Simplified rear squeegee linkage for surface cleaning equipment

Abstract

A rear squeegee linkage for surface cleaning equipment, which uses a pair of compliant bushings for improved shock absorption. The actuator is mounted with a pair of clevis pins and cotter pins, and may be replaced if needed without screwing or unscrewing any bolts or screws, or resetting any springs.

1 . An apparatus for raising and lowering a trailing surface treatment element for a ground surface treating machine comprising: 
 a pivot point on said machine;    an actuator mounted at least on one end on said machine;    an arm extending from said element through said pivot point to said actuator;    a resilient interface member between said machine and said arm at said pivot point so that shocks to said element are absorbed at least in part by said interface member.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said interface member is a resilient bushing.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said bushing is of sufficient rigidity to limit torsional movement of the squeegee.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the arm has a cylindrical space and wherein said bushing is sized to be received therein.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the bushing includes an aperture and wherein a removable pin extends therethrough and through the pivot point.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said bushing has end faces and wherein at least one of said faces is recessed so that said pin is countersunk into said face.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the machine includes a frame having first and second members space apart a predetermined distance, each member containing an aperture sized to receive said pin.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the bushing includes a first and second shoulder on each of its ends and wherein said shoulder has a predetermined thickness, so that the maximal distance between said shoulders is generally equal to said predetermined distance between said members.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said bushing includes first and second halves each having a shoulder.  
     
     
         10 . A quick release interface member for joining an actuator to an arm, said arm used to raise or lower a structure on a ground treatment machine, comprising: 
 an element having first and second ends;    a first aperture proximate said first end;    an elongated second aperture proximate said second end;    a first connector passing through said first aperture;    a second connector passing through said elongated second aperture, said first and second connectors connecting said actuator to said arm through said element, so that said actuator can be released from said machine without adjustment of the position of said arm.    
     
     
         11 . The member of  claim 10 , wherein said elongated second aperture includes a pair of guide flanges on both sides of said aperture, to limit rotation between said second connector and said element.  
     
     
         12 . The member of  claim 10 , wherein the element is rigid and includes a bias member for urging one of said second connector toward one end of said elongated second aperture.  
     
     
         13 . The member of  claim 10 , wherein said rigid element includes a well proximate one end of said elongated second aperture and further includes a bias member in said well for urging said second connector toward one end of said elongated second aperture.