HIGH EFFICIENCY DUST CONTROLLING GUTTER BROOM APPARATUS

Abstract

A high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus comprises a mounting arm, and a gutter broom having a mounting structure and bristles depending from the mounting structure. The gutter broom is mounted via the mounting structure in supported relation on the mounting arm for rotation about a gutter broom axis. A gutter broom motor rotates the gutter broom about the gutter broom axis. A shroud has a roof portion and a wall portion depending from the roof portion. The shroud is mounted in supported relation on the mounting arm such that the roof portion covers at least a rear portion of the mounting structure of the gutter broom and the wall portion covers at least a rear portion of the bristles of the gutter broom. An air-flow precluding member is secured to the gutter broom for rotation therewith, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through the gutter broom.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to shrouded gutter brooms for use in street surface cleaning vehicles, sidewalk surface cleaning vehicles, and factory floor surface cleaning vehicles, and more particularly to such shrouded gutter brooms that channel air flow efficiently.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of street cleaning vehicles, sidewalk cleaning vehicles, and factory floor cleaning vehicles use gutter brooms to sweep dirt and debris that is adjacent to vertical surfaces such as curbs and buildings. Such surface cleaning vehicles have both a left and a right gutter broom; however, only one gutter broom is normally run as the sweeper encounters most debris in the curb area on the right side of the surface cleaning vehicle.

There are significant problems associated with gutter brooms on conventional prior art street cleaning vehicles, sidewalk cleaning vehicles and factory floor cleaning vehicles. One of the most significant problems is that a thin layer of dirt, dust or other fine particulate matter often remains on the surface being cleaned after the gutter broom passes over. This thin layer of dirt, dust or other fine particulate matter might be within cracks and crevices in the surface being cleaned, or might be on the surface being cleaned, often in the form of swirl marks. Leaving a thin layer of dirt, dust or other fine particulate matter on the surface being cleaned is highly undesirable.

Further, there is a significant amount of airborne dust or other fine particulate matter that is created by gutter brooms during use. Gutter brooms must rotate quickly in order to maximize the speed of vehicle while sweeping, but cannot rotate too quickly because too much dust is created. Current gutter broom shrouds, in their attempt to contain dust, close off the broom not allowing it access to the debris that needs to be swept. Such closing off of the gutter broom creates a ploughing effect of debris, especially when large debris is encountered, such as leaves, cans and bottles, and so on.

It is known to apply air suctioning to a gutter broom shroud; however, in present prior art shrouded gutter brooms, it is common to have significant leakage of dust from the gutter broom shroud. Further, the amount of air that needs to be applied to gutter broom shrouds in order to gain even reasonable dust control is quite significant. It is highly desirable to reduce the amount of air that needs to be applied to gutter broom shrouds since air suctioning systems are expensive, and of course are proportionally costly according to the amount of air flow that can be generated.

Further, the air suctioned from the shrouded gutter broom must be filtered, which is difficult and problematic. Accordingly, it is highly desirable to filter a minimum amount of dust-contaminated air.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus that precludes a thin layer of dirt, dust or other fine particulate matter from remaining on a surface being cleaned after the gutter broom passes over.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus that captures virtually all of the airborne dust or other fine particulate matter that is created by gutter brooms during use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus that reduces the amount of air that is required to suction the gutter broom shrouds during use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus that reduces the amount of air filtration required.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus that is inexpensive.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus that does not impede or block the functionality of a gutter broom in terms of cleaning a curb or the like in all sweeping conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus for use on a surface cleaning vehicle. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus comprises a mounting arm, and a gutter broom having a mounting structure and bristles depending from the mounting structure. The gutter broom is mounted via the mounting structure in supported relation on the mounting arm for rotation about a gutter broom axis. A gutter broom motor is operatively connecting in driving relation to the gutter broom for rotating the gutter broom about the gutter broom axis. A shroud has a roof portion and a wall portion depending from the roof portion. The shroud is operatively mounted in supported relation on the mounting arm such that the roof portion covers at least a rear portion of the mounting structure of the gutter broom and the wall portion covers at least a rear portion of the bristles of the gutter broom. There is an air-flow precluding member secured to the gutter broom for rotation therewith, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through the gutter broom.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus for use on a surface cleaning vehicle. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus comprises a gutter broom having a mounting structure and bristles depending from the mounting structure. The gutter broom is mounted via the mounting structure in supported relation on a mounting arm for rotation about a gutter broom axis. A gutter broom motor is operatively connecting in driving relation to the gutter broom for rotating the gutter broom about the gutter broom axis. A shroud has a roof portion and a wall portion depending from the roof portion. The shroud is operatively mounted in supported relation on the mounting arm such that the roof portion covers at least a rear portion of the mounting structure of the gutter broom and the wall portion covers at least a rear portion of the bristles of the gutter broom. There is an air-flow precluding member secured to the gutter broom for rotation therewith, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through the gutter broom.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom for use on a surface cleaning vehicle. The gutter broom comprises a mounting structure, and bristles depending from the mounting structure. An air-flow precluding member is secured to one of the mounting structure and the bristles for rotation therewith, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through the gutter broom.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel invention in a gutter broom for use on a surface cleaning vehicle. The gutter broom has a mounting structure and bristles depending from the mounting structure. The improvement comprises an air-flow precluding member secured to the gutter broom for rotation therewith, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through the cavity of the gutter broom.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel high efficiency dust controlling pick-up head apparatus for use on a surface cleaning vehicle. The high efficiency dust controlling pick-up head apparatus comprises a housing extending between a first end and a second end, and having a suctioning bottom opening. There is a dust and debris outlet in the housing for permitting dust and debris to egress the housing into a hopper. A debris suctioning inlet in the housing is disposed adjacent the first end of the housing for suctioning dust and debris into the housing. There is a debris passage within the housing from the debris suctioning inlet to the dust and debris outlet. There is also a gutter broom mounting arm and a gutter broom having a mounting structure and bristles depending from the mounting structure. The gutter broom is mounted via the mounting structure in supported relation on the mounting arm for rotation about a gutter broom axis. A gutter broom motor is operatively connecting in driving relation to the gutter broom for rotating the gutter broom about the gutter broom axis. A shroud has a roof portion and a wall portion depending from the roof portion. The shroud is mounted in supported relation on the mounting arm such that the roof portion covers at least a rear portion of the mounting structure of the gutter broom and the wall portion covers at least a rear portion of the bristles of the gutter broom. An air-flow precluding member is secured to the gutter broom for rotation therewith, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through the gutter broom. The gutter broom is mounted on the housing adjacent the debris suctioning inlet such that air is suctioned through the gutter broom and into the debris suctioning inlet.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus according to the present invention, mounted on a surface cleaning vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the front and above of the first preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from below of the first preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the first preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the first preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the first preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the first preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the first preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a sectional side elevational view of the first preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of FIG. 1, taken along section line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a sectional perspective view from the bottom of the first preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of FIG. 1, taken along section line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a cut-away perspective view from the bottom of the first preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view from above of the air-flow precluding member of the second preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a partially cut-away perspective view from the side of the third preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view from above of the air-flow precluding member of the fourth preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a partially cut-away side elevational view of the fifth preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a partially cut-away side elevational view of the sixth preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view from above of the seventh preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view from above of the eighth preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus according to the present invention; and,

FIG. 19 is a partially cut-away perspective view from the front and above of a ninth preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 19 of the drawings, it will be noted that FIGS. 1 through 11 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 12 illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 13 illustrates a third preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 14 illustrates a fourth preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 15 illustrates a fifth preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 16 illustrates a sixth preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 17 illustrates a seventh preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 18 illustrates a eighth preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 19 illustrates a ninth preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 through 11, which show a first preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 120. The first preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 for use on a surface cleaning vehicle 122. In use, the surface cleaning vehicle 122 travels forwardly generally along a longitudinal axis “L”. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 basically comprises a mounting arm 124, a gutter broom 130, a gutter broom motor 140, a shroud 170 and an air-flow precluding member 180. In the figure, there is only one high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 shown. Typically, a surface cleaning vehicle 122 would have a left high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 and a right high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120, although only one high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 is necessary. For the sake of brevity and convenience, in the present document, only one high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 will be specifically discussed, for each embodiment.

More specifically, the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 comprises a mounting arm 124 that is mountable on the surface cleaning vehicle 122 by means of suitable fasteners, or any other suitable means. The mounting arm 124 has a substantially horizontal main arm 124a and movable distal end portion 124b connected to the main arm 124a by a bracket 125. The dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 is raisable and lowerable by the movable distal end portion 124b between a lowered-in-use position and a raised transport position.

The gutter broom 130 has a mounting structure 132 that preferably comprises a metal broom segment mounting plate 132. The gutter broom 130 is mounted via the mounting plate 132 in supported relation on the mounting arm 124 for rotation about a gutter broom axis “G”. The metal broom segment mounting plate 132 is securable to the drive shaft 142 of a gutter broom motor 140 by means of threaded fasteners (not specifically shown). The gutter broom motor 140 is thereby operatively connected in driving relation to the gutter broom 130 for rotating the gutter broom 130 about the gutter broom axis “G”. As perhaps can be best seen in FIG. 9, the gutter broom motor 140 is mounted on a metal mounting bracket 144 that is removably secured to the gutter broom mounting arm 124.

As can be readily seen in FIG. 1, the gutter broom 130 is mounted on the surface cleaning vehicle 122 by means of the gutter broom mounting arm 124 such that the gutter broom 130 is disposed forwardly of the debris pick-up apparatus 114, including the cylindrical main broom 116 and the debris elevator 118. Debris is propelled by the gutter broom 130 towards the laterally central area of the surface cleaning vehicle 122, where it is subsequently remove from the surface being cleaned by the cylindrical main broom 116 and the debris elevator 118 for subsequent storage in a hopper 119. Of course, any other suitable type of debris pick-up apparatus 114 could be used.

A plurality of bristles 150 depend from the mounting structure 132 to form a generally frustrum shape. In the first preferred embodiment as illustrated, the bristles 150 depend from segment plates 152 to together define gutter broom segments 154 that are secured to the broom segment mounting plate 132 by means of suitable threaded fasteners. The bristles 150 of the gutter broom 130 depending from the mounting structure 132 in a generally circumferential pattern to define a central cavity 160 beneath the mounting structure 132. A shroud 170 has a roof portion 172 and a wall portion 174 depending from the roof portion 172. The roof portion 172 of the shroud 170 is disposed over substantially the entire mounting structure 132 of the gutter broom 130. The wall portion 174 of the shroud 170 extends around the periphery of the roof portion 172 of the shroud 170, with reference to frontwards, along the longitudinal axis “L”, from about one hundred twenty degrees to about three hundred sixty degrees in a clockwise direction, thereby defining a bristle presenting opening 177 from about three hundred sixty degrees in a clockwise direction from about one hundred twenty degrees to about three hundred sixty degrees in a clockwise direction.

The wall portion 174 also includes a rubber lower portion 174r that wears along with the bristles 150 of the gutter broom 130. The roof portion 172 of the shroud 170 is disposed in close relation to the metal broom segment mounting plate 132 and the wall portion 174 is disposed in close relation to the bristles 150 of the gutter broom 130.

An air outlet 176 is disposed in the shroud 170 and is connectable in fluid communication to source of air suctioning, either the main fan or an auxiliary fan of the surface cleaning vehicle 122. Air and dust are suctioned under the bristles 150 of the gutter broom 130 and to a small degree around the periphery of bristles 150, and into the air outlet 176.

The shroud 170 is operatively mounted in supported relation on the mounting arm 124 such that the roof portion 172 covers at least a rear portion of the mounting structure 132 of the gutter broom 130 and the wall portion 174 covers at least a rear portion of the bristles 150 of the gutter broom 130. Preferably, the wall portion 174 of the shroud 170 is disposed in close proximity to the bristles 150 in order to preclude a space for air flow therebetween.

An air-flow precluding member 180 secured to the gutter broom 130 for rotation therewith, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through the gutter broom 130. The first preferred embodiment air-flow precluding member 180 substantially obstructs air flow through the cavity of the gutter broom 130.

The first preferred embodiment air-flow precluding member 180 is substantially annular in shape, and also preferably is substantially frustum shaped to fit closely within the central cavity 160 defined by the bristles 150 of the gutter broom 130. An inwardly directed annular flange 182 is disposed at the top of the frustum shaped annular wall 184. Also, the first preferred embodiment air-flow precluding member 180 is thin walled, is substantially hollow, and is open at the bottom, for the purposes of ease of manufacture, low cost, and weight reduction.

Preferably, the air-flow precluding member 180 is made from rubber, or a suitable rubber compound, either natural or synthetic. Accordingly, the air-flow precluding member 180 wears with the bristles 150 of the gutter broom 130 and is replaced when the bristle segments are replaced.

In the first preferred embodiment, the air-flow precluding member 180 is disposed generally within the cavity of the gutter broom 130. This arrangement allows for ease of installation of the air-flow precluding member 180 onto the gutter broom 130 by means of suitable threaded fasteners extending through apertures in the inwardly directed annular flange 182, and received by the segment plates 154, and also subsequent removal therefrom.

The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 further comprises a seal 190 mounted on one of the mounting plate 132 of the gutter broom 130 and the roof portion 172 of the shroud 170, and extending substantially between the mounting plate 132 of the gutter broom 130 and the roof portion 172 of the shroud 170. Preferably, the seal 190 is mounted in sealed relation on one of the mounting plate 132 of the gutter broom 130 and the roof portion 172 of the shroud 170, for rotational sealing contact with the other of the mounting plate 132 of the gutter broom 130 and the roof portion 172 of the shroud 170. In the first preferred embodiment, the seal 190 is mounted in sealed relation on the mounting plate 132 of the gutter broom 130 for rotational sealing contact with roof portion 172 of the shroud 170, and is arcuate and extends around at least most of the arcuate length of the roof portion 172 of the shroud 170, which is just over half of the circumference of the mounting plate 132 of the gutter broom 130. In an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that the seal 190 is mounted in sealed relation on the roof portion 172 of the shroud 170 for rotational sealing contact with the mounting plate 132 of the gutter broom 130. In this case, the seal should extend around the entire circumference of the mounting plate 132 of the gutter broom 130. Alternatively, it could comprise a plurality of radially disposed seals extending from the center of the mounting plate 132 of the gutter broom 130 (at the drive shaft 142) to the perimeter of the mounting plate 132 of the gutter broom 130.

It can readily be seen that the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 according to the present invention substantially obstructs air flow through said gutter broom 130 and the shroud 170, and thereby permits a very significant air flow to be suctioned by the air outlet 176 in the shroud 170, as caused by the source of air suctioning, under the bristles 150. Accordingly, there is higher air speed at area of dust creation. Therefore, the dust and other fine particulate matter is readily removed from the surface being cleaned, in a manner unknown in the prior art and unmatched by the prior art. It can also be readily understood that the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 according to the present invention needs less air flow and less filtering than prior art shrouded gutter brooms.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 12, which shows a second preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 220. The second preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 220 is similar to the first preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 except that the air-flow precluding member 280 is not attached to the segment plates of the gutter broom segments, but instead is frictionally engaged on the bristles (not shown). A plurality of ribs 281 on the air-flow precluding member 280 help retain the air-flow precluding member 280 in place.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 13, which shows a third preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 320. The third preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 320 is similar to the first preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 except that the air-flow precluding member 380 is disposed exteriorly to the bristles 350. More specifically, the air-flow precluding member 380 comprises a cover mounted on the gutter broom for rotation therewith. The air-flow precluding member 380 is in surrounding relation around at least an upper portion of the gutter broom bristles 350, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through the cavity of the gutter broom 330. Further, inwardly directed annular flange disposed at the top of the frustum shaped annular wall has been replaced by a outwardly directed annular flange 382 is disposed at the top of the frustum shaped annular wall 384.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 14, which shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 420. The fourth preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 420 is similar to the third preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 320 except that the air-flow precluding member 480 is not attached to the segment plates of the gutter broom segments, but instead is frictionally engaged on the bristles (not shown). A plurality of inwardly projecting ribs 481 on the air-flow precluding member 480 help retain the air-flow precluding member 480 in place. A plurality of outwardly projecting ribs 483 on the air-flow precluding member 480 help the air-flow precluding member 480 move debris to is destination, especially large debris.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 15, which shows a fifth preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 520. The fifth preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 520 is similar to the first preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 except that the air-flow precluding member 580 is disposed between an inner ring of bristles 550a and an outer ring of bristles 550b.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 16, which shows a sixth preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 620. The sixth preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 620 is similar to the fifth preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 520 except that the air-flow precluding member 680 is not attached to the segment plates of the gutter broom segments, but instead is frictionally engaged between the inner ring of bristles 650a and the outer ring of bristles 650b. A plurality of ribs 681 on the air-flow precluding member 680 help retain the air-flow precluding member 680 in place.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 17, which shows a seventh preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 720. The seventh preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 720 is similar to the first preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 except that in the seventh preferred embodiment, the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 720 is disposed adjacent the debris suctioning inlets 715,716 of the housing 710 of the pick-up head 719.

The seventh preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling pick-up head apparatus 720 is for use on a surface cleaning vehicle. The high efficiency dust controlling pick-up head apparatus comprises the pick-up head 719 having a housing 710 extending between a first end 711 and a second end 712, and having a suctioning bottom opening 714. There is a dust and debris outlet 713 in the housing 710 for permitting dust and debris to egress the housing into a hopper (not shown). A debris suctioning inlet 715 is disposed adjacent the first end 711 of the housing 710 and a debris suctioning inlet 716 is disposed adjacent the second end 712 of the housing 710 for suctioning dust and debris into the housing 710. Only one gutter broom high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 720 and the one debris suctioning inlet 715 will be discussed for the sake of clarity.

There is a debris passage 709 within the housing 710 from the debris suctioning inlet 715 to the dust and debris outlet 713. A gutter broom mounting bracket 724 is secured to the housing 710.

A gutter broom 730 has a mounting structure 732 and bristles 750 depending from the mounting structure 732. The gutter broom 730 is mounted via the mounting structure 732 in supported relation on the gutter broom mounting bracket 724, for rotation about a gutter broom axis “G”. A gutter broom motor 740 is operatively connecting in driving relation to the gutter broom 730 for rotating the gutter broom 730 about the gutter broom axis “G”.

The gutter broom 730 is mounted on the housing 710 adjacent the debris suctioning inlet 715, such that air is suctioned through the gutter broom 730 and into the debris suctioning inlet 715. The gutter broom 730 propels debris forwardly of the housing 710 towards the debris receiving front inlet 712 that has a paddlewheel door mechanism 713.

A shroud 770 has a roof portion 772 and a wall portion 774 depending from the roof portion 772. The shroud 770 is mounted in supported relation by the mounting bracket 724 such that the roof portion 772 covers at least a rear portion of the mounting structure 732 of the gutter broom 730 and the wall portion 774 covers at least a rear portion of the bristles 750 of the gutter broom 730.

An air-flow precluding member 780 is secured to the gutter broom 730 for rotation therewith, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through the gutter broom 730. As in the previous embodiments, the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 720 substantially obstructs air flow through said gutter broom 730 and the shroud 770; however, in the seventh preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 720 the air flow suctioning is caused by the debris suctioning inlet 715 of the housing 710. The air-flow precluding member 780 permits a very significant air flow to be suctioned by the debris suctioning inlet 715, under the bristles 750.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 18, which shows a eighth preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 820. The eighth preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 820 is similar to the first preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 except that the eighth preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 820 is disposed adjacent the debris suctioning inlets 815,816 of the housing 810 of the pick-up head 819.

The eighth preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling pick-up head apparatus 820 is for use on a surface cleaning vehicle. The high efficiency dust controlling pick-up head apparatus comprises the pick-up head 819 having a housing 810 extending between a first end 811 and a second end 812, and having a suctioning bottom opening 814. There is a dust and debris outlet 813 in the housing 810 for permitting dust and debris to egress the housing into a hopper (not shown). A debris suctioning inlet 815 is disposed adjacent the first end 811 of the housing 810 and a debris suctioning inlet 816 is disposed adjacent the second end 812 of the housing 810 for suctioning dust and debris into the housing 810. Only one gutter broom high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 820 and the one debris suctioning inlet 815 will be discussed for the sake of clarity.

There is a debris passage 809 within the housing 810 from the debris suctioning inlet 815 to the dust and debris outlet 813. A gutter broom mounting bracket 824 is secured to the housing 810 of the pick-up head 819.

A gutter broom 830 has a mounting structure 832 and bristles 850 depending from the mounting structure 832. The gutter broom 830 is mounted via the mounting structure 832 in supported relation on the mounting bracket 824, for rotation about a gutter broom axis “G”. A gutter broom motor 840 is operatively connecting in driving relation to the gutter broom 830 for rotating the gutter broom 830 about the gutter broom axis “G”.

The gutter broom 830 is mounted on the housing adjacent the debris suctioning inlet 815, in rearwardly offset relation, such that air is suctioned through the gutter broom 830 and into the debris suctioning inlet 815. Further, the gutter broom 830 propels debris directly into the debris suctioning inlet 815 to take advantage of the air suctioning into the debris suctioning inlet 815.

A shroud 870 has a roof portion 872 and a wall portion 874 depending from the roof portion 872. The shroud 870 is mounted in supported relation on the mounting bracket 824 such that the roof portion 872 covers at least a rear portion of the mounting structure 832 of the gutter broom 830 and the wall portion 874 covers at least a rear portion of the bristles 850 of the gutter broom 830.

An air-flow precluding member 880 is secured to the gutter broom 830 for rotation therewith, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through the gutter broom 830. As in the previous embodiments, the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 820 substantially obstructs air flow through said gutter broom 830 and the shroud 870; however, in the eighth preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 820 the air flow suctioning is caused by the debris suctioning inlet 815 of the housing 810. The air-flow precluding member 880 permits a very significant air flow to be suctioned by the debris suctioning inlet 815, under the bristles 850.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 19, which shows a ninth preferred embodiment of the high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 920. The ninth preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 920 is similar to the first preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 120 except that in the ninth preferred embodiment high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus 920, there is a shortened wall portion 975 disposed vertically above the bristle presenting opening 977. Further, the bristle presenting opening 977 is defined by an upwardly and rearwardly slanted front edge 987a and an upwardly and forwardly slanted rear edge 987b. A forward seal 979a is mounted on the wall portion 974 of the shroud 970 adjacent the front of the bristle presenting opening 977. The forward seal 979a extends towards the bristles 950 of the gutter broom 930 and preferably contacts the bristles 950 as the gutter broom 930 rotates, in order to generally seal the space between the wall portion 974 and the bristles 950. Similarly, a rearward seal 979b is mounted on the wall portion 974 of the shroud 970 adjacent the rear of the bristle presenting opening 977. The rearward seal 979b extends towards the bristles 950 of the gutter broom 930, and preferably contacts the bristles 950 as the gutter broom 930 rotates, in order to generally seal the space between the wall portion 974 and the bristles 950.

There is also a seal 990 mounted in sealed relation on one of the mounting plate 932 of the gutter broom 930 and the roof portion 972 of the shroud 970, for rotational sealing contact with the other of the mounting plate 932 of the gutter broom 930 and the roof portion 972 of the shroud 970. In the ninth preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the seal 990 is mounted on the roof portion 972 of the shroud 970 for rotational sealing contact with the mounting plate 932 of the gutter broom 930. The seal extends substantially between the mounting plate 932 of the gutter broom 930 and the roof portion 972 of the shroud 970.

As can be readily seen in FIG. 19, the seal 990 defines the air-flow path 996 across a forward portion of the gutter broom apparatus 920 between the mounting plate 932 and the roof portion 972 of the shroud 970. The air-flow path has an egress 996b in air delivery relation with respect to the air outlet 976 of the gutter broom apparatus 920, and an air ingress 996a in air-receiving relation with respect to the bristle presenting opening 977. More specifically, the seal 990 comprises an inner portion 992 that extends along the air-flow path 996 and a peripheral portion 994 disposed adjacent the periphery of the mounting plate 932 clockwise from the air ingress 996a to the air egress 996b. The air outlet 976 of the gutter broom apparatus 920 has been located to be adjacent to the air egress 996b.

In an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that the air-flow precluding member is substantially solid, thereby precluding air flow from being directed upwardly into the interior of the air-flow precluding member, as is possible in the other embodiments, thereby keeping the air flow that is under the air-flow precluding member close to the surface being cleaned.

As can be understood from the above description and from the accompanying drawings, the present invention provides a high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus that precludes a thin layer of dirt, dust or other fine particulate matter from remaining on a surface being cleaned after the gutter broom passes over, that captures virtually all of the airborne dust or other fine particulate matter that is created by gutter brooms during use, that reduces the amount of air that needs to be applied to gutter broom shrouds during use, and that is inexpensive, all of which features are unknown in the prior art.

Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus for use on a surface cleaning vehicle, said high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus comprising:

a mounting arm;

a gutter broom having a mounting structure and bristles depending from said mounting structure, and wherein said gutter broom is mounted via said mounting structure in supported relation on said mounting arm for rotation about a gutter broom axis;

a gutter broom motor operatively connecting in driving relation to said gutter broom for rotating said gutter broom about said gutter broom axis;

a shroud having a roof portion and a wall portion depending from said roof portion, and wherein said shroud is operatively mounted in supported relation on said mounting arm such that said roof portion covers at least a rear portion of said mounting structure of said gutter broom and said wall portion covers at least a rear portion of said bristles of said gutter broom; and,

an air-flow precluding member secured to said gutter broom for rotation therewith, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through said gutter broom.

2. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bristles of said gutter broom depending from said mounting structure in a generally circumferential pattern to define a central cavity beneath said mounting structure, and wherein said air-flow precluding member substantially obstructs air flow through said cavity of said gutter broom.

3. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 2, wherein said air-flow precluding member is disposed generally within said cavity of said gutter broom.

4. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 3, wherein said air-flow precluding member is substantially annular in shape.

5. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 4, wherein said air-flow precluding member is thin walled.

6. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 3, wherein said air-flow precluding member is substantially frustum shaped.

7. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 4, wherein said frustum shaped air-flow precluding member is substantially hollow.

8. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 7, wherein said frustum shaped air-flow precluding member is open at the bottom.

9. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air-flow precluding member is made from rubber.

10. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air-flow precluding member comprises a cover mounted on said gutter broom for rotation therewith in surrounding relation around at least an upper portion of said gutter broom bristles, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through said cavity of said gutter broom.

11. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 10, wherein said cover is mounted on said gutter broom mounting structure.

12. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 11, wherein said cover is mounted on said gutter broom bristles.

13. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 10, wherein said air-flow precluding member is substantially annular in shape.

14. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 13, wherein said air-flow precluding member is thin walled.

15. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 13, wherein said air-flow precluding member is substantially frustum shaped.

16. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air-flow precluding member is substantially annular in shape.

17. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 16, wherein said air-flow precluding member is thin walled.

18. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 17, wherein said air-flow precluding member is disposed between an inner ring of bristles and an outer ring of bristles.

19. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 18, wherein said air-flow precluding member is substantially frustum shaped.

20. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an air outlet in said shroud connectable in fluid communication to source of air suctioning.

21. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 20, wherein said mounting structure of said gutter broom comprises a mounting plate.

22. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 21, wherein said mounting plate of said gutter broom comprises a broom segment mounting plate and said bristles are part of broom segments secured to said broom segment mounting plate.

23. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 21, wherein said roof portion of said shroud is disposed over substantially the entire mounting structure of said gutter broom.

24. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 23, wherein said wall portion of said shroud extends around the periphery of said roof portion of said shroud, with reference to frontwards, from about one hundred twenty degrees to about three hundred sixty degrees in a clockwise direction, thereby defining a bristle presenting opening from about three hundred sixty degrees in a clockwise direction from about one hundred twenty degrees to about three hundred sixty degrees in a clockwise direction.

25. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 24, further comprising a shortened wall portion disposed vertically above said bristle presenting opening.

26. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 25, wherein said bristle presenting opening is defined by an upwardly and rearwardly slanted front edge and an upwardly and forwardly slanted rear edge.

27. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 24, further comprising a forward seal mounted on said wall portion of said shroud adjacent the front of said bristle presenting opening and extending towards the bristles of said gutter broom, and a rearward seal mounted on said wall portion of said shroud adjacent the rear of said bristle presenting opening and extending towards the bristles of said gutter broom.

28. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 24, further comprising a seal mounted on one of the mounting plate of said gutter broom and the roof portion of said shroud, and extending substantially between the mounting plate of said gutter broom and the roof portion of said shroud.

29. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 28, wherein said seal is mounted in sealed relation on one of the mounting plate of said gutter broom and the roof portion of said shroud.

30. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 29, wherein said seal is mounted on one of the mounting plate of said gutter broom and the roof portion of said shroud for rotational sealing contact with the other of the mounting plate of said gutter broom and the roof portion of said shroud.

31. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 30, wherein said seal is mounted on said roof portion of said shroud.

32. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 31, wherein said seal defines an air-flow path across a forward portion of said gutter broom apparatus between said mounting plate and said roof portion of said shroud, said air-flow path having an egress in air delivery relation with respect to said air outlet of said gutter broom apparatus, and an air ingress in air-receiving relation with respect to said bristle presenting opening.

33. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus of claim 32, wherein said seal comprises an inner portion that extends along said air-flow path and a peripheral portion disposed adjacent the periphery of said mounting plate clockwise from said air ingress to said air egress.

34. A high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus for use on a surface cleaning vehicle, said high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom apparatus comprising:

a gutter broom having a mounting structure and bristles depending from said mounting structure, and wherein said gutter broom is mountable via said mounting structure in supported relation on a mounting arm for rotation about a gutter broom axis;

a gutter broom motor operatively connecting in driving relation to said gutter broom for rotating said gutter broom about said gutter broom axis;

a shroud having a roof portion and a wall portion depending from said roof portion, and wherein said shroud is operatively mountable in supported relation on the mounting arm such that said roof portion covers at least a rear portion of said mounting structure of said gutter broom and said wall portion covers at least a rear portion of said bristles of said gutter broom; and,

an air-flow precluding member secured to said gutter broom for rotation therewith, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through said gutter broom.

35. A high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom for use on a surface cleaning vehicle, said gutter broom comprising:

a mounting structure;

bristles depending from said mounting structure; and,

an air-flow precluding member secured to one of said mounting structure and said bristles for rotation therewith, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through said gutter broom.

36. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 35, wherein the bristles of said gutter broom depending from said mounting structure in a generally circumferential pattern to define a central cavity beneath said mounting structure, and wherein said air-flow precluding member substantially obstructs air flow through said cavity of said gutter broom.

37. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 36, wherein said air-flow precluding member is disposed generally within said cavity of said gutter broom.

38. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 37, wherein said air-flow precluding member is substantially annular in shape.

39. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 38, wherein said air-flow precluding member is thin walled.

40. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 37, wherein said air-flow precluding member is substantially frustum shaped.

41. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 38, wherein said frustum shaped air-flow precluding member is substantially hollow.

42. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 41, wherein said frustum shaped air-flow precluding member is open at the bottom.

43. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 35, wherein said air-flow precluding member is made from rubber.

44. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 35, wherein said air-flow precluding member comprises a cover mounted on said gutter broom for rotation therewith in surrounding relation around at least an upper portion of said gutter broom bristles, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through said cavity of said gutter broom.

45. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 44, wherein said cover is mounted on said gutter broom mounting structure.

46. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 35, wherein said cover is mounted on said gutter broom bristles.

47. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 45, wherein said air-flow precluding member is substantially annular in shape.

48. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 47, wherein said air-flow precluding member is thin walled.

49. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 47, wherein said air-flow precluding member is substantially frustum shaped.

50. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 35, wherein said air-flow precluding member is substantially annular in shape.

51. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 50, wherein said air-flow precluding member is thin walled.

52. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 51, wherein said air-flow precluding member is disposed between an inner ring of bristles and an outer ring of bristles.

53. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 52, wherein said air-flow precluding member is substantially frustum shaped.

54. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 35, wherein said mounting structure of said gutter broom comprises a broom segment mounting plate and said bristles are part of broom segments secured to said broom segment mounting plate.

55. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 35, further comprising a seal mounted on the mounting plate of said gutter broom.

56. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 55, wherein said seal is mounted in sealed relation on the mounting plate of said gutter broom.

57. The high efficiency dust controlling gutter broom of claim 55, wherein said seal is mounted on the mounting plate of said gutter broom for rotational sealing contact with the roof portion of a shroud of a gutter broom apparatus.

58. In a gutter broom for use on a surface cleaning vehicle, said gutter broom having a mounting structure and bristles depending from said mounting structure, the improvement comprising:

an air-flow precluding member secured to said gutter broom for rotation therewith, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through said cavity of said gutter broom.

59. A high efficiency dust controlling pick-up head apparatus for use on a surface cleaning vehicle, said high efficiency dust controlling pick-up head apparatus comprising:

a housing extending between a first end and a second end, and having a suctioning bottom opening;

a dust and debris outlet in said housing for permitting dust and debris to egress said housing into a hopper;

a debris suctioning inlet in said housing disposed adjacent said first end of said housing for suctioning dust and debris into said housing;

a debris passage within said housing from said debris suctioning inlet to said dust and debris outlet;

a gutter broom mounting arm;

a gutter broom having a mounting structure and bristles depending from said mounting structure, and wherein said gutter broom is mounted via said mounting structure in supported relation on said mounting arm for rotation about a gutter broom axis;

a gutter broom motor operatively connecting in driving relation to said gutter broom for rotating said gutter broom about said gutter broom axis;

a shroud having a roof portion and a wall portion depending from said roof portion, and wherein said shroud is mounted in supported relation on said mounting arm such that said roof portion covers at least a rear portion of said mounting structure of said gutter broom and said wall portion covers at least a rear portion of said bristles of said gutter broom; and,

an air-flow precluding member secured to said gutter broom for rotation therewith, to thereby substantially obstruct air flow through said gutter broom;

wherein said gutter broom is mounted on said housing adjacent said debris suctioning inlet such that air is suctioned through said gutter broom and into said debris suctioning inlet.