Device and method for cleaning a landscape surface

Abstract

A new and useful device and method for cleaning a landscape surface of debris and/or dirt, which enables landscape rock to be substantially maintained on the landscape surface as the landscape surface is being cleaned, is provided, having an intake portion and an outlet portion in fluid communication with each other. The outlet portion is configured for attachment to a vacuum source and the intake portion has a distal end with an opening through which landscape material can be drawn into the intake portion from the surface of the landscape.

1 . Apparatus for separating debris from rock on a surface free of standing water comprising: 
 a power vacuum source;    an elongated tubular intake portion of a first constant diameter throughout having a single open entrance end and an opposite end wall and excluding any openings between said entrance end and said end wall;    an elongated tubular outlet portion of a second constant diameter throughout, smaller than said first constant diameter of said intake portion including an entrance end portion extending through said end wall into fluid communication with the interior of said intake portion and an outlet end having a single exit opening in communication with said vacuum source, said intake portion being of a length substantially greater than that of said outlet portion; and    means for grasping said apparatus in the hands of a user to facilitate advancement in a slightly raised position above said surface to permit the introduction of air, debris and rock into said intake portion whereby any debris lighter than rock will be drawn upwardly through said outlet portion into said vacuum source and rock lifted from the surface will return to said surface.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said intake portion and said outlet portion in combination are of a length to extend substantially to the waist level of a user.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said grasping means includes at least one handle member.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein said at least one handle member includes a first handle member that extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of said intake portion.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein said at least one handle member includes a second handle member that extends in a perpendicular plane to said first handle member.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein said first handle member is located on an exterior surface of said intake portion and said second handle member is located on an exterior surface of said outlet portion.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein a pressure state is created within said intake portion such that when the intake portion is lifted off of the surface, said rock in said intake portion returns to said surface.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said intake portion is at least twice as long as said outlet portion.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said outlet portion is disposed in a head assembly configured for attachment to the intake portion with the outlet portion in direct fluid communication with said intake portion.  
   
   
       10 . Apparatus for separating debris from rock on a landscape surface in a dry environment comprising: 
 an elongated tubular intake portion having a constant first diameter throughout said intake portion;    an elongated tubular outlet portion having a constant second diameter throughout said outlet portion, said first diameter being approximately twice as great as said second diameter;    said intake portion having an open entrance end and means defined by an end wall opposite said entrance end for deflecting rocks from entering said outlet portion, said outlet portion including an end portion extending from said deflecting means into fluid communication with an interior of said intake portion;    a power vacuum source in communication with an outlet end of said outlet portion; and    means for grasping and maneuvering said intake portion and said outlet portion in the hands of a user to facilitate advancement and positioning of said apparatus along the landscape surface.    
   
   
       11 . The apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein said outlet portion is substantially elbow shaped.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein a diameter of said open entrance end is substantially equal to a diameter of said opposite end wall.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein said deflecting means includes an end wall opposite said open entrance end with a central opening, said end wall extending at a substantially right angle to the direction of flow through said intake portion.  
   
   
       14 . A method of separating debris from landscape rock in a dry environment by providing an apparatus with a vacuum power source at one end of an outlet portion and an intake portion at an opposite end having a first constant diameter throughout, an open entrance and an opposite end wall, said outlet portion of a smaller constant diameter throughout than said first constant diameter of said intake portion and handle members attached to said apparatus, the method comprising: 
 attaching said power vacuum source to said elongated tubular outlet portion of said apparatus;    grasping said outlet portion and said intake portion that is in fluid communication with said outlet portion, by said handle members;    positioning said apparatus above said landscape rock, said apparatus being of a length to extend substantially to the waist level of a user;    permitting the introduction of air, debris and rock into said intake portion;    deflecting said landscape rock from entering said outlet portion through contact with said end wall of said intake portion;    returning said rock to a landscape surface; and removing debris through said outlet portion.    
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 14  wherein said steps further include maintaining the intake portion in a downward orientation with said open entrance in contact with said landscape surface.  
   
   
       16 . The method according to claim  35  wherein the step of returning said rock to a landscape surface includes lifting said intake portion off said surface causing said rock to be returned to said surface.