GB2593746A - Cleaning system - Google Patents

Abstract

The mobile cleaning system 2, particularly for cleaning temporary road structures, comprises a truck that comprises a cab 8, a support bed 12 for supporting a removable load, and a crane 14 for loading and unloading said load. A reservoir 26 is configured to store a cleaning fluid and be mounted on the truck, a hose operatively connected to the reservoir has an outlet for dispensing the cleaning fluid in use and a pump 40 is configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the outlet in use. The reservoir at least partially wraps around the trailer chassis or support bed and/or is at least partially submerged therein, and is preferably saddle or U-shaped. The system may comprise an auxiliary pump system configured to pump fluid from an auxiliary fluid source, which may be a tank mounted on a trailer or an external water source, into the cleaning system. Also claimed is a method of cleaning and transporting a load.

Description

Cleaning System The present invention relates to a mobile cleaning system, particularly to a mobile cleaning system for cleaning temporary road surfaces or similar structures.

Introduction

Temporary road structures are typically used to provide safe access and to protect softer ground or surfaces, such as grass, gravel or soil, from damage caused by pedestrians or vehicles. Such system are often used for public events or around construction sites to prevent the grass or soil from being churned or preventing vehicles becoming stuck in mud.

The road structure typically comprises a plurality of interconnecting panels, laid on the ground and connected to form a continuous base. The panels may be connected in a linear fashion to create a road, or over a wider area to provide temporary flooring. Panels can be connected in multiple panel widths and/or layers.

Aluminium, plastic and/or timber panels of this kind may be used to provide a temporary access road, walkway, other pedestrian floor, work platform or car park solution. Panels are conventionally delivered on a wagon having a crane/hoist system for loading and unloading of panels.

The inventor has found numerous problems with prior art system. Once the temporary road structure is no longer in use, the panels must be collected and returned to storage or moved to a new site. However, the panels typically become soiled through use, e.g. covered in debris, such a mud or grass etc. This can cause handling difficulties and may lead to contamination issues, particularly when the system is used on farms or contaminated areas.

It is important that the panels do not cause cross-contamination risks when transferred to a new site.

The panels may be cleaned by hand using a pressure washer or the like.

However, this conventionally requires a power source for the pump and/or a water source, which may often be difficult in areas where temporary road structures are used, e.g. remote areas. Additionally, in order to clean both sides of the panel, the panel must be flipped over, which may cause health and safety issues. If contaminated panels are loaded onto the wagon, then both the panels and wagon must be cleaned down at a suitable facility before they can be used to install a temporary road structure at a new site.

This is highly inefficient and causes both delay and increased cost. For example, panels must be taken to a cleaning facility before they can be taken to a new site. 15 Also, they can be an additional issue of correctly disposing of the debris removed from the panels off site.

It is aim of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above problems.

Statements of Invention

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile cleaning system according to claim 1.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a mobile cleaning system comprising a truck having a trailer unit configured to be driven by tractor unit in use, the trailer unit comprising; a reservoir configured to store a cleaning fluid and mounted on the trailer; an outlet for dispensing the cleaning fluid in use and operatively connected to the reservoir; a pump system configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the outlet; and a support bed to support a removable load in use.

The reservoir may be at least 1000, 1,500 or 2,000 litres in capacity The reservoir may be mounted externally of the tractor unit, e.g. upon the truck. The reservoir may comprise a tank fixed atop the truck and/or exposed to the exterior of the 5 truck.

One or more auxiliary reservoir(s) may be removably mounted to the trailer or a towed trailer. The auxiliary reservoir may be moved to/from the bed or atop the oad on the bed as required.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of transporting or cleaning a load, comprising using the mobile cleaning system of any preceding aspect. The load may be cleaned prior to, or after, and of loading, unloading or transportation operations.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of cleaning and transporting a load comprising: providing a truck having a trailer unit configured to be driven by tractor unit; pumping a cleaning fluid from a reservoir mounted on the trailer out of an outlet operatively connected thereto; cleaning the load using the cleaning fluid; and transporting the cleaned load supported on the trailer.

The truck may have a crane for lifting the load. The truck may comprise a cleaning system according to any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

Optional features of the truck, cleaning system and/or method are defined in the dependent claims.

Detailed description

Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a cleaning system; Figure 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of a trailer chassis and a reservoir; Figure 3 shows a top down view of the trailer chassis and a reservoir; Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the cleaning system.

Figure 1 shows a cleaning system, generally indicated at 2. The cleaning system 2 is configured to support a plurality of temporary road panels (not shown) thereon and to provide a means to clean said panels whilst the panels are loaded/unloaded onto the system or whilst supported thereon.

The road panels may be conventional and may comprise aluminium, plastic and/or timber panels.

The cleaning system 2 is mobile, thereby allowing the system 2 to be used in plurality of different locations. The system comprises a truck having chassis 4 and plurality of wheels 6. The system 2 is configured to be towed by a tractor unit 8 (e.g. a lorry cab, truck having a conventional engine). The system 2 thus comprises a trailer 10 portion of the truck that shares a chassis with the cab/engine. In the present embodiment, the tractor unit comprises an "cab-overengine" unit, however, it can be appreciated that this is merely exemplary and the tractor unit 8 may comprise any suitably powered vehicle. The system 2 could be integral with the tractor unit, i.e. having a common chassis, or could be mounted thereto but having a separate chassis.

The system 2 may be connected to the cab via an articulated joint. Again, it can be 25 appreciated that the trailer can be connected to the tractor unit by suitable means, such as a tow bar/hitch or knuckles connectors etc. The trailer 10 may be detachable from the tractor unit 8, thereby allowing a plurality of different tractor units 8 to be used therewith. This may allow the trailer to be left on site, if required. In alternative embodiments, the trailer 10 may be permanently or semi-permanently attached to the tractor unit 8 (e.g. integral therewith).

The trailer comprises a bed 12 configured to support one or more temporary road panel. In the present embodiment, the bed 12 comprises a flat bed (i.e. a flat panel or surface). This allows the panels to be easily loaded/unloaded onto the bed 12.

The panels may then be secured using ratchet straps or the like during transport. The bed 12 may be open-sided.

In other embodiments, the bed 12 may comprise one or more of side walls, a rack, a box or other containers suitable to retain the panels. For example, the bed 12 10 may comprise fold-down side walls.

The bed 12 is suitably sized to receive a number of adjacent panels (i.e. laying flat next to one another). For example, the bed 12 may be at least 2m, 2.5m or 3m long, e.g. at least 4m long, or at least 5m long. The bed 12 may be greater than lm or 2m wide, e.g. between lm and 3m wide, such as 2.5m wide. The length /width is typically suitable to accommodate at least as single panel that may be 3m by 2.5m in plan. Panels may be stacked on the bed, e.g. when lying flat.

A crane system 14 is provided on the trailer 10. The crane system 14 allows convenient and safe lifting of the panels directly onto the bed 12. The crane system 14 comprises a base unit 16 mounted to chassis 4 of the trailer. A crane arm 18 is mounted to the base unit 16. A securing member 20 (e.g. a hook or latch etc.) is mounted at the operative end of the arm 18. The arm 16 may comprise one or articulations 22 and associated actuators to allow movement thereof. The arm 16 (or portions thereof) may be extensible to vary the reach thereof.

The base unit 16 may comprise actuators and control system etc. for controlling the movement of the crane 14. Additionally, a power source may be provided therein. Alternatively, the crane 14 is operatively connected to the tractor/trailer power circuit. Controls may be provided on the base unit or else a remote control may be used.

The crane 14 is mounted at the rear end of the trailer (i.e. the rear end of the truck/bed 12), allowing the crane 14 to load panels from the rear of the vehicle. The crane 14 comprises a plurality of stabilising legs 24 to support the trailer 10 weight during use, e.g. during operation of the crane. The legs 24 are extendable/retractable, allowing the legs 24 to move between first position where they engage the ground and a second position where they are retracted away from the ground (as shown in the figures). The legs 24 may be hydraulically actuated. The legs 24 may lift the trailer to take part or all of the trailer weight off the wheels 6, e.g. the rear wheels. Alternatively, the legs may be stabilisers only and may merely contact the ground, rather than taking a significant proportion of the weight.

The system 2 comprises a reservoir 26 to store cleaning fluid to clean the panels or other items in use. The cleaning fluid will typically comprise water in use. The cleaning fluid may comprise additive, such as, one or more of: detergent (e.g. surfactants, bleach, enzymes, foaming agents etc.); a biocide (e.g. pesticides, fungicides, algicides, herbicides or germicides etc.); or abrasive particles (e.g. sand).

The additive(s) may be used to prevent cross-contamination between areas in 20 which the temporary road structures are used. The additives may be pre-mixed with the fluid (i.e. mixed before placement into the reservoir 26).

Additionally or alternatively, the system 2 may comprises a means to inject or otherwise introduce the additives into the cleaning fluid whilst in the reservoir 26 and/or when being dispensed. For example, a reservoir for the additive may be provided. The reservoir may be operatively connected to the pump system 40 (described below), such that the additive is drawn into the pump and mixed with the cleaning fluid therein.

The reservoir 26 comprises a storage tank. The tank 26 will typically be made from a light-weight material, such as a plastics material, or a glass-reinforced-plastic.

The tank 26 may be transparent or translucent to allow the operator to see the fluid level therein.

The tank 26 may comprise a capacity of at least 1000L, preferably at least 1500L, preferably at least 2000L. In this example, a 2500L tank is provided on board. Although a single tank is provided, it can be appreciated the storage capacities may be provided by two or more independent or linked tanks. A large capacity is particularly important for adequate cleaning of large panel structures for temporary road panels.

In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the tank 26 is supported on or above the chassis 4. The lower end 28 of the tank 26 is supported on a top surface on the chassis 4. The lower end 28 may therefore be level with or supported on the flatbed surface 12 and/or supported thereon. The tank 26 may therefore be retro-fit onto a conventional flatbed trailer.

The tank 26 is provided in an "upright" position (i.e. has a greater height than width and/or length). This provides a compact configuration (i.e. maximises flatbed 12 space). The tank 26 comprises an opening to allow filling thereof. The opening will 20 typically be provided at an upper end of the tank 26.

In alternative embodiments, at least a portion of tank 26 is provided below the flatbed surface 12. This arrangement lowers the centre of the gravity of the trailer 10, thereby increasing the stability thereof. Additionally or alternatively, this provides greater safety on the flatbed 12 and allows easier access to the upper end of the tank 26.

In the embodiment shown in figures 2 and 3, the tank 26 is wrapped around the chassis 4/flatbed 12. The tank 26 comprises a first portion 30 which is supported above the flatbed 12. A plurality of side portions 32 extend over a side 34 of the flatbed 12/chassis 4. The side portions 32 therefore extend below the flatbed surface 12. The tank 26 is substantially U-shaped in section or saddle shaped.

As shown in the top-down view of figure 3, the flatbed 12/chassis comprises a plurality of recesses/cutouts 34 configured to receive the side portions 32. This prevents the tank 26 from protruding beyond the side edge 36 of chassis 4/flatbed 5 12. The side edge 36 may be aligned with the side edge 38 of the tank 26.

In other embodiments, the cutouts 34 may not be provided and the tank 26 may protrude from the edge 36 of the chassis 4/flatbed 12.

Additionally or alternatively, the chassis 4/flatbed 12 may comprise a recess/cutout in an upper surface thereof. The tank 26 may then be supported within the recess/cutout, such that the tank 26 is partially or fully submerged within the chassis 4/flatbed 12.

In further embodiments, the tank 26 may provided beneath the chassis 4/flatbed 12 (i.e. slung thereunder).

A partition 27 may be provided between the tank 26 and the flatbed 12 storage area (i.e. where the panels are placed in use). The partition 27 may help support 20 tank 26 and/or prevent damage thereto during loading of the panels.

The system 2 comprises a pump system 40 configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the reservoir 26 to an outlet 42. The pump system 40 may comprise a combustion engine, such as a diesel engine. The combustion engine is operatively connected to a fuel reservoir (not shown) in the tractor unit 8. The combustion engine therefore shares a fuel supply with the tractor unit 8 and/or is fed directly from the vehicle fuel tank, thus mitigating the need for a separate fuel tank for the pump system 40.

In other embodiments, the pump system 40 may comprise an electric pump. The pump may be powered by the tractor unit 8 electrical system. For example, the onboard electrical system for the cab may be used to power pump. A conventional diesel generator, that draws fuel from the vehicle fuel system to power the electrical system may thus power the electric pump. In further embodiments, the pump system 40 may be powered by mechanical power from the tractor unit 8 (e.g. a PTO shaft).

The pump system 40 is configured to expel the cleaning fluid from an outlet 42 under pressure. The pump system 40 thus provides a "pressure washer" type system. The cleaning fluid may be dispensed at a pressure of greater than 50 bar, preferably greater than 100 bar. In a specific example, the cleaning fluid may be supplied at 2250 PSI (155 bar).

The outlet 42 comprises a flexible hose 44 or the like. The hose 44 is retractable allowing the hose 44 to be stored on the trailer 10 when not in use. The hose 44 may be mounted on a rotatable drum supported by the chassis 4. The hose 44 15 may comprise a length of at least 5m, preferably at least 10m.

The hose 44 may comprise an actuator to selectively permit cleaning fluid to be dispensed therefrom. For example, the hose 44 may comprise a "gun". The gun may comprises a hand lever or the like to selectively dispense the fluid. The actuator may simply block the fluid pathway to prevent fluid from exiting the hose and/or may communicate with the pump system 40 to reduce/stop the pressure applied to the fluid. The gun may comprise a lance or the like.

The pump system 40 and/or the hose arrangement 44 may be provided below the flatbed surface 12 (i.e. mounted within or below the chassis 4). The pump system 40 and/or the hose arrangement 44 may be provided at the forward end of the trailer 10 (i.e. adjacent the articulated joint or forward of the wheels 6). The pump system 40 and/or the hose arrangement 44 may be provided at least partially beneath the reservoir 26, e.g. being mounted to the chassis.

In an embodiment shown in figure 4, the cleaning system 2 comprises an auxiliary cleaning fluid reservoir 46. The auxiliary reservoir 46 is configured to be towed by the trailer 10 and/or the tractor unit 8 (i.e. in a typical configuration, the tractor unit 8 will tow both of the trailer 10 and the auxiliary reservoir 46, however, it can be appreciated that they may be towed individually if required).

The auxiliary reservoir 46 is supported by a movable chassis 48 comprising a number of wheels 50 or the like. The chassis 48 comprises a tow connection 52, such as a tow bar etc. The auxiliary reservoir 46 is thus selectively attachable to the trailer 10/tractor unit 8 as required. The chassis 48 may comprise a ladder 53 to allow an operator to climb the chassis 48.

The auxiliary reservoir 46 comprises a storage tank 54 for cleaning fluid. The storage tank 54 may comprise similar features to the trailer storage tank 26 and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

The tank 54 is provided a "lying" position (i.e. greater in length and/or width than height). This increases stability and/or reduces the air drag during towing. The tank 54 is removably mounted to the chassis 48. The tank 54 may therefore be loaded/unloaded using the crane 15. Tank 54 may comprise stillage (i.e. pallet or skid with a cage or side wall). The stillage may comprise mounting points for the crane 14 (e.g. eyelets) or forklift pockets/apertures to allow lifting with a forklift.

A plurality of tanks may be provided, for example, either in a side-by-side or end-to-end configuration. The tanks 54 may have a capacity of greater than 500L, preferably greater than 1000L. For example, the tanks 54 may have a capacity of 1500L. The capacity of the auxiliary fluid reservoir 46 will therefore be typically greater than 1000L, preferably greater than 2000L. In the example shown, three or four auxiliary tanks are provided on the towed trailer.

The total capacity of the system 2 (trailer tank 26 + auxiliary tanks 54) may be greater than 3000L, preferably greater than 4000L, or 5000L. The current system with four auxiliary tanks and a 2500L capacity main tank can hold up to 8000L.

The trailer tank 26 and/or the auxiliary tank 54 may comprise a ribbed structure, thus increasing the structural rigidity thereof. The trailer tank 26 and/or the auxiliary tank 54 may comprise one or more baffles therein to prevent sloshing.

The removable auxiliary tank has bene found to be beneficial in that it can be mounted on the vehicle bed if required, e.g. instead of the trailer. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary tanks(s) may be moved from the vehicle bed or trailer for loading/unloading of panels. The auxiliary tank may be mounted atop the load (i.e. the panels(s)), e.g. when empty or part-empty.

The system 2 comprises an auxiliary pump system generally indicated at 56. The auxiliary pump system is configured to pump water from an external water source (i.e. not carried by the trailer 10 itself) into the cleaning system 2.

The external water source may comprise a fixed water source (i.e. a water source found in the environment or from a permanent fixture). The fixed water source may comprise one or more of, inter alia: a stand-pipe; a hydrant; a tap or other mains water supply; a lake; a river; a water reservoir; or an external water tank.

Additionally or alternatively, the external water source comprises the auxiliary tank 54.

The auxiliary pump system 56 may comprise a hose or the like to allow connection to the external water source. The hose is flexible and has a first end connected to an intake for the auxiliary pump system 56 as well as a free end. The hose may comprise a connector to allow connection to the stand-pipe, tap or auxiliary tank 54 etc. The auxiliary reservoir 46 could have its own connection to the auxiliary pump system 56 or main pump system 40, or else could make use of the auxiliary hose. Thus the auxiliary hose could be used only for external ad-hoc water sources or could be shared with the auxiliary reservoir 46.

The hose or intake to the pump may comprise a filter or the like to prevent dirt or debris from entering the system when drawing water from a river etc. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary pump system 56 comprises a discrete 5 pump operatively separate from the main pump system 40. The main pump 40 and the auxiliary pump 56 can therefore be operated independently. The auxiliary pump 56 may comprise a conventional pump system, such as an electric or combustion engine pump system. The auxiliary pump system 56 may share the fuel supply for the tractor unit 8 and/or may be driven by the on-board vehicle 10 electric ssem as described above in relation to the main pump 40. In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 56 (and/or the main pump 40) may receive electrical power from an external source (e.g. via a power cable).

The auxiliary pump system 56 is configured to pump cleaning fluid into the trailer reservoir 26. The auxiliary pump system 56 therefore is configured to re-fill the reservoir 26 and may be referred to as a transfer pump system. For example, the auxiliary pump system 56 can re-fill the tank when main pump 40 is not active. Alternatively, both the main pump 40 and the auxiliary pump 56 can be run currently to ensure the reservoir 26 does not run dry.

The use of two separate pumps allows cleaning and re-filling of the reservoir to be performed independently. For example, the auxiliary pump system 56 may comprise a lower power pump, or a different type of pump, as high pressure fluid flow is not required to fill the reservoir. The pumps can therefore be optimised for their respective tasks. Additionally, using the auxiliary pump system 56 to re-fill the reservoir, means only a single fluid inlet to the main pump system 40 is required, thus mitigating the need to provide any complex switching arrangements and allowing the use of off-the-shelf components.

However, in other embodiments, the auxiliary pump system 56 function is performed by the main pump 40 (i.e. the main pump 40 pumps fluid from the external water source and pumps fluid to the cleaning outlet 42). For example, the main pump 40 may be selectively switchable between drawing water from the reservoir 26 and an external source or auxiliary reservoir. The system may therefore be able to bypass the reservoir 26 entirely. The pump system 40 may therefore have a plurality of intakes and a switching/regulator system for controlling the source supplied to the pump. Alternatively, the main pump system 40 may comprise a dual pump system, where the system is capable of pumping into the reservoir 26 and out the outlet 42 simultaneously.

The auxiliary pump system 56 may be provided beneath the flatbed surface 12 and/or mounted within the chassis 4. The auxiliary pump system 56 may be provided above the main pump system 40 (i.e. between the main pump system 40 and the storage tank 26).

In any example, the main reservoir 26 and/or auxiliary reservoir 46 may have a fluid level sensor. A float type sensor or moisture/water sensor may be used. The output of the sensor may be used to control operation of the associated pump (i.e. the main pump or auxiliary pump system). In the event that the main reservoir is empty or nearly empty, the supply may cease or control pumping from (or switching to) the auxiliary reservoir or an external source.

In addition to, or instead of, the flow level sensor, the system may comprise a flow sensor for the main pump system or auxiliary pump system.

A suitable controller and control scheme may be implemented using the relevant sensor outputs. For example, as soon as the main reservoir is less than 100% (or a lower percentage) full, it may be topped up from the auxiliary reservoir. Alternatively, the controller may receive output flow rate readings and may supply at least the minimum flow from the auxiliary/external source to ensure continuous flow delivery to the main pump. Alerts may be provided to a user when the watwer level is running low.

In the above examples, typically two main pump systems are provided, i.e. to provide two high pressure pumps/washers on the vehicle. These may be provided on opposing sides of the vehicle or otherwise spaced apart, e.g. towards the front/rear. Each system will have its own hose and lance but will be fed by the common main reservoir. Alternatively, two main pressure washers/lances could be fed by a single main pump system that is sufficient to deliver cleaning fluid to either or both washer in use.

Operation of the invention The trailer 10 will be loaded with panels for building a temporary road structure.

The panels will be supported on the flatbed surface 12. The crane 14 may be used, or an external crane may be used if loaded in a warehouse environment etc. The trailer 10 will then be towed to the site and the panels unloaded using the crane 14 and arranged on the ground accordingly. The trailer 10 may then be towed back to depot and storage/reused for other jobs until removal of the temporary road surface is required.

The tank 26 (and auxiliary tank 54, if required) is filled with water and any necessary additives are added to the system 2. The trailer 10 is then towed to the site unloaded. The panels may then be loaded back onto the flatbed 12 via the crane 14. As the panels are lifted by the crane 14 an operator can clean the panels using onboard cleaning system 2. Water is pumped from the reservoir by main pump 40 and is pumped out under pressure through the hose 44. The extendible hose 44 and gun etc. allow the operator to easily position themselves to clean the panels whilst they are suspended by the crane 14. The crane 14 therefore allows easy cleaning on both sides of panel. Additionally or alternatively, the panels could be cleaned in situ if desired.

If the cleaning fluid in the trailer reservoir 26 is not sufficient, water may be drawn from the auxiliary reservoir 54 using the auxiliary pump 56. Additionally or alternatively, water may be drawn from a stand-pipe, river etc. using the auxiliary pump 56.

Once clean, the panels are loaded into the trailer 10 and then the trailer 10 may be towed back to the depot or to an alternative site for reuse. If excess water remains, the onboard tank(s) 26,45 may be drained to ensure the vehicle is not over-weight with the panels loaded. This ensures the system 2 is fully laden with water on the journey to the site and fully laden with panels from the site, thus maximising the usage of the vehicle.

The vehicle may also be cleaned using the system, e.g. to avoid any cross-contamination between sites.

Using the above system, the panels may be cleaned before or after use, i.e. during 15 loading at an existing site prior to transportation, or else during unloading of the panels at a new site.

Although the present invention has been described as a system for cleaning temporary road structure, it can be appreciated that the system may be used for 20 cleaning and/or transporting any suitable structures or loads.

The present invention provides a mobile cleaning system to allow cleaning of loads in remote areas. Additionally, the system allows transportation of the loads in a simple and convenient manner. Thus cleaning and transportation are provided 25 by a single vehicle, reducing fuel, labour and costs.

The system is self-contained and requires all the necessary components for effective, cleaning, transporting and loading of the load. The shared fuel system requires the operator to only monitor and fill a single fuel system.

The system allows the load to be cleaned onsite, thus any contaminants do not leave the site. The panels leave the site clean and ready to be re-used. The panels may therefore used in a farms or other high-risk areas.

Claims (26)

1. Claims: 1. A mobile cleaning system comprising: a truck comprising a cab, a support bed to support a removable load on the truck in use and a crane for loading and 5 onloading of the removable load in use, the system further comprising: a reservoir configured to store a cleaning fluid and mounted on the truck; a hose having an outlet for dispensing the cleaning fluid in use and operatively connected to the reservoir; and a pump system configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the outlet for cleaning of the removable load n use.
2. 2. A system according to claim 1, where the pump system is operatively connected to a fuel delivery system for the truck and derives power therefrom in use.
3. 3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, where the reservoir comprises a tank mounted onto or above a chassis or support bed of the trailer unit.
4. 4. A system according to any preceding claim where the reservoir at least 20 partially wraps around the trailer chassis or support bed and/or is at least partially submerged therein.
5. 5. A system according to any preceding claim, where the reservoir is saddle or U-shaped.
6. 6. A system according to any preceding claim, where the hose comprises a handle for manipulation of the hose by a user and/or for selective dispensing of the cleaning fluid by a user.
7. 7. A system according to any preceding claim, where the crane is provided at a rear end of the support bed.
8. 8. A system according to any preceding claim, comprising an auxiliary pump system configured to pump fluid from an auxiliary fluid source into the cleaning system for dispensing by the hose.
9. 9. A system according to claim 8, where the auxiliary fluid source comprises an auxiliary reservoir, the auxiliary reservoir configured to be driven/towed by the truck in use.
10. 10. A system according to claim 9, where the auxiliary reservoir comprises a 10 tank for retaining the cleaning fluid and a towable auxiliary trailer to support the tank, the tank mounted on the auxiliary trailer, e.g. removably.
11. 11. A system according to claim 10, where the crane is positioned on the trailer such the crane is capable of lifting the tank on/off the auxiliary trailer.
12. 12. A system according to claim 8, where the auxiliary fluid source comprises an external and/or fixed water source, such as a stand-pipe, lake or river.
13. 13. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, comprising a further hose 20 connected to the auxiliary pump system and having a free end for fluid communication with the auxiliary fluid source.
14. 14. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 13, where the auxiliary pump system is configured pump the fluid from the auxiliary fluid source into the 25 reservoir.
15. 15. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 13, where the auxiliary pump system is independently operable from the pump system.
16. 16. A system according to any preceding claim, where the hose comprises a retractable hose and/or the outlet comprises a lance.
17. 17. A system according to any preceding claim, where the system is configured to dispense an additive with or into the cleaning fluid.
18. 18. A system according to claim 17, where the additive is injected into the 5 cleaning fluid by the pump system.
19. 19. A system according to claim 17 or 18, where the additive comprises a cleaning detergent.
20. 20. A system according to any one of claims 17 to 19, where the additive comprises a biocide.
21. 21. A system according to any preceding claim, where the bed comprises a flat bed of at least 2 or 3 metres in length. 15
22. 22. A system according to any preceding claim, where the pump system is mounted beneath the bed and/or reservoir, e.g. to the truck chassis between front and rear wheels of the truck.
23. 23. A system according to any preceding claim, where the removable load comprises one or more temporary road panel.
24. 24. A system according to any preceding claim, where the reservoir and/or auxiliary reservoir comprises a capacity of at least 1000 or 2000 litres.
25. 25. A system according to any preceding claim, where the pump system is configured to dispense the cleaning fluid at a pressure of greater than 1500 or 2000 psi.
26. 26. A method of cleaning and transporting a load comprising: providing a trailer unit configured to be driven by tractor unit; pumping a cleaning fluid from a reservoir mounted on the trailer out of an outlet operatively connected thereto; cleaning the load using the cleaning fluid; loading the cleaned load onto the trailer and/or transporting the cleaned load supported on the trailer.