Gutter broom

Abstract

A gutter broom is provided. The gutter broom can include a mandrel, a carrier coupled to the mandrel, and a bristle strip. The carrier can have a slot and a securement mechanism. The bristle strip can be received within the slot of the carrier and have a first group of bristles and a second group of bristles separated from the first group of bristles by a gap extending along a length of the bristle strip. The securement mechanism of the carrier extends through the gap

Description

GUTTER BROOMFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to sweepers for cleaning surfaces. In particular, gutter brooms for cleaning roads, streets, and other surfaces.BACKGROUND

[0002] Sweepers can be used to remove debris and particulate matter from various surfaces. In particular, a gutter broom can be used to clean roads, streets, and other surfaces and can be mounted onto a surface cleaning vehicle to move across the surface. The gutter broom can also approach a curb or a side of a building to remove debris. The gutter broom can include a carrier that receives bristles for sweeping.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] Some aspects of the invention provide a gutter broom including a mandrel, a carrier coupled to the mandrel, and a bristle strip. The carrier includes a slot and a securement mechanism. The bristle strip received within the slot of the carrier and includes a first group of bristles and a second group of bristles separated from the first group of bristles by a gap extending along a length of the bristle strip. The securement mechanism of the carrier extends through the gap.

[0004] In some aspects, the gutter broom further includes a bristle cover surrounding an upper end of the bristle strip, and the bristle cover is received within the carrier, wherein the securement mechanism prevents outward movement of the bristle cover from the carrier.

[0005] In some aspects, the bristle cover includes a spacer extending from a bottom of the bristle cover, the spacer dividing a first group of bristles and a second group of bristles.

[0006] In some aspects, the securement mechanism includes a pin or a clip extending through the gap.

[0007] In some aspects, the carrier further includes a second slot for receiving a second bristle strip, the first slot and the second slot arranged along a perimeter of the mandrel.

[0008] In some aspects, a top surface of the carrier is mounted onto the mandrel via bolts.

[0009] In some aspects, the bristle strip is arranged at an angle of approximately 100 degrees to approximately 160 degrees relative to the mandrel.

[0010] Some aspects of the invention provide a carrier for a gutter broom including a top surface to be coupled to a mandrel, a slot arranged at a non-vertical angle to the top surface, a securement mechanism, and a bristle strip slideably received within the slot of the carrier. The bristle strip includes a first group of bristles and a second group of bristles separated from the first group of bristles by a gap extending along a length of the bristle strip. The securement mechanism of the carrier extends through the gap.

[0011] In some aspects, the slot of the carrier is enclosed by a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, and the securement mechanism extends from the first wall to the second wall.

[0012] In some aspects, the slot of the carrier is further enclosed by the top surface of the carrier.

[0013] In some aspects, at least one of the first wall or second wall comprises a transparent window.

[0014] In some aspects, the securement mechanism comprises a bolt or a belt.

[0015] Some aspects of the invention provide a bristle strip for a gutter broom including bristles folded at a location along a length of the bristles at an acute angle, and the location forms a top end of the bristle strip, and a bristle cover surrounding the top end of the bristle strip and comprising a spacer dividing the bristles into a first group of bristles and a second group of bristles separated by a gap extending along a length of the bristle strip.

[0016] In some aspects, the bristles are folded at a location of approximately 50% to approximately 80% of the length of the bristles.

[0017] In some aspects, the bristles are folded over a cable.

[0018] In some aspects, the gap has a width in a range of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1.2 inches.

[0019] In some aspects, the bristles include cable or steel.

[0020] In some aspects, the first group of bristles includes bristles of different stiffness than the second group of bristles.

[0021] In some aspects, the first group of bristles includes bristles of different geometry than the second group of bristles.

[0022] In some aspects, the first group of bristles and second group of bristles extend parallel to each other.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS / FIGURES

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate aspects and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the aspects and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the aspects.

[0024] FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of a vehicle with a gutter broom according to various aspects.

[0025] FIG. IB is an enlarged view of the gutter broom in FIG. 1 A according to various aspects.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gutter broom according to various aspects.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a side view of a gutter broom according to various aspects.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a top view of a carrier according to various aspects.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the carrier in FIG. 4 along line 5-5 according to various aspects.

[0030] FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of a carrier according to various aspects.

[0031] FIG. 6B is a bottom perspective view of the carrier in FIG. 6A.

[0032] FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of a carrier according to various aspects.

[0033] FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view of the carrier in FIG. 7A.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a front view of a bristle strip according to various aspects.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bristle strip according to various aspects.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a side view of a bristle strip according to various aspects.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bristle cover before assembly according to various aspects.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a bristle strip with the bristle cover of FIG. 11 during the assembly process.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a roller used during the assembly of the bristle strip.

[0040] FIG. 14 is a fully assembled bristle strip with the bristle cover of FIG. 11.

[0041] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a process of manufacturing a bristle strip.

[0042] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a carrier with a buckle securement mechanism according to various aspects.

[0043] FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of a carrier with a buckle securement mechanism according to various aspects.

[0044] FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of a carrier with a buckle securement mechanism according to various aspects.

[0045] FIG. 19 is a side view of a carrier with a buckle securement mechanism according to various aspects.

[0046] FIG. 20 is a side view of a carrier with a buckle securement mechanism according to various aspects.

[0047] FIG. 21 is a side view of a carrier with a buckle securement mechanism according to various aspects.

[0048] FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of a carrier according to various aspects.

[0049] FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 22 according to various aspects.

[0050] FIG. 24 is a top view of the carrier of FIG. 22 according to various aspects.

[0051] The features and advantages of the aspects will become more apparent from the detail description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The present invention(s) will now be described in detail with reference to aspects thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to “one aspect,” “an aspect,” “an exemplary aspect,” etc., indicate that the aspect described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every aspect may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same aspect. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an aspect, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other aspects whether or not explicitly described.

[0053] The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present aspects. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the present application.

[0054] Aspects provide a gutter broom. As described herein, the gutter broom can be segmented into one or more carriers (e.g., one carrier to four or five carriers). Each carrier can have one or more slots (e.g., one to three slots). Each slot can receive a bristle strip divided into two groups of bristles, and a securement mechanism of the carrier can extend through a gap between the two groups of bristles. As the gutter broom rotates around its central axis (i.e., its axis of rotation), the bristles can clean a surface along the path of the gutter broom.

[0055] The gutter broom described herein can additionally be efficiently manufactured because each component can be discretely produced and distributed, thereby reducing the cost of the gutter broom. Further, the gutter broom described herein can provide an efficient way to replace bristle strips. The bristle strips slide into the slots of the carrier and are secured by the securement mechanism.

[0056] A gutter broom 100 is shown in FIGS. 1 A-B. In some aspects, gutter broom 100 can be mounted onto a vehicle 10 (e.g., a truck, tractor, or compact vehicle). Vehicle 10 can guide gutter broom 100 along a variety of surfaces. Gutter broom 100 can be positioned at a side of vehicle 10 to move along curbs or the sides of buildings for cleaning (e.g., sweeping, debris and / or particulate matter removal, etc.) where debris can collect. Vehicle 10 can also move gutter broom 100 along floors in, for example, manufacturing areas or retail environments. Vehicle 10 can support a driver 12 and a mandrel 50. Driver 12 can rotate mandrel 50 and gutter broom 100 supported by mandrel 50 (e.g., via an electric or a hydraulic motor).

[0057] Gutter broom 100 can rotate about its central axis 20 (i.e., the axis of rotation) to move and / or break down debris or other matter along its path (e.g., weeds, grass, mud, dirt, sand, trash, etc.). Central axis 20 can be generally perpendicular to the path along which gutter broom 100 moves (e.g., surfaces to be cleaned). In an aspect, central axis 20 can be generally vertical and extend along driver 12. Gutter broom 100 can be positioned to be generally horizontal as it rotates about the generally vertical central axis 20.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, gutter broom 100 can be modular and segmented such that it can include one or more carriers 200. In an aspect, each carrier 200 can include oneor more slots 260 to retain bristle strip 300, as described in further detail below. In some aspects, gutter broom 100 can include one to eight carriers 200. In some aspects, one carrier 200 can include one to three slots 260, e.g., 260a, 260b, and 260c. Modular carriers 200 can be separately manufactured and then assembled together, for example on or connected to a mandrel 50, as discussed below. One or more modular carriers 200 also facilitate modifying the gutter broom 100 to adapt to a specific operation environment. In some aspects, carriers 200 can be assembled such that they are radially arranged around central axis 20 of gutter broom 100. In some aspects, instead of being modular, one or more carriers 200 can be manufactured with mandrel 50 and can form a single integral structure for gutter broom 100.

[0059] In some aspects, one or more carriers 200 can be detachably attached to mandrel 50, for example, using bolts, screws, or other mechanical fasteners. In an aspect, one or more carriers 200 can be attached to mandrel 50 using adhesive, welding, or other bonding means. One or more Carriers 200 can be secured to mandrel 50 such that they are radially arranged around central axis 20 of gutter broom 100. Further, one or more carriers 200 can be arced to follow the same radius of curvature of mandrel 50.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 8, Gutter broom 100 can also include bristle strips 300. A bristle strip 300 can be removably disposed within a slot 260 of carrier 200. In some aspects, bristle strips 300 can include bristles divided into first group of bristles 330 and second group of bristles 340, as described in further detail blow. In some aspects, debris or other matter along the path of gutter broom 100 can be directed upward through an opening 110 for collection (e.g., via air suction).

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 4-6B, carrier 200 can have a top end 210 having a top surface 215, a bottom end 220 opposite top end 210, an outer edge 230, and an inner edge 240. Top surface 215 can be coupled to mandrel 50. In some aspects, top surface 215 can be mounted to mandrel 50 though mounting alignment holes 250. Outer edge 230 and inner edge 240 can be curved and can be opposing longitudinally extending sides of carriers 200. Inner edge 240 can be radially inward of outer edge 230 and closer to the central axis 20 such that it can face the interior of gutter broom 100. Outer edge 230 and inner edge 240 can have same radius of curvature, with outer edge 230 having larger radius than inner edge 240.

[0062] Carrier 200 can further include one or more slots 260 for receiving a bristle strip 300. In an aspect, each slot 260 can retain a bristle strip 300. Bristle strip 300 can beremovably retained in slot 260. Slots 260 can extend from top surface 215 at outer edge 230 towards bottom end 220. In some aspects, carrier 200 can include one to three slots 260. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, carrier 200 can include three slots 260a, 260b, and 260c. While the structure is discussed below with respect to slot 260a, it is understood that slots 260a, 260b, and 260c share the same structure.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5, slot 260a can extend downwardly from top surface 215 and be defined by an outer wall 270, an inner wall 280, a first sidewall 292, and a second sidewall 294. Outer wall 270 and inner wall 280 can be opposite to each other, with outer wall 270 closer to outer edge 230 and inner wall 280 closer to inner edge 240. In some aspects, outer wall 270 is radially outwards from central axis 20 than inner wall 280. In some aspects, outer wall 270 and inner wall 280 can be parallel to each other. In some aspects, outer wall 270 and inner wall 280 are not parallel to each other.

[0064] In some aspects, slot 260a, or outer wall 270 and inner wall 280, can extend downwardly from top surface 215 towards bottom end 220 at an angle. In some aspects, the angle is non-vertical (e.g. not 90 degrees). In some aspects, the angle is an obtuse angle, for example, larger than 90 degrees. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, inner wall 280 can form an angle P with top surface 215. Angle P can be in a range of approximately 95 degrees to approximately 170 degrees, such as approximately 120 degrees to approximately 140 degrees. Further, the centerline of slot 260a can form an angle a with top surface 215, which can also represent the angle between bristle strip 300 and top surface 215 (or mandrel 50) when bristle strip 300 is disposed within slot 260a. Angle a can be in a range of approximately 95 degrees to approximately 170 degrees, such as approximately 120 degrees to approximately 140 degrees. In some aspects, angle a is the same as angle p.

[0065] In one aspect, slot 260 can be defined by outer wall 270, inner wall 280, and two sidewalls 292 / 294, and can be open at its top end 210 and bottom end 220. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, slot 260a can be defined by outer wall 270, inner wall 280, and two sidewalls 292a / 294a and is open at top end 210 and second end 220. Bristle strip 300 can be inserted into slot 260a from second end 220, and is not bounded at top end 210. Bristle strip 300, however, can be secured within slot 260a by securement mechanism 295, which is described in further details below.

[0066] Carrier 200 can further includes a securement mechanism 295 (e.g. FIG. 2 and 16-21) that extends across outer wall 270 and inner wall 280 to secure bristle strip 300disposed within slot 260. As shown in slot 260, in some aspects, outer wall 270 has a corresponding hole 275, inner wall 280 has a corresponding hole 285 opposite to hole 275, securement mechanism 295 can extend across hole 275 and hole 285. In some aspects, securement mechanism 295 can be a pin or a clip that extends across hole 275 and hole 285. In some aspects, securement mechanism 295 can be a belt that extends across hole 275 and hole 285. In some aspects, holes 275 and 285 each have threads for engaging with securement mechanism 295. In some aspects, hole 275 is adjacent to a lower edge of outer wall 270, and hole 285 is adjacent to a lower edge of inner wall 280. In some aspects, hole 275 and hole 285 are at a center point between sidewalls 292 and 294. In some aspects, as discussed in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 16-21, securement mechanism 295 can be a buckle securement mechanism 2295 that is hinged on inner wall 2280 and engages with a hole 2275 on outer wall 2270. Bristle strip 300 secured by securement mechanism 295 can be fixed relative to carrier 200 without the need for additional securement or fixation methods.

[0067] In another aspect, a carrier can include a wall at its top end, as shown in FIGS. 7 A and 7B, below. In an aspect, carrier 1200 can have a slot 1260 that is further enclosed by a top wall at its top end 210. For example, carrier 1200 can include a slot 1260a defined by outer wall 1270, inner wall 1280, two sidewalls 1292a / 1294a, and further enclosed by a top wall 1290 at top end 1210. Bristle strip 300 can be inserted into slot 1260a from bottom end 1220, and can be bounded at top end 1210 by by top wall 1290. In some aspects, bristle 300 positioned within slot 1260a can abut top wall 1290. In some aspects, third wall 1290 forms a portion of top surface 1215, such that top wall 1290 and top surface 1215 are integrally formed.

[0068] Carrier 1200 can further includes a securement mechanism 295 (e.g. FIGS. 2 and 16-21) that extends across outer wall 1270 and inner wall 1280 to secure bristle strip 300 disposed within slot 1260. As shown in slot 1260, in some aspects, outer wall 1270 has a corresponding hole 1275, inner wall 1280 has a corresponding hole 1285 opposite to hole 1275, securement mechanism 295 can extend across hole 1275 and hole 1285. In some aspects, securement mechanism 295 can be a pin or a clip that extends across hole 1275 and hole 1285. In some aspects, securement mechanism 1295 can be a belt that extends across hole 1275 and hole 1285. In some aspects, holes 1275 and 1285 each have threads for engaging with securement mechanism 295. In some aspects, hole 1275 is adjacent to a lower edge of outer wall 1270, and hole 1285 is adjacent to a lower edge of inner wall1280. In some aspects, hole 1275 and hole 285 are at a center point between sidewalls 1292 and 1294. In some aspects, as discussed in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 16-21, securement mechanism 2295 can be a buckle securement mechanism 2295 that is hinged on inner wall 2280 and engages with a hole or recess 2275 on outer wall 2270. Bristle strip 300 secured by securement mechanism 295 can be fixed relative to carrier 1200 without the need for additional securement or fixation methods.

[0069] In some aspects, as shown in slot 260a in FIGS. 6A-6B, outer wall 270 can include a corresponding cutout 276, and / or inner wall 280 can include a corresponding cutout 286 opposite to cutout 276. In some aspects, bristle strip 300 can be disposed within slot 260a and visible through cutout 276 and / or cutout 286. In some aspects, cutout 276 and cutout 286 are not covered, such that a bristle strip 300 disposed within sole 260a is visible and accessible through cutout 276 and cutout 286. In some aspects, cutout 276 and cutout 286 can covered by a transparent material, such as a plastic, so that bristle strip 300 disposed within sole 260a is visible through cutout 276 and cutout 286. In some aspects, hole 275 is disposed below cutout 276, and hole 285 is disposed below cutout 286. The visibility through cutout 276 and cutout 286 can allow inspection that a bristle strip 300 is properly arranged within slot 260a, and securement mechanism 295 is properly extending through gap 360 of bristle strip 300 as described in further details below.

[0070] In some aspects, as shown in carrier 1200 in FIG. 7B, outer wall 1270 and / or inner wall 1280 do not have cutouts. Instead, slot 1260 can includes reinforce ribs 1292 disposed on the inner side of inner wall 280 (i.e. the side radially closer to central axis 20) and connecting to top surface 1215. Reinforce ribs 1292 can provide additional strength to carrier 1200.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 8-10, a bristle strip 300 can be positioned in and can extend downwardly from carrier 200. As shown in FIG. 8, bristle strip 300 can include an upper end 310 and a lower end 320 opposite each other along a length direction along axis Y (see FIG. 8). Upper end 310 can be supported by a carrier 200, for example, within a slot 260. In some aspects, a bristle cover 350 can surround upper end 310 and an upper portion of bristle strip 300. In an aspect, bristle cover 350 can be entirely disposed within slot 260. In another aspect, only a portion of bristle cover 350 is disposed within slot 260, and the rest of bristle cover 350 can extend out of slot 260. An upper end 356 of bristle cover 350 can correspond to upper end 310 of bristle strip 300. Lower end 320 caninclude the lower ends of the bristles, which can contact surfaces for cleaning. As shown in FIG. 9, bristle strip 300 can be folded to have an inverted “V” shape such that bristle strip 300 includes outer bristles having an outer lower end 320a and inner bristles having an inner lower end 320b. When installed on gutter broom 100, the bristles outer lower end 320a can abut inner lower end 320b.

[0072] In some aspects, bristle strip 300 is folded within bristle cover 350, as shown by the dash lines in FIG. 10. Bristles of bristle strip 300 can be folded at a point at a location of approximately 50% to approximately 80% of the length of the bristles, with the folded point forming the upper end 310 of bristle strip 300. Bristle strip 300 as shown in FIGS. 8-10A has bristles folded at 50% of the length, and when bristle strip 300 is positioned orthogonal to the ground, both outer lower end 320a and inner lower end 320b of bristles can contact cleaning surfaces at the same time.

[0073] However, when bristle strip 1300 is disposed in a slot 260 such that it is at a non- orthogonal angle to the ground, for example as shown in FIG. 5 and 10B, bristle strip 1300 can be folded at a location more than 50% of its length so that outer lower end 1320a and inner lower end 1320b of bristles can contact cleaning surfaces at the same time. As shown in FIG. 10, bristles 1340 of bristle strip 1300 can be folded at a point at a location of approximately 50% to approximately 80% of the length, such as approximately 60% to approximately 70%, so that outer lower end 1320a and inner lower end 1320b extend at the same vertical height to contact the cleaning surfaces at the same time. Bristle strip 1300 can have bristle cover 1350 similar to bristle cover 350 discussed above.

[0074] In some aspects, before being assembled onto carrier 200, bristle strip 300 can be folded at an angle y as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. Angle y can be an acute angle. Angle y can be approximately 5 degrees to approximately 40 degrees, such as approximately 10 degrees to approximately 30 degrees, such as approximately 15 degrees. In some aspects, after bristle strip 300 slides into slot 206 of carrier 200, angle y can be further collapsed to accommodate the width of slot 206.

[0075] In some aspects, bristle strip 300 can have bristles divided into a first group of bristles 330 and a second group of bristles 340. First group of bristles 330 and second group of bristles 340 can be divided by a gap 360 extending along the length of bristle strip 300. First group of bristles 330 and a second group of bristles 340 can extend parallel to each other. When bristle strip 300 is disposed within slot 260, at least a portionof gap 360 is within slot 260, and securement mechanism 295 extends across slot 260. Despite of gap 360, however, first group of bristles 330 and second group of bristles 340 are connected at upper end 310 of bristle strip 300, such as by bristle cover 350. Securement mechanism 295 can engage with the connected portion (for example bristle cover 350) between first group of bristles 330 and second group of bristles 340 to prevent outward movement of bristle strip 300 from slot 260 and thereby secure bristle strip 300 to carrier 200.

[0076] In some aspects, gap 360 has a width in a range of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1.2 inches, such as approximately 0.7 inches to approximately 1 inches, such as approximately 0.75 inches. In some aspects, gap 360 has a constant width throughout. In some aspects, gap 360 is wider than the distance between two adjacent bristles within first group of bristles 330 or second group of bristles 340. The width of gap 360 should be large enough to allow for space for securement mechanism 295 to extend through and also does not interfere with the bristles. In some aspects, gap 360 is at a center of bristle cover 350 along the width of bristle cover 350, and the width of gap 360 is 10 % or more of the width of bristle cover 350, such as 15 % of the width of bristle cover 350, such as 20 % of the width of bristle cover 350.

[0077] In some aspects, gap 360 extends from lower end 320 of bristle strip to bristle cover 350. In some aspects, gap 360 may also extend into bristle cover 350. In some aspects, gap 360 may also extend all the way to upper end 310, but first group of bristles 330 and second group of bristles 340 still remain connected by bristle cover 350 at upper end 310, so that bristle cover 350 the connected upper end 310 allows engagement with securement mechanism 295 to prevent outward movement of bristle strip 300 from slot 260.

[0078] In some aspects, bristles are divided into first group of bristles 330 and second group of bristles 340 by a spacer 355 within bristle cover 350, as shown in FIG. 8. In some aspects, spacer 355 can be an indentation or a compressed portion of bristle cover 350 to keep first group of bristles 330 and second group of bristles 340 separated and therefore forms gap 360 between first group of bristles 330 and second group of bristles 340. In some aspects, the width of spacer 355 can determine the width of gap 360 between first group of bristles 330 and second group of bristles 340. In some aspects, spacer 355 is formed adjacent to bottom 357 of bristle over 350 to keep first group of bristles 330 and second group of bristles 340 separated. Spacer 355 can extend the entirelength of bristle cover 350, or it can extend from a bottom 357 of bristle over 350 to only a portion of bristle cover 350, such as only approximately 70% from bottom 357 of bristle cover 350, or only approximately 50% of from bottom 357 of bristle cover 350. In some aspects, spacer 355 can be an indented dimple 358 (e.g. FIG. 14) formed on bristle cover 350 during the manufacturing process as described below in further details.

[0079] The process of manufacturing bristle strip 300 according to some aspects is shown in FIGS. 11-15. Bristle cover 350 before assembly is shown in FIG. 11. In some aspects, bristle cover 350 can be a steel plate. The shape of bristle cover 350 can vary based on the product dimension, and can include two opposite shorter edge 351 and 352 and two opposite longer edge 353 and 354.

[0080] A first step of the process includes wrapping bristle cover 350 around bristles groups 330 and 340 as shown in FIG. 12. Bristle cover 350 can be folded along the two fold lines 1 (e.g. FIG. 11) to wrap around bristles groups 330 and 340. Fold lines 1 can approximately divide bristle cover 350 into three equal parts between shorter edges 351 and 352, and as bristle cover 350 is folded, shorter edges 351 and 352 can meet or overlap to fully wrap bristle cover 350 around bristle groups 330 and 340. In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 12, shorter edges 351 and 352 can meet or overlap at the center of gap 360. In some aspects, shorter edges 351 and 352 can be bonded, such as by adhesive, to secure around bristles groups 330 and 340. However, in some aspects, shorter edges 351 and 352 are not bonded at this step.

[0081] At the second step of the process, bristle cover 350 is folded along fold line 2 (e.g. FIG. 11), such that bristles groups 330 and 340 are also folded along their length directions into halves to make bristle strip 300 as discussed above. Fold line 2 can approximately divide bristle cover 350 into two equal parts between longer edges 353 and 354. Fold line 2 therefore becomes top end 356 of bristle cover 350, and longer edges 353 and 354 become bottom end 357 of bristle cover 350.

[0082] In some aspects, a roller 400 as shown in FIG. 13 can be used to press folded bristle cover 350. In some aspects, roller 400 rolls starting from bottom end 357 to top end 356 and between first group 330 of bristles and second group 340 of bristles. Roller 400 can have a raised ridge 410 in the center of its length, and ridge 410 can press bristle cover 350 to create a dimple 358 on bristle cover 350 between bristles groups 330 and 340. Dimple 358 as shown in FIG. 14 can be parallel to bristles groups 330 and 340 and can serve as spacer 355 to divide bristles groups 330 and 340 within bristle cover 350. Insome aspects, dimple 358 also stabilize bristles groups 330 and 340 within bristle cover 350, so that they do not tilt and remain perpendicular to fold line 2 of bristle cover 350.

[0083] In some aspects, roller 400 rolls over the entirety of folded bristle cover 350 from bottom end 357 to top end 356, then dimple 358 (and also spacer 355) also extends the entirety of folded bristle cover 350 from bottom end 357 to top end 356. In some aspects, roller 400 only rolls a portion of bristle cover 350 from bottom end 357 of bristle cover 350 (e.g. longer edges 353 and 354), then dimple 358 also extends only a portion of bristle cover 350 from bottom end 357 of bristle cover 350, for example, approximately 70% from bottom end 357 of bristle cover 350, or only approximately 50% of from bottom end 357 of bristle cover 350.

[0084] In some aspects, roller 400 may be hot rollers, such that heat will cause surfaces of bristle cover 350 to bond during the folding process. However, in some aspects, surfaces of bristle cover are not bonded by any methods.

[0085] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process 1500 of manufacturing bristle strip 300. In some aspects, step 1502 includes laying bristles over bristle cover 350. Bristles can be divided into first group of bristles 330 and second group of bristles 340 at this stage. In some aspects, at step 1504, with bristles laying over bristle cover 350, bristle cover 350 is folded along fold lines 1 to wrap around the bristles. Bristle 350 may be or may not be bonded after folding at step 1504. In some aspects, at step 1506, bristle cover 350 is then folded along fold line 2, such that bristles are also folded along fold line 2. In some aspects, at step 1508, roller 400 is used to press folded bristle cover 350 to create dimple 358.

[0086] Bristle strip 300 maybe sold or shipped separately from carrier 200. Bristle strip 300 may be assembled to carrier 200 by inserting or sliding bristle strip 300 into slot 260 from bottom end 220, and extending securement mechanism 295 through gap 360 of bristle strip 300, and then fastening securement mechanism 295 on outer wall 270 and / or inner wall 280. In some aspects, bristle strip 300 is replaceable and can be removed from carrier 200 in the reverse order, and a replacement bristle strip 300 can be assembled similarly.

[0087] Carrier 200 may be then mounted to mandrel 50 to form gutter broom 100. In some aspects, carrier 200 may be mounted to mandrel 50 first, and then bristle strip 300 is assembled to carrier 200. In some aspects, carrier 200 does not need to be removed from mandrel 50 when bristle strip 300 is being replaced. Carrier 200 may also be replaceable.However, in some aspects, carrier 200 contacts surfaces and / or debris with less frequency than bristle strip 300, so carrier 200 can have a lower replacement frequency than bristle strip 300.

[0088] In some aspects, bristle strips 300, including bristle cover 350, can comprise one or more of metals, plastics, composites, ceramics, polymers, natural fibers, etc. For example, bristle strips 300 can comprise one or more of steel, aluminum, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, PVC, vegetable fibers, or hairs. In an aspect, bristles of bristle strips 300 can comprise flattened steel wire. In an aspect, bristle strips 300 can comprise 4 lbs of flattened steel wire, with each group of bristle 330 / 340 being 2 lbs. Other aspects provide that bristle strips 300 can be composed of other materials, or a blend of materials. For example, bristle strips 300 can have a steel and polypropylene mix. In another aspect, bristle strips 300 can comprise polyurethane or other composite material that is approximately 0.1 cm to approximately 0.21 cm in diameter. In some aspects, bristle strips 300 can be round and straight or crimped.

[0089] In some aspects, first group of bristles 330 and second group of bristles 340 can be made of the same material. In some aspects, first group of bristles 330 and second group of bristles 340 be made of different materials. In some aspects, having bristles made of different materials can advance and customize cleaning. In some aspects, bristle of different materials can be included in gutter broom 100 to leverage properties of each material. In other aspects, each of first group of bristles 330 and second group of bristles 340 can be blended with different materials, such as by including both steel and polypropylene.

[0090] Further, including bristle strips 300 of different materials with different structural properties on a single carrier 200 can improve cleaning capability for a specific type of debris or surface. In some aspects, bristle strips 300 can vary in length, which can improve cleaning capability for a specific type of debris or surface, for example, an intermediate surface. In this aspect, the types of bristle strips 300 in a carrier 200 can be customized to improve cleaning capability for a specific type of debris or surface. Accordingly, material and profiles of bristle strips 300 can additionally define patterns to adapt gutter broom 100 to clean one or more specific surfaces. For example, gutter brooms generally can be used outdoors to clean streets that require different types or levels of contact (e.g., abrasive or fine). Streets can vary in granularity and can be made from various materials, e.g., concrete, brick, cobblestone, and / or asphalt, each requiringdifferent cleaning methods. Streets can also include growth, such as patches of grass or weeds. In another example, streets can have other natural debris, such as sand, mud, and rocks, or non-natural debris, such as trash and recyclables. Accordingly, cleaning by gutter broom 100 can be enhanced to effectively clean these distinct surfaces, growth, and / or debris by modifying the bristle strips 300 and / or pattern of bristle strips 300 in carrier 200.

[0091] In some aspects, first group of bristles 330 and second group of bristles 340 can have the same stiffness. In some aspects, first group of bristles 330 can have a first stiffness, and second group of bristles 340 can have a second stiffness that is different than the first stiffness. In some aspects, first group of bristles 330 can have greater stiffness than second group of bristles 340.

[0092] Bristle strips 300 having bristles with different stiffness can permit gutter broom 100 to be adapted for a particular surface to be cleaned. For example, first group of bristles 330 having a greater stiffness can provide abrasive contact to better target certain debris, such as growth along streets and compacted mud. Accordingly, first group of bristles 330 can be useful for aggressive cleaning to target debris that can be tougher to move and / or break down (i.e., cut), such as growth, compacted mud, rocks, etc. The higher stiffness can reduce buckling and provide an inertial impact to move tougher debris. First group of bristles 330 having a greater stiffness that are arranged together (e.g., grouped or adjacently) can grip and / or break down tougher debris more effectively.

[0093] Second group of bristles 340 having a lower stiffness can provide a finer contact. Accordingly, second group of bristles 340 can be useful for finer cleaning to target separations between various surfaces. Greater movement and flexibility can be realized at impact such that second group of bristles 340 can buckle to reach crevices, granularity, gaps, etc. Additionally, second group of bristles 340 can better target lighter debris (e.g., sand) and particulate matter.

[0094] FIGS. 16-21 show a carrier 2200 with a buckle securement mechanism 2295 according to some aspects. Carrier 2200 can be similar to carrier 200 and carrier 1200 described above and have top surface 2215 and slots 2260a, 2260b, 2260c for receiving bristle strips 300. While the structure is discussed below with respect to slot 2260a, it is understood that slots 2260a, 2260b, and 2260c share the same structure.

[0095] In some aspects, slot 2260a can be defined by an outer wall 2270, an inner wall 2280, and sidewalls 2292 and 2294. In some aspects, a buckle securement mechanism2295 is hingedly attached to slot 2260a. In some aspects, buckle securement mechanism2295 can have a hinge strip 2296 attached to inner wall 2280 and a buckle strip 2296 extending from hinge 2297. Buckle strip 2296 can pivot relative to hinge 2297 between a closed position and a released position.

[0096] As shown in the cross sectional view of FIGS. 18, in a closed position according to some aspects, buckle strip 2296 securely engages with an opening 2275 defined by outer wall 2270. In some aspects, buckle strip 2296 has a hook shape and extends around the lower surface of outer wall 2270 and into opening 2275. The hook shape can exert an inward force on outer wall 2270 to retain bristle strip 300. As shown in FIGS. 16, 17, and 19, in the closed position, buckle strip 2296 of buckle securement mechanism 2295 extends through gap 360 of bristle strip 300 to prevent outward movement of bristle strip 300 from slot 2260a.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in a released position according to some aspects, buckle strip 2296 disengages from opening 2275. In some aspects, buckle strip 2296 does not extend around the lower surface of outer wall 2270 to allow bristle strip 300 move out of slot 2260a.

[0098] To move buckle strip 2296 from the released position to the closed position, in some aspects, buckle strip 2296 can pivot towards outer wall 2270 (i.e. away from inner wall 2280) to engage with opening 2275. To move buckle strip 2296 from the closed position to the released position, in some aspects, buckle strip 2296 disengages opening 2275 of outer wall 2270 and can pivot towards inner wall 2280 (i.e. away from outer wall 2270), such that buckle strip 2296 no long extends through gap 360 of bristle strip 300, thereby allowing bristle strip 300 to move out of slot 2260a. In some aspects, buckle strip2296 can be biased to the released position, such that upon disengaging from outer wall 2270, buckle strip 2296 automatically pivots to the released position. In some aspects, buckle strip 2296 can be biased to the released position by a spring.

[0099] In some aspects, inner wall 2280 can be hingedly attached to top surface 2215 by a hinge 2298. Inner wall 2280 therefore can pivot with respect to top surface 2215 via hinge 2298 in the closed position (see FIGS. 18 and 19) and the released position (see FIGS. 20 and 21). In some aspects, in the closed position, inner wall 2280 can be approximately parallel to outer wall 2270, and in the released position, inner wall 2280 can pivot away from outer wall 2270 and be more vertical relative to top surface 2215than outer wall 2270. In some aspects, released position widens slot 2260a to allow bristle strip 300 move out of slot 2260a more easily.

[0100] In some aspects, buckle securement mechanism 2295 in the closed position can retain inner wall 2280 in the closed position. In some aspects, inner wall 2280 can be biased to the released position, such that upon disengaging of buckle securement mechanism 2295, inner wall 2280 automatically pivots to the released position at the same time securement mechanism 2295 moves to the released position. In some aspects, inner wall 2280 can be biased to the released position by a spring at hinge 2298.

[0101] FIGS. 22-24 show a carrier 3200 with a hinged slot and a circular contour according to some aspects. Carrier 3200 can be similar to carrier 200, carrier 1200, and carrier 220 described above, and have top surface 3215 and slots 3260a, 3260b, 3260c for receiving bristle strips 300. While the structure is discussed below with respect to slot 3260a, it is understood that slots 3260a, 3260b, and 3260c share the same structure.

[0102] In some aspects, slot 3260a can be defined by an outer wall 3270 and a rear pocket 3280 having a living hinge. In some aspects, rear pocket 3280 has a top portion 3282 to be coupled with top surface 3215 and a wall 3284 forming the inner wall of slot 3260a. Rear pocket 3280 may also include sidewalls 3288. Therefore, slot 3260 is defined by outer wall 3270, inner wall 3284, and sidewalls 3288. Top portion 3282 may be fixedly coupled to top surface 3215, for example, by welding. In some aspects, top surface 3215 may further have a hole 3217 to receive a portion of rear pocket 3280.

[0103] In some aspects, top portion 3282 and inner wall 3284 can be formed from a single piece of material. In some aspects, a hinge 3286 connects top portion 3282 and inner wall 3284, such that inner wall 3286 can bend, flex, or fold along hinge 3286. Relative to top portion 3282, inner wall 3284 can allow slot 3260a to open to a wider released position for insertion and installing of bristle 300. In an aspect, hinge 3286 can be a living hinge. In another aspect, hinge 3286 can include a thin or weakened section that allows inner wall 3284 to flex repeatedly with respect to top portion 3282 without breaking. Hinge 3286 can be an integral part to top portion 3282 and inner wall 3284 to form rear pocket 3280. In some aspects, hinge 3286 can be made of the same material as top portion 3282 and inner wall 3284. For example, hinge 3286 can be metal or plastic. In some aspects, hinge 3286 can be thinner than top portion 3282 and inner wall 3284.

[0104] FIG. 23 shows slot 3260a before bristle 300 is installed. In some aspects, hinge 3286 may be biased to flex towards one direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 23,hinge 3286 is biased to a released position where inner wall 3284 bends away from outer wall 3270 to provide a widened slot 3260a. Bristle 300 may be inserted more easily into widened slot 3260a in the released position. In some aspects, after bristle 300 is inserted into slot 3260, inner wall 3284 may be bent toward outer wall 3270 to a closed position to better hold bristle 300 within slot 3260a during installation. In some aspects, in the closed position, inner wall 3284 can be approximately parallel to outer wall 3270, and in the released position, inner wall 3284 can flex away from outer wall 3270 and be more vertical relative to top surface 3215 than outer wall 3270.

[0105] A securement mechanism can secure inner wall 3284 closer to outer wall 3270 to narrow slot 3260a, and the securement mechanism can extend through gap 360 of bristle 300 to hold bristle 300 within slot 3260a, as discussed above. The securement mechanism can be a pin or a bolt 295 as discussed above with respect to in FIG. 2, or it can be a buckle 2295 as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 16-21. In some aspects, inner wall 3284 can have opening 3285 and outer wall 3270 can have opening 3275 for coupling with the securement mechanism. Additionally, a nut 3297 may be used to secure securement mechanism (i.e., bolt 295) within opening 3275 and opening 3285. Nut 3297 can be fixed to inner wall 3284, for example by welding. In another aspect, inner wall 3284 can include threading to secure securement mechanism (i.e., bolt 295).

[0106] In an aspect, once the securement mechanism disengages inner wall 3284 and outer wall 3270, inner wall 3284 may again flex away from outer wall 3270 and return to the released position because hinge 3286 is biased to the release position. Bristle 300 can then be removed from slot 3260a at the released position.

[0107] In some aspects, carrier 3200 can include a circular contour 3300 formed by a curved bottom side 3272 of outer wall 3270 of each slot 3260. As seen in the top perspective view of FIG. 22, each outer wall 3270a, 3270b, 3270c has a curved bottom side 3272a, 3272b, 3272c, respectively, such that bottom side 3272a, 3272b, 3272c together form a scalloped shape. However, in a top view of FIG. 24, curved bottom side 3272a, 3272b, 3272c together form a smooth arc that is part of a circular contour 3300. In some aspects, circular contour 3300 can be defined by a center O and a radius R and generally follow the same radius of curvature of mandrel 50.

[0108] A circular contour 3300 formed by curved bottom side 3272, as compared to a contour 3305 formed by a straight bottom side (e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4), removes the sharp edges and therefore is less likely to impact into other structures, such as the curb, whenrotating. Further, circular contour 3300 generally reduces the material required to manufacture outer wall 3270.

[0109] It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary aspects of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0110] The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.[OHl] The foregoing description of the specific aspects will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific aspects, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed aspects, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.

[0112] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary aspects, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A gutter broom, comprising: a mandrel; a carrier coupled to the mandrel, the carrier comprising: a slot; and a securement mechanism; and a bristle strip received within the slot of the carrier, the bristle strip comprising: a first group of bristles; and a second group of bristles separated from the first group of bristles by a gap extending along a length of the bristle strip, wherein the securement mechanism of the carrier extends through the gap.

2. The gutter broom of claim 1, further comprising a bristle cover surrounding an upper end of the bristle strip, and the bristle cover is received within the carrier, wherein the securement mechanism prevents outward movement of the bristle cover from the carrier.

3. The gutter broom of claim 2, wherein the bristle cover comprises a spacer extending from a bottom of the bristle cover, the spacer dividing a first group of bristles and a second group of bristles.

4. The gutter broom of claim 1, wherein the securement mechanism comprises a pin or a clip extending through the gap.

5. The gutter broom of claim 1, wherein the carrier further comprising a second slot for receiving a second bristle strip, the first slot and the second slot arranged along a perimeter of the mandrel.

6. The gutter broom of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the carrier is mounted onto the mandrel via bolts.

7. The gutter broom of claim 1, wherein the bristle strip is arranged at an angle of approximately 100 degrees to approximately 160 degrees relative to the mandrel.

8. A carrier for a gutter broom, comprising: a top surface to be coupled to a mandrel; a slot arranged at a non-vertical angle to the top surface; a securement mechanism; and a bristle strip slideably received within the slot of the carrier, the bristle strip comprising: a first group of bristles; and a second group of bristles separated from the first group of bristles by a gap extending along a length of the bristle strip, wherein the securement mechanism of the carrier extends through the gap.

9. The carrier of claim 8, wherein the slot of the carrier is enclosed by a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, and the securement mechanism extends from the first wall to the second wall.

10. The carrier of claim 9, wherein the slot of the carrier is further enclosed by the top surface of the carrier.

11. The carrier of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first wall or second wall comprises a transparent window.

12. The carrier of claim 9, wherein a bottom side of the first wall is curved, and in a top view of the carrier, the bottom side of the first wall forms a portion of a circular contour.

13. The carrier of claim 9, wherein the second wall is coupled to the top surface by a living hinge.

14. The carrier of claim 8, wherein the securement mechanism comprises a bolt or a belt.

15. A bristle strip for a gutter broom, comprising: bristles folded at a location along a length of the bristles at an acute angle, and the location forms a top end of the bristle strip; anda bristle cover surrounding the top end of the bristle strip and comprising a spacer dividing the bristles into a first group of bristles and a second group of bristles separated by a gap extending along a length of the bristle strip.

16. The bristle strip of claim 15, wherein the bristles are folded at a location of approximately 50% to approximately 80% of the length of the bristles.

17. The gutter broom of claim 15, wherein the bristles are folded over a cable.

18. The gutter broom of claim 15, wherein the gap has a width in a range of approximately0.5 inches to approximately 1.2 inches.

19. The gutter broom of claim 15, wherein the bristles comprise cable or steel.

20. The gutter broom of claim 13, wherein the first group of bristles comprises bristles of different stiffness than the second group of bristles.

21. The gutter broom of claim 20, wherein the first group of bristles comprises bristles of different geometry than the second group of bristles.

22. The gutter broom of claim 15, wherein the first group of bristles and second group of bristles extend parallel to each other.

23. A method of assembling a bristle strip to a gutter broom, comprising: inserting a bristle strip into a cavity of a carrier, the bristle strip comprising: a first group of bristles; and a second group of bristles separated from the first group of bristles by a gap extending along a length of the bristle strip, fastening a securement mechanism extending through the gap to secure the bristle strip onto the carrier.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising coupling the carrier to a mandrel.

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