Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a fixed universal vehicle mounted sweeper assembly. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the sweeper assembly includes a plurality of brush strips, wherein the brush strips are positioned in a series of rows, such rows spaced apart in substantially parallel arrangement. Each of the plurality of brush strips is mounted to an underside of the assembly via a plurality of receiving channels. Each such cavity is adapted for affixing brush strips to the sweeper assembly. The sweeper assembly is modular, such that the components of such assembly can be packaged in a standard utility skid, and assembled in such a way that the structural integrity of the completed sweeper assembly is maintained.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a vehicle mounted sweeper accessories and, more particularly to a universal sweeper assembly for releasable securement to various vehicle platforms and plow frame accessories. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Vehicle mounted sweepers are known in the art, and a common type of sweeper is a rotary style sweeper. Generally, rotary sweepers are affixed to specially designed vehicles for sweeping only. Due to the considerable amount of dust generated from the rotation of the sweeps, dust collection is generally required. Due to the dust collection, complex electro-mechanical components, and the vehicle itself, these rotary sweepers can be very expensive to purchase and maintain. 
         [0003]    The present inventor has appreciated a disadvantage with the rotary sweeper considered above, namely, the need for a custom vehicle mounted sweeper assembly of simple, efficient construction, and compact arrangement, and devoid of complex electro-mechanical components and dust collection deficiencies. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    To overcome the disadvantages in prior sweeper assemblies (including, as described above), the present invention is simplified to have no moving parts, can be readily assembled by the end user, has a low manufacturing cost, and is universal in a manner that allows the assembly to be mounted to multiple vehicle platforms and vehicle frame accessories. 
         [0005]    One object of the present invention is to provide a sweeper assembly of compact component design that can be universally mounted to multiple vehicle platforms, including, but not limited to forks on a forklift, forklift masts, existing snow plow A-frame structures, skid steer coupling attachment, and 3-point hitch attachments, for the purpose of directing the movement of debris on a cleaning surface. 
         [0006]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a sweeper assembly that can be universally mounted to any vehicle with a fork attachment. 
         [0007]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sweeper assembly of efficient and sturdy design, wherein the disassembled sweeper assembly can be transported on a standard-sized pallet and, upon delivery, assembled and mounted on a vehicle. 
         [0008]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sweeper assembly wherein the brush strips are readily replaceable. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    In the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings ate only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
           [0010]    Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a sweeper assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the sweeper assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the sweeper assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a rear elevation view of the sweeper assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the sweeper assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is an alternate side elevation view of the sweeper assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 7A  is a side elevation view of an example brush strip in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7B  is a front elevation view of the brush strip of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8A  is a side elevation view of an example brush strip in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8B  is a front elevation view of the brush strip of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a sweeper assembly in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a sweeper assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention illustrating the installation and arrangement of brush strips within a first receiving channel. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of the sweeper assembly of  FIG. 10A  illustrating the installation and arrangement of brush strips within a second receiving channel. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of a sweeper assembly in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention illustrating the installation and arrangement of brush strips within a first receiving channel. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of the sweeper assembly of  FIG. 11A  illustrating the installation and arrangement of brush strips within a second receiving channel. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0027]    Further, while one or more embodiments of this invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the essence of this invention. All such modifications are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto. 
         [0028]    Referring first to  FIG. 1 , there is shown generally at reference numeral  2  a completed sweeper assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The sweeper assembly  2  includes a mounting frame  4  affixed to base  6 , the mounting frame  4  for reversibly mounting the sweeper assembly  2  to a vehicle, such as a forklift (or other vehicle with a fork attachment), or a snow plow mount assembly affixed to a vehicle. It is understood that the mounting frame  4  could assume a variety of configurations, such that the sweeper assembly  2  can be attached to a variety of vehicles, including but not limited to forklifts, cars, trucks, ATVs and the like. The base  6  is comprised of a first base member  8  and a second base member  10  and the base members  8 ,  10  are secured to the mounting frame  4  by conventional means, such as nut and bolt assemblies. Preferably, the base members  8 ,  10  are secured to the mounting frame  4  at a plurality of securement zones disposed along the length of the mounting frame  4 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , there are at least four primary securement zones on the mounting frame  4 , including two securement zones for each base member  8 ,  10 . In the  FIG. 1  embodiment, each securement zone is characterized by the presence of three bolts in substantial alignment with one another. By overlapping the mounting frame  4  with the centre seam between the base members  8 ,  10 , the structural integrity of the completed assembly  2  is enhanced. 
         [0029]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , a plurality of brush strips  12  are illustrated. Each of the plurality of brush strips depends from the under-side of the base  6 . The brush strips  12  are oriented on the assembly  2  in such a way that the lowermost portion of each brush strip  12  can make contact with the surface to be swept. To clarify, in a preferred embodiment, and for the intended purpose of providing a sweeping assembly, each brush strip  12  takes the form of an arrangement of bristles (including, optionally, rows of bristles) disposed along the length of an attachment member (not shown), similar to a standard bristle brush or sweeping broom configuration. Of course, the brush strips  12  could take on alternative configurations to suit the needs of the user. For example, instead of a bristle brush or sweeping broom configuration, the brush strips  12  could take the form of squeegee blade strips, or sponges, or other sweeping or cleaning tools. 
         [0030]    While the sweeping assembly  2  of the present invention could technically function with even a single row of brush strips  12  disposed proximate to the base  6 , in a preferred embodiment, and as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the assembly  2  is equipped with a plurality of rows of brush strips  12 . In this way, debris not captured within the first row of brush strips  12  could be captured in the second row of brush strips  12 , and so on. Of course, person of skill in the art will appreciate that any reasonable number of rows of brush strips  12  could be employed. 
         [0031]    Referring next to  FIG. 2 , an arrangement of brush strips  12  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is depicted. In the  FIG. 2  embodiment, four rows of brush strips are shown. Also shown are the attachment members  14  of each brush strip  12 . Each attachment member  14  runs substantially the length of each brush strip  12  and serves to secure the individual bristles of each brush strip  12  in place. The attachment members  14  also serve to interface with, and releasably connect to the under-side of the base  6 . Accordingly, via attachment of the attachment members  14  to the base  6 , the brush strips  12  are in turn releasably secured to the assembly  2 , and the brush strips  12  can be readily removed from the assembly  2  if the user desires. Consider, for example, that a user may desire to remove and replace brush strips  12  on the assembly  2  as the brush strips  12  become worn. To prevent the brush strips  12  from becoming displaced within each row, an end cap  26  may be fastened to each end of the base  6  after the brush strips  12  have been installed. 
         [0032]    Alternate views of the completed sweeper assembly  2  ( FIG. 1  embodiment) are illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In this embodiment, the mounting frame  4  has been adapted for securement of the sweeper assembly  2  to a standard forklift (not shown), or equivalent vehicle, via the mounting frame  4 . In particular, this mounting frame  4  embodiment comprises two fork receiving channels  20 , each fork receiving channel  20  for receiving a fork (not shown) of the forklift (not shown). Since most standard forklifts are composed of two forks, it is anticipated that a common embodiment of the mounting frame  4  for use on a forklift will comprise two receiving channels  20  disposed on the mounting frame  4  and spaced apart on the mounting frame  4 . 
         [0033]    Note that the fork receiving channels  20  (or more generally, receiving members) depicted in  FIGS. 1, 3 and 4  are sized to receive a portion of each fork of a forklift, such that the mounted sweeper assembly  2  is positioned at or near the distal end of each fork. Depending on the type of vehicle used with the sweeper assembly  2 , the means provided on the mounting frame  4  to mount the sweeper assembly  2  could take many forms. In the case of a forklift having an at least one fork, the mounting frame  4  must be equipped with an at least one receiving member  20  for engaging the at least one fork. Where a vehicle other than a forklift is employed, the mounting frame  4  must include an at least one receiving member  20  which is compatible with a connection point (or connection points) on the vehicle. 
         [0034]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , in the embodiment shown, the mounting frame  4  is also equipped with an at least one securement device  22 , each securement device  22  for interfacing with each of the at least one receiving members  20  and releasably securing a portion of the vehicle within (or onto) the receiving member  20 . For example, when the sweeper assembly  2  is mounted on a forklift, each fork of the forklift is manoeuvred into position within each receiving channel  20  and the securement device  22  which interfaces with each receiving channel is employed in order to fasten the sweeper assembly  2  to the vehicle. Each securement device  22  functions to prevent each engaged fork from disengaging from the sweeper assembly  2  while the forklift is in operation. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the at least one securement device takes the form of a bolt or tensioner. 
         [0035]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown at reference numeral  24 , an alternate (or additional) securement member for use in . In the embodiment shown, the securement member  24  is positioned substantially medially on the sweeper assembly  2 , such that the force of the assembly load is distributed relatively evenly on the securement member  24 . 
         [0036]    When using the sweeper assembly  2  on a vehicle, the vehicle user can lower the sweeper assembly  2  so that the lower most portion of each of the brush strips  12  is in contact with the surface to be cleaned. The vehicle user may then proceed to move the vehicle in the direction the user wants the debris to move. For example, if sweeping a lane way (or single-lane row in a warehouse), the user may manoeuvre the vehicle down the lane way close to the edge where the debris exists. At the end of the lane way, the user can raise the sweeper assembly  2  and either reverse the vehicle to a starting point and sweep the next row of debris, or shuffle the vehicle over to the next row of debris and lower the sweeper assembly  2  to back grab the debris to the opposite end of the lane way. 
         [0037]    Referring next to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a side elevation view of the assembly, wherein the brush strips  12  have been installed within rows, or receiving channels  18 , disposed on the underside of the base, via the brush strip attachment members  14 . In the  FIG. 6  embodiment, and as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the receiving channels  16  can be formed by a series of brush straps  16  which are affixed in a drop down position from the underside of the base  6 . The number of brush straps  16  employed will depend on the number of receiving channels  18  desired. Persons of skill in the art will appreciate that alternate means of securing the brush strips  12  to the base  6  of the sweeper assembly  2  can be employed, in addition to those depicted in the drawings and described herein. 
         [0038]    Importantly, when the sweeper assembly  2  of the present invention is employed for use in large scale applications (for example, to clean a large warehouse space), in order to facilitate efficient cleaning of a large space, the length of the completed sweeper assembly  2  could be substantial. For example, when used in large scale or industrial applications, it is anticipated that the sweeper assembly  2  (and/or the portion of the sweeper assembly  2  in contact with the surface to be cleaned) could be greater than four (4) feet long, and, more preferably, at least five (5) feet long. In other large scale or industrial applications, it is anticipated that the sweeper assembly  2  (and/or the portion of the sweeper assembly  2  in contact with the surface to be cleaned) could be upwards of seven (7) feet long or even greater than seven (7) feet in length. It is noted that a sweeper assembly  2  within the above-referenced size ranges would be unwieldly to move or transport. In addition, a sweeper assembly  2  within the above-referenced size ranges may, in the absence of additional support and/or stabilizing elements, lack sufficient structural rigidity, such that the sweeper assembly  2  (and its components, including the brush strips  12 , which are subject to friction force when in contact with a surface to be cleaned) could be prone to bending or buckling, or other damage. If the structural integrity of the sweeper assembly  2  is compromised in any way, then the sweeper assembly  2  will not function properly. For these reasons, one-piece or unitary construction of individual components of the sweeper assembly  2  of the present invention is not preferred where the sweeper assembly  2  is intended to be sized for large scale and/or industrial-type applications. 
         [0039]    In accordance with the foregoing, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the base  6  of the sweeper assembly  2  is comprised of two primary component pieces, namely the first base member  8  and the second base member  10 . As indicated above, when the sweeper assembly  2  is employed for large scale and/or industrial-type applications the sweeper assembly  2  may be of a length of at least sixty inches (60″) and eighty-four inches (84″), or greater, in which case, by splitting the base  6  into at least two component base members, it is anticipated that each base member will be less than forty-eight inches (48″) in length. In the embodiment shown, each of the first base member  8  and the second base member  10  are of substantially equal length, however, they need not be. Note as well that the overall length of the base  6  need not be the same length as the length of each row of assembled brush strips  12 . 
         [0040]    Since standard skids, or wood pallets, for primary use in the transportation of goods, measure roughly forty inches by forty-eight inches (40″×48″), it is desired that no component of the sweeper assembly  2  measures greater than 48″ in its unassembled form. Sizing the sweeper assembly  2  components this way will result in reduced manufacturing and shipping costs, and will have the added benefit of providing the user with an assembly that can be reduced to a compact shape for transportation and/or storage. 
         [0041]    Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10A , the sweeper assembly  2  includes brush strips  12  of at least two different sizes, a first size of length A, and a second size of length B, wherein the length of each of A and B is less than the length of the base  6 . Note that in the sweeper assembly  2  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in the completed assembly, two brush strips  12  of different lengths are shown in the outermost row of brush strips, as denoted by the demarcation line between each brush strip  12  of the outermost row. The demarcation line indicates the point of abutment between adjacent brush strips. Importantly, and as will be discussed below, in order to enhance the structural integrity of the assembly design, while maintaining compact component design, when mounting brush strips  12  on the sweeper assembly. In this regard, if every brush strip  12  were of equivalent (or near equivalent) length, then the abutment points between adjacent brush strips  12  within a row would align (or substantially align) with the abutment points between adjacent brush strips in an adjacent row. Since the abutment points represent areas of structural weakness along the length of the brush strips  12 , in order to enhance the structural integrity of the brush strip assembly, it is preferred that the brush strips are arranged in such a way that the abutment points between adjacent brush strips in adjacent rows do not align (or substantially align). In this regard, consider that if the abutment points between adjacent brush strips in adjacent rows are in alignment (or substantial alignment), then the application of force applied to one row (in this example, the first row) of brush strips (for example, via frictional force associated with the movement of the brush strips along a cleaning surface) could force those brush strips into contact with an adjacent row of brush strips, and in the absence of a structurally intact adjacent row (and in particular, in the absence of a point of stability at the point where the abutment point of the first row contacts the adjacent row), the brush strip assembly could fall apart or separate. For this reason, it is desired that the brush strips  12  be arranged in such a way that the abutment points on adjacent rows are not aligned, or substantially aligned. For this reason, it is also desired that the abutment points of adjacent brush strips  12  do not align (or substantially align) with the abutment point between the first base member  8  and the second base member  10 . 
         [0042]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , which illustrates a sweeper assembly  2  of an approximate length of eighty-four inches ( 84 ″), brush strips  12  of approximately twenty-one inches (21″) (labelled as brush strip A in  FIGS. 10A and 10B ) and forty-two inches (42″) (labelled as brush strip B in  FIGS. 10A and 10B ) may be employed. The referenced lengths are examples only and are not intended to be limiting. 
         [0043]    Still referring to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , in order to maximize the structure integrity of the completed sweeper assembly  2 , it is important that the brush strips A, B be installed in such a way that the abutment point between two brush strips installed in one row of the base  6  do not align, or substantially align, with the abutment point between two brush strips installed on an adjacent row. In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , note that each brush strip A is approximately half the length of each brush strip B, and the overall length of two B brush strips, or four A brush strips, or a combination of  1 B brush strip and two A brush strips is equivalent, or near equivalent, to the overall length of the base  6 . 
         [0044]    In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the sweeper assembly  2  includes four rows, and the brush strips A, B are installed in the following pattern, wherein brush strips installed in the same row (or receiving channel) abut one another: 
         [0045]    Row 1: (A, B, A)—Brush strip A is installed first, followed by brush strip B, and lastly brush strip A; 
         [0046]    Row 2: (B, B)—Brush strip B is installed first, followed by a second brush strip B; 
         [0047]    Row 3 (not shown): (A, B, A)—Brush strip A is installed first, followed by brush strip B, and lastly brush strip A; and 
         [0048]    Row 4 (not shown): (B, B)—Brush strip B is installed first, followed by a second brush strip B. 
         [0049]    In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , which illustrates a sweeper assembly  2  of an approximate length of sixty inches (60″), brush strips of approximately eighteen inches (18″) (labelled as brush strip A in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ) and forty-two (42″) (labelled as brush strip B in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ) may be employed. The referenced lengths are examples only and are not intended to be limiting. 
         [0050]    In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the sweeper assembly  2  includes four rows, and the brush strips A, B are installed in the following pattern, wherein brush strips installed in the same row abut one another: 
         [0051]    Row 1: (A, B)—Brush strip A is installed first, followed by brush strip B; 
         [0052]    Row 2: (B, A)—Brush strip B is installed first, followed by a second brush strip A; 
         [0053]    Row 3 (not shown): (A, B)—Brush strip A is installed first, followed by brush strip B; and 
         [0054]    Row 4 (not shown): (B, A)—Brush strip B is installed first, followed by a second brush strip A. 
         [0055]    In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, stand-alone brush strips of two different lengths are depicted in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , and  FIGS. 8A and 8B , respectively. Note that varying numbers and sizes of brush strips  12 , and rows to accommodate brush strips  12  can be employed, however, from a manufacturing standpoint, it is contemplated that optimally efficient assembly design may necessitate the production of no more than two to four different sized brush strips. Further, and to clarify, while the illustrated embodiments depict four rows, or four rows of receiving channels  18 , any reasonable number of receiving channels  18  could be used. 
         [0056]    The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the subject matter of the claims. The described example embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being only illustrative and not restrictive. The present disclosure intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology. The scope of the present disclosure is, therefore, described by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.