are shown disposed on a central portion of the upper ceiling 122 and on a rear portion of each of the lower side walls 128, the one or more windows 141 may be disposed on any component of the upper member 106 and/or the lower member 108 at any location thereof.

[0039]FIGS. 2A-2B are side view illustrations of the debris collection apparatus 100. FIG. 2A shows the debris collection apparatus 100 in the closed configuration and FIG. 2B shows the debris collection apparatus 100 in the open configuration. As described previously with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, the lower panel 126 may include a front edge 242 that is located at the front portion 102 of the debris collection apparatus 100 and may include a rear edge 244 that is opposite the front edge 242. Stated differently, the front portion 102 of the debris collection apparatus 100 may include the front edge 242 of the lower panel 126 and the rear portion 104 of the debris collection apparatus 100 may include the rear edge 244 of the lower panel 126. As shown, the slot 130 may be positioned at the front edge 242 of the lower panel 126. Stated differently, the front portion 102 of the debris collection apparatus 100 may include the slot 130.

[0040]In the implementation shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, rather than the one or more windows 141 being disposed on a central portion of the upper ceiling 122 of the upper member 106 and on a rear portion of each of the lower side walls 128 (as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B), one of the windows 141 is disposed on lower portions of the lower side walls 128 such that the debris disposed in the lower chamber may be viewable from the environment from lateral sides of the debris collection apparatus 100. As shown, the window 141 may extend along a lower edge of each of the lower side walls 128 (e.g., along the lower panel 126) from the front edge 242 of the lower panel 126 to the rear edge 244 of the lower panel 126. Accordingly, debris collected in the lower chamber may be viewable from lateral sides of the debris collection apparatus 100 through the window 141 disposed on each of the lower side walls 128.

[0041]As the debris collection apparatus 100 moves from the closed configuration (FIG. 2A) to the open configuration (FIG. 2B), the compliant strip 134 of the upper panel 118 may move upward as the upper member 106 moves (e.g., pivots) away from the lower member 108 to reveal the slot 130. Furthermore, as described previously with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, movement of the upper member 106 away from the lower member 108 may expand the bellows 132 to generate a low-pressure area within the lower chamber—defined at least in part by the bellows 132—that creates a suction (e.g., a vacuum) at the slot 130 to urge debris (e.g., the residue line) through the slot 130 and into the lower chamber. Furthermore, as will be described in further detail with respect to FIGS. 3A-3B, movement of the lever 112 may cause the upper member 106 to move (e.g., pivot) away from the lower member 108.

[0042]Furthermore, as will be described further with respect to FIGS. 4A-4B, movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration may result in movement (e.g., actuation) of the locking device 116. For example, where the locking device 116 is coupled to the upper member 106 (e.g., coupled to the upper ceiling 122 of the upper member 106), movement of the upper member 106 away from the lower member 108 may result in translation of the locking device 116 in a generally rearward direction (e.g., toward the rear portion 104 of the debris collection apparatus 100) through the lower rear wall 136.

[0043]FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional view illustration taken along line 3A-3A of FIG. 1A and shows the debris collection apparatus 100 in the closed configuration. FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional view illustration taken along line 3B-3B of FIG. 1B and shows the debris collection apparatus 100 in the open configuration. The debris collection apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 3A-3B is positioned on an environmental surface 346 having debris 348 disposed thereon. As used herein, the environmental surface 346 refers to any floor, countertop, table, shelf, deck, platform, or any other surface around the debris collection apparatus 100. Furthermore, as used herein, the debris 348 refers to any dust, dirt, sand, soot, powder, scrap, or any other waste or particle that may be disposed on the environmental surface 346.

[0044]As described previously with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, the compliant strip 134 may extend from a front edge 354 of the upper panel 118 that is opposite a rear edge 356, in which the rear edge 356 is disposed at the rear portion 104 of the debris collection apparatus 100. Stated differently, the front portion 102 of the debris collection apparatus 100 may include the front edge 354 of the upper panel 118 and the rear portion 104 of the debris collection apparatus 100 may include the rear edge 356 of the upper panel 118. As shown, the hinge 110 may be coupled to the rear edge 356 of the upper panel 118 and the lower rear wall 136 to provide a pivotal connection therebetween. As described previously, the hinge 110 may define a pivot axis for movement of the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108 that extends in the lateral direction of the debris collection apparatus 100. In some implementations, the hinge 110 may be configured to bias (e.g., continuously urge) the debris collection apparatus 100 into the closed configuration. For example, the hinge 110 may comprise a spring that is configured to bias the upper member 106 toward the lower member 108. In some implementations, the hinge 110 may extend along an entirety of a lateral width of the upper panel 118 and/or the lower rear wall 136. The hinge 110 may be or comprise any suitable type of hinge. For example, in some implementations, the hinge 110 may comprise a piano hinge, a barrel hinge, or any other suitable type of hinge.

[0045]When the debris collection apparatus 100 is in the closed configuration (FIG. 3A), the compliant strip 134 may extend over the slot 130 (e.g., may extend over an entirety of a lateral width of the slot 130) to contact the environmental surface 346 proximate (e.g., adjacent to) the debris 348. An implement 350 (depicted as a broom) may be used to urge (e.g., brush, sweep, push, etc.) the debris 348 from the environmental surface 346 onto the upper panel 118 (e.g., into the upper chamber 124). The debris 348 that has been urged onto the upper panel 118 (e.g., collected into the upper chamber 124) may be referred to as upper collected debris 348a. When urging the debris 348 from the environmental surface 346 onto the upper panel 118 using the implement 350, some of the debris 348 may collect at the front edge of the compliant strip 134 where the compliant strip 134 contacts the environmental surface 346 due to the thickness of the compliant strip 134 impeding the debris 348. The debris 348 that collects at the front edge of the compliant strip 134 may be referred to as a residue line 348b.

[0046]When the debris collection apparatus 100 moves from the closed configuration (FIG. 3A) to the open configuration (FIG. 3B), the upper member 106 moves (e.g., pivots) upwards away from the lower member 108 in a generally upward direction 372. Accordingly, the compliant strip 134 moves upwards to reveal the slot 130 and the bellows 132 expands to increase a volume of a lower chamber 352. As described previously with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, when the debris collection apparatus 100 is in the closed configuration (FIG. 3A), the bellows 132 may collapse (e.g., fold) such that the lower chamber 352 has a minimum volume, and when the debris collection apparatus 100 is in the open configuration (FIG. 3B), the bellows 132 may expand such that the lower chamber 352 has a maximum volume. Stated differently, the lower chamber 352 may have a first volume when in the closed configuration and may have a second volume when in the open configuration, in which the first volume is less than the second volume. As the volume of the lower chamber 352 increases (e.g., as the upper member 106 moves away from the lower member 108), a pressure within the lower chamber 352 may decrease, generating a low-pressure area therein. Because the lower chamber 352 is sealed (e.g., substantially sealed) from the environment except through the slot 130, the low-pressure area within the lower chamber 352 may generate a suction (e.g., a vacuum) at the slot 130 that is configured to urge (e.g., suck, pull, etc.) the residue line 348b through the slot 130 and into the lower chamber 352. The debris 348 that has been urged into (e.g., collected within) the lower chamber 352 may be referred to as lower collected debris 348c.

[0047]As described previously with respect to FIGS. 1A-2B, in some implementations, the debris collection apparatus 100 may comprise transparent components (e.g., may include one or more windows 141) that may enable the upper collected debris 348a and the lower collected debris 348c to be viewable from the environment (e.g., while the debris collection apparatus 100 moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration). For example, the window 141 disposed on the upper ceiling 122 of the upper member 106 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B may enable viewing of the upper collected debris 348a from above the debris collection apparatus 100. As another example, the window 141 disposed along a lower portion of the lower side walls 128 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B may enable viewing of the lower collected debris 348c from lateral sides of the debris collection apparatus 100.

[0048]In some implementations, the upper chamber 124 may be separated from the lower chamber 352 such that the lower collected debris 348c may be inhibited (e.g., prevented) from traveling to the upper chamber 124 and the upper collected debris 348a may be inhibited (e.g., prevented) from traveling to the lower chamber 352. For example, the upper panel 118 may separate the upper chamber 124 and the lower chamber 352 (e.g., may separate the lower chamber 352 from the upper chamber 124). Furthermore, in some implementations, when the upper member 106 moves (e.g., pivots) away from the lower member 108 to move the debris collection apparatus 100 from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the upper panel 118 may tilt rearward such as to urge the upper collected debris 348a rearward toward the rear edge 356 of the upper panel 118 (e.g., toward the rear portion 104 of the debris collection apparatus 100). When the upper collected debris 348a is urged rearward, the upper collected debris 348a may collect where the upper ceiling 122 connects to the upper panel 118. Furthermore, in some implementations, the lower member 108 may include a removable access port 353 through which the lower chamber 352 may be accessed from the environment. For example, the access port 353 may extend through the lower panel 126 and into the lower chamber 352 such that the lower collected debris 348c may be removed from the lower chamber 352. The access port 353 may include features (e.g., O-rings, etc.) that are configured to reseal the lower chamber 352 after accessing the lower chamber 352.

[0049]As described previously, when the debris collection apparatus 100 moves from the closed configuration (FIG. 3A) to the open configuration (FIG. 3B), the upper member 106 moves (e.g., pivots) in the generally upward direction 370 away from the lower member 108. To move (e.g., pivot) the upper member 106 away from the lower member 108 in the generally upward direction 370, the lever 112 may be moved in a generally upward direction 372. The lever 112 may be coupled to the upper member 106 via the lever coupling 114. The lever coupling 114 may comprise a hinge mechanism 358, a linkage 360, and a bracket 362.

[0050]The hinge mechanism 358 may pivotally connect the lever 112 to the lower member 108 of the debris collection apparatus 100. The hinge mechanism 358 may define a pivot axis for movement of the lever 112 relative to the lower member 108 (e.g., the lower rear wall 136) that extends in a lateral direction of the debris collection apparatus 100. In some implementations, the pivot axis for movement of the lever 112 relative to the lower member 108 defined by the hinge mechanism 358 may be parallel with the pivot axis for movement of the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108 defined by the hinge 110. The hinge mechanism 358 may be or comprise any suitable type of hinge. For example, in some implementations, the hinge mechanism 358 may be or comprise a barrel hinge, a butt hinge, or any other suitable type of hinge. In the illustrated implementation, for example, the hinge mechanism 358 comprises a first portion that is pivotally coupled to the second portion, in which the first portion is connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the lower rear wall 136 of the lower member 108 and the second portion is connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the lever 112. Accordingly, in such an implementation, the hinge mechanism 358 may provide a pivotal connection between the lever 112 and the lower rear wall 136 of the lower member 108 such that the lever 112 may be moveable in the generally upward direction 370.

[0051]The linkage 360 may extend from the hinge mechanism 358 to the bracket 362 to couple the lever 112 to the upper member 106. For example, the linkage 360 may extend from the second portion of the hinge mechanism 358 such that the linkage 360 moves in response to movement of the lever 112 (e.g., movement of the lever 112 in the generally upward direction 370). As shown, the hinge mechanism 358 may be disposed on a rearward side of the lower rear wall 136. Accordingly, the linkage 360 may extend from the hinge mechanism 358, through the lower rear wall 136, and to the upper member 106 (e.g., the upper ceiling 122 of the upper member 106).

[0052]The bracket 362 may be configured to couple the linkage 360 to the upper member 106. For example, the bracket 362 may be connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the upper ceiling 122 of the upper member 106 and the linkage 360 may extend from the bracket 362 to the hinge mechanism 358. As shown, when the lever 112 moves in the generally upward direction 370, the linkage 360 may translate in a generally rearward direction. Furthermore, due to the pivotal movement of the lever 112 and the upper member 106, the linkage 360 may also rotate upon movement of the lever 112 in the generally upward direction 370. Accordingly, to accommodate such rotational movement of the linkage 360, the linkage 360 may be pivotally connected to the hinge mechanism 358 and/or the bracket 362. In some implementations, the hinge mechanism 358 may be configured to bias the debris collection apparatus 100 into the closed configuration. In such an implementation, the hinge mechanism 358 may comprise a spring (not expressly shown) that biases the lever 112 downward in a direction opposite the generally upward direction 370. Accordingly, the hinge mechanism 358 may bias the linkage 360 in a generally forward direction to bias the upper member 106 toward the lower member 108.

[0053]In some implementations, because the lever 112 is positioned rearward of the hinge 110, movement of the lever 112 in the generally upward direction 370 may exert a force upon the debris collection apparatus 100 that biases at least a portion of the debris collection apparatus 100 toward the environmental surface 346. For example, movement of the lever 112 in the generally upward direction 370 may exert a force upon the debris collection apparatus 100 that biases the front portion 102 of the debris collection apparatus 100 toward the environmental surface 346. In some implementations, movement of the lever 112 in the generally upward direction 370 may exert a force upon the debris collection apparatus 100 that biases at least a portion of the lower panel 126 toward the environmental surface 346. In some implementations, movement of the lever 112 in the generally upward direction 370 may exert a force upon the debris collection apparatus 100 that biases the front edge 354 of the upper panel 118 and/or the compliant strip 134 toward the environmental surface 346 when the debris collection apparatus 100 is in the closed configuration. In some implementations, movement of the lever 112 in the generally upward direction 370 may exert a force upon the debris collection apparatus 100 that biases the front edge 242 of the lower panel 126 and/or the slot 130 toward the environmental surface 346 while the debris collection apparatus 100 moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0054]A distance 366 between the residue line 348b and the slot 130 may affect the urging force exerted upon the residue line 348b by the suction (e.g., the vacuum). For example, a strength of the force exerted upon the residue line 348b by the suction may decrease in proportion to the distance 366. The distance 366 may depend on, for example, a longitudinal length 364 of the compliant strip 134 and/or an amount of longitudinal overlap between the compliant strip 134 and the upper panel 118. Accordingly, in some implementations, the distance 366 may be minimized by, for example, shortening a longitudinal length 364 of the compliant strip 134 and/or increasing the amount of longitudinal overlap between the compliant strip 134 and the upper panel 118 such that less of the longitudinal length 364 of the compliant strip 134 extends from the front edge 354 of the upper panel 118. To ensure, however, that the compliant strip 134 extends over the slot 130 to contact the environmental surface 346, in some implementations, the longitudinal length 364 of the compliant strip may be greater than a thickness 368 of the slot 130. In some implementations, a length of the longitudinal length 364 of the compliant strip 134 that extends from the front edge 354 of the upper panel 118 may be greater than the thickness 368 of the slot 130.

[0055]FIGS. 4A-4B are upper perspective view illustrations of the debris collection apparatus 100 showing the lever coupling 114 and the locking device 116. As shown, the hinge mechanism 358 may be connected to the lower rear wall 136 adjacent to (e.g., immediately above) a lever coupling aperture 474 that extends through the lower rear wall 136. As described previously with respect to FIGS. 3A-3B, the linkage 360 may extend (e.g., pivotally extend) from the hinge mechanism 358, through the lever coupling aperture 474, and to the bracket 362. The bracket 362 may be connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the upper member 106 (e.g., the upper ceiling 122 of the upper member 106) and the linkage 360 may be pivotally connected to the bracket 362.

[0056]As described previously with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, the locking device 116 may be configured to lock (e.g., maintain, hold, retain, etc.) the debris collection apparatus 100 in the open configuration. The locking device 116 may comprise opposing spring members (e.g., longitudinally extending metal strips) that include a geometric feature 478 located along a length thereof. The opposing spring members of the locking device 116 may be connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the upper member 106 (e.g., the upper ceiling 122 of the upper member 106) and extend generally rearward through the lower rear wall 136 via a locking device aperture 476. The opposing spring members may be configured to bias the locking device 116 toward edges of the locking device aperture 476. When the upper member 106 moves (e.g., pivots) in the generally upward direction 372, the locking device 116 may translate in a generally rearward direction. When the debris collection apparatus 100 reaches the open configuration (e.g., when the upper member 106 is moved away from the lower member 108 such that the lower chamber 352 has the maximum volume), the geometric feature 478 may interface with the lower rear wall 136 (e.g., at the edges of the locking device aperture 476) to lock (e.g., maintain, hold, retain, etc.) the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108. To release the locking device 116, a force may be applied to the locking device 116 to oppose the biasing force of the opposing spring members and disengage the geometric feature 478 of the locking device 116 from the lower rear wall 136 (e.g., from the edges of the locking device aperture 476).

[0057]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method 580 for collecting the debris 348 disposed on the environmental surface 346 with the debris collection apparatus 100. The method 580 may include positioning 582 the debris collection apparatus 100 on the environmental surface 346. Positioning 582 the debris collection apparatus 100 may include positioning the debris collection apparatus 100 on the environmental surface 346 such that the front edge 354 of the upper panel 118, the compliant strip 134, and/or the slot 130 are positioned proximate (e.g., adjacent to) the debris 348. Positioning 582 the debris collection apparatus 100 on the environmental surface 346 may also include positioning (e.g., laying) the lower panel 126 on (e.g., across, along, etc.) the environmental surface 346 such that at least a portion of the lower panel 126 (e.g., the front edge 242 and/or the slot 130) contacts the environmental surface 346.

[0058]The method 580 may also include urging 584 some of the debris 348 from the environmental surface 346 onto the upper panel 118 (e.g., into the upper chamber 124) when the debris collection apparatus 100 is in the closed configuration. Urging 584 some of the debris 348 from the environmental surface 346 onto the upper panel 118 (e.g., into the upper chamber 124) may include using the implement 350 (e.g., a broom) to urge the debris 348 from the environmental surface 346 onto the upper panel 118 (e.g., into the upper chamber 124). Urging 584 some of the debris 348 from the environmental surface 346 onto the upper panel 118 (e.g., into the upper chamber 124) may also include collecting a remainder of the debris 348 (e.g., the residue line 348b) at the front edge 242 of the upper panel 118 (e.g., a front edge of the compliant strip 134).

[0059]The method 580 may also include generating 586 a vacuum (e.g., a suction) at the slot 130 by moving (e.g., pivoting) the upper member 106 away from the lower member 108 in the generally upward direction 372. For example, when the upper member 106 moves away from the lower member 108, the bellows 132 may expand to increase the volume of the lower chamber 352 and generate a low-pressure area therein. The low-pressure area may create a vacuum (e.g., a suction) at the slot 130. Generating 586 the vacuum (e.g., the suction) at the slot 130 by moving (e.g., pivoting) the upper member 106 away from the lower member 108 in the generally upward direction 372 may also include moving the lever 112 in the generally upward direction 370 to move (e.g., pivot) the upper member 106 away from the lower member 108. Generating 586 the vacuum (e.g., the suction) at the slot 130 by moving (e.g., pivoting) the upper member 106 away from the lower member 108 in the generally upward direction 372 may also include moving the lever 112 in the generally upward direction 370 to urge (e.g., to apply a biasing force to) the debris collection apparatus 100 that urges at least a portion of the lower panel 126 toward the environmental surface 346.

[0060]The method 580 may also include urging 588 at least some of the remainder of the debris 348 (e.g., the residue line 348b) through the slot 130 and into the lower chamber 352 via the vacuum (e.g., the suction) generated at the slot 130. Urging 588 at least some of the remainder of the debris 348 (e.g., the residue line 348b) through the slot 130 and into the lower chamber 352 may also include urging at least some of the debris 348 not collected at the front edge 354 of the upper panel 118 (e.g., a front edge of the compliant strip 134) toward the slot 130.

[0061]The method 580 may also include locking 590—via the locking device 116—the upper member 106 (e.g., the upper panel 118) relative to the lower member 108 (e.g., the lower panel 126) such that the debris collection apparatus 100 is locked in the open configuration. Locking 590 the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108 such that the debris collection apparatus 100 is locked in the open configuration may include moving the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108 such that the opposing spring members urge the geometric feature 478 toward edges of the locking device aperture 476 to engage the geometric feature 478 with the lower rear wall 136 of the lower member 108.

[0062]The method 580 may also include emptying 592 the upper collected debris 348 a from the upper chamber 124 (e.g., the upper panel 118) and/or the lower collected debris 348c from the lower chamber 352. Emptying 592 the lower collected debris 348 c from the lower chamber 352 may include removing the lower collected debris 348c from the lower chamber 352 via the slot 130. Emptying 592 the lower collected debris 348 c from the lower chamber 352 may include removing the lower collected debris 348c from the lower chamber 352 via the access port 353.

[0063]The method 580 may also including unlocking 594—via the locking device 116—the upper member 106 (e.g., the upper panel 118) relative to the lower member 108 (e.g., the lower panel 126) such that the debris collection apparatus 100 is movable from the open configuration to the closed configuration. Unlocking 594 the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108 may include applying a force to the locking device 116 that opposes the biasing force of the opposing spring members to disengage the geometric feature 478 from the lower rear wall 136 such that the locking device 116 may translate in a generally forward direction to move the upper member 106 in a direction opposite the generally upward direction 372. Where the method 580 includes removing the lower collected debris 348c from the lower chamber 352 via the access port 353, unlocking 594 the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108 may include resealing the access port 353 such that the lower chamber 352 is sealed (e.g., substantially sealed) from the environment except through the slot 130. After unlocking 594 the upper member 106 relative to the lower member 108, the method 580 may be repeated to collect additional debris on the same or different environmental surfaces.

[0064]While the present disclosure has been described in connection with certain implementations, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed implementations but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.