Lawn Debris Hopper, and Associated Devices, Systems and Methods

Abstract

A debris collector and associated systems and methods are disclosed. The debris collector is configured to receive and process debris, such as lawn debris, by way of a variety of intake systems, such as a basket and vacuum tube. After intake, the debris collector is configured to process the debris by way of an auger and agitators, so as to be passed through a blower fan for disposal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A debris collector, comprising:
 a. a chassis;   b. a hopper disposed on the chassis, the hopper comprising:
 i. a housing comprising first and second ends, the housing configured to receive debris and 
 ii. at least one auger disposed within the housing extending substantially from the first end to the second end; 
   c. a hydraulic system in operational communication with the at least one auger;   d. a blower further comprising a blower fan,   wherein the hopper is in operational communication with the blower.   
     
     
         2 . The debris collector of  claim 1 , further comprising a power source in operational communication with the hydraulic system. 
     
     
         3 . The debris collector of  claim 2 , wherein the power source is at least one hydraulic motor. 
     
     
         4 . The debris collector of  claim 1 , wherein the hopper is configured to prevent debris bridging. 
     
     
         5 . The debris collector of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one collector in operational communication with the hydraulic system. 
     
     
         6 . The debris collector of  claim 1 , further comprising a pressure switch in operational communication with the hydraulic system and configured to reverse the rotation of the at least one auger. 
     
     
         7 . The debris collector of  claim 6 , wherein the pressure switch is configured to reverse the rotation of the at least one auger for between about 1 and about 5 seconds. 
     
     
         8 . The debris collector of  claim 6 , wherein the pressure switch is configured to reverse the rotation of the at least one auger when oil pressure is between about 1000 and about 3000 pounds per square inch. 
     
     
         9 . The debris collector of  claim 1 , wherein the blower further comprises serrated edges configured for shredding lawn debris. 
     
     
         10 . A debris collector, comprising:
 a. a hopper comprising:
 i. a first end; 
 ii. a second end; 
 iii. an opening configured to receive debris; 
 iv. a hydraulic system comprising a hydraulic motor; and 
 v. at least one auger; 
   b. a blower disposed substantially at the first end of the hopper; and   c. a switch configured to reverse the rotation of the at least one auger,   wherein the hopper is in operational communication with the blower.   
     
     
         11 . The lawn debris collector of  claim 10 , wherein the switch is a pressure switch in operational communication with the hydraulic system and configured to reverse the rotation of the at least one auger based on oil pressure. 
     
     
         12 . The debris collector of  claim 11 , wherein the pressure switch is configured to reverse the rotation of the at least one auger when oil pressure is between about 1000 and about 3000 pounds per square inch. 
     
     
         13 . The lawn debris collector of  claim 10 , further comprising a power source in operational communication with the hydraulic system. 
     
     
         14 . The lawn debris collector of  claim 10 , wherein the blower fan further comprises serrated edges. 
     
     
         15 . The lawn debris collector of  claim 10 , wherein the hydraulic system further comprises a plurality of hydraulic pumps. 
     
     
         16 . The lawn debris collector of  claim 10 , further comprising an opening disposed near the first end of the hopper and configured for the intake of lawn debris. 
     
     
         17 . A system for collection of lawn debris, comprising:
 a. a hopper comprising:
 i. a hydraulic system; 
 ii at least one auger; and 
 iii. a device configured to prevent debris bridging around and in the at least one auger; 
   b. a blower in operational communication with the hopper;   c. a pressure switch configured to reverse the rotation of the at least one auger; and   d. at least one opening disposed near the first end of the hopper and configured for the intake of lawn debris.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the hydraulic system further comprises at least one hydraulic motor. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17 , further comprising a collector in operational communication with the hydraulic system, the collector mounted on the hopper. 
     
     
         20 . The lawn debris collector of  claim 17 , wherein the blower fan further comprises serrated edges configured for shredding lawn debris.