Abstract: A portable, vacuum-powered collection device is useful in yard maintenance and other similar applications where debris, some of which may be bulky, is being collected. The collection device makes use of a receptacle adapted to be worn on a user's back during operation. The receptacle has an opening for emptying its contents. A vacuum unit is operatively associated with the receptacle so that it can move leaves through an intake passage and collect them in the receptacle. In one implementation, the receptacle includes a lid secured to cover a corresponding opening in the bottom portion of the receptacle. When the lid is opened, the contents of the receptacle can be emptied. In certain other implementations, a mechanism is included in the collection device which is configured or adapted so that the user can selectively open the lid to empty the contents of the receptacle while still wearing the receptacle on the back.

Abstract: A portable, vacuum-powered collection device is useful in yard maintenance and other similar applications where debris, some of which may be bulky, is being collected. The collection device makes use of a receptacle adapted to be worn on a user's back during operation. The receptacle has an opening for emptying its contents. A vacuum unit is operatively associated with the receptacle so that it can move leaves through an intake passage and collect them in the receptacle. In one implementation, the receptacle includes a lid secured to cover a corresponding opening in the bottom portion of the receptacle. When the lid is opened, the contents of the receptacle can be emptied. In certain other implementations, a mechanism is included in the collection device which is configured or adapted so that the user can selectively open the lid to empty the contents of the receptacle while still wearing the receptacle on the back.