Sweeping machine with multi-component moldboard

Abstract

A vehicular sweeping machine includes a frame, a broom that is adapted to rotate about a generally horizontal axis and a broom enclosure. The broom enclosure has a left end gate, a right end gate and a moldboard assembly including an outer moldboard and an inner moldboard which are arranged to form a labyrinth seal at the rear of the broom enclosure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 259,168 which was filed on Nov. 24, 2015.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates generally to a vehicular sweeping machine that may be used in sweeping streets, parking lots and other large surfaces. More particularly, the invention relates to a vehicular sweeping machine having a sweeping apparatus including a broom assembly that is adapted to contain material within a broom enclosure.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Roadway repair is often accomplished by overlaying the existing pavement (whether of concrete or asphalt composition) with a new layer (often called a leveling course) of concrete, asphalt or other surfacing materials. Without prior surface treatment, however, this method of repair generally results in the application of insufficient quantities of paving material in the rutted, potholed or otherwise damaged areas, because the overlay w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024]A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a broom assembly that is adapted for removal and replacement of brooms from the side of the machine. Still another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a broom assembly that is mounted on the frame in such a manner that it may be moved vertically with respect to the frame in order to improve the seal of the broom assembly with respect to the roadway. Yet another preferred embodiment of the invention includes a material presentation system that is adapted to move material on the roadway into contact with the broom in the form of a windrow that is located generally in front of the center of the broom assembly.

[0025]In order to facilitate an understanding of the invention, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as well as the best mode known by the inventors for carrying out the invention, is illustrated in the

Problems solved by technology

Without prior surface treatment, however, this method of repair generally results in the application of insufficient quantities of paving material in the rutted, potholed or otherwise damaged areas, because the overlay will be applied at the same rate per unit of roadway width in damaged areas (which have a greater depth across the width) as in the undamaged areas.

The resulting reduced density in the overlay of the previously damaged areas will lead to renewed rutting or other wear damage in the new pavement in relatively short order.

This can require the raising of road sh

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