Brushing – scrubbing – and general cleaning – Machines – Combined
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-14
2001-05-29
Warden, Sr., Robert J. (Department: 1799)
Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning
Machines
Combined
C015S083000, C015S093100, C015S104310, C015S104090, C015S052100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237177
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a new and improved storm drain cleaning apparatus and, more particularly, pertains to an operator driven vehicle with a forward slurry trap and rearward brush.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of mobile cleaning devices is known in the prior art. More specifically, mobile cleaning devices heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose of scrubbing surfaces are known to consist basically of familiar, expected, and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which has been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,647 discloses a mobile sewer cleaning and vacuum unit. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,514 discloses a camera carrying conduit inspection sled. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,218 discloses an inspection apparatus for underground channels.
In this respect, the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of gaining access to underground storm drains and culverts so that they can be effectively cleaned.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for new and improved storm drain cleaning devices which can be used to more efficiently and effectively clean underground drainage pipes. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of cleaning devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an apparatus which can be driven into underground drainage pipes and culverts for the purposes of cleaning them.
To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a low profile tractor. The tractor is defined by a low profile watertight body having a front end and a rear end. A diesel motor is positioned within the rearward extent. Four axle motors are positioned upon the two axles for use in driving four wheels. Energy transfer means are also included for transferring power from the diesel motor to the individual axle motors. A front trap is mounted on the front end of the device by way of hydraulic booms. The trap is defined by four sides, an upper peripheral edge and a lower peripheral edge. The upper peripheral edge of either side of the front trap includes a series of teeth, with the teeth functioning to apply pressure to the top of a drainage pipe. Such pressure functions in allowing the tractor to wedge itself out of tight situations. The lower peripheral edge is rounded and angled approximate its inner portion. A front blade extends across the interior of the trap. The trap, by way of the hydraulic booms, is adapted to be lifted up and folded back on top of the body of the tractor. A rear brush is mounted to the rear extent of the tractor by way of hydraulic booms. The rear brush includes two sides which are angled as well as a central stock. The stock is used in supporting a plurality of bristles which extend downwardly below the lower peripheral extent of the sides.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, 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 following 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 descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which is specifically designed to clean underground drainage pipes and culverts.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a cleaning apparatus which can be driven and maneuvered by a single occupant.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cleaning apparatus which is defined by a low profile, to thereby allow the cleaning apparatus to be driven into narrow spaces.
An even further object of the present invention is to establish a method whereby floor contaminates can be brushed up into a slurry and subsequently contained within a sediment trap.
Even still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which can effectively carry out the aforementioned method.
Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which includes a water tight vehicular body of a low profile. A user controls the vehicle from a forward cockpit. The cleaning apparatus further includes both forward and rearward booms. The forward boom has a slurry trap interconnected to its forward extent. Additionally, a brush is secured to the rearward boom. Both the booms can be elevated and lowered to selectively bring the trap and brush into contact with the ground. Thus, the cleaning apparatus is adapted to be driven into the interior of a drain pipe. Thereafter, the booms are lowered such that the trap and bush come into contact with the surface to be cleaned. The vehicle can then be driven rearwardly. During the rearward travel, the brush serves to agitate floor contaminates into a slurry. Further rearward travel causes the slurry to become contained within the trap. Through this method, floor contaminates can be removed from an enclosed region such as a storm drain.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
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patent: 5687443 (1997-11-01), Moore
patent: 5893189 (1999-04-01), D'Costa
Snider Theresa T.
Warden, Sr. Robert J.
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