U.S. patent application number 10/715272 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for rotary broom attachment for traction vehicles.
Invention is credited to Gregerson, Dennis James.
Application Number | 20050102778 10/715272 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34574185 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050102778 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gregerson, Dennis James |
May 19, 2005 |
Rotary broom attachment for traction vehicles
Abstract
A rotary brush assembly that is mounted to a traction vehicle
such as a skid steer type vehicle in such a way to as to be capable
of sweeping horizontal, vertical, and overhead surfaces. The device
is capable of sweeping in close proximity to objects protruding
from these surfaces. The assembly is attached to the vehicle such
that the operator has and an unrestricted view of the swept surface
immediate to the brush, allowing the operator to address skips as
they occur.
Inventors: |
Gregerson, Dennis James;
(Waubay, SD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Dennis J. Gregerson
241 W. Railway Ave.
Waubay
SD
57273
US
|
Family ID: |
34574185 |
Appl. No.: |
10/715272 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/82 ;
15/87 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01H 1/056 20130101;
E02F 3/3414 20130101; E01H 1/053 20130101; E02F 3/96 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/082 ;
015/087 |
International
Class: |
E01H 001/05 |
Claims
Having described my invention in such terms as to enable those
skilled in the art to understand and practice it, and having
identified the presently preferred embodiments thereof, I
claim:
1. A rotary brush assembly powered by a traction vehicle having an
auxiliary hydraulic system, a forward and reverse direction of
travel empowering said assembly to sweep horizontal, vertical and
overhead surfaces, in close proximity of protruding objects,
comprising: a) a mounting frame; b) a brush support frame; c) a
rotary brush operatively connected to the brush support frame; d) a
yaw pivoting joint permitting rotation of the frame about a first
axis substantially perpendicular to the ground; e) a gutter broom
assembly operatively connected to the brush support frame; f) a
brush cover;
2. The brush assembly of claim 1 wherein the rotary brush rotates
about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the ground when
the brush support frame is in its centered position.
3. The brush assembly of claim 1 wherein the rotary brush having a
center shaft rotating about axis of claim 2, have a first end and a
second end, said first end coupled to a hydraulic motor.
4. The brush assembly of claim 1 wherein the gutter broom rotates
about an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the ground
when in the operating position, said axis substantially parallel to
the ground when in the rest position.
5. The brush assembly of claim 1 wherein the brush assembly is
mounted substantially below an implement arm.
6. A mechanism for attaching a rotary brush assembly to a traction
vehicle comprising: a) an implement arm extending from the traction
vehicle; b) a controlling surface located at an end of the
implement arm; c) a pivot joint located at the end of the implement
arm about which the controlling surface rotates, the pivot joint
having an axis of rotation resulting in a pitch motion of said
controlling surface; d) a means to attach said controlling surface
to said mounting frame of claim 1, said controlling surface is
controlled by the operator;
7. The mounting frame of claim 1, referenced in the operating
position, comprising: a) main beam, said beam having a top side,
bottom side, a right side, a left side, a front and rear;
8. The mechanism of claim 5 wherein said controlling surface is
maintained in a position substantially parallel with the ground
when said brush is engaged in sweeping horizontal surfaces.
9. The yaw pivoting joint of claim 1 comprising: a) a inner
bushing, said bushing attached to the front, underside of said beam
of claim 7; b) a rear hydraulic cylinder mount, said mount attached
to the rear, underside of said beam of claim 7; c) a outer bushing,
said bushing cut to a predetermined width, having an inside
diameter such that said outer bushing will tightly fit over the
outside diameter of said inner bushing; d) a front hydraulic
cylinder mount, said mount attached to said outer bushing. e) a
hydraulic cylinder, said cylinder having a rod end and a tube end,
said rod end attached to said front cylinder mount and said tube
end attached to rear cylinder mount.
10. The brush support frame of claim 1 comprising: a) a main beam
running perpendicular to the forward direction of travel, having
first an second ends; b) the outer bushing of claim 7, said bushing
attached to the top side and centered longitudinally as well as
crosswise on said main beam; c) a bearing support member, said
member having a front side, a back side, first and second ends,
said first end is fastened to the bottom side first end of said
main beam, protruding downward, at right angles from said main
beam; a) said support member having a top mounting bushing, middle
mounting bushing, and bottom mounting bushing, for the installation
of said gutter broom assembly of claim 1. b) said bushings are
fastened to said support member, vertically spaced, protruding
slightly through the front side and back side of said support
member. d) a bearing pad, said pad fastened to the second end of
said bearing support member. e) a motor support member, said member
having first and second ends, said first end is fastened to the
bottom side at second end of said main beam, protruding downward at
right angles from said main beam; f) a motor mount, said mount
fastened to the second end of said motor support member; g) a pair
of front brush cover members, said cover members having first and
second ends, said ends being aligned, first ends fastened to the
front sides of said bearing support member and said motor support
member respectively; said cover members protrude forward at right
angles from said bearing support member, and said motor support
members; h) a front brush cover cross member, said cross member
fastened to said second ends of said front cover members; i) a
front brush cover slot member, said member longitudinally attached
to said front cross member. j) a front slot, said slot created by
attaching said slot member to said front cross member k) a pair of
rear brush cover members, said cover members having first and
second ends, said ends being aligned, said first ends fastened to
the rear sides of said bearing support member and said motor
support member respectively, said cover members protrude downward
and away from bearing support member and said motor support member
respectively at an angle approximating 58 degrees; l) a rear brush
cover cross member, said cross member fastened to second ends of
said rear cover members; m) a pair of gusset mounts, said mounts
are fastened to the ends of said rear cross member; n) a pair of
skid shoes, said shoes attach to said mounts; o) a rear brush cover
slot member, said member longitudinally attached to said rear cross
member; p) a rear slot, said slot created by attaching said slot
member to said front cross member; q) a front cover retainer, said
retainer installed at the longitudinal center and the crosswise
center of said front slot member, pinning said slot member, said
cover and said front cross member together; r) a rear cover
retainer, said retainer installed at the longitudinal center and
the crosswise center of said rear slot member, pinning said slot
member, said cover and said front cross member together;
11. The brush cover of claim 1, said cover made from material
having elasticity, said cover having a front edge, a rear edge, a
left edge and a right edge, said front edge fitted into said front
slot and said rear edge fitted into said rear slot.
12. A means enabling the operator to control the rotation of both
said brush and said yaw pivot joint of claim 1, comprising: a) a
circuit selector valve, said valve operatively connected to
auxiliary hydraulic system of claim 1, wherein: a) said valve is
mounted on the top side toward the front of beam of claim 6; b)
said valve is operatively connected to motor of claim 3 and
cylinder of claim 9; c) the oil flowing from auxiliary hydraulic
system of claim 1 is operator controlled; d) said valve having a
first and second positions; e) said valve is manually actuated; f)
the first position of said valve, oil is supplied to motor of claim
3; g) the second position of said valve, oil is diverted to
cylinder of claim 9.
13. The gutter broom assembly of claim 1 comprising: a) a front and
rear support plate, said plates having: a first end, and a second
end, including: a) first, second, and third attachment holes, said
holes located on first end of said plate, said holes attach the
gutter broom assembly of claim 1 to brush support frame of claim 1
second and third of said holes being vertically spaced and aligned;
first of said holes are aligned and at right angles of said second
holes; second of said holes having a location relative to third of
said holes, commensurate with the vertical spacing of said middle
bushing of claim 10 relative to said bottom bushing of claim 10;
first of said holes having a location relative to second of said
holes, commensurate with the vertical spacing of said top bushing
of claim 10 relative to said middle bushing of claim 10; b) gearbox
mounting holes, said holes are aligned and located on said second
end of said plates; b) a right angle gearbox, said gearbox having a
right side, a left side, a front side, a back sided, a top side and
bottom side, comprising: a) a specified gear ratio; b) front side
mounting holes; c) a rear side mounting holes, said front side
mounting holes align with said rear side mounting holes; e) a input
shaft; f) a output shaft; c) a middle retaining pin, said retaining
pin fills the second of said attachment holes, passing through said
middle bushing of claim 10 creating a roll axis of rotation, said
axis permitting a roll movement of gutterbroom assembly of claim 1;
d) a top retaining pin, said retaining pin fills the first of said
holes passing through said top bushing of claim 10, said retaining
pin in cooperation with said middle retaining pin locks gutterbroom
assembly of claim 1 in it's rest position. e) a bottom retaining
pin, said retaining pin fills the third of said holes passing
through said bottom bushing of claim 10, said retaining pin in
cooperation with said middle retaining pin locks gutterbroom
assembly of claim 1 in its work position. f) a means by which to
convey rotational energy from second end of claim 3 to said input
shaft, said means comprising: a) shear pin b) a square drive hub,
said drive hub fixed to said second end by means of said shear pin;
c) a cup, said cup having four equal sides, an open end and a
closed end, said cup capable of tightly fitting over said drive
hub; d) a drive shaft, said drive shaft having a first and second
end, said first end attached to said cup; e) a universal joint,
having first and second ends, said first end attached to said
second end of said drive shaft, said second end of joint attached
to said gearbox; g) backing plate, said backing plate attached to
said output shaft; h) a gutter broom brush, said gutter broom brush
attached to said backing plate;
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0001] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to rotary angle broom sweeping
attachments for skid steer loaders.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The concept of employing rotary brooms to sweep flat
surfaces has been around for some time. Configurations for rotary
brushes are either transverse, where the brush axis of rotation is
parallel to the ground, or vertical, where the brush axis of
rotation is perpendicular to the ground. There are also single
brush configurations and multiple brush configurations. The present
invention deals with both a transverse single brush that will be
referred to as simply "the brush" and a single vertical brush that
will be referred to as a "gutter broom". It would be clear to one
skilled in the art that this invention could be applied to other
brush orientations and multiple brush assemblies as well.
[0004] Numerous improvements to rotary brushes have been made:
Mechanisms have been developed to change the angle of the broom
relative to the direction to in which it is being moved or drawn as
related in U.S. Pat. No. 1,806,054; Differing methods were
developed to drive the brush as presented in U.S. Pat. Nos.
2,229,229 and 3,284,831; Ways were devised to raise and lower the
brush as in U.S. Pat. No. 524,709; Contrivances were created to
keep the brush parallel with the surface being swept U.S. Pat. No.
6,446,297. There are also numerous ways in which the broom can be
moved across the swept surface such as self-powered brooms where
the broom assembly has its own means to drive the brush. Rotary
brooms have been pulled or pushed by any prime mover including
animal power since their inception as seen in U.S. Pat. No.
(30644). Rotary brooms have been adapted to fit onto many diverse
types of motor vehicles not specifically created with sweeping in
mind. These vehicles include road graders, trucks, lawn mowers,
utility tractors as well as skidsteer loaders.
[0005] Skidsteer loaders, because of their extreme maneuverability
and quick response are very well adapted for Rotary broom skidsteer
attachments. These broom-equipped skidsteers are employed in the
landscape industry to sweep leaves and level compost. They are used
in agriculture for a number of tasks such as cleaning livestock
pens and aiding in removing grain or granular fertilizers from
large flat storage bins. Parking ramp attendants use them to sweep
dirt and snow.
[0006] The motion of an object such as a brush assembly can be one
of six types. There are directions of linear motion and three types
of rotational motion. Linear motion is non-rotational motion of an
object along one of the three Cartesian coordinate axis, i.e.
forwards/backwards, side to side, or up/down. Rotational motion is
the spinning of an object about any one of the three Cartesian
axis. For the purposes of this invention, the following terms will
be used. The three linear degrees of motion are described in common
language terms such as forward/backward, up and down, and side to
side. These linear directions will also be used to define axis of
rotation for rotational motion. Rotation about the forward/backward
axis will be called roll, rotation about the up/down axis will be
called yaw, and rotation about the side-to-side axis will be called
pitch.
[0007] The skidsteer loader is an excellent means by which to power
a rotary broom, but the design of all previous rotary broom
attachments heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages
that inhibit their effectiveness:
[0008] (a) The operator's view of the sweeping operation is
impaired in the manner by which that conventional rotary brooms
attach to the skidsteer. Most attachments are connected to the
skidsteer by what has become known as the "quick attach adapter".
The invention discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,672,521 has become an
industry standard for quickly mounting tools such as buckets or
pallet forks to the skidsteer. The quick attach adapter and its
mounting position is illustrated in Bobcat brochure number B-1619
and Sweepster brochures numbers LH 6/00 and BDA 3/02. As is evident
in these brochures, skipped spots that the operator he has missed
will not be apparent to him until he has traveled far enough
forward to allow him to catch sight of them out his rear window.
This can be a significant distance depending on the design of the
skidsteer loader. To address a skipped spot, will require the
operator to move the skidsteer to the spot, reposition the brush at
the point where he started to skip, and re-sweep the area. The
operator will again not know if he has fully accomplished his task
until he can again view the area in question out of his rear
window.
[0009] (b) An operator of a conventional skidsteer powered angle
broom attachment has a limited vision to the sides of the
skidsteer. Operating a skidsteer with a rotary broom attachment
other than in an unobstructed open area requires the operator to
have good visibility of objects that are in close proximity of the
machine. The extremely quick response and maneuverability of the
skidsteer operating in a close proximity to stationary objects as
walls, raised sidewalks, or parked vehicles exemplify the
operator's need to have the best visibility possible. Sweeping when
pedestrians are present makes this need even more crucial. The main
boom arms of skidsteers must be in a specific position for all
sweeper attachments to function. Refer to Bobcat brochure number
B-1619 and Sweepster brochures number LH 6/00 and BDA 3/02. These
brochures illustrate the position at which the boom arms must be
maintained to effectively power conventional rotary brooms. The
boom arms run diagonally, starting low at the front of the
skidsteer and increase in height to a point at the rear of the
skidsteer. An increasingly large blind spot is formed beginning at
the sides of the skidsteer and culminating at the rear of the
machine. Jackson's invention, U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,297 is a rotary
broom attachment for a non-conventional type of skidsteer that has
the operator's platform on the rear of the skidsteer. The operator
of this type of skidsteer has a different field of vision from that
of an operator of a conventional skidsteer loader. If this device
where modified for use on a conventional skidsteer the operator's
view of the sweeping operation would be improved. However the
position of the "Quick attach adapter" would critically interfere
with the operator's view of objects in his forward direction of
travel. This is due to the "The controlling surface illustrated in
drawing FIG. 6 and the mounting surface number 13" of U.S. Pat. No.
6,446,279 must be in a relatively vertically position for the
device to function. Additionally, for this device to be adapted to
conventional skidsteers the distance between the skidsteer and the
brush would have to be increased along with all its controlling
members. A device of this proportion would mean that the brush
would be at a considerable distance ahead of the skidsteer making
the sweeping attachment front end heavy, cumbersome and hard to
control.
[0010] (c) It is apparent that adjustable angle rotary broom
skidsteer attachments heretofor known are limited in the amount of
tilt (yaw) to about thirty degrees. As illustrated in "Bobcat
brochure number B-1619", "Sweepster brochures numbers LH 6/00 and
BDA 3/02" and "BRADCO brochure B-AM 2/02". The reason for this
limitation is that when the broom is angled more than thirty
degrees the brush will not cover both right and left wheel tracks
of the skidsteer that powers it. Drawing FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c
illustrate a conventional angle broom attachment with the brush in
three positions of tilt (yaw). In FIG. 1a, the brush is in the
transverse or straight position. In FIG. 1b, the brush is tilted
thirty degrees. In FIG. 1c, the brush is tilted thirty-five
degrees. Comparing FIGS. 1b and 1c illustrates how the additional
five degrees of yaw will fail to cover the wheel track of the
skidsteer. This failure to cover the wheel track will increase the
occurrence of cross contamination of the area that has been swept.
FIG. 1c also demonstrates that the wheels of the skidsteer will
come in contact with a vertical object running parallel with the
skidsteer before the brush will. This inhibits the broom's ability
to sweep close to vertical objects without leaving a skip when the
broom is angled.
[0011] The inability of angle broom attachments to operate with an
angle (yaw) greater than thirty degrees has additional
drawbacks:
[0012] (1) Additional power is required to drive the brush because
more of the material being swept comes to rest in the path of the
brush rather than to the side. This means that the brush has to
continually re-sweep a greater portion of the sweepings with each
pass until it is cleared to the side of the skidsteer. In referring
to Drawing FIGS. 2a and 2b which are drawings of the same sweeper
attachment. The brush in FIG. 2a is angled less than the brush in
FIG. 2b. Number 10 of FIGS. 2a and 2b, indicate a box shaped area
depicting where the swept material will come to rest as the brush
continues on a forward path. Number 20 of FIGS. 2a and 2b, is a box
shaped area representing the sweepers forward path. Number 30 of
FIGS. 2a and 2b, indicates the triangular shaped areas that
represent the swept particles that will initially clear the
sweepers path as it moves forward. Number 40 of FIGS. 2a and 2b,
indicates a four sided polygonal area that represents particles
that have been swept at least once and will be swept again as they
have came to rest in the broom's path. The area represented by
number 40 of FIG. 2b is significantly smaller than the area
represented by number 40 of FIG. 2a. The difference in the size of
these two areas will represent the continuous additional amount of
re-swept material that the less angled brush will encounter in its
forward sweeping path. It is apparent that less power will be
needed by the brush that is angled more because less re-swept
material will be encountered with each pass of the broom.
[0013] (2) The continued re-handling of the sweepings, as has been
substantiated, will increase the wear on the bristles and
substantially reduces the service life of the brush in general.
[0014] (d) Prior art does not address the use of skidsteer-powered
brushes to clean surfaces such as walls and ceilings. Previous
skidsteer powered rotary angle brooms have been designed to sweep
on a relatively flat plane that extends parallel with the ground. A
need has been identified for a device which will aid in cleaning
the walls and ceilings of such things as semi-truck trailers,
barges, storage bins, and bunkers.
[0015] (e) Prior art was reviewed for an effective and economical
way for skidsteer loaders that are quipped with only one auxiliary
hydraulic circuit to operate both the drive motor and the angle
adjustment from the operators seat. A need has been recognized for
this and is addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,081. As is discussed
in this patent, skidsteer loaders are equipped with only one
auxiliary hydraulic circuit with one valve controlling the oil
flow. Rotary angle brooms need two such circuits to be efficient
(One circuit to supply oil flow for the motor that powers the brush
and one circuit to supply oil to the cylinder that adjusts the
angle (yaw) of the broom.) The search of prior art revealed that
except for this device the only other way found to accomplish this
task was to add an additional hydraulic valve, either manually or
electrically operated. These valves are typically mounted on the
broom. Prior to my invention the operator could not reach the
manually activated valve from his seat, requiring him to stop the
machine and leave the operator's compartment to manipulate the
valve. An electrically operated solenoid valve would allow the
operator to operate the valve from his seat. However an array of
burdensome electrical wires and connectors would be needed to make
it function. The skidsteer must also be wired with a means to
control the valve. Additionally an electrical connection must be
made each time the broom is attached to the skidsteer and
diconnected each time the broom is detached. The electrical
solenoid valve, wires, connections, and, controls are prone to
operational difficulties. This system often fails, which is not
surprising when one considers the environment the skidsteer is
designed to operate in. The device, U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,081 appears
to have solved the problem of controlling two separate rotary broom
functions with one auxiliary hydraulic circuit supplied by the
skidsteer. The cost involved in using this option to accomplish the
task is greater than what is needed as well as being much more
complicated.
[0016] (f) Prior to my invention it was impossible for skidsteer
powered rotary angle brooms, operated in an angled position, not to
leave skips next to vertical systems. Refer to drawing FIGS. 10b
and 10c. The right side wheels of the skidsteer will contact a
continuous vertical surface before the brush can get close. Many
commercial street sweeper manufacturers add what is called a gutter
broom to their sweeper to overcome this problem (refer to Broce
Broom brochure titled "Optional Curb Sweeper".) Currently makers of
skidsteer sweeper attachments have added them to "bucket brooms" as
referenced to in a YORK brochure titled, "Model SSPU York Skid
Steer Loader Mounted Sweeper". A bucket broom can be described as a
sweeper attachment for skidsteer loaders that have a rotary brush
fixed to the front of a bucket tool attachment. The rotary brush
deposits the sweepings into the bucket, in essence acting like a
large dustpan. Hydraulically driven gutter brooms have been
attached to these bucket brooms to allow the device to sweep next
to vertical structures. These hydraulically driven gutter brooms
can easily be added to rotary angle broom skidsteer attachments but
there is no prior art giving evidence of this fact. If a
manufacture were to add a conventional hydraulically driven gutter
broom to a rotary angle broom skidsteer attachment there would be a
number of problems to overcome:
[0017] (1) The gutter broom mount and the rotary broom structure
must be sturdy enough to support the high torque generated by the
gutter broom drive and endure continual incidental contact that is
indigenous to the gutter brooms normal operation;
[0018] (2) The gutter broom must be fixed to the rotary angle broom
in such a way as to be folded out of the way to a position that
would not interfere with the operation of the rotary brush when not
immediately needed;
[0019] (3) Typically, many sweepers that employ gutter brooms are
hydraulically driven. To install a gutter broom on a rotary angle
broom skidsteer attachment would require adding an additional
hydraulic system. This would entail installing an elaborate
hydraulic system to power the motor that drives the gutter broom,
additional to the system discussed in paragraph (e) under
Background of the Invention--Prior Art;
[0020] (4) The gutter broom must be fixed to the rotary angle broom
in such a way as to be removed easily if the need arises;
[0021] (5) A speed control would have to be devised to keep the
gutter broom rotating at a rate proportional to the rate of
rotation of that of the rotary brush;
[0022] (6) The hydraulically driven gutter broom would have to be
configured to the rotary angle broom in such a way that the gutter
broom could be operatively angled (yaw) in conjunction with the
rotary brush;
[0023] (7) An overall design would have to be employed that would
give the operator the ability to control the pitch angle of the
gutter broom while automatically maintaining alignment with the
rotary brush;
[0024] (8) An overall design that would provide the operator an
unobstructed view of the gutter broom in operation as well as
objects that the gutter broom may encounter. This design would also
need to allow for the operator to assess the quality of the
sweeping operation and make needed adjustments ongoing;
[0025] (9) Devise a way to elevate the gutterbroom, when the
attachment is not in operation to protect it from being
damaged.
[0026] (g) All brushes used by rotary angle brooms of the type
under discussion, must be elevated off the ground when not in use.
This precaution protects the brush and also prevents the brush from
getting flat spots. All manufacturers of skidsteer-powered rotary
angle broom attachments provide a means by which to elevate the
brush It is either crank down jacks or adjustable legs that must be
lowered. Usually at least one of either the jacks or legs are
needed for each right and left side of the sweeping attachment.
Please refer to prior art Bobcat brochure number B-1619, Sweepster
brochures numbers LH 6/00 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,035,478 (reference
number 94 "lift jack cranks"). Conversely when the broom is being
prepared for use these jacks or legs must be raised. A task
although necessary is quite time consuming and can be easily
overlooked if the skidsteer operator must switch attachment tools
frequently during the day;
[0027] (h) In reviewing prior art as U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,035,478 and
6,354,081 representative drawings of typical rotary angle broom
attachments it becomes apparent that inspecting and maintaining the
brush and its drive components is hampered by their design in
general. The brush cover limits access to these items when the
rotary angle broom is detached from the skidsteer and resting on
the support legs or jacks. Unless the skid steer is employed to
raise the broom to where the brush and its drive can be reached
more easily, access is to these areas is unduly difficult;
[0028] (i) Rotary angle brooms of current production have either a
formed sheet metal cover or one made of thin molded plastic. Refer
to typical prior art parts illustrations as in "BRADCO parts
illustration CI-40" and "Bobcat parts illustration volume 3
attachments FIG. 61" item number 1). Both types are held in place
with numerous threaded fasteners. The metal covers such as Bradco
and Sweepster employ are susceptible to cracks caused by vibration
and corrosion. Large areas of paint on the underside of the metal
broom covers are soon scratched away due to the abrasive nature of
the materials being swept. The molded plastic covers as seen in
"Bobcat brochure number B-1619" are far better for resisting
corrosion. One of the drawbacks related to these plastic covers is
the way that they are fastened. The plastic covers expand in warm
weather and contracts in cold. Bulges develop between the fasteners
in hot weather providing a place for dirt to accumulate. In cold
weather when the plastic contracts the accumulated dirt does not
allow the plastic to return to its original shape causing cracks to
occur around the fasteners;
[0029] (j) The parts required to assemble an average rotary angle
broom is displayed in a typical prior art parts illustration as
"BRADCO parts illustation CI-40" and "Bobcat parts illustration
volume 3 attachments FIG. 61 item number 1". It is easy to realize
that assembly of these rotary broom attachments can be intricate
and time consuming resulting in added cost to the consumer. Given
the large number of parts required to construct an adjustable
rotary angle broom using prior art designs one can foresee the
degree of maintenance that a broom of this design would need;
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION--OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0030] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention
are:
[0031] (a) To provide a sweeping attachment that will give the
operator a higher degree of sweeping dexterity that will produce a
savings over the prior art in time and equipment use, by: providing
a better view in regards to the sweeping operation proper without
detrimentally affecting his view of objects forward of the brush;
allowing the operator to detect any skips or areas that must be
readdressed as they occur thus the operator need not interrupt his
sweeping task to appraise the work he has accomplished; in essence
provide the operator an increase in control over the brush to match
the increase in view of the sweeping operation.
[0032] (b) To provide the operator a better view of objects in
close proximity to the right and left sides of the machine without
sacrificing the view of objects that are in the path of the brush.
An inherent feature of skidsteer loaders is its ability to maneuver
very quickly. The inability to clearly see objects or people near
the machine can have dire consequences. In the operating position
of my invention, the "quicktach adapter" that the brush assembly is
mounted to is rotated forward in a horizontal position rather than
a vertical position. This horizontal position gives the operator
the narrowest possible profile or view of the "quicktach adapter"
and will not detrimentally impair the operator's forward vision. In
the operating position the boom arms of the skidsteer are elevated
allowing the operator to see the tires of the skidsteer and any
objects close to them;
[0033] (c) My invention is capable of sweeping at angles (yaw)
greater than thirty degrees. This increase in operating angle (yaw)
over that of prior art will require less power to operate as well
as extend the life expectancy of the brush. By angling (yaw) the
brush more it is apparent that less power will be needed. Less
re-swept material will be encountered with each pass of the broom.
Consequently the bristles will have less wear which will increase
the life expectancy of the brush and the broom in general.
[0034] (d) To provide a rotary angle broom attachment for skidsteer
loaders capable of sweeping vertical surfaces at an angle as well
as overhead surfaces straight on. Most skidsteer tool attachments
such as the bucket tool utilize the full pitch motion of the
rotating joint that is located at the ends of the boom arms. Rotary
angle brooms illustrated in prior art only use very little of this
pivot motion. The Quicktach adapter" attached at this joint when
mated to a conventional rotary broom approximates vertical whether
the broom is used or parked. My invention utilizes the full range
of pitch motion available to the "quicktach adapter" therein giving
my invention the ability to sweep horizontal surfaces, vertical
surfaces, and ceilings.
[0035] (e) To provide an alternative method, that differs from
prior art, to hydraulically angle the brush from the operator's
seat. Prior art methods of alleviating this problem are either more
expensive, more complicated, harder to maintain, prone to failure,
or time consuming to connect and disconnect. My invention is less
complicated, less costly, easier to maintain, and more dependable
than what prior art offers. My invention utilizes a manual type
selector valve that is mounted on the broom attachment at a
location that the operator can easily reach. This is possible
because of the ability of my device to utilize the fill range of
pivoting motion that is available to the "Quicktach adapter"
previously discussed in (d) of Background of the Invention-Objects
and Advantages.
[0036] (f) To provide a means by which to allow a skidsteer powered
rotary angle broom, to sweep next to vertical structures with out
leaving a skip. To insure this function my invention provides:
[0037] (1) A sturdy platform to which is mounted a gutter broom
device. This platform is capable of enduring the rigors indigenous
to gutter brooms usage.
[0038] (2) A simple means by which the gutter broom is retracted to
a position that would not impair the operation of the rotary
broom;
[0039] (3) A drive system for the gutter broom without the need to
add additional hydraulics and insuring that both the gutter broom
and the rotary brush are operating conjunctively;
[0040] (4) A simple means to easily install and remove the gutter
broom as needed;
[0041] (5) A method to synchronize the speed of the gutter broom
with the speed of the rotary brush;
[0042] (6) A means to conjunctively angle (yaw) the rotary brush
and the gutterbroom;
[0043] (7) An overall design that gives the operator the means to
control the pitch angle of the gutter broom providing that the
functionality of both brooms remain interdependently constant as
the pitch angle is adjusted;
[0044] (8) A mechanism that gives the operator an unobstructed view
of the gutter broom working in conjunction with the rotary brush,
at the same time provide the operator with unimpaired view of
objects that the gutter broom is sweeping against;
[0045] (9) A means to automatically elevate the gutterbroom off the
ground when it is not used, in order to protect the brush;
[0046] (g) To provide for a means by which to elevate the rotary
brush off the ground automatically when the broom is parked and not
in use, effectively insuring that the brush is protected.
[0047] (h) To provide an improved designed rotary angle broom
skidsteer attachment that allows the broom to be inspected and
maintained more easily than what is presented in prior art;
[0048] (i) To provide a cover assembly that is, easier to install
or remove, less prone to cracking, cheaper to construct and less
costly to maintain;
[0049] (j) To provide an invention that negates the need for jacks
or legs that must be lowered each time the broom is disconnected
and then raised each time the broom is attached to the skidsteer,
thereby increasing overall productivity of the operator and the
machine;
[0050] (k) To provide a rotary angle broom attachment for skidsteer
loaders that requires fewer pieces, less time to construct and
costs less to produce.
[0051] Further objects and advantages of my invention will become
apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing
description.
SUMMARY
[0052] A rotary brush assembly powered by a traction vehicle having
a auxiliary hydraulic system, a forward and reverse direction of
travel. The operator controlled brush assembly is capable of
sweeping horizontal, vertical and overhead surfaces, in close
proximity of protruding objects.
DRAWING--FIGURES
[0053] FIG. 1a. Is an overhead view depicting the straight forward
position of a conventional rotary angle broom of a prior art
design, in relationship to the tires of the skidsteer to which it
is attached.
[0054] FIG. 1b. Is an overhead view depicting a sweeping pattern
made by a conventional rotary angle broom of a prior art design
operating at an angle of thirty degrees, in relationship to the
tires of the skidsteer powering it.
[0055] FIG. 1c. Is an over head view depicting a sweeping pattern
made by a conventional rotary angle broom of a prior art design
operating at an angle of thirty five degrees, in relationship to
the tires of the skidsteer powering it.
[0056] FIG. 2a. Is an overhead view depicting a sweeping pattern
expressing the amount of sweepings a brush must re-sweep at the
current angle of adjustment.
[0057] FIG. 2b. Is an overhead view depicting a sweeping pattern
expressing the amount of sweepings a brush must re-sweep at an
angle of adjustment that is greater than that exhibited in FIG.
2a.
[0058] FIG. 3a Is a side view of my invention in the parked
position, of the preferred embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 3b. Is a side view of my invention in the operating
position, of the preferred embodiment.
[0060] FIG. 4a. Is a perspective view displaying the two main
frameworks my invention.
[0061] FIG. 4b. Is a perspective view of the two main frames of my
invention assembled.
[0062] FIG. 5. Is a frontal view of my invention in the
straight-forward position without the brush cover.
[0063] FIG. 6a. Is a over head view of my invention angled entirely
to the right, depicting the swept area in relationship to the
wheels of the skidsteer.
[0064] FIG. 6b. Is a over head view of my invention in the straight
ahead position, depicting the swept area in relationship to the
wheels of the skidsteer.
[0065] FIG. 6c. Is a over head view of my invention angled entirely
to the left, depicting the swept area in relationship to the wheels
of the skidsteer.
[0066] FIG. 7. Is a side view of my invention indicating the
placement of its parts.
[0067] FIG. 8. Is a side view of the brush support frame and the
cover support frame.
[0068] FIG. 8a. Is an exploded side view of cover slots support
frame and the cover support frame.
[0069] FIG. 9. Is a frontal view of my invention in the straight
forward position without the brush cover detailing the brush drive
assembly.
[0070] FIG. 10. Is a side view of my invention showing the gutter
broom attached to the brush support frame in its operating
position.
[0071] FIG. 10a. Is a frontal view of my invention showing the
gutter broom attached to the brush support frame in its operating
position.
[0072] FIG. 11. Is an enlarged side view of my invention showing
the gutter broom attached to the brush support frame in its
operating position.
[0073] FIG. 11a. Is an enlarged frontal view of my invention
showing the gutter broom attached to the brush support frame in its
operating position.
[0074] FIG. 11b. Is an exploded frontal view of my invention
showing the gutter broom drive mechanism.
[0075] FIG. 11c. Is a frontal view of my invention depicting the
operating, intermediate and stored positions of the gutter
broom.
[0076] FIG. 11d. Is an exploded frontal view of my invention
showing the drive hub and cup that comprises the flexible drive
coupler.
[0077] FIG. 12. Is of a alternative embodiment of my invention
powered by a tracked backhoe working overhead.
[0078] FIG. 13. Is of a alternative embodiment of my invention
powered by a tracked back hoe working in a trench exposing buried
cable.
DRAWINGS
Reference Numerals
[0079] 1. Skid steer loader
[0080] 1a. Boom arms
[0081] 1b. Hydraulic cylinders
[0082] 1c. Operators cab
[0083] 1e. Hydraulic cylinders
[0084] 2. Broom assembly
[0085] 3. Top quick attach adapter pivot joint
[0086] 4. Pivot joint
[0087] 5. Pitch axis
[0088] 10. Support structure
[0089] 10a. Quick attach receiver
[0090] 10b. Beam
[0091] 10d. Quick attach adapter
[0092] 15. Hydraulic Cylinder
[0093] 20. Brush support frame
[0094] 20a. Brush
[0095] 20b. Hydraulic motor
[0096] 20c. Main beam
[0097] 20d. Motor support member
[0098] 20e. Bearing support member
[0099] 20g. Broom shaft
[0100] 20h. Bearing
[0101] 20i. Threaded fasteners
[0102] 20j. Bearing pad
[0103] 20f. Splined coupler
[0104] 21. Brush axis of rotation
[0105] 27. Manual double selector valve
[0106] 28a. Motor mount
[0107] 30. Yaw pivot joint
[0108] 31. Inner bushing
[0109] 31a. Threaded fasteners
[0110] 31b. Flat washers
[0111] 31c. Threaded locking nuts
[0112] 31g. Rear cross member
[0113] 32. Outer bushing
[0114] 33. Vertical axis
[0115] 35. Pentagonal shaped gussets
[0116] 35a. Skid shoes
[0117] 35b. Threaded fasteners
[0118] 37a. Forward brush cover members
[0119] 37c. Front cross member
[0120] 37d. Rear brush cover members
[0121] 37g. Rear cross member
[0122] 37m. Ninety-degree angle iron
[0123] 38. Brush cover
[0124] 38f. Front brush cover edge
[0125] 38r. Rear brush cover edge
[0126] 39f. Front brush cover retaining slot
[0127] 39r. Rear brush cover retaining slot
[0128] 50. Gutter broom Assembly
[0129] 50b. Gutter broom brush
[0130] 50c. Top hole
[0131] 50d. Middle hole
[0132] 50e. Bottom hole
[0133] 50f. Roll joint
[0134] 50i. Roll joint axis
[0135] 50j. Backing plate
[0136] 50k. Hub
[0137] 50l. Drive line
[0138] 50m. Drive hub
[0139] 50n. Cup
[0140] 50o. Drive shaft
[0141] 50p. Pin
[0142] 50q. Gearbox
[0143] 50r. Input shaft
[0144] 50s. Support plate
[0145] 50t. Drive hub hole
[0146] 50u. Gutter broom drive shaft hole
[0147] 50v. Output shaft
[0148] 50w. Shear pin
[0149] 50x. Universal joint
[0150] 51c. Top bushing
[0151] 51d. Middle bushing
[0152] 51e. Bottom bushing
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e--Preferred Embodiment
[0153] FIG. 3a shows the invention of a broom assembly 2 attached
to a skid steer loader 1 in the parked position. FIG. 3b shows the
invention in the work position of its preferred embodiment. A skid
steer loader 1 is adapted for use in many industrial, agricultural
and landscaping applications wherein easy maneuverability, power
lifting and transporting capabilities are required. The skid steer
loader 1 is provided with a pair of laterally spaced boom arms 1a
that are driven along an arcuate path by hydraulic cylinders 1b.
One end of the boom arms 1a are pivotally attached to the main body
of the skid steer loader 1 on each side of the operator cab 1c. The
opposite ends of the boom 1a arms are pivotally attached to the
bottom of the "quick attach adapter" 10d forming pivot joint 4
rotating about a pitch axis 5. The tube ends of hydraulic cylinders
1e are pivotally attached on the boom arms and the rod ends of
hydraulic cylinders 1e are also pivotally attached to the top of
"quick attach adapter" 1d forming pivot joint 3. The expansion and
contraction of hydraulic cylinders 1e produces the pitch motion of
pivot joint 4. The actuation of hydraulic cylinder 1e is a normal
function of the skid steer loader 1 and is controlled by the
operator.
[0154] FIGS. 4a and 4b shows broom assembly 2 divided into two main
parts: The brush support frame 20 that holds a brush 20a and
support structure 10 including a quick attach receiver 10a. The
quick attach receiver 10a, is configured to be quickly attached and
detached from the "quick attach adapter" mechanism 10d of the skid
steer loader 1. The attachment is made and disconnected in a
conventional manner.
[0155] FIG. 5 shows a frontal view of broom assembly 2. Brush 20a,
in its preferred embodiment, is a transverse brush that is 72
inches wide with a diameter of 32 inches. The brush 20a rotates
about axis 21, to sweep various surfaces clean of debris. In its
preferred embodiment, brush 20a, is powered by a hydraulic motor
20b, which is hydraulically connected to a manual double selector
valve 27. The manual double selector valve 27 is mounted on the
topside of beam 10b, of support 10 and is connected to the
skidsteer vehicle's existing hydraulic system by hoses (not shown).
This poses the first hydraulic circuit. The flow of oil to the
manual double selector valve 27 is a normal function of the
skidsteer that the operator controls.
[0156] In referring to FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 5, of the preferred
embodiment, members and beams are constructed of a suitable tubular
material. With this being said, the support structure 10 and the
brush support frame 20, are connected together by an inner bushing
31 and an outer bushing 32 forming a yaw pivot joint 30 rotating
about a vertical axis 33. Vertical axis 33 is centered on the brush
20a. A hydraulic cylinder 15 is mounted between the support
structure 10 and the brush support frame 20 such that expansion and
contraction of the hydraulic cylinder 15 pivots the broom to the
desired angle of yaw. Rotation about a yaw axis of rotation 33 is
facilitated by the yaw pivot joint 30. The operator controls the
yaw rotation as a normal function of the skidsteer. In the
preferred embodiment the angle is adjustable to 35 degrees in
either direction from center. FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c illustrate yaw
motion. Hoses (not shown) connect hydraulic cylinder 15 and manual
double selector valve 27, establishing the second hydraulic
circuit. The manual double selector valve 27 has two positions of
operation. Position one of valve 27 allows oil to flows through the
first hydraulic circuit powering hydraulic motor 20b. When valve 27
is placed in the second position, oil is diverted from the first
hydraulic circuit to the second hydraulic circuit supplying oil to
cylinder 15.
[0157] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment. In
constructing pivot joint 30 outer bushing 32 is cut to a width of
three and fifteen sixteenth inches from standard seamless round
tubing stock having an outside diameter of eighteen inches, and an
inside diameter of seventeen and one fourth inches. The inner
bushing 31 is formed from an appropriate length of steel flat
bar-stock four inches wide and three-eighths of an inch thick. The
bar-stock is rolled to conform to the inside diameter of outer
bushing 32. The rolled bar-stock is inserted into the outer bushing
32 and allowed to expand, further conforming to the inside diameter
of outer bushing 32. A weld is placed on the seam of the rolled
bar-stock creating inner bushing 31. This method of producing the
pivot joint is efficient and requires no machining. The quick
attach receiver 10a is permanently located on the topside and at
one end of beam 10b of support structure 10. Inner bushing 31 is
located at the opposite end of beam 10b and centered on the bottom
side, where it is welded in place. These welds must be made on the
inside of inner bushing 31. FIG. 7 shows the assembly of the
preferred embodiment. Threaded fasteners 31a are permanently fixed,
front and rear, to the inside of inner bushing 31. The inner
bushing 31 of support structure 10 is fitted into outer bushing 32
of brush support frame 20. Threaded fasteners 31a protrude downward
and extend one inch past bushings 31 and 32. Flat washers 31b and
threaded locking nuts 31c are installed onto threaded fasteners 31a
and tightened. At the ends of rear cross member 37g are welded
pentagonal shaped gussets 35 to which skid shoes 35a are loosely
attached by threaded fasteners 35b.
[0158] FIGS. 4a and 4b shows outer bushing 32 welded to the topside
and centered on main beam 20c of brush frame support 20. These
welds must be made on the outside of outer bushing 32. One end of
motor support member 20d is welded to the underside and at one end
of the main beam 20c. Motor mount 28a is welded to the exposed end
of motor support member 20d. On the bottom side and on the opposite
end of main beam 20c is welded bearing support member 20e. Bearing
pad 20f is welded to the exposed end of bearing support member 20e.
Three bushings 51c, 51d, and 51e, are vertically spaced and weld
installed in bearing support member 20e. These vertically spaced
bushings are the points of attachment for the gutter broom assembly
50. Bushings 51c, 51d, and 51e have an inside diameter of 3/4 inch,
an outside diameter of 11/2 inch and a length of 5 inches. Bushing
50d and pin 50p comprise a roll joint 50f about roll joint axis
50i.
[0159] The brush cover 38 is supported by a brush cover frame.
Forward brush cover members 37a are welded to the front side of the
motor support member 20d and 20e. The two forward brush cover
members 37a are conjunctively aligned and extend forward ninety
degrees from the motor support member 20d and the bearing support
member 20e. Front cross member 37c is rotated on a pitch axis of
forty-five degrees and welded to the exposed ends of forward brush
cover members 37a.
[0160] The two rear brush cover members 37d are welded to the
backsides of members 20d/22e. They are conjunctively aligned,
sloping diagonally downward, and away from members 20d/22e, at an
angle approaching fifty eight degrees. Cross member 37g is a square
tubing and is positioned so that two sides are parallel with the
vertical sides of motor support member 20d and bearing support
member 20e. Cross member 37g is welded to the exposed ends of brush
cover members 37d.
[0161] FIG. 6c shows that front cross member 37c and the rear cross
member 37g are parallel to the brush 20a and the main beam 20c.
FIGS. 8 and 8a show brush cover 38 held in place the two brush
cover retaining slots 39f and 39r, and two self-tapping threaded
fasteners (not shown). Retaining slot 39r is formed by welding a
ninety-degree angle iron 37m, longitudinally along the front side
of rear cross member 37g. Retaining slot 39f is formed by welding a
ninety-degree angle iron 37m longitudinally along the underside of
front cross member 37c. The width of brush cover 38 is equal in
length to the arc of a circle segment measured from the bottom of
retaining slot 39r to the bottom of retaining slot 39f and having
as its center point, axis of brush rotation 21. The length of brush
cover 38 is equal to 12 inch less than the distance between the two
rear brush cover members 37d and 37e.
[0162] In its preferred embodiment brush cover 38 is made from a
sheet of plastic and having a thickness of {fraction (1/4)} inch.
The properly sized plastic sheet is installed from the underside of
frame 20, centered between brush cover members 37d and 37e. Edge
38r of the plastic sheet is seated into retaining slot 39r.
Pressure is applied to the center of the plastic sheet causing it
to arch, forcing edge 38f to slip past retaining slot 39f. The
pressure is then relieved. The elasticity of the plastic sheet will
force the edges 38f and 38r deeply into retaining slots 39r and 39f
respectively. One self-tapping threaded fastener (not shown) is
positioned on the longitudinal center of slot 39f and one
self-tapping threaded fastener (not shown) is positioned on the
longitudinal center of slot 39r. Pilot holes for the threaded
fasteners pierce through the ninety-degree angle iron 37m, through
the {fraction (1/4)} inch thickness of plastic sheet 39, and
through the wall of cross members 37c and 37g. With this
configuration bulges cannot occur in brush cover 38, because the
expansion of the plastic is unrestricted, there by reducing the
possibility of cracks forming in brush cover 38.
[0163] FIG. 9 shows hydraulic motor 20b to be connected to broom
shaft 20g by, splined coupler 20f Broom shaft 20g has a diameter of
one and one quarter inches. Coupler 20f is of the splined type
common to the industry. One end of splined coupler 20f is to be
installed on the splined output shaft of hydraulic motor 20b. The
opposite end of coupler 20f is welded to one end of broom shaft
20g. On the opposite end of broom shaft 20g is located bearing 20h.
Bearing 20h is mounted to Bearing pad 20j by threaded fasteners
20i.
[0164] FIGS. 10 and 10a shows a side view and a frontal view of the
preferred embodiment of gutter broom assembly 50 attached to broom
assembly 2. FIGS. 11 and 11a are sectional enlargements of FIGS. 10
and 10a In the preferred embodiment gutter broom brush 50b is of
the same diameter as brush 20 and is attached to backing plate 50j.
Backing plate 50j is fastened to the outside diameter of hub 50k.
Hub 50k slips onto output shaft 50v and is locked in place. Gearbox
50q has a ratio of 1:1 and is configured to rotate the gutter broom
brush 50b in the proper direction in order to work cooperatively
with brush 20a.
[0165] Matching support plates 50s are spaced five inches apart.
One support plate is located on the front side of bearing support
member 20e and one support plate located on the rear side of
bearing support member 20e. Holes 50d and 50e in support plates 50s
are 34 inch in diameter and are aligned with the bores of
vertically spaced bushings 51d, and 51e of bearing support member
20e. The alignment of gutter broom assembly 50 is maintained by the
placement of pins 50p through holes 50c/51d and 50c/51e of the
support plates 50s and through bushings 51d, and 51e of bearing
support member 20e. Right angle gearbox 50q is positioned between
support plates 50s on the end opposite holes 50d and 50e. Threaded
fasteners secure the support plates 50s to gearbox 50q. The design
of support plates 50s is such that the axis of rotation of the
input shaft 50r of gearbox 50q is maintained in approximation to
the axis of rotation 21 of broom shaft 20g. Holes 50c of support
plates 50s are positioned 90 degrees in relation to holes 50d and
50e of support plates 50s. The distance between the centers of
holes 50c and 50d is equal to the distance between the centers of
holes 51c and 51d of bearing support member 20e. The design of
support plates 50s are such that by removing pin 50p from pinhole
50e/51e the gutter broom assembly 50 can be rotated upward 90
degrees. This rotation takes place at roll joint 50f. Pin 50p can
then be reinstalled into holes 50c/50d to lock the gutter broom
into the stored position as shown in FIG. 11c. FIG. 11b is an
enlarged drawing showing the gutter broom driveline 501. Rotational
force is supplied to gearbox 50q by motor 20b through broom shaft
20g and driveline 501. Drive shaft 20g is fitted with drive hub
50m. Cup 50n slips over drive hub 50m and is welded to one end of
drive shaft 50o. On the opposite end of drive 500 is attached a
universal joint 50x that is fitted to the input shaft 50r of
gearbox 50q.
[0166] FIG. 11d shows the drive connection between drive shaft 20g
and drive shaft 500 of the preferred embodiment. Drive hub 50m and
cup 50n work in conjunction to form a, self-aligning, detachable,
drive coupling. Drive hub 50m is made from a two-inch square steel
shaft having a length of one and one quarter inches. All eight
edges are beveled each way from the center, to a depth of {fraction
(1/8)} inch, ending at the edges. Drive hub 50m fits snuggly inside
cup 50n while allowing drive hub 50m to oscillate, maintaining an
alignment of drive shaft 500. A {fraction (1/4)} inch diameter hole
50t is placed in shaft 20g 1 inch from the end. Drive hub m has a
corresponding hole 50u through which shear pin 50n is fitted. Shear
pin 50n is designed to shear if the torsional load on gutter broom
brush 50b becomes to great, there-by protecting gearbox 50q from
damage.
Additional Embodiments FIGS. 12 and 13
[0167] A preferred embodiment of the invention has been previously
described. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many
embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention.
Variations and modifications of the various parts and assemblies
can certainly be made and still fall within the scope of the
invention. The invention is not limited for use with skidsteer
loaders. Because of the way the invention is designed other
powering sources can be employed such as backhoe excavators as
shown in FIG. 12. A modification of the broom could make the
attachment usable to uncover buried objects as in FIG. 13. Another
embodiment would be to substitute a brush of the type employed in
car washes with the bristle brush exhibited in the preferred
embodiment.
[0168] Operation of Invention FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 10 and
10a
[0169] FIG. 3a shows the conventional method of mounting broom
assembly 2 to skidsteer 1 by fitting quick attach adapter 1d of
skidsteer 1 into quick attach receiver 10a of broom assembly 2. To
complete the attachment process, hydraulic hoses (not shown) are
connected to the auxiliary hydraulic system of skidsteer 1 leading
to manual double selector valve 27 mounted on broom assembly 2. The
operator then places manual double selector valve 27 in the
position that supplies oil to the first hydraulic circuit. FIG. 3a
also shows broom assembly 2 in its parked position. Broom assembly
2 rests on the right and left skid shoes 35a and on the rear of the
quick attach receiver 10a. In the parked position brush 20a is
automatically elevated off the ground providing easy access for
inspection and maintenance of brush 20a, bearing 20h, as well as
motor 20b.
[0170] FIG. 3b shows skidsteer 1 and broom assembly 2 in the work
position. The operator can clearly see the back side of brush 20a
and also any skips as they occur. Notice that boom arms 1a are
elevated giving the operator an unobstructed view of objects to the
immediate sides of the skidsteer.
[0171] To place broom assembly 2 in the straight ahead operating
position shown in FIG. 3b, the skidsteer operator raises boom arms
1a and extends hydraulic cylinders 1e causing quick attach adapter
1d to rotate pivot joint 3 about pitch axis 5. The operator
continues extending hydraulic cylinders 1e until quick attach
adapter 1d is approximately parallel with the ground, placing the
broom assembly in the operating position. FIG. 3b shows skidsteer 1
and broom assembly 2 in the work position. The operator can now
control the down pressure applied to brush 20a by adjusting the
elevation of boom arms 1a Notice that boom arms 1a are elevated
giving the operator an unobstructed view of objects to the
immediate sides of the skidsteer.
[0172] To adjust the yaw angle of brush 20a, the operator fully
retracts cylinders 1e causing quick attach adapter 1d to rotate
pivot joint 3 about pitch axis 5. Quick attach adapter 1d will be
rotated to a position past vertical as shown in FIG. 3c. The
operator adjusts the elevation of boom arms 1a to a position where
double selector valve 27 can easily be reached. The operator then
places manual double selector valve 27 in the position that
supplies oil to the second hydraulic circuit, containing cylinder
15. The operator activates the control that directs oil to cylinder
15 changing the angle of brush 20a to a desired position. The
operator then repositions manual double selector valve 27 to
redirect the oil flow back to circuit one containing hydraulic
motor 20b. The operator is now free to reposition the broom
assembly 2 in the operating position discussed previously.
[0173] FIG. 3d shows the capability of broom assembly 2 to sweep
debris from walls and ceilings. To accomplish this the operator
places quick attach adapter 1d in a vertical position. He then
moves the skidsteer forward until rotating brush 20a comes in
contact with the wall. Using the normal operator controlled forward
or reverse motion of the skidsteer varies the pressure that the
brush exerts against the wall. By adjusting the elevation of boom
arms 1a the operator can raise or lower rotating brush 20a
progressively sweeping the wall. To sweep ceilings the operator
places the quick attach adapter 1d in a vertical position. Boom
arms 1a are elevated until brush 20a contacts the ceiling.
Adjusting Boom arms 1a will dictate the amount of pressure brush
20a exerts against the ceiling. The operator by way of the
skidsteers controlled travel capabilities such as forward, reverse,
and tuning, can direct rotating brush 20a in a progressive sweeping
pattern across the ceiling. To eliminate skips associated with
sweeping next to protruding structures, gutter broom assembly 50 is
attached to broom assembly 2 and placed in its work position as
illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 10a. The operator adjusts the yaw angle
of brush 20a so that gutter broom brush 50b is ahead of brush 20a
as shown in FIG. 3f. Ideally the leading edge of gutter broom brush
50b should contact the surface to be swept while the trailing edge
does not as shown in FIG. 3e. The sweeping surface of gutter broom
brush 50b is parallel with quick attach adapter 1d. The operator
can control the effectiveness of the gutter broom by adjusting the
pitch of quick attach adapter 1d thereby adjusting the pitch angle
of gutter broom brush 50b. The operator can maintain operational
continuity between gutter broom brush 50b and brush 20a by
adjusting the elevation of boom arms 1a. Downward force will expand
the diameter of gutter broom brush 50b as well as increasing the
pressure with which brush 20a contacts the surface to be swept.
Gutter broom brush 50b can be made to act independently of brush
20a by rotating quick attach adapter 1d fully forward increasing
the pitch angle of gutter broom brush 50b. In this position brush
20a is held off the swept surface and all the downward pressure
that the skidsteer operator can bring to bear is applied to the
leading edge of gutter broom brush 50b. Operating the gutter broom
in this mode enables gutter broom brush 50b to effectively sweep
depressions adjacent to vertical structures.
[0174] Objects and Advantages
[0175] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention
are:
[0176] (1) To provide a sweeping attachment that will give the
operator a higher degree of sweeping dexterity that will produce a
savings over the prior art in time and equipment use, by: providing
a better view in regards to the sweeping operation proper without
detrimentally affecting his view of objects forward of the brush;
allowing the operator to detect any skips or areas that must be
readdressed as they occur thus the operator need not interrupt his
sweeping task to appraise the work he has accomplished; in essence
provide the operator an increase in control over the brush to match
the increase in view of the sweeping operation.
[0177] (m) To provide the operator a better view of objects in
close proximity to the right and left sides of the machine without
sacrificing the view of objects that are in the path of the brush.
An inherent feature of skidsteer loaders is its ability to maneuver
very quickly. The inability to clearly see objects or people near
the machine can have dire consequences. In the operating position
of my invention, the "quicktach adapter" that the brush assembly is
mounted to is rotated forward in a horizontal position rather than
a vertical position. This horizontal position gives the operator
the narrowest possible profile or view of the "quicktach adapter"
and will not detrimentally impair the operator's forward vision. In
the operating position the boom arms of the skidsteer are elevated
allowing the operator to see the tires of the skidsteer and any
objects close to them;
[0178] (n) My invention is capable of sweeping at angles (yaw)
greater than thirty degrees. This increase in operating angle (yaw)
over that of prior art will require less power to operate as well
as extend the life expectancy of the brush. By angling (yaw) the
brush more it is apparent that less power will be needed. Less
re-swept material will be encountered with each pass of the broom.
Consequently the bristles will have less wear which will increase
the life expectancy of the brush and the broom in general.
[0179] (o) To provide a rotary angle broom attachment for skidsteer
loaders capable of sweeping vertical surfaces at an angle as well
as overhead surfaces straight on. Most skidsteer tool attachments
such as the bucket tool utilize the full pitch motion of the
rotating joint that is located at the ends of the boom arms. Rotary
angle brooms illustrated in prior art only use very little of this
pivot motion. The Quicktach adapter" attached at this joint when
mated to a conventional rotary broom approximates vertical whether
the broom is used or parked. My invention utilize the fill range of
pitch motion available to the "quicktach adapter" therein giving my
invention the ability to sweep horizontal surfaces, vertical
surfaces, and ceilings.
[0180] (p) To provide an alternative method, that differs from
prior art, to hydraulically angle the brush from the operator's
seat. Prior art methods of alleviating this problem are either more
expensive, more complicated, harder to maintain, prone to failure,
or time consuming to connect and disconnect. My invention is less
complicated, less costly, easier to maintain, and more dependable
than what prior art offers. My invention utilizes a manual type
selector valve that is mounted on the broom attachment at a
location that the operator can easily reach. This is possible
because of the ability of my device to utilize the full range of
pivoting motion that is available to the "Quicktach adapter"
previously discussed in (d) of Background of the Invention-Objects
and Advantages
[0181] (q) To provide a means by which to allow a skidsteer powered
rotary angle broom, to sweep next to vertical structures with out
leaving a skip. To insure this function my invention provides:
[0182] (1) A sturdy platform to which is mounted a gutter broom
device. This platform is capable of enduring the riggors indigenous
to gutter brooms.
[0183] (2) A simple means by which the gutter broom is retracted to
a position that would not impair the operation of the rotary
broom;
[0184] (3) A drive system for the gutter broom without the need to
add additional hydraulics and insuring that both the gutter broom
and the rotary brush are operating conjunctively;
[0185] (4) A simple means to easily install and remove the gutter
broom as needed;
[0186] (5) A method to synchronize the speed of the gutter broom
with the speed of the rotary brush;
[0187] (6) A means to conjunctively angle (yaw) the rotary brush
and the gutterbroom;
[0188] (7) An overall design that gives the operator the means to
control the pitch angle of the gutter broom providing that the
functionality of both brooms remain interdependently constant as
the pitch angle is adjusted;
[0189] (8) A mechanism that gives the operator an unobstructed view
of the gutter broom working in conjunction with the rotary brush,
at the same time provide the operator with unimpaired view of
objects that the gutter broom is sweeping against;
[0190] (9) A means to automatically elevate the gutterbroom off the
ground when it is not used, in order to protect the brush;
[0191] (r) To provide for a means by which to elevate the rotary
brush off the ground automatically when the broom is parked and not
in use, effectively insuring that the brush is protected.
[0192] (s) To provide an improved designed rotary angle broom
skidsteer attachment that allows the broom to be inspected and
maintained more easily than what is presented in prior art;
[0193] (t) To provide a cover assembly that is, easier to install
or remove, less prone to cracking, cheaper to construct and less
costly to maintain;
[0194] (u) To provide an invention that negates the need for jacks
or legs that must be lowered each time the broom is disconnected
and then raised each time the broom is attached to the skidsteer,
thereby increasing overall productivity of the operator and the
machine;
[0195] (v) To provide a rotary angle broom attachment for skidsteer
loaders that requires fewer pieces, less time to construct and
costs less to produce.
[0196] Further objects and advantages of my invention will become
apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing
description.
[0197] Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope
[0198] Accordingly, the reader will see that the rotary angle broom
attachment of this invention can be used to sweep horizontal,
vertical, and overhead surfaces. This invention provides the
operator with the visibility of the sweeping process to equal the
agility of the traction vehicle that powers it, providing a safer,
more efficient sweeping attachment. In addition the rotary angle
broom attachment of this invention has the additional advantages in
that
[0199] it permits the operator more control of the sweeping
operation in the operator regulates the amount of down pressure
that is applied.
[0200] it provides a rotary sweeper that can angle more than thirty
degrees thereby reducing brush wear, without exposing the wheel
tracks of the skidsteer.
[0201] it provides for a means by which to sweep directly next to
protruding objects stemming from the surface to be swept greatly
reducing skips.
[0202] it permits the operator to angle the brush from the
operators seat without the need for additional electrical wiring
and controls.
[0203] it eliminates the need for extendable legs or jacks to keep
the brush elevated off the ground.
[0204] it provides a brush cover system that is less costly to
build, easier to install, more durable and easier to maintain.
[0205] Although the description above contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments of this invention.
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