Apparatus and method for collection of debris

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus, typically used in collecting debris, that includes a collection volume with an intake opening and an exhaust opening and a shroud that surrounds the exhaust opening. Also disclosed is a method for collecting debris.

I claim:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for collection of debris comprising: 
 a collector volume having an intake opening and an exhaust opening; and    a shroud operatively attached to said exhaust opening.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said collector volume is a substantially enclosed hollow volume.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one portion of said collector volume is removably attached.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said exhaust opening includes a filter device.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said filter device includes a screen.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said collector volume is adapted to fit within a dump truck dump body.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein a removable portion of said collector volume is configured to communicate with a tailgate release mechanism.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said tailgate release mechanism is operable from a cab of the dump truck cab.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said tailgate release mechanism is operable at the removable portion.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said shroud is configured to allow a flow of fluid and particles exiting said exhaust opening to pass between said shroud and a deflecting surface.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further wherein said deflecting surface is a side of a dump truck dump body.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said deflecting surface is made of a flexible material.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein said flexible deflecting surface is positioned between said shroud and a side of a dump truck dump body.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said intake opening is on one of a side and a top of the collector volume.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said exhaust opening is on one of a side and a top of the collector volume.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said removable portion of said collector is hinged.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said removable portion of said collector is hinged.  
     
     
         18 . A method for collection of debris comprising: 
 providing a collector volume having an intake opening and an exhaust opening;    operatively attaching a shroud to said exhaust opening;    intaking debris and a fluid in said collector volume through said intake opening; and    exhausting said fluid from said exhaust opening.