WO2001078910A1 - An apparatus for cleaning of surfaces from small lumps and use of such an apparatus - Google Patents

An apparatus for cleaning of surfaces from small lumps and use of such an apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001078910A1
WO2001078910A1 PCT/DK2001/000271 DK0100271W WO0178910A1 WO 2001078910 A1 WO2001078910 A1 WO 2001078910A1 DK 0100271 W DK0100271 W DK 0100271W WO 0178910 A1 WO0178910 A1 WO 0178910A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
small lumps
brush
lumps
small
bristles
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DK2001/000271
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Karen Brodersen
Uffe Rahbek
Original Assignee
Dandy A/S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dandy A/S filed Critical Dandy A/S
Priority to AU2001250289A priority Critical patent/AU2001250289A1/en
Priority to EP01923537A priority patent/EP1274520A1/en
Publication of WO2001078910A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001078910A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B7/00—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
    • B08B7/0064—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by temperature changes
    • B08B7/0071—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by temperature changes by heating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B1/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools
    • B08B1/30—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools by movement of cleaning members over a surface
    • B08B1/32—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools by movement of cleaning members over a surface using rotary cleaning members
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B7/00—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
    • B08B7/0064—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by temperature changes
    • B08B7/0092—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by temperature changes by cooling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B2220/00—Type of materials or objects being removed
    • B08B2220/02—Chewing gum

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning of surfaces from a number of small lumps sticking to the surface, such as small lumps of chewing-gum, said apparatus in use intended for being moved in a forward direction along the surface and said apparatus comprising second means being a rotary brush with bristles for mechanically removing the small lumps from the surface, and said apparatus comprising third means for collecting the small lumps after the small lumps have been mechanically removed from the surface by the second means and wherein the apparatus comprises first means for altering the texture of the small lumps, possibly by changing the temperature of the small lumps, and the second means being intended for cleaning off the small lumps after the texture has been changed by the first means.
  • the invention also relates to a use of such an apparatus.
  • DE 195 38 474 describes a brushing device with a brush rotating around a horizontal axis.
  • the brush is intended for removing dirt from surfaces when being rotated and swept along the surface.
  • the device may be provided with a collection box placed behind the brush.
  • the device may be provided with nozzles for applying water to the brush or to the surface while the brush is sweeping.
  • the water may either be used for reducing any dust forming in the air when brushing or may be used to cool down the surface, as example, when the bristles of the brush and the surface are made of metal.
  • the publication does not at all mention the possibility of cleaning surfaces from lumps sticking to the surface. There is no guarantee that a mere brushing will remove lumps sticking to a surface.
  • the mentioning of water applied to the brush or the surface is entirely for reducing formation of dust or for cooling the surface.
  • the brush is only intended for cleaning surfaces where no initial treatment is necessary such as removing rust from a metal surface or for cleaning a table from crumbs such as mentioned in the publication.
  • the problem arising with lumps actually sticking to a surface is not mentioned, and the person skilled in the art will find no solution for pointer towards a solution to remedy the deficiency which the device has when it comes to lumps sticking to a surface.
  • WO 96/36444 describes a device for cleaning of surfaces that are soiled with remains of chewing gum.
  • the device describes a rotary brush that is provided with bristles or the like filaments.
  • the bristles are made of a material suited for cleaning the surfaces in question but also capable of withholding the chewing gum onto the material after the chewing gum has been cleaned off the surfaces. It is mentioned that by using a bristle it is possible to clean surfaces having relieves or other kinds of unevenness.
  • this device has the disadvantage that cleaning of the surface is completely dependant on the remains of the chewing gum are being withheld to the bristles after the remains have been cleaned off the surface.
  • the material to be chosen for the bristles is therefore limited to material capable of withholding the remains of the chewing gum.
  • the rotational speed of the brush exerts a centrifugal force to the remains withheld by the bristles. This centrifugal force further increases the demands of the material for the bristles to being capable of withholding the remains of the chewing gum.
  • FR 2 723 113 describes an apparatus for cleaning of surfaces soiled with lumps of foodstuffs having been chewed, especially chewing gum.
  • the apparatus comprises a first unit with rotational scrapers and a suction tube, both enclosed in a first casing.
  • the scrapers are intended for scraping off the outer part of the lump, the outer part often having a hard surface.
  • the sucking tube is intended for creating a vacuum inside the first casing and thereby sucking the scraped-off outer part away.
  • the apparatus also comprises a second unit with a jet nozzle for steam, a rotational brush and a suction tube, all enclosed in a second casing.
  • the jet nozzle for steam is intended for initial softening of the remaining softer part of the lump, said part having been covered by the outer and harder surface, and the brush is intended for cleaning of the remaining part of the lumps off the surface.
  • the sucking tube is intended for creating a vacuum inside the second casing and thereby sucking away the inner part of the lumps after having been cleaned off the surface by the brush.
  • This apparatus eliminates the disadvantage of the before-mentioned device.
  • this apparatus has other disadvantages.
  • the suction unit(s) is(are) very large compared to the actual purpose of just sucking away small lumps of chewing gum which is already cleaned off the surface.
  • the apparatus comprises first means for altering the texture of the small lumps by changing the temperature of the small lumps and the second means being intended for cleaning off the small lumps after the texture has been changed by the first means and wherein said first means is a heat- treating means for heating of the small lumps for altering the texture of the small lumps to a more soft texture or wherein the apparatus comprises first means for altering the texture of the small lumps by changing the temperature of the small lumps and the second means being intended for cleaning off the small lumps after the texture has been changed by the first means and said first means is a cold-treatment of the small lumps for altering the texture of the small lumps to a more solid texture.
  • the object may also be obtained by an apparatus wherein the first means is a chemical intended for wholly or partly resolving the small lumps and where the chemical is capable of at least resolving an outer part of the small lump, preferably is capable of resolving the whole of the small lumps, and during resolving altering the texture of the small lumps to a texture being softer than the texture of the lumps when sticking to the surface.
  • the first means is a chemical intended for wholly or partly resolving the small lumps and where the chemical is capable of at least resolving an outer part of the small lump, preferably is capable of resolving the whole of the small lumps, and during resolving altering the texture of the small lumps to a texture being softer than the texture of the lumps when sticking to the surface.
  • the third means being the collection means just behind the brush as viewed in the direction of movement and being arranged in the immediate vicinity of the brush results in that special arrangements for transporting the small lumps from the brush to the collection means is not necessary.
  • the third means is a tray arranged just behind the brush so that when the brush rotates the bristles leaving the surface and having removed small lumps from the surface will throw the small lumps backwards and on to the tray. Because the tray is arranged just behind the brush in the immediate vicinity of the brush and because the tray has a width being the same as the brush in the direction mentioned there is no risk of the small lumps being thrown beside the tray.
  • the third means is a suction unit having an orifice arranged just behind the brush so that when the brush rotates the bristles leaving the surface and having removed small lumps from the surface will throw the small lumps backwards and into the orifice of the suction unit. Because the orifice is arranged just behind the brush in the immediate vicinity of the brush and because the orifice has a width being the same as the brush in the direction mentioned there is no risk of the small lumps being thrown beside the orifice. By using a suction unit it is possible to suck the small lumps to a container, that may be removed from the apparatus and thrown away as a single-use container without the person using the apparatus having the risk of physical contact with the small lumps.
  • the first means of the invention is steam
  • the small lumps will be covered with a layer of water as the steam condenses after having been sprayed onto the lumps and after the lumps have been cleaned off the surface. This layer of water is a contributory factor for reducing the adherence of the small lumps to the bristles of the brush.
  • the first means for altering the texture of the small lumps may be any means suited for either heating the small lumps or cooling down the small lumps.
  • heating of the chewing gum will soften the chewing gum. This makes it easier to remove the chewing gum from solid surfaces such as pavement.
  • the surface is a carpet or other like surface then it will be easier to remove the chewing gum if the lumps of chewing gum are cooled before being removed from the surface.
  • the first means for altering the texture of the small lumps may be any suited chemical.
  • the kind of material that the bristles of the brush are made of may have an influence on whether it is better to heat or cool the small lumps before removing them from the surface.
  • whether heating or cooling is chosen as the first means depends on the kind of small lumps that are to be removed, depends on the surface from which the small lumps are to be removed and depends on the bristles of the brush.
  • the means for heating and cooling may be different depending on the amount of heating or cooling that is to be effected on the small lumps.
  • the amount of heating or cooling depends on the kind of and the size of small lumps to be removed and also depends on the surface from which the lumps are to be removed. As example, a pavement is capable of withstanding much more heat that as example a carpet is capable of.
  • the invention is primarily intended for cleaning of pavements and the like outdoor hard surfaces from small lumps of chewing gum.
  • the apparatus for cleaning of other surfaces, outdoor or indoor, such as indoor floors or carpets and for possible cleaning off other kinds of small lumps.
  • the apparatus along walls or ceilings and for removing other items than small lumps as example graffiti, tapestry, paint and the like items covering a part of or the whole of a surface. It will also be possible to clean pavements and lawns from excreta from dogs, cats and birds.
  • fig. 1 is a sketch seen in a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention and comprising a first means for distributing steam at the surface, a second means being a first type of a rotary brush for cleaning off the surface, and a third means being a tray for collecting small lumps cleaned off the surface.
  • fig. 2 is a sketch seen in a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention and comprising a first means for distributing steam at the surface, a second means being a first type of a rotary brush for cleaning off the surface, and a third means being a suction means for collecting small lumps cleaned off the surface.
  • FIG. 3 is a sketch seen in a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention and comprising a first means for distributing steam at the surface, a second means being a second type of a rotary brush for cleaning off the surface, and a third means being a suction means for collecting small lumps cleaned off the surface.
  • Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention comprising certain first means 1 , second means 2 being a first type of a rotary brush and third means 3 being a tray.
  • the first means 1 is a means that is capable and suitable for altering the texture of a number of small lumps 4.
  • the number of small lumps may be one or more.
  • the plural form "lumps" will preferably be used in the following.
  • the means 1 for altering the texture is preferably steam from water being heated in a container 5 and conducted through a hose 6 or pipe to a distributor 7.
  • the distributor 7 is arranged just above a surface 8 to be cleaned.
  • the steam 1 is directed onto the surface 8 directly and onto the small lumps 4 that are sticking to the surface when the apparatus is moved in a direction M being a forward direction when using the apparatus.
  • the steam 1 will heat the small lumps 4 sticking to the surface, and the heating of the small lumps will alter the texture of the lumps to a more soft texture.
  • lumps 4 such as chewing gum sticking to a pavement, this will make it easier afterwards to clean off the lumps from the surface 8 by means of the rotary brush 2.
  • the second means is, as mentioned, a rotary brush 2.
  • the rotary brush 2 is the type having an axis 9 of rotation being substantially parallel with the surface 8 and bristles 10 of the brush extending radial outwards from a core 11 of the brush.
  • the rotary brush 2 rotates anti-clockwise as shown in the figure by an arrow.
  • the brush 2 is placed behind the first means 1 as seen in the forward direction M of movement of the apparatus along the surface 8 when the apparatus is in use.
  • This means that the small lumps 4 have already been treated by the first means 1 so that the texture of the lumps is soft when the bristles 10 of the rotary brush 2 contacts the surface 8.
  • the bristles 10 will brush off the small lumps 4 by a sweeping backward movement of the bristles 10.
  • the third means is a tray 3 for collecting the small lumps 4 that the bristles 10 of the rotary brush 2 have cleaned off the surface 8.
  • the tray 3 has a blade 12 onto which the small lumps 4 are collected.
  • the blade 12 has a foremost edge 13 that is arranged in immediate vicinity of the bristles 10 of the brush 2.
  • the tray 3 has side walls 14,15 and a back wall 16 enclosing the blade 12 of the tray 3.
  • the side walls 14,15 also have foremost edges 16,17 lying in the immediate vicinity of the bristles 10 of the brush 2.
  • the tray also has a back wall 18.
  • a width W of the tray 3 between the side walls 14,15 has to be at least the same as an axial length L of the brush 2.
  • the foremost edges 13,16,17 of the blade 12 and of the side walls 14,15, respectively, lying in immediate vicinity of the bristles 10 ensures that the small lumps 4 which the brush cleans off the surface 8 are collected on the tray 3 and is not dropped behind the brush 2 and therefore not collected.
  • the heating of the water in the container 5 for generating the steam 1 may take place by any appropriate means. Thus, the heating may take place by inserting an electrical heating element (not shown) into the container with the water. The heating may also take place by heating the container itself by means of as example a gas burner (not shown). 5 Water is preferably used as the liquid being heated to a temperature so that it vaporises. However other liquids than water may be used.
  • liquids can be solvents of some kind or can be a mixture of water and one or more solvents.
  • the heated liquid in stead of vaporising the liquid by heating the liquid so that it vaporises then the heated liquid itself may be sufficient to alter the texture of the small lumps without having to use the vaporised state 10 of the liquid.
  • the liquid may be heated but necessarily not to the vaporised state.
  • Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention comprising other certain first means 1 , second means 2 being a first type of a rotary brush and third means 3 being a box.
  • the box constitutes a mouthpiece for a suction means.
  • the first means 1 is a means that is capable and suitable for altering the texture of a small lump. This means is preferably steam 1 from water being heated in a container 5 and conducted through a hose 6 or pipe to a distributor 7.
  • the second means is a rotary brush 2.
  • the rotary brush is also the type having an axis 9 of rotation being substantially parallel with the surface 8 and bristles 10 of the brush 2 extending radial outwards from a core 11 of the brush 2.
  • the rotary brush 2 rotates anti-clockwise as shown in the figure by an arrow.
  • the third means is a box.
  • the box constitutes the suction mouthpiece for collecting the small lumps 4 that the bristles 10 of the rotary brush 2 have cleaned off the surface 8.
  • the mouthpiece 3 has an orifice 20 into which the small lumps 4 are collected.
  • the mouthpiece 3 has side walls 14,15, a bottom wall 12 and a top wall
  • a width W of the mouthpiece 3 has to be at least the same as an axial length L of the 35 brush 2.
  • the orifice 20 of the mouthpiece 3 has to have the shape of a parallelogram as seen from above in a direction perpendicular to the surface 8 and thus perpendicular to the axis 9 of rotation.
  • the foremost edges 13,16,17,22 of the bottom wall 12, the side walls 14,15 and the top wall 21 , respectively, lying in immediate vicinity of the bristles 10 ensures that the small lumps 4 which the brush 2 cleans off the surface 8 are collected in the mouthpiece 3 and is not dropped behind the brush 2 and therefore not collected.
  • the mouthpiece also has a back wall 18. At the back wall 18 a suction tube 23 is connected.
  • a suction tube 23 is connected.
  • the combination of the small lumps 4 that may be adhering to the bristles 10 being subjected both to a centrifugal force when the brush 2 rotates and to the suction force through the suction tube 23, through the interior of the mouthpiece 3 and through the orifice 20 increases the forces for detaching the small lumps 4 from the bristles 10.
  • the suction force provided through the suction tube 23 also ensures that the small lumps, after having been collected in the mouthpiece 3, do not accidentally drop out of the mouthpiece, as example if the apparatus suddenly is moved quickly backwards compared to the forward direction M.
  • Suction means for providing the suction force through the suction tube 23 may be any kind of suction means suitable for the apparatus.
  • the suction means may be an ordinary vacuum cleaner.
  • the suction means may be mounted to the apparatus anywhere appropriate and do not necessarily have to be mounted nearby the mouthpiece.
  • Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the invention.
  • the third embodiment is very similar to the second embodiment shown in fig. 2.
  • the rotary brush 2 has an axis 9 of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the surface 8 in stead of parallel with the surface 8 and that the bristles 10 extend in substance axially from a core 11 of the brush 2.
  • at least outer bristles 10 of the brush 2 extend a bit obliquely outwards in relation to the axis 9 of rotation.
  • a width W of the box constituting the mouthpiece 3 has to be at least the same as a diameter D of the core 11 of the brush 2 and the orifice 20 of the mouthpiece 3 has to have the shape of an arc of a circle as seen from above in a direction perpendicular to the surface 8 and thus parallel with the axis 9 of rotation.
  • the first means for altering the texture of the small lumps is turned on, the rotation of the rotary brush is started and if the embodiment comprises a suction means then the suction means is also turned on. Thereafter the apparatus is moved in the forward direction along the surface in order to clean the surface. When the apparatus is moved towards and over the small lumps then the lumps are firstly heated or cooled by the first means for thereby altering the texture of the lumps.
  • the speed at which the apparatus is moved along the surface may be slower or faster.
  • Slow speed is used if the small lumps need longer treatment by the first means in order to have the texture of the small lumps altered sufficiently for the rotary brush to subsequently clean the lumps off the surface.
  • Faster speed is used if the small lumps do not need long treatment by the first means in order to have the texture of the small lumps altered sufficiently for the rotary brush to subsequently clean them off the surface.
  • Fast speed may also be used if the small lumps actually do not need any treatment at all.
  • the first means may be tuned off in order to spare the heating or cooling means.
  • the apparatus When the small lumps have been sufficiently treated by the first means, then the apparatus is moved further forwards in order to have the rotary brush to clean off the small lumps from the surface. Also, depending on the kind of small lumps such as chewing gum and depending on the material that the bristles of the brush are made of and depending on the rotary speed of the brush, then the speed at which the apparatus is moved forwards may be slower or faster. If the lumps, despite of the treatment by the first means, still sticks to the surface then the speed must be slow in order to give the brush sufficient time to clean off the lumps from the surface. If the small lumps are almost completely or is completely loosened from the surface after the treatment by the first means, then the forward speed of the apparatus may be fast because the action of the brush is to just brush the small lumps onto or into the third means.
  • the brush When the brush has completely loosened the small lumps from the surface and thus has cleaned the small lumps off the surface, then the small lumps are collected in the third means, either on the tray or in the box or mouthpiece.
  • the third means When the third means are sufficiently filled with cleaned off small lumps then it is possible to remove the third means from the apparatus and to empty the third means. Thereafter the apparatus is ready for further cleaning.
  • steam generated from water is used as an example of a first means for altering the texture of the small lumps to a more soft texture before the small lumps are being cleaned off the surface by means of the brush.
  • Other first means for altering the texture may however also be used.
  • hot water may be used.
  • hot water one or more solvents may be used.
  • vapour from other liquids than water may be used.
  • mechanical means such as oscillating or rigid scrapers may be used as first means.
  • the rotary brush being the second means may have different properties depending on the actual use and depending on the size of the apparatus.
  • the diameter of the brush may be relatively small if the apparatus is to be a small apparatus or if the rotational speed of the brush at the same time is high.
  • the diameter of the brush may be big if the apparatus may be a bigger apparatus and if the rotational speed of the brush is limited.
  • the material that the bristles are made of may be chosen depending on the actual surface along which the apparatus is to be used and depending on the kind of small lumps which is to be removed. For most surfaces bristles made of nylon or another plastic material will be satisfactory and suitable. For use along other surfaces the bristles may be made of stainless steel or other metal.
  • the stiffness of the bristles may also be chosen depending on the surface, the kind of small lumps and the diameter and rotational speed of the brush.
  • the third means is either a tray or a box.
  • the box may constitute a mouthpiece for suction means.
  • the tray or the box may be lined with a bag so that when emptying the third means of the small lumps collected in the third means then it is only necessary to discard the bag. Perhaps it may also not be necessary to remove the tray or the box from the apparatus.
  • the bag may be made of a material being non-permeable to air and/or liquid. If the bag is made of a material being non- permeable to air and if the bag is to be used in one of the embodiments shown in fig. 2 and fig. 3, then the bag must have an opening for connecting the suction tube to the bag.
  • the bag may be used without having an opening for connecting the suction tube.
  • the third means of the apparatus functions as a vacuum cleaner which has a bag for collection of dust and which bag is permeable to air.
  • the apparatus is shown only as sketches for illustrating the main means of the apparatus and for illustrating the functional principle of the apparatus. How the apparatus is to be moved along the surface is not specifically shown. This may take place as an individual cart or carried on a separate vehicle. Alternatively, the apparatus may be carried by a person.

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  • Cleaning In General (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns an apparatus for cleaning of a surface (8)such as a pavement from small lumps (4) such as chewing gum. The apparatus comprises at least a second means (2) and a third means (3). Preferably the apparatus also comprises a first means (1). The first means is a means for altering the texture of the small lumps (4) by either heating the small lumps (4) to a texture being softer or by cooling the lumps (4) to a texture being more solid. The second means (2) is a rotary brush for cleaning off the small lumps (4) from the surface (8). The third means (3) is a tray or a box for collecting of the small lumps (4) that have been cleaned of the surface (8). The third means (3) is arranged behind the brush so that foremost edges of the third means (3) are positioned in the immediate vicinity of the bristles (10) of the brush. Thereby the collection of the small lumps (4) is improved, especially if the third means (3) constitutes a mouthpiece for a suction unit.

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR CLEANING OF SURFACES FROM SMALL LUMPS AND USE OF SUCH AN APPARATUS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning of surfaces from a number of small lumps sticking to the surface, such as small lumps of chewing-gum, said apparatus in use intended for being moved in a forward direction along the surface and said apparatus comprising second means being a rotary brush with bristles for mechanically removing the small lumps from the surface, and said apparatus comprising third means for collecting the small lumps after the small lumps have been mechanically removed from the surface by the second means and wherein the apparatus comprises first means for altering the texture of the small lumps, possibly by changing the temperature of the small lumps, and the second means being intended for cleaning off the small lumps after the texture has been changed by the first means. The invention also relates to a use of such an apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
DE 195 38 474 describes a brushing device with a brush rotating around a horizontal axis. The brush is intended for removing dirt from surfaces when being rotated and swept along the surface. In one embodiment the device may be provided with a collection box placed behind the brush. Also, the device may be provided with nozzles for applying water to the brush or to the surface while the brush is sweeping. The water may either be used for reducing any dust forming in the air when brushing or may be used to cool down the surface, as example, when the bristles of the brush and the surface are made of metal.
The publication does not at all mention the possibility of cleaning surfaces from lumps sticking to the surface. There is no guarantee that a mere brushing will remove lumps sticking to a surface. The mentioning of water applied to the brush or the surface is entirely for reducing formation of dust or for cooling the surface. The brush is only intended for cleaning surfaces where no initial treatment is necessary such as removing rust from a metal surface or for cleaning a table from crumbs such as mentioned in the publication. Thus, the problem arising with lumps actually sticking to a surface is not mentioned, and the person skilled in the art will find no solution for pointer towards a solution to remedy the deficiency which the device has when it comes to lumps sticking to a surface.
WO 96/36444 describes a device for cleaning of surfaces that are soiled with remains of chewing gum. Among different embodiments the device describes a rotary brush that is provided with bristles or the like filaments. The bristles are made of a material suited for cleaning the surfaces in question but also capable of withholding the chewing gum onto the material after the chewing gum has been cleaned off the surfaces. It is mentioned that by using a bristle it is possible to clean surfaces having relieves or other kinds of unevenness.
However, this device has the disadvantage that cleaning of the surface is completely dependant on the remains of the chewing gum are being withheld to the bristles after the remains have been cleaned off the surface. The material to be chosen for the bristles is therefore limited to material capable of withholding the remains of the chewing gum. Also, the rotational speed of the brush exerts a centrifugal force to the remains withheld by the bristles. This centrifugal force further increases the demands of the material for the bristles to being capable of withholding the remains of the chewing gum.
FR 2 723 113 describes an apparatus for cleaning of surfaces soiled with lumps of foodstuffs having been chewed, especially chewing gum. The apparatus comprises a first unit with rotational scrapers and a suction tube, both enclosed in a first casing. The scrapers are intended for scraping off the outer part of the lump, the outer part often having a hard surface. The sucking tube is intended for creating a vacuum inside the first casing and thereby sucking the scraped-off outer part away. The apparatus also comprises a second unit with a jet nozzle for steam, a rotational brush and a suction tube, all enclosed in a second casing. The jet nozzle for steam is intended for initial softening of the remaining softer part of the lump, said part having been covered by the outer and harder surface, and the brush is intended for cleaning of the remaining part of the lumps off the surface. The sucking tube is intended for creating a vacuum inside the second casing and thereby sucking away the inner part of the lumps after having been cleaned off the surface by the brush.
This apparatus eliminates the disadvantage of the before-mentioned device. However this apparatus has other disadvantages. In order to remove the lumps of chewing gum from the surface after the outer part of the lumps has been scraped off by the scrapers and after the inner part of the lumps has been brushed off by the brush, the remains are sucked away by creating a vacuum inside the first casing and the second casing, respectively. It is necessary to have either one suction unit being capable of creating a sufficient vacuum inside both the casings or having two suctions units each being capable of creating a sufficient vacuum inside one of the casing, the vacuum being sufficient to suck away the lumps of chewing gum after these are cleaned off the surface. This means that the suction unit(s) is(are) very large compared to the actual purpose of just sucking away small lumps of chewing gum which is already cleaned off the surface.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that does not have the above mentioned disadvantages and which apparatus accordingly is capable of cleaning off chewing gum and the like lumps pasted to the surface but which apparatus at the same time is neither too heavy nor too big so that the apparatus may be handled easily along the surface and where the collection of the cleaned off small lumps is improved.
This object is obtained by an apparatus wherein either the apparatus comprises first means for altering the texture of the small lumps by changing the temperature of the small lumps and the second means being intended for cleaning off the small lumps after the texture has been changed by the first means and wherein said first means is a heat- treating means for heating of the small lumps for altering the texture of the small lumps to a more soft texture or wherein the apparatus comprises first means for altering the texture of the small lumps by changing the temperature of the small lumps and the second means being intended for cleaning off the small lumps after the texture has been changed by the first means and said first means is a cold-treatment of the small lumps for altering the texture of the small lumps to a more solid texture.
The object may also be obtained by an apparatus wherein the first means is a chemical intended for wholly or partly resolving the small lumps and where the chemical is capable of at least resolving an outer part of the small lump, preferably is capable of resolving the whole of the small lumps, and during resolving altering the texture of the small lumps to a texture being softer than the texture of the lumps when sticking to the surface. By providing the third means for collecting of the small lumps that have been cleaned off the surface just in the vicinity of the rotary brush and providing third means that has a width that is the same as the dimension of the brush in the direction mentioned, then it is possible effectively to collect the small lumps from the brush but without the need of other means such as bristles made of a special material or casings enclosing the brush. This ensures that the apparatus is simple to produce and will not be heavier or bigger than necessary because there are no other means than the absolutely necessary for removing and collecting the small lumps from the surface.
The feature of arranging the third means being the collection means just behind the brush as viewed in the direction of movement and being arranged in the immediate vicinity of the brush results in that special arrangements for transporting the small lumps from the brush to the collection means is not necessary.
In one embodiment the third means is a tray arranged just behind the brush so that when the brush rotates the bristles leaving the surface and having removed small lumps from the surface will throw the small lumps backwards and on to the tray. Because the tray is arranged just behind the brush in the immediate vicinity of the brush and because the tray has a width being the same as the brush in the direction mentioned there is no risk of the small lumps being thrown beside the tray.
In a second and preferred embodiment the third means is a suction unit having an orifice arranged just behind the brush so that when the brush rotates the bristles leaving the surface and having removed small lumps from the surface will throw the small lumps backwards and into the orifice of the suction unit. Because the orifice is arranged just behind the brush in the immediate vicinity of the brush and because the orifice has a width being the same as the brush in the direction mentioned there is no risk of the small lumps being thrown beside the orifice. By using a suction unit it is possible to suck the small lumps to a container, that may be removed from the apparatus and thrown away as a single-use container without the person using the apparatus having the risk of physical contact with the small lumps.
Apart from the above advantages of using a suction unit as the third means, it has surprisingly been found that another advantage occurs when applying suction in the immediate vicinity of the bristles of the brush. If the first means of the invention as example is steam, then the small lumps will be covered with a layer of water as the steam condenses after having been sprayed onto the lumps and after the lumps have been cleaned off the surface. This layer of water is a contributory factor for reducing the adherence of the small lumps to the bristles of the brush.
However, when the suction is applied to the bristles of the brush in the immediate vicinity of the bristles, then a flow of air is established around the bristles. When the third means is a suction means the airflow will be especially strong around the bristles of the present invention because the suction is established in the immediate vicinity of the bristles. This airflow cools down the layer of water around the small lumps and accordingly this further cooling of the water also cools down the small lumps themselves. When the small lumps are cooled down, then the texture of the lumps is altered to a more solid state. A more solid state of the texture of the lumps is an advantage because it increases the possibility of having the lumps released from the bristles by the centrifugal force exerted on the lumps when the brush is rotating.
The first means for altering the texture of the small lumps may be any means suited for either heating the small lumps or cooling down the small lumps. Depending on the kind of small lumps that are to be removed from the surface it may be advantageous to either heat or cool the small lumps pasted to the surface before the lumps is removed from the surface. As example, if the small lumps are chewing gum then heating of the chewing gum will soften the chewing gum. This makes it easier to remove the chewing gum from solid surfaces such as pavement. However, if the surface is a carpet or other like surface then it will be easier to remove the chewing gum if the lumps of chewing gum are cooled before being removed from the surface. Alternatively, the first means for altering the texture of the small lumps may be any suited chemical.
Also the kind of material that the bristles of the brush are made of may have an influence on whether it is better to heat or cool the small lumps before removing them from the surface. In other words, whether heating or cooling is chosen as the first means depends on the kind of small lumps that are to be removed, depends on the surface from which the small lumps are to be removed and depends on the bristles of the brush. The means for heating and cooling may be different depending on the amount of heating or cooling that is to be effected on the small lumps. The amount of heating or cooling depends on the kind of and the size of small lumps to be removed and also depends on the surface from which the lumps are to be removed. As example, a pavement is capable of withstanding much more heat that as example a carpet is capable of.
The invention is primarily intended for cleaning of pavements and the like outdoor hard surfaces from small lumps of chewing gum. However, it will be possible to use the apparatus for cleaning of other surfaces, outdoor or indoor, such as indoor floors or carpets and for possible cleaning off other kinds of small lumps. Thus, it will be possible to use the apparatus along walls or ceilings and for removing other items than small lumps as example graffiti, tapestry, paint and the like items covering a part of or the whole of a surface. It will also be possible to clean pavements and lawns from excreta from dogs, cats and birds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Hereafter, the invention will be described more in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing in which
fig. 1 is a sketch seen in a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention and comprising a first means for distributing steam at the surface, a second means being a first type of a rotary brush for cleaning off the surface, and a third means being a tray for collecting small lumps cleaned off the surface. fig. 2 is a sketch seen in a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention and comprising a first means for distributing steam at the surface, a second means being a first type of a rotary brush for cleaning off the surface, and a third means being a suction means for collecting small lumps cleaned off the surface. fig. 3 is a sketch seen in a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention and comprising a first means for distributing steam at the surface, a second means being a second type of a rotary brush for cleaning off the surface, and a third means being a suction means for collecting small lumps cleaned off the surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention comprising certain first means 1 , second means 2 being a first type of a rotary brush and third means 3 being a tray. The first means 1 is a means that is capable and suitable for altering the texture of a number of small lumps 4. The number of small lumps may be one or more. For the sake of clarity, the plural form "lumps" will preferably be used in the following. The means 1 for altering the texture is preferably steam from water being heated in a container 5 and conducted through a hose 6 or pipe to a distributor 7. The distributor 7 is arranged just above a surface 8 to be cleaned. Thereby the steam 1 is directed onto the surface 8 directly and onto the small lumps 4 that are sticking to the surface when the apparatus is moved in a direction M being a forward direction when using the apparatus. The steam 1 will heat the small lumps 4 sticking to the surface, and the heating of the small lumps will alter the texture of the lumps to a more soft texture. For most kind of lumps 4 such as chewing gum sticking to a pavement, this will make it easier afterwards to clean off the lumps from the surface 8 by means of the rotary brush 2.
The second means is, as mentioned, a rotary brush 2. In the embodiment shown the rotary brush 2 is the type having an axis 9 of rotation being substantially parallel with the surface 8 and bristles 10 of the brush extending radial outwards from a core 11 of the brush. In use, the rotary brush 2 rotates anti-clockwise as shown in the figure by an arrow. The brush 2 is placed behind the first means 1 as seen in the forward direction M of movement of the apparatus along the surface 8 when the apparatus is in use. This means that the small lumps 4 have already been treated by the first means 1 so that the texture of the lumps is soft when the bristles 10 of the rotary brush 2 contacts the surface 8. The bristles 10 will brush off the small lumps 4 by a sweeping backward movement of the bristles 10.
The third means is a tray 3 for collecting the small lumps 4 that the bristles 10 of the rotary brush 2 have cleaned off the surface 8. The tray 3 has a blade 12 onto which the small lumps 4 are collected. The blade 12 has a foremost edge 13 that is arranged in immediate vicinity of the bristles 10 of the brush 2. The tray 3 has side walls 14,15 and a back wall 16 enclosing the blade 12 of the tray 3. The side walls 14,15 also have foremost edges 16,17 lying in the immediate vicinity of the bristles 10 of the brush 2. The tray also has a back wall 18. A width W of the tray 3 between the side walls 14,15 has to be at least the same as an axial length L of the brush 2. The foremost edges 13,16,17 of the blade 12 and of the side walls 14,15, respectively, lying in immediate vicinity of the bristles 10 ensures that the small lumps 4 which the brush cleans off the surface 8 are collected on the tray 3 and is not dropped behind the brush 2 and therefore not collected. The heating of the water in the container 5 for generating the steam 1 may take place by any appropriate means. Thus, the heating may take place by inserting an electrical heating element (not shown) into the container with the water. The heating may also take place by heating the container itself by means of as example a gas burner (not shown). 5 Water is preferably used as the liquid being heated to a temperature so that it vaporises. However other liquids than water may be used. Other liquids can be solvents of some kind or can be a mixture of water and one or more solvents. Also, in stead of vaporising the liquid by heating the liquid so that it vaporises then the heated liquid itself may be sufficient to alter the texture of the small lumps without having to use the vaporised state 10 of the liquid. Thus, the liquid may be heated but necessarily not to the vaporised state.
Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention comprising other certain first means 1 , second means 2 being a first type of a rotary brush and third means 3 being a box. In the embodiment shown the box constitutes a mouthpiece for a suction means. Also in this 15 second embodiment, the first means 1 is a means that is capable and suitable for altering the texture of a small lump. This means is preferably steam 1 from water being heated in a container 5 and conducted through a hose 6 or pipe to a distributor 7.
Also in the second embodiment, the second means is a rotary brush 2. In the embodiment 20 shown the rotary brush is also the type having an axis 9 of rotation being substantially parallel with the surface 8 and bristles 10 of the brush 2 extending radial outwards from a core 11 of the brush 2. In use, the rotary brush 2 rotates anti-clockwise as shown in the figure by an arrow.
25 In the second embodiment, the third means is a box. As mentioned, in the actual embodiment shown of the second embodiment the box constitutes the suction mouthpiece for collecting the small lumps 4 that the bristles 10 of the rotary brush 2 have cleaned off the surface 8. The mouthpiece 3 has an orifice 20 into which the small lumps 4 are collected. The mouthpiece 3 has side walls 14,15, a bottom wall 12 and a top wall
30 21 thereby forming an interior of the mouthpiece 3. Foremost edges 13, 16, 17,22 of the bottom wall 12, the side walls 14,15 and of the top wall 21 form the boundary of the orifice 20. The boundary is lying in the immediate vicinity of the bristles 10 of the brush 2.
A width W of the mouthpiece 3 has to be at least the same as an axial length L of the 35 brush 2. The orifice 20 of the mouthpiece 3 has to have the shape of a parallelogram as seen from above in a direction perpendicular to the surface 8 and thus perpendicular to the axis 9 of rotation. The foremost edges 13,16,17,22 of the bottom wall 12, the side walls 14,15 and the top wall 21 , respectively, lying in immediate vicinity of the bristles 10 ensures that the small lumps 4 which the brush 2 cleans off the surface 8 are collected in the mouthpiece 3 and is not dropped behind the brush 2 and therefore not collected.
The mouthpiece also has a back wall 18. At the back wall 18 a suction tube 23 is connected. By providing a suction force to the mouthpiece 3 then the collection of the small lumps is improved. The combination of the small lumps 4 that may be adhering to the bristles 10 being subjected both to a centrifugal force when the brush 2 rotates and to the suction force through the suction tube 23, through the interior of the mouthpiece 3 and through the orifice 20 increases the forces for detaching the small lumps 4 from the bristles 10. The suction force provided through the suction tube 23 also ensures that the small lumps, after having been collected in the mouthpiece 3, do not accidentally drop out of the mouthpiece, as example if the apparatus suddenly is moved quickly backwards compared to the forward direction M.
Suction means for providing the suction force through the suction tube 23 may be any kind of suction means suitable for the apparatus. As example, the suction means may be an ordinary vacuum cleaner. The suction means may be mounted to the apparatus anywhere appropriate and do not necessarily have to be mounted nearby the mouthpiece.
Apart from the above-mentioned advantage of improving the detachment of the lumps from the bristles and improving the subsequent collection of the lumps in the mouthpiece then a further and surprisingly effect is obtained by providing a suction force to the mouthpiece. Because the orifice 20 of the mouthpiece 3 in the present invention is lying in the immediate vicinity of bristles 10 of the brush 2, then the suction force provided to the mouthpiece 3 will create a strong flow of air along and around the bristles 10. This flow of air seems to cool the bristles 10. The cooling of the bristles 10 also cools any remains of small lumps 4 that may still be adhering to the bristles. Cooling of the small lumps 4 alters the texture of the small lumps to a more solid texture. This makes it easier to detach the small lumps 4 from the bristles 10 by means of the centrifugal force and of the suction force itself. Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the invention. The third embodiment is very similar to the second embodiment shown in fig. 2. The difference is that the rotary brush 2 has an axis 9 of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the surface 8 in stead of parallel with the surface 8 and that the bristles 10 extend in substance axially from a core 11 of the brush 2. However, at least outer bristles 10 of the brush 2 extend a bit obliquely outwards in relation to the axis 9 of rotation. This is advantageous because it makes it possible to move the brush 2 along side edges of the surface to be cleaned such as a kerb or the foundation of a building along a pavement. A width W of the box constituting the mouthpiece 3 has to be at least the same as a diameter D of the core 11 of the brush 2 and the orifice 20 of the mouthpiece 3 has to have the shape of an arc of a circle as seen from above in a direction perpendicular to the surface 8 and thus parallel with the axis 9 of rotation.
Use of either of the embodiments of the invention takes place in following manner. The first means for altering the texture of the small lumps is turned on, the rotation of the rotary brush is started and if the embodiment comprises a suction means then the suction means is also turned on. Thereafter the apparatus is moved in the forward direction along the surface in order to clean the surface. When the apparatus is moved towards and over the small lumps then the lumps are firstly heated or cooled by the first means for thereby altering the texture of the lumps.
Depending on the kind of small lumps such as chewing gum and depending on the surface such as a pavement, then the speed at which the apparatus is moved along the surface may be slower or faster. Slow speed is used if the small lumps need longer treatment by the first means in order to have the texture of the small lumps altered sufficiently for the rotary brush to subsequently clean the lumps off the surface. Faster speed is used if the small lumps do not need long treatment by the first means in order to have the texture of the small lumps altered sufficiently for the rotary brush to subsequently clean them off the surface. Fast speed may also be used if the small lumps actually do not need any treatment at all. In this case the first means may be tuned off in order to spare the heating or cooling means.
When the small lumps have been sufficiently treated by the first means, then the apparatus is moved further forwards in order to have the rotary brush to clean off the small lumps from the surface. Also, depending on the kind of small lumps such as chewing gum and depending on the material that the bristles of the brush are made of and depending on the rotary speed of the brush, then the speed at which the apparatus is moved forwards may be slower or faster. If the lumps, despite of the treatment by the first means, still sticks to the surface then the speed must be slow in order to give the brush sufficient time to clean off the lumps from the surface. If the small lumps are almost completely or is completely loosened from the surface after the treatment by the first means, then the forward speed of the apparatus may be fast because the action of the brush is to just brush the small lumps onto or into the third means.
When the brush has completely loosened the small lumps from the surface and thus has cleaned the small lumps off the surface, then the small lumps are collected in the third means, either on the tray or in the box or mouthpiece. When the third means are sufficiently filled with cleaned off small lumps then it is possible to remove the third means from the apparatus and to empty the third means. Thereafter the apparatus is ready for further cleaning.
In the embodiments shown steam generated from water is used as an example of a first means for altering the texture of the small lumps to a more soft texture before the small lumps are being cleaned off the surface by means of the brush. Other first means for altering the texture may however also be used. In stead of steam, then hot water may be used. In stead of hot water, one or more solvents may be used. In stead of steam, vapour from other liquids than water may be used. Also mechanical means such as oscillating or rigid scrapers may be used as first means.
The rotary brush being the second means may have different properties depending on the actual use and depending on the size of the apparatus. The diameter of the brush may be relatively small if the apparatus is to be a small apparatus or if the rotational speed of the brush at the same time is high. The diameter of the brush may be big if the apparatus may be a bigger apparatus and if the rotational speed of the brush is limited. The material that the bristles are made of may be chosen depending on the actual surface along which the apparatus is to be used and depending on the kind of small lumps which is to be removed. For most surfaces bristles made of nylon or another plastic material will be satisfactory and suitable. For use along other surfaces the bristles may be made of stainless steel or other metal. The stiffness of the bristles may also be chosen depending on the surface, the kind of small lumps and the diameter and rotational speed of the brush.
In the embodiments shown the third means is either a tray or a box. As mentioned, the box may constitute a mouthpiece for suction means. The tray or the box may be lined with a bag so that when emptying the third means of the small lumps collected in the third means then it is only necessary to discard the bag. Perhaps it may also not be necessary to remove the tray or the box from the apparatus. The bag may be made of a material being non-permeable to air and/or liquid. If the bag is made of a material being non- permeable to air and if the bag is to be used in one of the embodiments shown in fig. 2 and fig. 3, then the bag must have an opening for connecting the suction tube to the bag. If the bag is non-permeable to liquid but perhaps permeable to air, then the bag may be used without having an opening for connecting the suction tube. Thereby the third means of the apparatus functions as a vacuum cleaner which has a bag for collection of dust and which bag is permeable to air.
In the embodiments shown the apparatus is shown only as sketches for illustrating the main means of the apparatus and for illustrating the functional principle of the apparatus. How the apparatus is to be moved along the surface is not specifically shown. This may take place as an individual cart or carried on a separate vehicle. Alternatively, the apparatus may be carried by a person.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cleaning of surfaces from a number of small lumps sticking to the surface, such as small lumps of chewing-gum, said apparatus in use intended for being moved in a forward direction along the surface, said apparatus at least comprising second means being a rotary brush with bristles for mechanically removing the small lumps from the surface, and said apparatus at least also comprising third means for collecting the small lumps after the small lumps have been mechanically removed from the surface by the second means, said third means having an inlet with a width W being at least the same as a dimension of the second means, said dimension being measured in a plane parallel to the surface and being perpendicular to the forward direction of movement of the apparatus when in use and the inlet of said third means lying in immediate vicinity of the bristles of the rotary brush, and wherein the apparatus also comprises first means for altering the texture of the small lumps by changing the temperature of the small lumps and the second means being intended for cleaning off the small lumps after the texture has been changed by the first means, and wherein said first means is a heat-treating means for heating of the small lumps for altering the texture of the small lumps to a more soft texture.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first means is liquid, preferably water, and said liquid being heated in a container, the liquid being heated to a temperature above the ambient temperature of the small lumps, and the apparatus comprising means for conducting the liquid to the surface and onto the small lumps.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first means is vapour, preferably steam of water, and said vapour being generated by heating liquid in a container, the vapour being heated to a temperature above the ambient temperature of the small lumps, and the apparatus comprising means for conducting the vapour to the surface and onto the small lumps.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first means is a heating element for transmitting heat radiation, preferably being an electrical heating element, and being heated to a temperature above the ambient temperature of the small lumps, and the heating element being placed on the apparatus in a distance from the small lumps so that the heat radiation is capable of heating at least the surface of the small lumps to a temperature above the ambient temperature of the small lumps.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first means is a micro-wave element for transmitting micro-waves, and having a certain electrical capacity, and the micro-wave element being placed on the apparatus in a distance from the small lumps so that the micro-wave radiation is capable of heating at least the surface of the small lumps to a temperature above the ambient temperature of the small lumps.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first means is an ultra-wave element for transmitting ultra-waves, and having a certain electrical capacity, and the ultra-wave element being placed on the apparatus in a distance from the small lumps so that the ultra-wave radiation is capable of heating at least the surface of the small lumps to a temperature above the ambient temperature of the small lumps.
7. An apparatus for cleaning of surfaces from a number of small lumps sticking to the surface, such as small lumps of chewing-gum, said apparatus in use intended for being moved in a forward direction along the surface, said apparatus at least comprising second means being a rotary brush with bristles for mechanically removing the small lumps from the surface, and said apparatus at least also comprising third means for collecting the small lumps after the small lumps have been mechanically removed from the surface by the second means, said third means having an inlet with a width W being at least the same as a dimension of the second means, said dimension being measured in a plane parallel to the surface and being perpendicular to the forward direction of movement of the apparatus when in use and the inlet of said third means lying in immediate vicinity of the bristles of the rotary brush, and wherein the apparatus also comprises first means for altering the texture of the small lumps by changing the temperature of the small lumps and the second means being intended for cleaning off the small lumps after the texture has been changed by the first means and wherein said first means is a cold-treating means for cooling of the small lumps for altering the texture of the small lumps to a more solid texture.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said first means is liquid, preferably water, and being stored in a container, the liquid having a temperature, alternatively the liquid being cooled to a temperature, below the ambient temperature of the small lumps, and the apparatus comprising means for conducting the liquid to the surface and onto the small lumps.
9. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said first means is vapour, preferably vapour of carbon dioxide, said vapour being the gaseous state of a liquefied gas being stored under pressure in a container, the vapour being formed when the liquefied gas is being let out of the container and said vapour having a temperature below the ambient temperature of the small lumps, and the apparatus comprising means for conducting the liquefied gas, alternatively the vapour, to the surface and onto the small lumps.
10. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said first means being a cooling element for transmitting cool-radiation, preferably being an thermodynamic cooling unit, and being cooled to a temperature below the ambient temperature of the small lumps, and the cooling element being placed on the apparatus in a distance from the small lumps so that the cool-radiation is capable of cooling at least the surface of the small lumps to a temperature below the ambient temperature of the small lump.
11. An apparatus for cleaning of surfaces from a number of small lumps sticking to the surface, such as small lumps of chewing-gum, said apparatus in use intended for being moved in a forward direction along the surface, said apparatus at least comprising second means being a rotary brush with bristles for mechanically removing the small lumps from the surface, and said apparatus at least also comprising third means for collecting the small lumps after the small lumps have been mechanically removed from the surface by the second means, said third means having an inlet with a width W being at least the same as a dimension of the second means, said dimension being measured in a plane parallel to the surface and being perpendicular to the forward direction of movement of the apparatus when in use and the inlet of said third means lying in immediate vicinity of the bristles of the rotary brush, and wherein the first means is a chemical intended for wholly or partly resolving the small lumps and where the chemical is capable of at least resolving an outer part of the small lump, preferably is capable of resolving the whole of the small lumps, and during resolving altering the texture of the small lumps to a texture being more soft, alternatively being more solid, than the texture of the lumps when sticking to the surface.
12. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein said second means is a rotary brush, said rotary brush having bristles extending radial outwards from a core of the brush and said brush having an axis of rotation being substantially parallel with the surface when the apparatus in use is moved in the forward direction.
5
13. An apparatus according to any of claims 1-11 wherein said second means is a rotary brush, said rotary brush having bristles extending substantially axial outwards from a core of the brush and said brush having an axis of rotation being substantially perpendicular to the surface when the apparatus in use is moved in the forward direction.
10
14. An apparatus according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the bristles are made of plastic, preferably are made of nylon.
15. An apparatus according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the bristles are made of metal, 15 preferably are made of stainless steel.
16. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the third means is a tray, said tray being arranged behind the brush compared to the forward direction of the apparatus when in use, said tray having a foremost edge of a blade being positioned in
20 the immediate vicinity of the bristles of the brush, and said foremost edge of the blade having a width W being at least the same as an axial length, alternatively a diameter, of the brush.
17. An apparatus according to any of claims 1-15 wherein the third means is a box, said 25 box being arranged behind the brush compared to the forward direction of the apparatus when in use, said box having an orifice being positioned in the immediate vicinity of the bristles of the brush, and said orifice having a width W being at least the same as an axial length, alternatively a diameter, of the brush.
30 18. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 -15 wherein the third means is a mouthpiece of a suction unit, said mouthpiece being arranged behind the brush compared to the forward direction of the apparatus when in use, said mouthpiece having an orifice being positioned in the immediate vicinity of the bristles of the brush, and said orifice having a width W being at least the same as an axial length, alternatively a diameter, of
35 the brush.
19. An apparatus according to any of claims 16-18 wherein the third means is provided with a bag, said bag being placed with an opening of the bag orientated towards the brush said bag being intended for containing the small lumps collected by the third means, and said bag being disposable when containing a certain amount of cleaned off small lumps.
20. Use of an apparatus according to any of claims 1 -19 for removing small lumps, preferably removing small lumps of chewing gum, from a surface, preferably from a pavement.
PCT/DK2001/000271 2000-04-17 2001-04-17 An apparatus for cleaning of surfaces from small lumps and use of such an apparatus WO2001078910A1 (en)

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Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004076080A1 (en) * 2003-02-28 2004-09-10 Jinxiong Huang Method and apparatus for eliminating gooey waste
WO2005023442A1 (en) * 2003-09-05 2005-03-17 Robert Reiner Van Den Berg Method and apparatus for removal of chewing gum
DE102009007227B3 (en) * 2009-02-03 2010-08-12 Zürcher, Ralf Method of cleaning granular soil
NO20160143A1 (en) * 2016-02-01 2017-08-02 Autostore Tech As Cleaning bin for cleaning a storage grid of a storage system and method for the same
NO342469B1 (en) * 2016-02-01 2018-05-28 Autostore Tech As Cleaning bin for cleaning a storage grid of a storage system and method for the same
US10654661B2 (en) 2016-02-01 2020-05-19 Autostore Technology AS Cleaning bin for cleaning a storage grid of a storage system
US11104522B2 (en) 2016-02-01 2021-08-31 Autostore Technology AS Cleaning bin for cleaning a storage grid of a storage system
WO2020077542A1 (en) * 2018-10-16 2020-04-23 华为技术有限公司 Adhesive removal method and apparatus, and control device

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AU2001250289A1 (en) 2001-10-30

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