Articulating vacuum hose

摘要

A debris collection system is disclosed comprising a vehicle and an articulating vacuum hose. The articulating vacuum hose includes a vacuum hose assembly and an articulating arm. The articulating arm is configured to support the vacuum hose assembly which is comprised of a vacuum hose, support bands and support cables. The articulating arm includes a first arm extension and a second arm extension. The first arm extension is mounted to the vehicle and rotatable with respect to the vehicle about two perpendicular pivot axes. The second arm extension is pivotally connected to the first arm extension and is rotatable with respect to the first arm extension about a third pivot axis. The first and second arm extensions can be moved to a folded position wherein both extensions are parallel to each other and to an exterior surface of the vehicle.

主权项

1. A collection system for removing debris, the system comprising:
(a) a vehicle having a first generally vertical rear exterior surface having a first width and a vacuum source; (b) an articulating arm comprising:
(i) a first arm extension having a first side, the first arm extension being pivotally connected at a first end to the vehicle, the first arm extension being rotatable about a generally vertical first pivot axis to a first position that is generally parallel to the vehicle rear surface such that the first arm extension extends across at least a portion of the first width of the vehicle rear surface;(ii) a second arm extension having a first side, the second arm extension being pivotally connected to a second end of the first arm extension, the second arm extension being rotatable about a second pivot axis that is offset from the first arm extension such that the first and second arm extensions are movable to a folded position to provide generally parallel first and second arm extensions with the first sides of the arm extensions facing each other, wherein the second pivot axis is generally vertical when the first arm extension is placed in the first position; and (c) a vacuum hose connected to the vacuum source and supported by the articulating arm.