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 mat for sweeping a surface, formed of grid-like, semi-flexible material. The mat is pulled over the surface to effect the sweeping. The material has open slots (112a,112b) therethrough. The slots have a leading edge and a trailing edge disposed transversely relative to the direction of travel of the mat. Ground debris can pass upwardly through each slot, over the respective railing edge to collect on an upper surface of the mat. Over the upper surface, the grid-like material defines an array of first apertures (136). At least a substantial proportion of the first aperatures (136) have within them second apertures (146) of smaller size than the first apertures.

Abstract: A device (300) for collecting debris from a surface. The device has a generally planar matting material (15) the undersurface of which is formed with depending bristles (14). The device (300) has an opening (16) therethrough which when the device is moved over a ground surface (18) with the bristles (14) in contact therewith debris on the ground surface (18) pass through the opening (16). The forward and aft edges (361, 362) of the matting (15) are provided with transverse stiffening members (363). A plurality of wheels (365) at least partially support the stiffening members (361, 362).