CA2520749A1 - Sweeping apparatus and sweeping machine for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface - Google Patents

Abstract

A sweeping machine for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface comprises a vehicle defining a generally centrally disposed longitudinal axis. A debris receiving hopper has a debris receiving mouth and is mounted in removable and replaceable relation on the vehicle at least in a lower debris receiving position whereat the debris receiving hopper is disposed rearwardly of the vehicle. A main sweeping broom is operatively mounted on one of the vehicle and the debris receiving hopper rearwardly of the vehicle for rotation about a generally horizontal axis oriented substantially transversely to the generally centrally disposed longitudinal axis of the vehicle, for sweeping debris from the surface being cleaned, and propelling the debris into the debris receiving hopper through the debris receiving mouth.

Description

FIELD OF THE MENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to sweeping machines and sweeping apparata for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The removal of dirt and debris from streets, parking lots, airport runways, factory floors, and other similar paved surfaces, through the use of various types of street sweeping machines and sweeping apparata has been known for many years . Such street sweeping machines and sweeping apparata are used by both businesses and municipalites for sweeping these various types of surfaces. In either case, cost is often a major factor in determining the acquisition of sweeping machines and sweeping apparata. Minimizing overall cost while maximizing functionality is essential. Accordingly, there are some prior art sweeping apparata that are removably mountable to a vehicle that might already be used by a businesses or municipality, thus enabling the vehicle to be used for other duties when not being used for sweeping.

[0003] In one type of such prior art sweeping apparata, a debris receiving hopper and a main sweeping broom are mounted on a front end loader type vehicle, such as a tractor, skid steer vehicle, industrial loader, or the like, forwardly of the main body. More specifically, the debris receiving hopper and a main sweeping broom are mounted on the front lift arms of the front end loader type vehicle, in place of a loader bucket or the like. One example of such a prior -art sweeping apparata is the Beaver Pickup Broom manufactured by Sweeprite manufacturing Inc. Of Regina, Canada.
Another example of such a prior art sweeping apparata is a loader mounted broom manufactured by M-B Companies, Inc. of Chilton, Wisconsin, USA.

[0004] There are a number of problems associated with these types of prior art sweeping apparata. Accordingly, they axe not overly popular. The most significant problem is that most tractors, skid steer vehicles, industrial loaders, and the like, have a front end loader lifting capacity of about one thousand five hundred pounds . A typical prior art sweeping apparatus might weigh close to one thousand pounds, thus leaving very little lifting capacity. Considering that a cubic yard of sand (often one of the main components of swept debris) weighs about two thousand eight hundred pounds, most prior art sweeping apparata have a capacity of perhaps one-quarter cubic yard to one-half cubic yard, which is much lower than desirable.

[0005] Another significant problem with prior art front end loader type vehicles is that the forwardly mounted sweeping assembly, or in other words the front lift arms and the sweeping mechanism mounted thereon, are quite lengthy. As a result, the moment arm of the weight of the forwardly mounted assembly and the load of debris contained therein is several feet long, thus making the overall load even more difficult to lift and helping to limit the maximum weight that can be lifted_ Further, such frost end loader type vehicles having a forwardly mounted sweeping assembly are difficult to manoeuver, due to the length of the forwardly mounted sweeping assembly. Accordingly, such front end loader type vehicles cannot be used in many situations where tight turns are necessary.

[0006] Yet another significant problem related tQ the functionality of prior art front end loader type vehicles can be experienced during the sweeping of debris in tight turns. Due to the necessary extreme forward positioning of the forwardly mounted sweeping assembly, the main sweeping broom of the sweeping assembly tracks significantly sideways in addition to moving forwardly, during a tight turn in either direction. If the radius of the turn is less than about twenty feet, depending on the specific configuration of the forwardly mounted sweeping assembly, the main sweeping broom will miss at least part of the path of debris defined by the left and right gutter brooms. Even if there are no gutter brooms, the main sweeping broom will track outside of the intended path, which is unacceptable. Further, due to the significant sideways tracking, debris being swept by the main sweeping broom can be lost from the front of the main sweeping broom, which is unacceptable.

[0007] Another significant problem related to many types of prior art sweeping vehicles including front end loader type vehicles is that is dust control. There is no known prier art sweeping apparatus that is removably attachable to a vehicle, wherein the prior art sweeping apparatus has dry filtered dust control, to permit dry (or on other words ~~waterless") dustless sweeping of a surface.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface, which sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus have a low overall cost while maximizing functionality.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface, which sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus are removably mountable to a vehicle that might already be used by a businesses or municipality, thus enabling the vehicle to b,e used for other duties when not being used for sweeping.

[00010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface, which sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus have a greater maximum weight that can be lifted by prior art front end loader type vehicles.

[00011] It is a further object of the present invent$on to provide a sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface, which sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus can readily be manoeuvred in tight turns.

[00012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface, wherein the main sweeping broom will properly sweep the path of debris defined by the left and right gutter brooms.

[00013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface, wherein debris being swept by the main sweeping broom is not lost from the front of the main sweeping broom.

[00014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus for swEeping debris from a horizontal surface, wherein the sweeping apparatus is removably attachable to a vehicle, which sweeping apparatus has dry filtered dust control to permit dry (or on other words "waterless") dustless sweeping of a surface.
SUI~1ARY OF THE INVENTION

[00015] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel sweeping machine for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface. The sweeping machine comprises a vehicle defining a generally centrally disposed longitudinal axis.
A debris receiving hopper has a debris receiving mouth end is mounted in removable and replaceable relation on the vehicle at least in a lower debris receiving position whereat the debris receiving hopper is disposed rearwardly of the vehicle. A main sweeping broom is operatively mounted on one of the vehicle and the debris receiving hopper rearwardly of the vehicle for rotation about a generally horizontal axis oriented substantially transversely to the generally centrally disposed longitudinal axis of the vehicle, for sweeping debris from the surface being cleaned, and propelling the debris into the debris receiving hopper through the debris receiving mouth.

[00016] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel sweeping apparatus for rempvable attachment to a vehicle defining a generally centrally disposed longitudinal axis, for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface.
The sweeping apparatus comprises a debris receiving hopper having a debris receiving mouth and is mounted in removable and replaceable relation on the vehicle at least in a lower debris receiving position whereat the debris receiving hopper is disposed rearwardly of the vehicle. A main sweeping broom is operatively mounted on the debris receiving hopper rearwardly of the debris receiving hopper for rotation about a generally horizontal axis oriented substantially transversely to the generally centrally disposed longitudinal axis of the vehicle, for sweeping debris from the surface being cleaned, and propelling the debris into the debris receiving hopper through the debris receiving mouth.

[00017] Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description aid the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described herein below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TFiE DRAWINGS.

[00018] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with farther objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:
g _ [00019] Figure 1 is a front side perspective view from above of the preferred embodiment of the sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus according to the present invention with the broom and hopper in a lower debris receiving position, and with the hopper door Flosed;

[00020] Figure 2 is a back side perspective view from above of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure l;

[00021] Figure 3 is a front side perspective view from blow of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 1;

[00022] Figure 4 is a back side perspective view from below and behind of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure l;

[00023] Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 1;

[00024] Figure 6 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure l;

[00025] Figure 7 is a front end elevational view of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 1;

[00026] Figure 8 is a back end elevational view of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 1;

[00027] Figure 9 is a front side perspective view from above of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 1, with the broom and hopper in a raised position with the hopper door closed;

[00028] Figure 10 is a back side perspective view from alpove of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 9;

[00029] Figure 11 is a back side perspective view from below and behind of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 9;

[00030) Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 9;

[00031] Figure 13 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 9;

[00032] Figure 14 is a front end elevational view pf the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 9;

[00033] Figure 15 is a back end elevational view of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 9;

[00034] Figure 16 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 9;

[00035] Figure 17 is a front side perspective view from above of the preferred embodiment of the sweeping apparatus of Figgre l, with the broom and hopper in a lower debris receiving position, and with the hopper door open;

[00036] Figure 18 is a back side perspective view from a?~ove of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 17;

[00037] Figure 19 is a back side perspective view from below and behind of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 17;

[00038] Figure 20 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 17;

[00039] Figure 21 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 17;

[00040] Figure 22 is a front end elevational view pf the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 17;

[00041] Figure 23 is a back end elevational view of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 17;

[00042] Figure 24 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 17; and, [00043] Figure 25 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of Figure 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[00044] Reference will now be made to Figures 1 through 25, which, in one aspect, in Figures 1 through 24, show a preferred embodiment of the sweeping apparatus according to the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral- 20, for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface 22. In another aspect, the Figure 25, shows a preferred embodiment of the sweeping machine according to the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 21.

[00045] Briefly, the sweeping machine 20 comprises a vehicle 30 such as a unitary frame utility type tractor 30, as is shown in Figure 25. A debris receiving hopper 40 has a debris receiving mouth 42 and is mounted in removable and replaceable relation on the unitary frame utility type tractor 30. A main sweeping broom 50 is operatively mounted on one of the unitary frame utility type tractor 30 and the debris receiving hopper 40 rearwardly Pf the unitary frame utility type tractor 30, for sweeping debris 29 from the surface 22 being cleaned, and propelling the debris 24 into the debris receiving hopper 40 through the debris receiving mouth 42.
Further, in another aspect, the present invention is a sweeping apparatus 21 for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface 22. The sweeping apparatus 21 is for removable attachment to a vehicle 30, and comprises the debris receiving hopper 40 and the main sweeping brpom 50.

[00046] The present invention will now be discussed in greater detail. The sweeping machine 20 comprises the vehicle 30 defining a generally centrally disposed longitudinal axis "L". In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the vehicle 30 comprises a unitary frame utility type tractor 30. The type of tractors being referred to are typically conventional unitary frame -- or in other words are non-articulated -- utility type tractors, manufactured by companies such as John Deere, Ford, Massey Ferguson, among others.
Such conventional tractors are typically powered by an internal combustion engine, with such internal combustion engines typically producing from less than fifty horsepower to over one hundred horsepower, or more, depending on the size of the tractor 30.
Other types of vehicles would also be suitable.

[00047] The sweeping machine 20 further comprises at least one gutter broom, and in the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the at least one gutter broom comprises a left gutter broom 84 and a right gutter broom (not shown). Each gutter broom is mounted on the vehicle 30 for rotation about a respective gutter broom axis and oriented such that the left and right gutter brooms are in partial contact with a surface 22 being cleaned. Accordingly, the left and right gutter brooms move debris on the surface being cleaned towards the generally centrally disposed longitudinal axis "L" to thereby form a generally central trail of debris 22.

[00048] A debris receiving hopper 40 has a rearwardly facing debris receiving mouth 42, with a debris deflecting flap 44 secured to the bottom 46 of the debris receiving hopper 40 at the debris receiving mouth 42. The debris deflecting flap 44 passes over debris on the surface 22 being cleaned yet deflects debris 22 propelled forwardly by the main sweeping broom 50 into the debris receiving hopper 40.

[00049] The debris receiving hopper 40 is mounted in removable and replaceable relation on the vehicle 30, at least in a lower debris receiving position whereat the debris receiving hopper 40 is disposed rearwardly of the vehicle 30, and immediately adjacent the vehicle 30. Further, the debris receiving hopper 40 is selectively movable between its lower debris receiving position, as is best seen in Figures 1 through 8 and 25, and a raised debris dumping position, as is best seen in Figures 9 through 24. In the raised debris dumping position, the debris and is dumped from the debris receiving hopper 40, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.

[00050] In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the debris receiving hopper 40 is operatively mounted on the vehicle 30 removable and replaceable relation, by means of a conventional three-point hitch, as indicated by the general reference numeral 60, on the unitary frame utility type tractor 30. In this manner, the conventional three-point hitch 60 can be used to selectively move the debris receiving hopper 40 between its lower debris receiving position and its raised debris dumping position. Such positioning of the debris receiving hopper 40 minimi-zes the distance that the debris receiving hopper 40 and the main sweeping broom 50 are from the pivot point of the conventional three-point hitch 60, thus minimizing the moment arm around its horizontal pivot axis "H", thereby maximizing the weight that can be lifted.
Accordingly, the amount of debris that can be lifted by the debris receiving hopper 40, and therefore retained in the debris receiving hopper 40, is maximized.

[00051] The unitary frame utility type tractor 30 has a primary hydraulic pump 43, as is well known in the industry. The sweeping machine 20 of the present invention further comprising a hydraulic actuator connected in fluid communication with the primary hydraulic pump of the unitary frame utility type tractor 30 and operatively connected to the debris receiving hopper 40 for moving the debris receiving hopper 40 between the lower debris receiving position and the raised debris dumping position.

[00052] In this manner, the debris receiving hopper 40 is operatively mounted on the vehicle 30 for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal hopper 40 pivot axis disposed forwardly of the debris receiving hopper 44. The debris receiving hopper 40 operatively mounted on the vehicle 30 for pivotal movement by means of at least one arm member, with the at least one arm member being securely attached in angularly fixed relation to the debris receiving hopper 40.

[00053] At least a portion of the debris receiving hopper 40 is disposed between the rear wheels 23 of the vehicle 30, specifically the unitary frame utility type tractor 30. More specifically, the debris receiving hopper 40 is tapered at the front, having angled left and right front wall portions 48,49. Such tapering pf the left and right front wall portions 48-,49 permits the front portion of the debris receiving hopper 40 to fit between the rear wheels 23 of the utility type tractor 30, and partially underneath the conventional three-point hitch 60. In this manner, the debris receiving hopper 40 is disposed as far forwardly, as possibly, in an overall sense, while being positioned rearwardly of the unitary frame utility type tractor 30.

[00054] The debris receiving hopper 40 further comprises ~ front opening 70 through which debris 24 is dumped from the debris receiving hopper 40 when the debris receiving hopper 40 is in the raised debris dumping position. Further, a door 72 is mounted by means of a horizontally disposed hinge 74 on the front opening 70.
The door 72 is movable between a closed position, as is best seen in Figures Figures 9 through 16, corresponding to the lower debris receiving position of the debris receiving hopper-40, and whereat debris in the debris receiving hopper 40 is precluded from passing through the front opening 70, and an open position, as is best seen in Figures 17 through 24, whereat debris in the debris receiving hopper 40 is precluded from passing through the front opening 70.
Preferably, the door 72 is mounted on the debris receiving hopper 40 in freely pivoting relation. Accordingly, when the debris receiving hopper 40 moves from the lower debris receiving position to the raised debris dumping position, the door 72 moves correspondingly from the closed position to open position.
Further, when the debris receiving hopper 40 moves from the raised debris dumping position to the lower debris receiving positiqn, the door 72 moves correspondingly from the open position to the closed position. In this manner, debris is precluded from exiting the debris receiving hopper 40 when the debris receiving hopper 40 is in its lower debris receiving position. Further, debris is permitted to exit from the debris receiving hopper 40-when the debris receiving hopper 40 is in its raised debris dumping position.

[00055] A main sweeping broom 50 is operatively mounted on one of the vehicle 30 and the debris receiving hopper 40 rearwardly of the vehicle 30, and immediately rearwardly of the debris receiving hopper 40. The main sweeping broom 50 is operatively mounted for rotation about the generally horizontal axis ~~S" oriented substantially transversely to the generally centrally disposed longitudinal axis ~~L" of the vehicle 30, for sweeping debris from the surface 22 being cleaned, and propelling the debris 24 into the debris receiving hopper 40 through the debris receiving mouth 42.
The main sweeping broom 50 is for sweeping the generally central trail 26 of debris 24 from the surface being cleaned, and propelling the debris 24 into the debris receiving hopper 40 through the debris receiving mouth 42. The main sweeping broom 50 is operatively mounted on the debris receiving hopper 40, for movement with the debris receiving hopper 40 between the lower debris receiving position and the raised debris dumping position.

[00056] The sweeping machine 20 and sweeping apparatus 21 further comprise a filter means 80 in the form of a panel type dust filter, operatively connected to the debris receiving hopper 40 through a passageway 82. Flow of dust laden air from the debris receiving hopper 40 to the panel type dust filter 80 through the passageway 82 is indicated by arrow ~~A". A fan 84 is operatively connected to the panel type dust filter 82 through a conduit 86 to draw air from the debris receiving hopper 40 and through the panel type dust filter 80, whereat the dust laden air is properly filtered. Clean air is expelled out of the panel type dust filter 80 into the ambient air.

[00057] As can be understood from the above description and from the accompanying drawings, the present invention provides a sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface, which sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus have a low overall cost while maximizing functionality, which sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus are removably mountable to a vehicle that might already be used by a businesses or municipality, thus enabling the vehicle to be used for other duties when not being used for sweeping, which sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus have a greater maximum weight that can be lifted by prior art front end loader type vehicles, which sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus can readily be manoeuvred in tight turns, wherein the main sweeping broom will properly sweep the path of debris defined by the left and right gutter brooms, wherein elebris being swept by the main sweeping broom is not lost from the front of the main sweeping broom, and wherein the sweeping apparatus is removably attachable to a vehicle and has dry filtered dust control to permit dry (or on other words "waterless") dustless sweeping of a surface, all of which features are unknown in the prior art.

[00058] Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations are considered to be within the scope pf the present invention. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the sweeping machine and sweeping apparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims (32)

1. A sweeping machine for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface, said sweeping machine comprising:
a vehicle defining a generally centrally disposed longitudinal axis;
a debris receiving hopper having a debris receiving mouth and mounted in removable and replaceable relation on said vehicle at least in a lower debris receiving position whereat said debris receiving hopper is disposed rearwardly of said vehicle; and, a main sweeping broom operatively mounted on one of said vehicle and said debris receiving hopper rearwardly of said vehicle for rotation about a generally horizontal axis oriented substantially transversely to said generally centrally disposed longitudinal axis of said vehicle, for sweeping debris from said surface being cleaned, and propelling said debris into said debris receiving hopper through said debris receiving mouth.

2. The sweeping machine of claim 1, wherein said mouth of said debris receiving hopper is rearwardly facing.

3. The sweeping machine of claim 2, wherein, when said debris receiving hopper is in said lower debris receiving position, said debris receiving hopper is disposed immediately adjacent the rear of said vehicle.

4. The sweeping machine of claim 3, wherein said main sweeping broom is operatively mounted on one of said vehicle and said debris receiving hopper immediately rearwardly of said debris receiving hopper.

5. The sweeping machine of claim 1, wherein debris receiving hopper is selectively movable between said lower debris receiving position and a raised debris dumping position whereat said debris and is dumped from said debris receiving hopper.

6. The sweeping machine of claim 5, wherein said main sweeping broom is operatively mounted on said debris receiving hopper, for movement with said debris receiving hopper between said lower debris receiving position and said raised debris dumping position.

7. The sweeping machine of claim 5, wherein said debris receiving hopper further comprises a front opening through which debris is dumped from said debris receiving hopper when said debris receiving hopper is in said raised debris dumping position.

8. The sweeping machine of claim 7, further comprising a door on said front opening, said door being movable between a closed position whereat debris in said debris receiving hopper is precluded from passing through said front opening and an open position whereat debris in said debris receiving hopper is precluded from passing through said front opening.

9. The sweeping machine of claim 8, wherein, when said debris receiving hopper moves from said lower debris receiving position to said raised debris dumping position, said door moves correspondingly from said closed position to said open position.

10. The sweeping machine of claim 5, wherein said debris receiving hopper is operatively mounted on said vehicle for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal hopper pivot axis disposed forwardly of said debris receiving hopper.

11. The sweeping machine of claim 10, wherein said debris receiving hopper operatively mounted on said vehicle for pivotal movement by means of at least one arm member.

12. The sweeping machine of claim 11, wherein said at least one arm member is securely attached in angularly fixed relation to said debris receiving hopper.

13. The sweeping machine of claim 1, further comprising at least one gutter broom, each gutter broom mounted on said vehicle for rotation about a respective gutter broom axis, and oriented such that said at least one gutter broom is in partial contact with a surface being cleaned, so as to move debris on said surface being cleaned towards said generally centrally disposed longitudinal axis to thereby form a generally central trail of debris, and wherein said main sweeping broom is for sweeping said generally central trail of debris from said surface being cleaned, and propelling said debris into said debris receiving hopper through-said debris receiving mouth.

14. The sweeping machine of claim 13, wherein said at least one gutter broom comprises a left gutter broom and a right gutter broom.

15. The sweeping machine of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said debris receiving hopper is disposed between the rear wheels of said vehicle.

16. The sweeping machine of claim 1, wherein said vehicle comprises a unitary frame utility type tractor.

17. The sweeping machine of claim 16, wherein said debris receiving hopper is operatively mounted on said vehicle removable and replaceable relation, by means of a conventional three-point hitch on said unitary frame utility type tractor.

18. The sweeping machine of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of said debris receiving hopper is disposed between the rear wheels of said unitary frame utility type tractor.

19. The sweeping machine of claim 1, further comprising a filter means operatively connected to said debris receiving hopper, and a fan operatively connected to said filter means to draw air from said debris receiving hopper through said filter means,

20. The sweeping machine of claim 1, wherein said vehicle has a primary hydraulic pump, and further comprising a hydraulic actuator connected in fluid communication with said primary hydraulic pump of said vehicle and operatively connected to said debris receiving hopper for moving said debris receiving hopper between said lower debris receiving position and said raised debris dumping position.

21. A sweeping apparatus for removable attachment to a vehicle defining a generally centrally disposed longitudinal axis, for sweeping debris from a horizontal surface, said sweeping apparatus comprising:
a debris receiving hopper having a debris receiving mouth and mounted in removable and replaceable relation on said vehicle at least in a lower debris receiving position whereat said debris receiving hopper is disposed rearwardly of said vehicle; and, a main sweeping broom operatively mounted on said debris receiving hopper rearwardly of said debris receiving hopper for rotation about a generally horizontal axis oriented substantially transversely to said generally centrally disposed longitudinal axis of said vehicle, for sweeping debris from said surface being cleaned, and propelling said debris into said debris receiving hopper through said debris receiving mouth.

22. The sweeping machine of claim 21, wherein said mouth of said debris receiving hopper is rearwardly facing.

23. The sweeping machine of claim 21, wherein, when said debris receiving hopper is in said lower debris receiving position, said debris receiving hopper is disposed immediately adjacent the rear of said vehicle, when said debris receiving hopper is mounted on said vehicle.

24. The sweeping machine of claim 21, wherein said main sweeping broom is operatively mounted on one of said vehicle and said debris receiving hopper immediately rearwardly of said debris receiving hopper.

25. The sweeping machine of claim 21, wherein debris receiving hopper is selectively movable between said lower debris receiving position and a raised debris dumping position whereat said debris and is dumped from said debris receiving hopper,

26. The sweeping apparatus of claim 25, wherein said main sweeping broom is moveable with said debris receiving hopper between said lower debris receiving position and said raised debris dumping position.

27. The sweeping apparatus of claim 21, wherein said debris receiving hopper further comprises a front opening through which debris is dumped from said debris receiving hopper when said debris receiving hopper is in said raised debris dumping position.

28. The sweeping apparatus of claim 27, further comprising a door on said front opening, said door being movable between a closed position whereat debris in said debris receiving hopper is precluded from passing through said front opening and an open position whereat debris in said debris receiving hopper is precluded from passing through said front opening.

29. The sweeping apparatus of claim 28, wherein, when said debris receiving hopper moves from said lower debris receiving position to said raised debris dumping position, said door moves correspondingly from said closed position to said open position.

30. The sweeping apparatus of claim 25, wherein said debris receiving hopper is operatively mountable on said vehicle for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal hopper pivot axis disposed forwardly of said debris receiving hopper.

31. The sweeping apparatus of claim 30, wherein said debris receiving hopper operatively mountable on said vehicle for pivotal movement by means of at least one arm member.

32. The sweeping apparatus of claim 31, wherein said at least one arm member is securely attached in angularly fixed relation to said debris receiving hopper.

34. The sweeping apparatus of claim 21, wherein said vehicle comprises a unitary frame utility type tractor.

35. The sweeping apparatus of claim 34, wherein said debris receiving hopper is operatively mountable on said vehicle removable and replaceable relation, by means of a conventional three-point hitch on said unitary frame utility type tractor.

36. The sweeping apparatus of claim 34, wherein at least a portion of said debris receiving hopper is disposed between the rear wheels of said unitary frame utility type tractor, when said debris receiving hopper is mounted on said unitary frame utility type tractor.

37. The sweeping apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a filter means operatively connected to said debris receiving hopper, and a fan operatively connected to said filter means to draw air from said debris receiving hopper through said filter means.