Abstract: A sweeper including a mat for sweeping a ground surface by moving the mat over the ground surface in a direction of travel substantially transverse to a leading edge of the mat, the mat having at least one slot extending therethrough and disposed transversely relative to the direction of travel whereby in use of the mat debris can pass through the slot over a trailing edge of the slot to collect on an upper surface of the mat, wherein the sweeper includes a cover over the mat for trapping debris on said upper surface of the mat.

Abstract: A device for collecting debris from a surface, comprising a catcher and a lifting ramp, wherein the lifting ramp is located forward of the catcher such that when the device is moved over a ground surface, debris on the ground surface passes upwardly over the lifting ramp onto the catcher, wherein the lifting ramp is shaped as an aerofoil to create downforce on the lifting ramp toward the ground surface from air moving across the aerofoil under said movement.

Abstract: A device for collecting debris from a ground surface, comprising a generally planar member with an opening therethrough such that when the device is laid on and moved forwardly over the ground surface debris on the ground surface passes upwardly through the opening onto a collection surface of the device, the device having an inclined surface extending upwardly and rearwardly from a transverse edge which forms a rear edge of the opening, wherein the device further includes at least one retaining barrier extending from a forward end at least partly across the collection surface, the forward end being at least partially over the inclined surface or rearward of the inclined surface.

Abstract: A device for collecting debris from a ground surface, comprising a flexible generally planar member with an opening therethrough such that when the device is laid on and moved forwardly over the ground surface debris on the ground surface passes upwardly through the opening onto a collection surface of the device, the device having an inclined surface extending upwardly and rearwardly from a transverse edge which forms a rear edge of the opening, wherein the device further includes at least one longitudinal retaining barrier extending at least partly across the collection surface such that at least part of the debris on the collection surface is retained from transverse movement along the collection surface by the longitudinal retaining barrier.

Abstract: A device for collecting debris from a ground surface, comprising a flexible generally planar member with an opening therethrough such that when the device is laid on and moved forwardly over the ground surface debris on the ground surface passes upwardly through the opening onto a collection surface of the device, the device having an inclined surface extending upwardly and rearwardly from a transverse edge which forms a rear edge of the opening, wherein the device further includes at least one longitudinal retaining barrier extending at least partly across the collection surface such that at least part of the debris on the collection surface is retained from transverse movement along the collection surface by the longitudinal retaining barrier.

Abstract: A device for collecting debris has a wheeled frame movable over a ground surface. An endless belt runs about a rear by roller and a forward support member on the frame such that an undersurface of a lower run of the belt engages the ground surface as the device traverses the ground surface. The belt is driven such that the lower run moves forwardly with respect to the speed of movement of the device over the ground surface. At the lower run of belt, debris on the ground surface passes through apertures in the belt to be deposited on the upper surface of the lower run, and is then transported on the belt to a collection receptacle carried by the device.

Abstract: A device for collecting debris from a surface. The device has a generally planar matting material the undersurface of which is formed with depending bristles. The device has an opening therethrough whereby when the device is moved over a ground surface with the bristles in contact therewith, debris on the ground surface is passed through the opening to rest on the matting material.

Abstract: A device for collecting debris from a surface. The device has a generally planar matting material the undersurface of which is formed with depending bristles. The device has an opening therethrough whereby when the device is moved over a ground surface with the bristles in contact therewith, debris on the ground surface is passed through the opening to rest on the matting material.

Abstract: A mat for sweeping a surface is provided with an elongated slot therethrough which extends transverse to the intended direction of movement of the mat over a surface whereby debris on the surface will pass upwardly through the slot for collection on the upper surface of the mat. The slot may be perpendicular or angled relative to the direction of travel and the trailing edge of the slot may be provided with a chamfered surface to assist in guiding debris upwardly onto the upper surface of the mat. The mat may be either a one piece flat flexible mat or may be comprised of a plurality of mat elements each of which has a slot therethrough and which may be connected to other mat elements to make a larger mat.