GB2599961A

GB2599961A - Roof cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2599961A
Application number: GB2016547.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barrons Bruce
Original assignee: Airpole Ltd
Current assignee: Airpole Ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-19
Filing date: 2020-10-19
Publication date: 2022-04-20
Also published as: GB202104162D0; GB2608784A; GB2608784B; GB202016547D0

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus head for cleaning roofs comprises a planar scraper body 202 having an edge portion for scraping material from a roof surface, a fluid outlet 150 directed towards the edge portion for clearing debris scraped from the roof and an attachment member 204 by which the fluid outlet is removably fastened to the body, such that the position of the fluid outlet is adjustable relative to the edge portion of the body. The attachment member and the planar scraper body are preferably configured to enable a distance between the fluid outlet and the edge portion of the planar scraper body to be increased or decreased and/or such that the angle of the fluid outlet relative to the edge portion of the planar scraper body can be altered. The cleaning apparatus head may further comprise a leg member (2020a, 2020b, fig 9e) by which a second attachment member is removably fastened to the planar scraper body, such that the position of a second fluid outlet is adjustable relative to the edge portion of the planar scraper body.

Description

Roof cleaning apparatus The present invention is concerned with a roof cleaning apparatus. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a roof cleaning apparatus which uses pressurised fluid to agitate and remove debris which is trapped on a roof, particularly between tiles on a roof.

Debris can collect and grow on roofs, particularly tiled roofs and so domestic and commercial roofs require regular clearing. Usually, this is carried out by hand by a person on a ladder or scaffolding, for example a portable scaffold positioned at gutter height on a building, or by a person based a ground level with a ground unit, and a long pole which extends to the roof.

Roof tiles are manufactured in a number of shapes or profiles, which may be flat or curved. Some roof tiles, often referred to as 'Roman tiles', are flat in the middle and have a concave curve at one end and a convex curve at the other end to allow adjacent tiles to interlock when installed on a roof. Other tiles, known as 'Pantiles' have an S-shaped profile which enables the interlocking of adjacent tiles.

The joins between tiles, as well as undulations in the tile surface itself, can become particularly dirty and are also be difficult to reach and clean.

What is required is a roof cleaning apparatus which is capable of targeting areas of stubborn debris and is versatile so that it can be used on roofs of different pitches and with roof tiles of different profiles. A roof cleaning apparatus which enables debris to be removed from joins between adjacent tiles is also required.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a cleaning apparatus head for cleaning roofs, the cleaning apparatus head comprising: a planar scraper body having an edge portion for scraping material from a roof surface; a fluid outlet directed towards the edge portion for clearing debris scraped from a roof; and, an attachment member by which the fluid outlet is removably fastened to the body, such that the position of the fluid outlet is adjustable relative to the edge portion of the planar scraper body.

The cleaning apparatus head advantageously provides a system by which debris can be efficiently be removed from the surface of a roof and between adjacent tiles on a roof by a combination of scraping and blowing air without damage being caused to the roof tiles.

The attachment member and the planar scraper body may be configured such that the distance between the fluid outlet and the edge portion of the planar scraper body can be increased or decreased in order to optimise the flow of air or another fluid towards a roof to remove debris from the roof surface and / or from joins between adjacent roof tiles.

Additionally or alternatively, the attachment member may be configured such that the angle of the fluid outlet relative to the edge portion of the planar scraper body can be altered in order to optimise the flow of air or another fluid towards a roof to remove debris from the roof surface and / or from joins between adjacent roof tiles.

The planar scraper body may include a plurality of connectors to which the attachment member can be removably fastened.

The plurality of connectors advantageously enable the position of the attachment member on the planar scraper body to be adjusted, thereby enabling the position and orientation of the fluid outlet to be altered. In this way, the flow of air or any other fluid towards a roof can be optimised to ensure efficient cleaning of stubborn debris from the roof and! or from joins between adjacent roof tiles on the roof.

The attachment member may be a first attachment member and the fluid outlet may be a first fluid outlet. The cleaning apparatus head may further comprise a leg member by which a second attachment member may be removably fastened to the planar scraper body, such that the position of a second fluid outlet may be adjusted relative to the edge portion of the planar scraper body.

The leg member may be configured such that the distance between the second fluid outlet and the roof can be increased or decreased in order to optimise the flow of air or another fluid towards a roof to remove debris from the roof surface and / or from joins between adjacent roof tiles.

The leg member may include a plurality of connectors to which the or each attachment member can be removably fastened. The leg member may include a curved portion.

The cleaning apparatus head may further comprise a brush portion that is configured to dislodge debris which is attached to the roof.

The brush portion may be configured for attachment to the planar body of the cleaning apparatus head.

Alternatively, the brush portion may be configured for attachment to the leg member of the cleaning apparatus head.

Advantageously, the brush portion cooperates with the edge portion of the planar body to scrape stubborn debris from roof tiles.

The body may comprise a hollow frame. The cleaning apparatus head may further comprise a plurality of blades. The plurality of blades may be housed within the hollow frame. The plurality of blades may form the edge portion of the planar scraper body. Each blade of the plurality of blades may be configured to slidably move within the hollow frame.

In this way, the profile or shape of the edge portion of the planar scraper body can be efficiently altered according to the shape of the roof tiles on the roof which is to be cleaned, thereby removing the need for scraper bodies of different shapes.

Each blade of the plurality of blades may include an interlock feature that is configured to cooperate with the interlock feature on an adjacent blade of the plurality of blades.

The interlock feature allows the plurality of blades to be held in the desired profile or shape during use of the cleaning apparatus head.

The interlock feature may be a first interlock feature. Each blade of the plurality of blades may include a second interlock feature, wherein the second interlock feature of each blade of the plurality of blades may be configured to cooperate with a third interlock feature on the hollow frame of the planar scraper body.

The second and third interlock features cooperate to ensure that the plurality of blades are retained in the desired profile or shape within the hollow frame during use of the cleaning apparatus head.

Various examples of cleaning apparatus heads falling within the scope of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a roof cleaning apparatus; Figures 2 is a detailed view of the upper part of the roof cleaning apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3a is a plan view of a scraper plate for a cleaning apparatus head according to an embodiment of the present invention and for use with the cleaning apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3b is a front view of a bracket attachment for a cleaning apparatus head according to an embodiment of the present invention and for use with the roof cleaning apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3c is a top view of a scraper attachment for a cleaning apparatus head according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3d is a partial perspective view of a cleaning apparatus head according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 4a to 4h are plan views of alternative scraper plates for cleaning apparatus heads according to alternative embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 is a top view of a cleaning apparatus head according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a plan view of an alternative scraper attachment for a cleaning apparatus head according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 7a to 7c are plan views of alternative scraper plates for cleaning apparatus heads according to alternative embodiments of the present invention; Figures 8a to 8c are plan views of support plates for use with cleaning apparatus heads according to the present invention; Figure 8d is a plan view of a cleaning apparatus head according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 9a to 9c are plan views of leg members for use with cleaning apparatus heads according to alternative embodiments of the present invention; Figures 9d to 9f are plan views of cleaning apparatus heads according to further embodiments of the present invention; Figures 10a and 10b are plan views of cleaning apparatus heads according to yet further embodiments of the present invention; Figures 11a to 11h are views of components of a cleaning apparatus head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figures 12a and 12b are views of components of a cleaning apparatus head according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is a perspective view of an alternative attachment member for use with a cleaning apparatus head according to embodiments of the present invention; Figure 14a is a schematic side view of an alternative roof cleaning apparatus; and, Figure 14b is a detail view of a part of the roof cleaning apparatus of Figure Na.

Referring to Figure 1, a schematic system view of a known roof cleaning apparatus 100 is shown. The apparatus 100 generally comprises a compressor 102, a hollow lance 104 and head 106. The apparatus 100 is provided for cleaning tiles (not shown) on a roof 14 of a building 10.

The compressor 102 is a powered air compressor which in this embodiment generates at least 7 bar (7kPa) air pressure. The compressor acts on ambient air and provides compressed air to a supply hose 108 which extends through the hollow lance 104 towards the head 106 as will be described below. The compressor will not be described in detail here, as it will be understood that compressors of this type are easily obtained by one skilled in the art.

The lance 104 is telescopic and comprises a first section 110, a second section 112 and an end section 114. The sections 110, 112 are straight sections of carbon fibre tube (other materials such as glass fibre are envisaged).

The end section 114 is different to the first and second sections 110, 112. The end section 114 comprises a straight first portion 116 and a straight second portion 118 joined by a curved portion 120 defining an internal angle of approximately 130 degrees to provide a "goose-neck" section. As such, the second portion 118 projects at an angle of approximately 130 degrees to the first section.

The first portion 116 of the end section 114 is attached to the second section such that when the rest of the lance is held vertical (i.e. the first and second sections 110, 112), the second portion 118 of the end section 114 is at an oblique upward angle such that it can extend over the top of the gutter 12.

The head 106 is shown in more detail in Figure 2. The head 106 comprises a first portion 120, a second portion 122 and a nozzle assembly 124.

The first portion 120 comprises a tubular section of pipe 126 having a main axis X and a fastener 128 for attachment to the lance 104 at a first end. At a second end, the first portion is connected to a rotatable joint 130. The joint 130 has a first part 132 and a second part 134 which are relatively rotatable about axis Z. The first part 132 of the joint 130 is assembled to the first portion 120 of the head 106 such that the joint axis Z is perpendicular to the main axis X. The second portion 122 comprises a tubular section of pipe 140 having a main axis Y. The second portion 122 is attached to the second part 134 of the joint 130. As such the relative angle B between the first portion 120 and second portion 122 can be adjusted by manipulation of the joint 130 between, in this example, approximately 180 degrees.

The nozzle assembly 124 comprises a fluid pipe 142 extending coaxially from the second portion 122 of the head 106. The fluid pipe has an inlet (not shown) to which the end of the hose 108 is attached such that pressurised air is fed to the pipe 142.The pipe 142 terminates in a joint 144 to which a nozzle body 146 attaches. The nozzle body 146 comprises a 90 degree elbow pipe section 148 which at its free end has a converging flow restriction or nozzle 150 having a fluid outlet for the ejection of high pressure air. The joint 144 (which in this instance is a simple bearing joint) means that the body 146 can be rotated about the axis Y, which changes the direction of flow of high pressure air from the outlet. The nozzle body 146 can be rotated through 360 degrees by the user to achieve the desired result.

In use, the user holds the lance 104 such that the nozzle body 146 is positioned adjacent to the roof 14. The compressor 102 is turned on, and compressed air travels through the hose 108 to the nozzle body 146 where it is ejected at high speed to agitate and remove debris from the roof.

The ability to adjust the angle B through manipulation of the joint 130 and the provision of the joint 144 to rotate the nozzle body 146 and the ability to adjust the angle of the nozzle 150 relative to the leg 148 through angle C allow for an articulate cleaning apparatus which can be used to remove debris from the roof 14.

In order to facilitate the removal of stubborn debris from hard to reach areas of the roof 14, for example the joins between adjacent roof tiles and / or undulations in the tile surface, a cleaning apparatus head including one or more scraper attachments is provided to scrape or dislodge the debris from the tile surface.

A first example of a scraper attachment 200 for a cleaning apparatus head will now be described with reference to Figures 3a to 3d. As shown in Figure 3c, the scraper attachment 200 includes a scraper plate 202 and an attachment bracket 204.

Referring now to Figure 3a, the scraper plate 202 is a generally planar structure. The scraper plate 202 has a first, scraper, edge 206 which, in use, extends or faces away from the nozzle body 146 and a second, opposing, edge 208 which, in use, extends or faces towards the nozzle body 146. The scraper plate includes a pair of side edges 209, 211, which could be used as additional scraper edges.

The scraper plate 202 includes a first pair of holes or apertures 210a, 210b, a second pair of holes of apertures 212a, 212b and a third pair of holes or apertures 214a, 214b.

With particular reference to Figure 3b, the attachment bracket 204 includes a first, bracket, portion 216 and a second, attachment, portion 218. The first portion 216 is oriented perpendicular to the second portion 218.

The first portion 216 of the attachment bracket 204 includes a pair of holes or apertures 220a, 220b.

The second portion 218 of the attachment bracket 204 includes a hole 222 around which a number of notches 224 are formed.

The attachment scraper 200 is assembled by bolting, or otherwise fastening, the attachment bracket 204 to the scraper plate 202, as shown in Figures 3h 3c. The hole 220a of the first portion 216 of the attachment bracket 204 is aligned with the hole 210a in the scraper plate 202 and the hole 220b of the first portion 216 of the attachment bracket 204 is aligned with the hole 210b in the scraper plate 202. A bolt, or other suitable fastener, is placed though the holes 220a and 210a to fix the attachment bracket 204 in position. Similarly, a bolt, or other suitable fastener, is placed through the holes 220b and 210b. In this way, the attachment bracket 204 is held in the desired position on the scraper plate 202.

The nozzle 150 is removed from the elbow pipe section 148 of the nozzle body 146. The elbow pipe section 148 of the nozzle body 146 is positioned at the desired orientation by aligning nodules (not shown) within the elbow pipe section 148 with the notches 224 of the hole 222 of the attachment bracket 204. The nozzle 150 is replaced on the elbow pipe section 148 in order to fasten the scraper attachment 200 to the nozzle assembly 124.

The scraper attachment 200 of the cleaning apparatus head enables compressed air to be directed at the required angle on the roof 14 and, as the scraping edge 206 of the scraper plate 202 is drawn across the surface of the roof tiles, debris is removed from the roof 14.

As the scraping edge 206 of the scraper plate 202 is worn in use, the attachment bracket 204 can be repositioned on the scraper plate 202 by using the second pair of holes 212a, 212b and the third pair of holes 214a, 214b to ensure that the attachment bracket 204 and, therefore, the nozzle 150 is in the correct position to ensure optimum cleaning.

Scraper plates of different profiles can be used to ensure that tiles of different profiles can be cleaned efficiently. Furthermore the ability to adjust the angle of the nozzle 150 relative to the scraping edge by changing the position of the attachment bracket 204 on the scraper plate 202 allows moss and dirt to be blow out of the join between adjacent tiles as the scraper plate 202 is drawn down the roof file, in use.

Examples of scraper plates of different profiles for cleaning apparatus heads of alternative embodiments of the invention are shown in Figures 4a to 4h.

Referring now to Figure 4a, there is a scraper plate 302 having a scraping edge 306. The scraping edge 306 is generally castellated and has a number of portions 306a which protrude away from the nozzle 150 and a number of other indented portions 306b. The scraper plate 302 includes four pairs of holes 310a, 310b, 312a, 312b, 314a, 314b, 316a, 316b to which an attachment bracket 204 can be mounted.

The scraper plate 402 of Figure 4b has a curved scraping edge 406 having a concave portion 406a and a convex portion 406b. Like the scraper plate 302, the scraper plate 402 includes four pairs of holes 410a, 4106, 412a, 412b, 414a, 414b, 416a, 4166 to which an attachment bracket 204 can be mounted.

The scraper plate 502 of Figure 4c has a scraping edge 506 having a castellated portion 506a which extends away from the nozzle 150. Like the scraper plates 302, 402, the scraper plate 502 includes four pairs of holes 510a, 510b, 512a, 512b, 514a, 514b, 516a, 516b to which an attachment bracket 204 can be mounted.

The scraper plate 602 of Figure 4d is similar to the scraper plate 502 and has a scraping edge 606 having a castellated portion 606a which extends away from the nozzle 150. Like the scraper plates 302, 402, 502, the scraper plate 602 includes four pairs of holes 610a, 610b, 612a, 612b, 614a, 614b, 616a, 616b to which an attachment bracket 204 can be mounted.

The scraper plate 702 of Figure 4e is generally b-shaped and has a curved scraping edge 706. The scraper plate 702 includes five pairs of holes 710a, 710b, 712a, 712b, 714a, 714b, 716a, 716b, 718a, 718b to which an attachment bracket 204 can be mounted.

The scraper plate 802 of Figure 4f is also generally b-shaped and has a curved scraping edge 806. The scraper plate 802 includes three pairs of holes 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b, 814a, 814b to which an attachment bracket 204 can be mounted.

Similarly, the scraper plate 902 of Figure 4g is also generally b-shaped and has a curved scraping edge 906. The scraper plate 902 includes four pairs of holes 910a, 910b, 912a, 912b, 914a, 91413, 916a, 916b to which an attachment bracket 204 can be mounted.

The scraper plate 1002 of Figure 4h is generally p-shaped and has a curved scraping edge 1006. The scraper plate 1002 includes three pairs of holes 1010a, 1010b, 1012a, 1012b, 1014a, 1014b to which an attachment bracket 204 can be mounted.

The scraper plates 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802, 902, 1002 are assembled and used as described in relation to the scraper plate 202.

A user selects a scraper plate that is appropriate for the shape of the tiles on the roof to be cleaned and the shaped scraping edges 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806, 906, 1006 work with compressed air from the nozzle to ensure that debris is removed from the roof.

As for the scraper plate 202, if the scraping edges 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806, 906, 1006 of the scraper plates 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802, 902, 1002 become worn in use, the attachment bracket 204 can be repositioned on the scraper plate 202 by using alternative pairs of holes to ensure that the attachment bracket 204 and, therefore, the nozzle 150 is in the correct position to ensure optimum cleaning.

Scraper plates may also be provided with additional pairs of holes to accommodate additional attachment brackets to support additional nozzles from which compressed air may be supplied to clean the roof tiles. The additional attachment brackets can be mounted on the same surface as the first attachment bracket and / or the opposing surface to which the first attachment bracket is mounted.

An example of a scraper plate 1102 to which three attachment brackets 204 are fastened is shown in Figure 5.

This arrangement further supports the efficient cleaning of stubborn debris from roofs.

In a further example of the invention, shown in Figure 6, an attachment 1203 including a brush 1205, for example a brass or nylon wire brush, is mounted on the scraping edge 1206 of the scraper plate 1202 such that the brush 1205 can be used to loosen and remove debris from the roof tiles in use.

In addition to being able to optimise the volume and pressure of the air by adjusting the position of the air nozzle 150 on the scraper plate 1202, by adjusting the position of the brush 1205 relative to the scraping edge 1206 on the scraper plate 1202 using the different connector holes, it is possible to remove stubborn moss and debris from the roof without damaging the roof tiles.

As shown in Figures 7a to 7c, the scraper plates 1302, 1402, 1502 include any number of holes 1310, 1410, 1510 such that the attachment bracket(s) 204 can be fastened to the scraper plates 1302, 1402, 1502 in a number of different positions and orientations to facilitate the removal of debris from roof tiles of different shapes. Likewise, it will be understood that different numbers of attachment brackets 204 and therefore nozzles 150 can be fastened to each of the scraper plates 1302, 1402, 1502 to ensure efficient cleaning of the roof tiles.

The provision of multiple nozzles allows greater control over the angle at which air, or any other fluid, is directed onto the roof tile.

In some embodiments of the invention, for example as shown in Figures 8a to 8c, a support plate 1603, 1703, 1803 is provided.

Each of the support plates 1603, 1703, 1803 includes a first set of holes or apertures 1604, 1704, 1804 by which the support plate 1603, 1703, 1803 can be attached to a scraper plate 1902 and a second set of holes or apertures (not shown) by which an attachment bracket 204 is attached to the support plate 1603, 1703, 1803. The different arrangement of the second set of holes or apertures (not shown) on the support plates 1603, 1703, 1803 enables the attachment bracket 204 and, therefore, the nozzle 150, to be orientated at different angles on the scraper plate 1902 to which the support plate(s) 1603, 1703, 1803 are fastened, as shown in Figure 8d. In this way, the orientation of the nozzle 150 and the flow of compressed fluid therefrom can be optimised to ensure efficient cleaning of the roof tiles.

In some embodiments of the invention, the support plates 1603, 1703, 1803 include a further, pivot, hole (not shown), by which the support plate 1603, 1703, 1803 can be pivotably mounted to the scraper plate to allow further adjustment of the nozzle 150 relative to the surface of the roof tile.

In other embodiments of the invention, leg, or extension, members may be provided. Such leg members will be described with particular reference to Figures 9a to 9f, 10a and 10b.

Referring now to Figure 9a, each of the leg members 2020a, 2020b has a generally curved body having a first end 2022a, 2022b and a second end 2024a, 2024b. A plurality of holes or apertures 2026a, 2026b extend along the length of the curved body between the first end 2022a, 20226 and the second end 2024a, 2024b.

By adjusting the position of one leg member 2020a relative to the other leg member 2020b, as shown in Figures 9b and 9c, the distance between the second end 2024a of the first leg member 2020a and the first end 2022b of the second leg member 2020b varies between Ll and L2.

Once in the desired position, the first and second leg members 2020a, 2020b are fixed in placed by fastening the first end 2022a of the first leg member 2020a and the second end 2024b of the second leg member 2020b to a scraper plate 2002, as shown in Figure 9d.

An attachment bracket 204 is then fastened to the scraper plate 2002 and a nozzle assembly 164 is fastened to the attachment bracket 204.

As shown in Figure 9e, three scraper plates 2002, attachment brackets 204 and nozzle assemblies 164 may be fastened to the leg members 2020a, 2020b.

As shown in Figure 9f, five scraper plates 2002, attachment brackets 204 and nozzle assemblies 164 may be fastened to the leg members 2020a, 2020b.

By adjusting the position of the first leg member 2020a relative to the second leg member 2020b, the distance between the scraper plates 2002 can be altered, together with the angles at which the scraper plates 2002 contact the roof tiles.

These arrangements of the scraper plates 2002 and nozzle assemblies 164 are particularly advantageous for cleaning stubborn debris from roofs having roof tiles of different profiles.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cleaning apparatus head includes leg members 2120a, 2120b which are straight, rather than curved, as is shown in Figure 10a. The leg members 2120a, 2120b of this arrangement are orientated such that the bodies of each of the leg members 2120a, 2120b extend in a direction which is parallel to the scraping edges 2106 of the scraper plates 2102.

In a yet further embodiment of the invention, the cleaning apparatus head includes leg members 2220a, 2220b which are straight, as is shown in Figure 10b. The leg members 2220a, 2220b of this arrangement are orientated such that the bodies of each of the leg members 2220a, 2220b extend in a direction which is not parallel to the scraping edges 2206 of the scraper plates 2202.

The angle of the scraping edges 2106, 2206 can thus be orientated such that they are at the optimum angle for clearing debris from roofs It will be understood that any number of scraper plates 2002, 2102, 2202 may be attached to the leg members 2020a, 2020b, 2120a, 2120b, 2220a, 2220b according to the requirements of the roof to be cleaned.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention, in which the cleaning apparatus head is configured such that it can be used for all tile profiles without the need to exchange the scraper plate, will now be described with particular reference to Figures 11a to 11h and Figures 12a and 12b.

As shown in Figure 11a and 11b, the cleaning apparatus head includes a hollow body or frame 2302 having a front wall 2304, a rear wall 2306 and a pair of end walls 2308, 2310.

A number of holes or apertures 2312, 2314a, 2314b, 2314c, 2314d, 2314e are formed in the front wall 2304. The front wall 2304 also has an inner surface 2316 which is castellated such that a number of grooves 2318 are formed on the inner surface 2316.

Similarly, the rear wall 2306 has an inner surface 2320 which is castellated such that a number of grooves 2322 are formed on the inner surface 2320.

Turning now to Figure 11c there is an attachment bracket 2324 for use with the cleaning apparatus head. The attachment bracket 2324 includes a first, bracket, portion 2326 and a second, attachment, portion 2328. The first portion 2326 is oriented perpendicular to the second portion 2328.

The first portion 2326 of the attachment bracket 2324 includes a plurality of holes or apertures 2330a, 2330b, 2330c, 2330d.

The second portion 2328 of the attachment bracket 2324 includes a hole 2332 around which a number of notches 2334 are formed.

The cleaning apparatus head includes a plurality of blades 2336. As shown in Figure 11f, each blade 2336 has an elongate body having a first end 2338 and a second end 2340. A plurality of holes or apertures 2342 are formed along the length of the body between the first end 2338 and the second end 2340.

Referring now to Figure 11g, each blade 2336 has a first pair of opposing faces 2344, 2346 and a second pair of opposing faces 2348, 2350. A first face of the first pair of opposing faces 2344 includes an indentation 2352. A second face of the first pair of opposing faces 2346 includes a protrusion 2354. A first face of the second pair of opposing faces 2348 has a tongue portion 2356, which is proximal to the first face of the first pair of opposing faces 2344, and a groove portion 2358, which is proximal to the second face of the first pair of opposing faces 2346. Similarly, a second face of the second pair of opposing faces 2350 has a tongue portion 2360, which is proximal to the first face of the first pair of opposing faces 2344, and a groove portion 2362, which is proximal to the second face of the first pair of opposing faces 2346.

The cleaning apparatus head 2300 is assembled by bolting, or otherwise fastening, the attachment bracket 2324 to the front wall 2304, as shown in Figures 11d and 11e. The hole 2330a of the first portion 2326 of the attachment bracket 2324 is aligned with the hole 2312 in the front wall 2304. A bolt, or other suitable fastener, is placed though the holes 2330a and 2312 to pivotably fix the attachment bracket 2324 in position. The attachment bracket 2324 is then pivoted about the holes 2330a, 2312 until it is in the desired position, in which the hole 2330b of the first portion 2326 of the attachment bracket 2324 is aligned with one of the holes 2314a, 2314b, 2314c, 2314d, 2314e in the front wall 2304. A further bolt, or other suitable fastener, is then placed though holes 2330b and the desired hole in the front wall 2304 to fix the attachment bracket 2324 in position. In this way, the attachment bracket 2324 is held in the desired position on the cleaning apparatus head 2300.

The nozzle 150 is removed from the elbow pipe section 148 of the nozzle body 146. The elbow pipe section 148 of the nozzle body 146 is positioned at the desired orientation by aligning nodules (not shown) within the elbow pipe section 148 with the notches 2334 of the hole 2332 of the attachment bracket 2324. The nozzle 150 is replaced on the elbow pipe section 148 in order to fasten the cleaning apparatus head 2300 to the nozzle assembly 124.

A first blade 2336 is placed within the cleaning apparatus head 2300 such that the tongue portion 2356 is slotted within one of the grooves 2322 in the inner surface 2320 of the wall 2306 and the tongue portion 2360 is slotted within the groove 2318 in the inner surface 2316 of the wall 2304 that is opposite the selected groove 2322 in the inner surface 2320 of the wall 2306.

A second blade 2336 is inserted into the cleaning apparatus head 2300 so that the protrusion 2354 of the first blade 2336 is in sliding engagement with the indentation 2352 in the second blade 2336. The tongue portion 2356 of the second blade 2336 is slotted within the groove 2322 in the inner surface 2320 of the wall 2306 which is adjacent to the groove 2322 in which the tongue portion 2356 of the first blade 2336 is slotted. Similarly, the tongue portion 2360 of the second blade 2336 is slotted within the groove 2318 in the inner surface 2316 of the wall 2304 that is opposite the selected groove 2322 in the inner surface 2320 of the wall 2306 and which is adjacent to the groove 2318 in the inner surface 2316 in which the first blade 2336 is inserted.

This process is repeated until all of the blades 2336 have been inserted within the cleaning apparatus head 2300.

The tongue 2356, 2360 portions of the blades 2336 are held within the grooves 2318, 2322 of the inner walls 2316, 2330 to ensure that the blades 2336 are correctly positioned within the cleaning apparatus head 2300.

The protrusions 2354 and indentations 2352 of the blades 2336 ensure that the blades are correctly aligned relative to each other.

The blades 2336 are able to slide relative to the cleaning apparatus head 2300 such that the second ends 2340 of the blades form a scraping edge which protrudes below the cleaning apparatus head 2300, as shown in Figure 11h. A roof tile of the desired profile is placed below the cleaning apparatus head 2300 to ensure that each of the blades 2336 extends to the correct position. Once the blades 2336 are correctly extended through the cleaning apparatus head, one or more bars are passed through the apertures in the wall 2310 to 'lock' the blades in position.

The orientation of the nozzle 150 relative to the front wall 2304, as established by the attachment bracket 2324 enables compressed air to be directed at the required angle on the roof 14 and, as the scraping edge formed by the blades 2336 is drawn across the surface of the rood files, debris is removed from the roof 14.

As the scraping edge formed by the blades 2336 is worn in use, the blades 2336 can be re-positioned within the cleaning apparatus head 2300 to ensure that the attachment bracket 204 and, therefore, the nozzle 150 is in the correct position to ensure optimum cleaning.

Figures 12a and 12b show an alternative blade 2436 for use with a cleaning apparatus head 2400 according to another embodiment of the invention Each blade 2436 has an elongate body having a first end 2438 and a second end 2440. The surface of each blade 2436 includes a jagged or toothed portion 2442.

Referring now to Figure 12b, each blade 2436 has a first pair of opposing faces 2444, 2446 and a second pair of opposing faces 2448, 2450. A first face of the first pair of opposing faces 2444 includes an indentation 2452. A second face of the first pair of opposing faces 2446 includes a protrusion 2454. A first face of the second pair of opposing faces 2448 has a tongue portion 2456, which is proximal to the first face of the first pair of opposing faces 2444, and a groove portion 2458, which is proximal to the second face of the first pair of opposing faces 2446. Similarly, a second face of the second pair of opposing faces 2450 has a tongue portion 2460, which is proximal to the first face of the first pair of opposing faces 2444, and a groove portion 2462, which is proximal to the second face of the first pair of opposing faces 2446.

The cleaning apparatus head 2400 is assembled and used as described in relation to the cleaning apparatus head 2300. The jagged or toothed portion 2442 of the blades 2436 removes the need for the provision of holes along the length of the blade, or the need for protrusions and indentations to interlock adjacent blade.

In the examples of the invention described above, the nozzles 150 are fastened to the scraper attachments via attachment brackets 204, 2324. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the attachment brackets 204, 2324 may be replaced by alternative connectors. An example of such an alternative connector 2524 is shown in Figure 13. The alternative connector 2524 includes a first clocking formation 2530 and a second clocking formation 2532. The first clocking formation 2530 comprises an annular formation of radially extending ridges 2534. The ridges 2534 are triangular in cross-section creating a saw-tooth formation. Similarly, the second clocking formation 2530 comprises an annular formation of radially extending ridges 2536. The ridges 2536 are also triangular in cross-section creating a saw-tooth formation. The alternative connector 2524 is assembled by mating the clocking formations 2530, 2532. A mechanical fastener, such as a nut 2538, is used to secure the clocking formations 2530, 2532 together. The clocking formations 2530, 2532 are held in a desired angular position by the mating of the clocking formations. Should a change in the angle be desired, the fastener can be loosened to allow relative rotation of the clocking formations 2530, 2532 before re-tightening.

In the examples of the invention described above, the nozzles 150 are connected to the nozzle assembly 146 and thus receive compressed air from the air compressor 102 via the lance 104. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the roof cleaning apparatus may be able to introduce liquids into the fluid flow to one or more of the nozzles.

As shown in Figures 14a and 14b the air compressor 102 comprises an outlet tube 2602 which is connected a Y-shaped connector 2604 having two inlets 2606, 2608 and a single outlet 2610 fed by the inlets 2606, 2608. The tube 2602 is connected to the inlet 2606 and comprises a non-return valve 2612 in the flow path thereof to avoid fluid being returned towards the compressor 102 from the direction of the connector 2604.

A water pump 2614 is provided and connected to a suitable water source (not shown). The water pump, in this example, is a 30 -150 psi variable 12V DC pump which can be controlled with a pressure controller. The water pump 2614 has an outlet tube 2616 which is connected to the inlet 2608 of the connector 2604. The outlet tube 2616 has a non-return valve 2618 in the flow path thereof to prevent flow back to the pump 2614.

The air compressor 102 and water pump 2614 and connector 2604 are stored within a container 2615.

The container 2615 also contains a power supply for the pump2 614 and compressor 102. The container has a connector 2617 for attachment of the supply hose 108.

The supply hose 108 is connected to the connector 2615 such that when both the compressor 102 and pump 2614 are active, air and water respectively are mixed at the connector to exit at the head 104.

In use, introduction of water can be beneficial to assist in detachment of stubborn debris. It can also help to wash away loose debris which is too dense to be ejected by air alone.

Both the pressure provided by the compressor and the liquid pump can be varied to provide the optimum mixture of air and water required by the user.

In addition to a water source, the liquid pump 2614 may be connected to a source of fungicide and / or herbicide. In this manner, these chemicals can be introduced to the roof tiles to inhibit future growth.

Claims

Claims 1. A cleaning apparatus head for cleaning roofs, the cleaning apparatus head comprising: a planar scraper body having an edge portion for scraping material from a roof surface; and a fluid outlet directed towards the edge portion for clearing debris scraped from a roof; and, an attachment member by which the fluid outlet is removably fastened to the body, such that the position of the fluid outlet is adjustable relative to the edge portion of the planar scraper body.
2. A cleaning apparatus head according to claim 1, wherein the attachment member and the planar scraper body are configured to enable a distance between the fluid outlet and the edge portion of the planar scraper body to be increased or decreased.
3. A cleaning apparatus head according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the attachment member is configured such that the angle of the fluid outlet relative to the edge portion of the planar scraper body can be altered.
4. A cleaning apparatus head according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the planar scraper body includes a plurality of connectors to which the attachment member can be removably fastened.
5. A cleaning apparatus head according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment member is a first attachment member and the fluid outlet is a first fluid outlet; and, wherein the cleaning apparatus head further comprises a leg member by which a second attachment member is removably fastened to the planar scraper body, such that the position of a second fluid outlet is adjustable relative to the edge portion of the planar scraper body.
6. A cleaning apparatus head according to claim 5, wherein the leg member is configured to enable a distance between the second fluid outlet and the edge portion of the planar scraper body to be increased or decreased.
7. A cleaning apparatus head according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the leg member includes a plurality of connectors to which the or each attachment member can be removably fastened.
8. A cleaning apparatus head according to claim 5, claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the leg member includes a curved portion.
9. A cleaning apparatus head according to any of claims 1 to 8, the cleaning apparatus head further comprising a brush portion that is configured to dislodge debris which is attached to the roof.
10. A cleaning apparatus head according to claim 9, wherein the brush portion is configured for attachment to the planar scraper body.
11. A cleaning apparatus according to claim 10, when dependent on any of claim 5 to 8, wherein the brush portion is configured for attachment to the leg member.
12. A cleaning apparatus head according to any of claims 1 to 11, in which the planar scraper body comprises a hollow frame.
13. A cleaning apparatus head according to claim 12, the cleaning apparatus head further comprising a plurality of blades.
14. A cleaning apparatus head according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of blades are housed within the hollow frame.
15. A cleaning apparatus head according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of blades form the edge portion of the planar scraper body.
16. A cleaning apparatus head according to claim 15, wherein each blade of the plurality of blades is configured to slidably move within the hollow frame.
17. A cleaning apparatus head according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein each blade of the plurality of blades includes an interlock feature that is configured to cooperate with the interlock feature on an adjacent blade of the plurality of blades.
18. A cleaning apparatus head according to claim 17, wherein the interlock feature is a first interlock feature and each blade of the plurality of blades includes a second interlock feature, wherein the second interlock feature of each blade of the plurality of blades is configured to cooperate with a third interlock feature on the hollow frame of the planar scraper body.