AU2012244212B2 - A cleaning device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleaning device 10, including at least one brush 16, 18. In use, the at least one brush 16, 18 is connected to a trailer 26. The device 10 is transportable on the trailer for transporting to a desired cleaning location.

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (ORIGINAL) Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: Name of Applicant: Environmental Marine Solutions (EMS) Pty Ltd Actual Inventor(s): Brendan Van Dam Address for Service and Correspondence: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 AUSTRALIA Invention Title: A CLEANING DEVICE AND METHOD Our Ref: 956307 POF Code: 505133/505133 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): -006Q 2 A CLEANING DEVICE AND METHOD The present application is a divisional application from Australian Patent Application No. 2012200678, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein 5 by reference. The present invention relates generally to a cleaning device and method. The invention is particularly useful in cleaning the surface of boat ramps, and will hereinafter be described generally in that context. It is to be appreciated, 10 however, that the invention may also be used in other applications where the cleaning of a surface is required. The term "cleaning" used herein is to be interpreted broadly. The term may include reference to any one or more of cleaning, scrubbing, scraping or 15 sweeping of a surface. A reference herein to any material which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that the material was known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims. 20 Moving about or walking on slippery surfaces can be dangerous. This is particularly so in the case of boat ramps and other sloping surfaces. Boat ramps, in particular, can be extremely hazardous. This is due, in part, to the build-up over time of marine life thereon, and the build-up of oil, grease and other substances deposited by boats, boat users and others utilizing boat ramps and 25 surrounding areas. A fall on a boat ramp can lead to serious injury. It is therefore desirable to periodically clean boat ramps to reduce the likelihood of boat ramp users injuring themselves. Consequently, many councils and other authorities routinely clean boat ramps to reduce the risk of injury to the users 30 thereof.

3 Unfortunately, however, the boat ramps are often cleaned manually, with an individual required to sweep, scrub, scrape or otherwise clean the boat ramp using a broom. This activity is labour intensive and potentially time consuming, particularly in the context of large boat ramps. This is undesirable because it can render the boat ramp 5 at least partially inoperable until the cleaning has been completed, causing the back up of boats to be launched or retrieved and consequently frustrating boat owners. Manual cleaning of boat ramps is also inherently dangerous because it usually requires an individual to stand on the boat ramp while cleaning it, thereby placing the 10 individual at risk of slipping, falling and causing injury to themselves. It would therefore be desirable to provide improved safety for the users of boat ramps. It would also be desirable to improve the safety of individuals involved in cleaning 15 boat ramps. Finally, it would be desirable to improve the speed and efficiency of boat ramp cleaning. 20 Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning device, including: at least one brush; wherein, in use, the at least one brush is connected to a trailer; the device being transportable on the trailer for transporting to a desired cleaning 25 location; the at least one brush being adjustable relative to the trailer from an in-use position contacting a surface to be cleaned, to a storage position in which the device is suitable for transport on the trailer; the trailer including wheels; and 30 when in the in-use position, the weight of the trailer is supported by a coupling between a towing vehicle and the trailer, and the at least one brush, with the trailer wheels lifted clear of the surface to be cleaned. SPEC-956(17 3a The precise form of each brush may be selected as desired, or as required for a specific cleaning application. In one form, each brush is a relatively stiff bristled brush suitable for use in cleaning the surface of a boat ramp. Each brush may be SPEC-9563017 4 specifically designed for the device, if necessary. Each brush may have a generally elongate bristle arrangement. The device may be transportable on a trailer especially configured for 5 transporting the device. However, it is to be appreciated that the device may be suitable for transporting on any one or more conventional trailer designs. Thus, the precise form of the trailer may be selected as desired. The device may be connected to the trailer, with the position of the device being 10 adjustable relative to the trailer. This allows for the at least one brush to be moved from an in-use position contacting a surface to be cleaned, to a storage position in which position the device is suitable for transporting on the trailer. In such an arrangement, the device may be removable from the trailer for use, and loaded back onto the trailer for transport. 15 It is to be appreciated that surface to be cleaned would typically be an underlying surface, such that each brush is orientated for cleaning a generally upwardly facing surface. The underlying surface may be substantially flat, but need not be so; and may be horizontal. In the case of a boat ramp, the underlying surface 20 may be a sloping surface. The invention may also be configured for use with a downwardly facing surface, or generally vertically orientated surface, by re-orientating (or suitably orientating) one or more brushes. 25 In one possible embodiment, the device includes two or more brushes, with each brush, in use, connected to the trailer, and with each brush configured for cleaning at least a portion of a surface to be cleaned. Each brush may be configured for cleaning a surface provided in a generally common cleaning plane. 30 However, it may be preferred for the brushes to be provided in differing cleaning planes, particularly if the surface to be clean is uneven or irregular. In one form, 5 the cleaning plane of each brush may be adjustable, thereby allowing for the brushes to be independently adjusted to suit the surface to be cleaned. Each brush may include plastic bristles and/or stainless steel bristles. Indeed, any 5 suitable bristle type may be used. In the in-use position, one or more of the brushes at least partially supports the weight of the trailer. In this way the bristles would at least partially bear the weight of the trailer when in the in-use position, thereby potentially enhancing the cleaning process 10 of the underlying surface. As such, the weight of the trailer is supported by a coupling between a towing vehicle and the trailer at the front end of the trailer; with the rear end of the trailer supported by one or more brushes. In such an arrangement, the trailer wheels are lifted clear of the surface to be cleaned. 15 Adjustment of the cleaning plane of each brush may be possible mechanically, or may be possible manually. Preferably, an arrangement is provided for moving each brush between the in-use position and the storage position. The arrangement for moving each brush between 20 the in-use position and the storage position may include a lever arm arrangement. The lever arm arrangement may be mechanically adjustable for moving each brush between the in-use position and the storage position. In one form, the lever arm arrangement is moved by at least one of a hydraulic and/or pneumatic piston/cylinder 25 arrangement, with the piston/cylinder arrangement connected at one end to the trailer, and at the other end to the lever arm arrangement, each brush, or a brush assembly. SPEC-56111 6 The lever arm arrangement may also be manually movable to move each brush between the in-use position and the storage position. So far, the invention has been generally described in terms of a cleaning device. 5 The invention also relates to a method of using a cleaning device. The method includes using a cleaning device of the type described previously. The method includes towing the trailer behind a vehicle, with the at least one brush in the storage position, and maneuvering the vehicle such that the trailer is 10 proximate the desired cleaning location. The method also includes moving the at least one brush from the storage position to the in-use position, and moving the trailer relative to the surface to be cleaned such that each brush cleans at least a portion of the surface. The method further includes returning the at least one brush to the storage position. 15 It will be convenient to hereinafter describe preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying Figures. The particularity of the Figures is to be understood as not limiting the preceding broad description of the invention. 20 Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 illustrates a perspective front view of a cleaning device according to one possible embodiment of the present invention, when mounted to a trailer. 25 Figure 2 illustrates a perspective rear view of the cleaning device illustrated in Fig.1, again, mounted to a trailer. Figure 3 illustrates a plan view of the cleaning device illustrated in Fig. 1. 30 Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the cleaning device illustrated in Fig. 1.

7 Figure 5 is a photographic side view of a cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present invention when mounted to a trailer, and shown with the brushes in an in-use position. 5 Detailed Description of the Drawings Referring to Figures 1 to 4, there is illustrated one possible form of a cleaning device 10 according to the present invention. The device 10 is configured for cleaning surfaces, particularly boat ramp surfaces. 10 The device 10 includes a brush assembly 14 having two elongate bristle brushes 16, 18 mounted together by brackets 20a, b, c. It can be seen that the brushes 16, 18 are adjacent one another and in a parallel orientation. The brushes 16, 18 extend transversely across a rear end 24 of a trailer 26. 15 It is to be appreciated that while the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 includes two brushes 16, 18, more or less brushes may be provided, if desired. Also, the brushes 16, 18 need not be adjacent one another. The device 10 may be manufactured as part of a trailer. Alternatively, the brush 20 assembly 14 may be retro-fitted to an existing trailer. The specific location of the brush assembly 14 relative to the trailer 26 may be varied, if required. 25 The precise form of each brush 16,18 may be selected as desired, although in the illustrated form of Figures 1 to 4 relatively stiff bristled brushes suitable for cleaning boat ramp (and like) surfaces are provided. The device 10 is transportable on a trailer 26 for conveniently transporting to a 30 desired cleaning location. The specific trailer design may be selected as required, but must be sufficient to transport the device 10 thereon.

8 The brush assembly 14 is connected to the trailer 26 by way of a series of linkages, 30, 32, 34 such that the position of the brushes 16, 18 is adjustable relative to the trailer 26. This allows for the brushes 16, 18 to be moved from an 5 in-use position (shown in Figure 1 to 4) contacting a surface to be cleaned (marked as 'S' in Fig. 4), to a storage position (not shown) in which the device is suitable for transporting on the trailer 26. The linkages 30, 32, 34 are pivotably connected between the brackets 20a, b, c (which are, in turn, connected to the brushes 16, 18) and brackets 36a, b, c (which are connected to the rear end of 10 the trailer frame 38 by way of a frame sub-assembly 40. Frame sub-assembly 40 is permanently mounted to the rear of frame 38. Such an arrangement allows sub-assembly to be retro-fitted to an existing trailer; or formed as part of a new trailer cleaning system arrangement. If part of a new arrangement, then the frame sub-assembly 40 may be integrated with the trailer frame 38 during 15 manufacture, rather than being separately manufactured and subsequently connected together. The brushes 16, 18 are shown with the bristles 42 pointing in a generally downwards direction and in a generally common cleaning plane, so as to 20 facilitate the cleaning of an upwardly facing boat ramp surface. The brushes could, however, be reconfigured for cleaning other surfaces, and the bristles 42 could be replaced or otherwise reconfigured to suit a desired cleaning application. 25 The arrangement for moving each brush 16, 18 between the in-use position and the storage position includes a hydraulic piston/cylinder arrangement 46, with the piston/cylinder arrangement 46 pivotably connected at one end 48 to the brush assembly 14 and pivotably connected at the other end 52 to a rigidly mounted arm 44 mounted in position on the trailer frame 38. 30 9 A suitable control pad (not shown) may be used to operate the device 10, including operation of the piston/cylinder arrangement. The control pad may be configured as a remote control for location inside the drive vehicle used to tow the trailer 26, so that the device operator need not leave the drive vehicle to 5 operate the device 10. This is particularly useful in the context of cleaning boat ramps and other potentially slippery surfaces, because it reduces the likelihood of the operator slipping or falling during the cleaning process and potentially injuring themselves. 10 Manual controls would typically also be provided on the trailer 26, such that an operator could also raise and lower the device 10 while standing adjacent the trailer 26. Although not illustrated, the device 10 may include one or more rotating brushes, 15 configured for rotating contact with the surface to be cleaned. The rotating brush(s) may be lowerable relative to the trailer 26, so as to contact the underlying surface. In use, the trailer 26 is towed via a tow assembly 56 (not clearly shown) behind a 20 tow vehicle such as a car, 4WD, tractor or other suitable vehicle. The trailer 26 is towed to the designed surface cleaning location, such as a boat ramp to be cleaned, with each of the brushes (16, 18) stored in the storage position. Once at the surface to be cleaned, the operator uses a control pad to lower the 25 brushes 16, 18 from the storage position to the in-use position illustrated, wherein the brushes contact the surface S to be cleaned. The operator then moves the vehicle and trailer 26 backwards and forwards several times, causing the brushes 16, 18 to clean the underlying surface. Generally, around three passes with the brushes 16, 18 over a surface to be cleaned will be sufficient to clean a boat 30 ramp, although less or more passes may be used if required.

10 The control pad is preferably located within the tow vehicle, allowing the device operator to operate the device 10 (including raising and lowering the brushes 16, '18) and move the tow vehicle and trailer 26 without having to leave the tow vehicle. The invention enables the operator to clean an entire surface, potentially 5 Without having to leave the tow vehicle either before, during or after the cleaning operation. Once the surface has been cleaned, the brushes 16, 18, are returned to their storage position, allowing the device 10 to then be moved to another location 10 requiring the cleaning of a surface (such as another boat ramp). The brushes 16, 18 may be manually raised and lowered, if necessary. The arrangement 46 may be actuated by a small electrically operable hydraulic 15 pump which, in turn, may be powered by a 12 volt battery mounted on the trailer 26. The device 10 may include a battery recharger, if desired. Alternatively, the hydraulic pump may be powered by a battery provided in the tow vehicle. Referring to Figure 5, one particularly preferred form of the invention is illustrated. 20 The embodiment illustrated in Figure 5 is similar in many respects to that illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. Features in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5 that are similar and/or equivalent to features found in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 include the prefix "1". 25 Referring to Figure 5, the piston/cylinder arrangement 146 and linkages 130, 132, 134 are sufficiently robust to support the rear end of the frame 138, such that the trailer wheels W are lifted from the underlying surface when in the in-use position (shown). 30 11 The front end of the frame 138 is supported, via the tow assembly 156, by the tow bar of the car, 4WD or other vehicle towing the trailer when the wheels W are suspended in the air. Lifting of the rear end of the trailer such that the wheels are suspended in the air provides the advantage of providing an increased downward 5 force on the bristles 142, so as to potentially enhance the cleaning capability of the device 110 when compared to the related device 10 illustrated in Figures 1 to .4. The bristles 142 are a combination of plastic bristles 142a and stainless steel 10 bristles 142b. The bristles 142b are of a sufficient thickness such that, collectively, they are capable of supporting the rear end of the frame 138, and can be used to clean/scour the underlying surface without damage to the bristles 142b. 15 It is to be appreciated that the use of stainless steel and plastic bristles minimizes degradation of the bristles in the often harsh working environment contemplated for the invention. Referring again to Figure 5, it is to be appreciated that the trailer wheels W are 20 returned to the ground when the device 110 is returned from the in-use position to the storage position (not shown). Desirably, the devices 10/110 and associated methods provide improved safety 25 for the users of boat ramps, because they provide a way of cleaning the surface thereof to at least partially remove marine life, oil, grease and other potentially slippery substances. The devices 10/110 and associated methods also improve the safety of 30 individuals involved in cleaning boat ramps, because the ramps can be cleaned 12 potentially without the individual having to set foot on the ramp in order to clean it. The devices 10/110 and methods also potentially improve the speed and 5 efficiency with which boat ramps can be cleaned, because they provide mechanized cleaning processes, rather than the traditional manual cleaning method using a broom. The devices 10/110 can be relatively quickly and easily deployed for use, and stored again on the trailer once the cleaning operation has been completed. 10 Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the construction and arrangement of the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of this invention. 15

Claims (17)

1. A cleaning device, including: at least one brush; wherein, in use, the at least one brush is connected to a trailer; 5 the device being transportable on the trailer for transporting to a desired cleaning location; the at least one brush being adjustable relative to the trailer from an in-use position contacting a surface to be cleaned, to a storage position in which the device is suitable for transport on the trailer; 10 the trailer including wheels; and when in the in-use position, the weight of the trailer is supported by a coupling between a towing vehicle and the trailer, and the at least one brush, with the trailer wheels lifted clear of the surface to be cleaned. 15

2. A cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the device is connected to the trailer, with the position of the at least one brush being adjustable relative to the trailer.

3. A cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each 20 brush is provided for cleaning a surface.

4. A cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein each brush is orientated for cleaning a generally upwardly facing surface. 25

5. A cleaning device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein each brush is orientated for cleaning at least one of a generally horizontal or sloping surface.

6. A cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, including two or more brushes, with each brush mounted to a frame, and with each brush 30 configured for cleaning at least a portion of a surface to be cleaned.

7. A cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, including an arrangement for moving each brush between the in-use position and the storage position. <filename> 14

8. A cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the arrangement for moving each brush between the in-use position and the storage position includes a linkage arrangement. 5

9. A cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the linkage arrangement is mechanically adjustable for moving each brush between the in-use position and the storage position.

10 10. A cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein the linkage arrangement is movable by at least one of a hydraulic and/or pneumatic piston/cylinder arrangement.

11. A cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the piston/cylinder arrangement is connected at one end to the trailer, and at the other end to the linkage 15 arrangement or a brush or brush assembly.

12. A cleaning device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the linkage arrangement is manually movable between the in-use position and the storage position. 20

13. A cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more brushes include plastic bristles and one or more brushes include stainless steel bristles. 25

14. A method of using a cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method including: towing the trailer behind a vehicle, with the at least one brush in the storage position, maneuvering the vehicle such that the trailer is proximate the desired 30 cleaning location, moving each brush from the storage position to the in-use position, moving the trailer relative to a surface to be cleaned such that each brush cleans at least a portion of the surface, and returning the device to the storage position. Critename> 15

15. A method of using a cleaning device according to claim 14, wherein returning the device to the storage position includes returning the trailer wheels to the ground. 5

16. A cleaning device according to any one of the embodiments substantially as herein described and illustrated.

17. A cleaning method according to any one of the embodiments substantially as herein described and illustrated. 10 <filenamc>