AU2019210651A1

AU2019210651A1 - Post cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2019210651A1
Application number: AU2019210651A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Rickey David Lee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-08-02
Filing date: 2019-08-02
Publication date: 2020-02-20

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for use for cleaning guide posts by a person, the apparatus including a cleaning means, for substantially cleaning an area of the guide post and a drive mechanism, for moving the cleaning means relative to the guide post. The apparatus also includes a control means for control of the drive mechanism and cleaning means by the person. In use, the person can substantially clean the guide post by use of the control means to control the drive mechanism, to move the cleaning means up and down and control the cleaning means to clean the guide post. The invention also relates to variants thereon and methods of use. specPA2061019 -10 - 34 30 *

Description

POST CLEANING APPARATUS [0001] The present invention relates to a post cleaning apparatus.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] In mining there are large trucks and machinery, and use of guide posts are known. These tall posts are designed to be highly visible and have reflective strips to delineate the roadways for vehicles. The tall guide posts are generally made to be a bright white so as to highly visible, from a distance, compared to the background. To improve visibility reflective strips are included, at one or two locations. In this way a road is clearly marked, suitable even for the very large mining trucks to navigate appropriate roadways across by these guide posts. However, mine sites are generally a very dusty and dirty place and this dust and dirt rapidly builds up on the guide posts. Where there is the presence of moisture or oils, this dirt can build up and become a thick layer of dirt.

[0003] The built up dust and dirt, and built-up layer is a serious problem as the purpose of the guide post is to be highly visible and to mark the roadway. If the bright white post is dirty, this makes the post difficult to see as it is close to the same colour as the surrounding ground and dirt. The reflective strips need to be kept clean in order that they can perform their function to reflect light. At night, in low light, or low visibility the reflective light strips are essential to mark the roadway. To keep the white parts of the guide posts and the reflective strips functioning properly, the posts must be cleaned regularly. At present a person drives along the road delineated by the guide posts in a works truck, to visit and wash each post individually. When the person reaches the first post to be washed, the truck is stopped and the person gets out on to the roadway. Mine sites are exceptionally dangerous places, and not a place to be walking about, a pedestrian can easily be killed or seriously injured without the driver of the truck being aware, the trucks are just so large. Apart from the danger, there is also the inefficiency and inconvenience of having to stop the truck, get out and wash each post by hand, to specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019 clean off the dirt and restore the guide post to full functionality. Use of a pressure hose is suitable from a tank on the truck to stop and direct the hose to clean the pole, but a person needs to be outside of the safety of the cabin of the truck in order that the hose can be operated. A standard hose is used to hose down the post as best can be achieved. It is difficult to reach high up and low down to clean the whole post, the user will need climb up on bunds and other structures in order that the cleaning can be performed, which is clearly a safety risk.

[0004] The inventor had developed a new apparatus that enables guide posts and similar items to be quickly and efficiently cleaned without the person needing to leave the vehicle. Further, the design uses high pressure waterjets, arranged in jaws wrapped around the circumference so that the pole is cleaned all around, quickly and efficiently, as described with respect to the preferred embodiment below. The multi-jets clean all around the post at the control of the vehicle operator so they can drive along, stop at each post and rapidly clean each post to make it again functional. The apparatus cleans around and can be moved up and down to clean the post right up to the top and down to the ground, a very great benefit.

[0005] There long has been a want to solve the problem to make an easier way to clean these poles, without the person needing to get out of the vehicle. No solution has been found, until the novel and inventive solution herein described cleverly designed to clean these poles, and in fact any kind of post or pole from the security of the vehicle cabin. The surprisingly useful new invention is likely to be very well received once known about and find many different useful applications.

[0006] The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to cleaning guide posts used in underground mining, as a useful application of the invention. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited in any way to use in mining, or to cleaning guide posts, other than as limited by the claims. There are numerous useful applications of the invention to clean anything where it may useful to remain at a distance and clean efficiently. For example, for specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019 roads, agriculture and any kind of industrial or manufacturing situation. Similarly, the invention is described for use with a truck, similar to a garbage truck, however, the invention may be used alone, with a vehicle or otherwise. It is not intended that the invention be limited to use with a truck, other than as stated in the claims.

[0007] For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a post cleaning apparatus that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is a further and separate object of the invention to provide a method of post cleaning that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] Accordingly, the present invention provides a cleaning apparatus for use for cleaning guide posts by a person, the apparatus including:

a cleaning means, for substantially cleaning an area of the guide post;

a drive mechanism, for moving the cleaning means relative to the guide post; a control means for control of the drive mechanism and cleaning means by the person, wherein the person can substantially clean the guide post by use of the control means to control the drive mechanism, to move the cleaning means up and down and control the cleaning means to clean the guide post.

[0010] The cleaning apparatus may take any suitable form. The cleaning apparatus may be used to clean any suitable area. The area may part of a post or pole. The area may be whole of a post or pole. The area may be part or the whole of any specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019 item to be cleaned. The area to be cleaned may be any suitable item to be cleaned where the invention may be useful.

[0011] The cleaning apparatus may include a vehicle. The cleaning apparatus may be attachable or useable with a vehicle. The vehicle may be any suitable vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle may be a utility vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle includes a water tank. Preferably, the vehicle is a service vehicle as used at mine sites, council or for road servicing purposes, or similar. The vehicle may be a garbage style truck, as used on mine sites. Trucks used for other purposes may be adapted for use for the invention. The truck may be included as part of the invention or the invention may be supplied separately.

[0012] The cleaning apparatus may be used for any suitable application. The cleaning apparatus may be used anywhere high pressure water cleaning is useful. Any suitable cleaning may be used instead including through air, gas, or chemical cleaning depending on the application. The invention may be used in a wide range of applications. Where there is equipment that needs to be cleaned, the invention may be useful enabling cleaning without the need to do so by hand.

[0013] The invention is described for use to clean guide posts. Guide posts may be any suitable kind of posts or poles to direct or delineate a roadway. The invention is particularly useful for cleaning guide posts for improved visibility. The apparatus may be used to clean any item for improved visibility. The apparatus may be used for cleaning of any post or pole, or similar item. The apparatus may be used to clean lights or road furniture for example. The cleaning apparatus may be used to clean any suitable item. The cleaning apparatus may be used for any suitable spray application. The cleaning apparatus can be used for application of fluids in a spray that may be useful. The spray may be cleaning, or for some other purpose that can be applied as a spray. The cleaning apparatus may be used to spray weeds around guide posts along roads and highways. The cleaning apparatus may be used to clean signage, or be used around signage. The apparatus may be specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019 used for multiple purposes, whatever is suitable. The apparatus may be used to clean, spray, apply products, or otherwise. Multiple uses may be provided in the same apparatus, for example to clean, spray water and apply weedkiller around the base of posts as an example.

[0014] The person, may be any suitable operator. For example, the person may be mine worker. The person may be a services provided for guide posts or similar equipment. The person many be a worker for roads or council. The work may work in any industry chosen from the following group: agriculture; industry; mining; roadways; shipping; and trains.

[0015] The cleaning means may take any suitable form. Preferably, the cleaning means is in communication with a water supply. The water supply may have a pump to create a high pressure water supply. Any suitable pump may be used. Most preferably, the pump is powered by the vehicle. Independent power may be use for the pump instead. Preferably, the control means controls the pump and the high pressure water supply.

[0016] Preferably, the cleaning means includes a plurality of water jets. Preferably, the water jets can substantially surround the post. Preferably, water cleaning through the waterjets is controlled by the control means. The cleaning means may used other means to clean, not water based. The cleaning can actually be any spraying. The spraying could be used to spray a treatment. The spraying could be used to apply any suitable fluid. The spraying could be application of poison or weedkiller, for example. It some forms of the invention multiple sprays may be possible. For example, use of more than one tank with different fluids to be sprayed for different uses. Use of detergents or similar cleaning products may be used with the water spray.

[0017] Preferably, the cleaning means includes jaws. Preferably, the jaws are moveable between and open and a closed position wherein in the open position specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019 the jaws may be moved around a post, and in the closed position, the jaws substantially surround the post to enable cleaning. Preferably, the jaws include water jets for cleaning. Preferably, there are numerous water jets, in the jaws to enable rapid and effective cleaning of the post area nearby. Preferably, the water jets are controlled so that low or high pressure washing can be applied to the post.

[0018] The drive mechanism may take any suitable form. Preferably, the drive mechanism is similar to a garbage bin lifting arm. Preferably, the drive mechanism is controlled from the vehicle. Preferably, the drive mechanism enables the cleaning to be controlled from the cabin of the vehicle. Preferably, the drive mechanism includes hydraulics.

[0019] The control means preferably is integrated with the electrics of the vehicle. The control means may also be a separate, independent control. The control means may take any suitable form. Most preferably, the control means uses power from the vehicle and this provides power to the electrics and hydraulics. As would be understood by a person skilled in the art these are the same as for a garbage truck of a known kind.

[0020] Accordingly, the present invention provides in a variant, a cleaning apparatus vehicle for use for cleaning guide posts by a person, the apparatus including:

a cleaning means, for substantially cleaning an area of the guide post;

a drive mechanism, for moving the cleaning means relative to the guide post; a control means for control of the drive mechanism and cleaning means by the person, wherein the person can substantially clean the guide post by use of the control means to control the drive mechanism, to move the cleaning means up and down and control the cleaning means to clean the guide post, and the cleaning apparatus is operable from the cabin of the vehicle.

specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019 [0021] The invention also relates to a further variant of the present invention provides a cleaning apparatus for a vehicle, for use for cleaning guide posts by a person, the apparatus including:

a cleaning means, for substantially cleaning an area of the guide post, including a pair of jaws, each with a plurality of water jets attached to a water supply and pump;

a drive mechanism, for moving the cleaning means relative to the guide post; a control means for control of the drive mechanism and cleaning means by the person, controllable from the cabin of the vehicle, wherein the person can substantially clean the guide post by use of the control means to control the drive mechanism, to move the cleaning means up and down and control the cleaning means to clean the guide post through high pressure water spray through the waterjets.

[0022] The invention also provides a method of use of a cleaning apparatus for cleaning guide posts by a person, the apparatus including, a cleaning means, for substantially cleaning an area of the guide post, a drive mechanism, for moving the cleaning means relative to the guide post, a control means for control of the drive mechanism and cleaning means by the person, the method including the following steps;

a) operating the cleaning means from the vehicle;

b) moving the cleaning means to be proximal to the post;

c) positioning the cleaning means around the post; and

d) cleaning the post.

[0023] Preferably, the steps are repeated for each post to be cleaned. Preferably, a further step is included to open jaws over the cleaning means to surround an area of the post. Preferably, the cleaning means includes waterjets and these can specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019 be used to cause a high pressure water spray to clean the post. A pump and water supply may be included to supply the water for cleaning.

[0024] Preferably, the cleaning apparatus of the method is the cleaning apparatus is the cleaning apparatus of the invention in any of its forms or variants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0025] The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a side view of a post cleaning apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in use with a guide post;

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the post cleaning apparatus and guide post of Figure 1; and [0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the post cleaning apparatus and post of Figures 1 and 2, with the cleaning apparatus removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS INCLUDING A BEST METHOD [0029] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where post cleaning apparatus 1 is shown for use on guide post 10. The truck is omitted throughout for ease of illustration. The truck may be an inventive truck, with the apparatus supplied from the manufacturer. Or the truck may be a standard garbage type truck and the apparatus retrofitted. The truck carries a water tank suitable to provide the water for cleaning. A 6000 litre tank would be suitable for cleaning, but a smaller tank may also be used where it can be regularly refilled. Preferably, the truck is a left hand dual control vehicle, to enable maximum visibility of posts while cleaning. Use of such a truck is highly useful to allow for the stopping and starting action of the cleaning, but the person can conduct the post cleaning without the need to leave the cabin.

specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019 [0030] Guide post 10 is of a known form as used in the mining industry, a 2 metre metal post, firmly secured in ground 12 to provide visibility at a distance. Many guide posts 10 would be used on either side of a defined roadway to mark the way a vehicle should travel. It is essential for large mine trucks, for example, to travel a predetermined path, clearly demarked for safety on the site. As illustrated guide post 10 has white area 14, white being highly visible against the darker dirt and ground from a distance. For low light levels, at night or in poor visibility white area 14 also shows up in the headlights, strongly compared to the dirt and ground. Reflective area 16 reflects the light of the headlights to light the way further. Reflective area 16 is shown as a rectangle of a reflective plate, strongly attached to the body of post 10. In other guide posts, different to the one illustrated, there are two reflective pages one central and one close to the top; any alternative configuration may be used instead.

[0031] In order that these white area 14 and reflective area 16 can be functional to visibly guide vehicles on the mine site they must be kept clean, from top to bottom. The subject invention has been developed to replace the inefficient method of a person driving out to each post, having to get out of the cab, clean the post by hand, get back in and then repeat the process for each post. With the high post it is a difficult task to reach down to the ground to clean the post and also to reach up to the top. Often a person needs to climb up to be able to reach the top and clean properly. A hose is used but the task is still laborious and frustrating. The job of keeping the posts clean is essential, however the methods previously used to do so have been in efficient and put the person at risk as they are a pedestrian at the dangerous mine site. The risk to pedestrians on a mine site is serious, and it is desirable to keep any such risk to an absolute minimum.

[0032] Post cleaning apparatus 1 includes a new and inventive cleaning apparatus. However, the movable arm part is based on an existing garbage bin lifting apparatus as used for garbage trucks around the world. The lifting arm can lift the specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019 bin and extend out or in from the truck and these same technology is used in the present invention. As illustrated drive mechanism 18, hydraulics 20, struts 22, support 24, and wires 26, as of a garbage bin lifting arm, are shown of a standard form as would be understood by a person skilled in the art. The power and controls work in the standard manner, with power provided by the electrics of the vehicle. In other forms of the invention the power can be supplied separately, so that the apparatus can be provided independently of a vehicle.

[0033] In the illustrated example, drive mechanism 18, hydraulics 20, struts 22 can be controlled through use of a joystick of a standard form. The joystick can control post cleaning apparatus 1, relative to the vehicle, both to extend out to the post and then back again, and up and down. The joystick enables accurate movement out towards the post 10, up to 2.2 metres from the vehicle, so that the person can park the vehicle at a safe location and extend the arm, forward to surround post

10. The vehicle can be kept in line with the roadway, and extend out to the edge where guide post 10 is for cleaning, a convenient arrangement.

[0034] Once the joystick has been extended out through use of drive mechanism 18, hydraulics 20, struts 22, so that support 24 is extended close to post 10. Wires 26 provide power from the controls, powered from the vehicle to the cleaning parts. Water pipe 28 transports water from a tank carried with the vehicle ready for cleaning. A pump (tank and pump not shown, but of a standard known form) is attach to water pipe 28 so that through the control apparatus high pressure water can be supplied to cleaning mechanism 32. Cleaning fluids can be added to the tank of water, or connected as an individual spray, in some forms of the invention.

[0035] Cleaning mechanism 32 includes a pair of jaws 34, 36, adapted to open and close around post 10. In this way the post can be surrounded for efficient cleaning with multiple waterjets 38 (only some of which are labelled). The shape and nature of jaws 34 and 36 is particular useful to extend out, controlled from the vehicle specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019 cabin, and surround post 10. Once surrounded post 10 can be cleaned from base to top, by moving cleaning mechanism 32 up and down.

[0036] A quick up and down will clean dust and dirt quickly and efficiently, but for more stubborn dirt the pressure of the water can be increased through control of the pump, and linger in one spot until clean. The variant of water can be through use of some or all of water jets 38, and through lower or higher water pressure, controlled by the pump. Waterjets 38 are set at steady spray as illustrated but in more advanced forms of the invention, a variation in spray can be included to clean an extended area and more intense straight jets.

[0037] Jaw hinges 40, refer Figure 3, illustrates how jaws 34, 36 are attached, to enable moveable positioning around post 10.

[0038] Therefore, the driver can drive the vehicle up and down the roadway, stop at each post 10, extend cleaning mechanism 32 out to post 10, jaws 34, 36 surrounding, ready to clean. Operation from the vehicle enables water to be sprayed from waterjets 38, as controlled by pump and controls in the vehicle. The cleaning is highly controllable to reach up to clean from the high top of post 10, right through the body and down to the ground. The spraying from top to bottom is a useful advantage, the operation is more efficient, easier for the user and much safer.

[0039] The invention is a clever new development, and surprisingly efficient way to clean posts. Once the invention is known about it is likely to be very well received and supported. It is expected to be recommended for safety in the mining industry and for road maintenance as two examples where lives will be made safer through its use.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0040] The apparatus can be produced industrially, and supplied to be used with a vehicle or as part of the vehicle itself.

specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019 [0041] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.

specPA2061019

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST:

2019210651 02 Aug 2019

1	Post cleaning apparatus
10	Guide post
12	Ground
14	White area of guide post
16	Reflective area of guide post
18	Drive mechanism
20	Hydraulics
22	Struts
24	Support
26	Wires
30	Water pipe
32	Cleaning mechanism
34/36	Jaws
38	Waterjets
40	Jaw hinges

specPA2O61O19

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A cleaning apparatus for use for cleaning guide posts by a person, the apparatus including:

a cleaning means, for substantially cleaning an area of the guide post;

a drive mechanism, for moving the cleaning means relative to the guide post; a control means for control of the drive mechanism and cleaning means by the person, wherein the person can substantially clean the guide post by use of the control means to control the drive mechanism, to move the cleaning means up and down and control the cleaning means to clean the guide post.
2. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the area is part of a post or pole.
3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the area is the whole of a post or pole.
4. The cleaning apparatus according to any ones of claims 1 to 3, wherein the area is part or the whole of any item to be cleaned.
5. The cleaning apparatus according to any ones of claims 1 to 4, wherein the area includes a vehicle.
6. The cleaning apparatus according to any ones of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cleaning apparatus is attachable or useable with a vehicle.
7. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the vehicle is a utility vehicle.
8. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the vehicle includes a water tank.

specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019
9. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the vehicle is a service vehicle as used at mine sites, council or for road servicing purposes, or similar.
10. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the vehicle is a garbage style truck, as used on mine sites.
11. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cleaning apparatus is used anywhere high pressure water cleaning is useful.
12. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein any suitable cleaning is used instead including through air, gas, or chemical cleaning depending on the application.
13. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein for any equipment that needs to be cleaned, the cleaning apparatus is useful enabling cleaning without the need to do so by hand.
14. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein it is used to clean guide posts to to direct or delineate a roadway.
15. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cleaning apparatus is useful for cleaning guide posts for improved visibility.
16. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cleaning apparatus is used for cleaning of any post or pole, or similar item.
17. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cleaning apparatus is used to clean lights or road furniture specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019
18. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the cleaning apparatus is used for any suitable spray application.
19. The cleaning apparatus of claim 18, wherein the cleaning apparatus can be used for application of fluids in a spray.
20. The cleaning apparatus of claim 18 or 19, wherein the spray may be cleaning, or for some other purpose that can be applied as a spray.
21. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the spray is used to spray weeds around guide posts along roads and highways.
22. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the cleaning apparatus is used to clean signage, or be used around signage.
23. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the apparatus is used for multiple purposes used to clean, spray, apply products, or otherwise.
24. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the multiple uses can be provided in the same apparatus, for example to clean, spray water and apply products.
25. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the person is a mine worker, or a worker for roads or council.
26. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the the cleaning means is in communication with a water supply.
27. The cleaning apparatus according claim 26, wherein the water supply has a pump to create a high pressure water supply.

specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019
28. The cleaning apparatus according claim 27, wherein the pump is powered by the vehicle.
29. The cleaning apparatus according claim 27 or 28, wherein the control means controls the pump and the high pressure water supply.
30. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the cleaning means includes a plurality of water jets.
31. The cleaning apparatus of claim 30, wherein the water jets substantially surround the post.
32. The cleaning apparatus of claim 30 or 31, wherein water cleaning through the waterjets is controlled by the control means.
33. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the cleaning apparatus includes application of poison or weedkiller.
34. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein detergents or similar cleaning products are used with a water spray.
35. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the cleaning means includes jaws.
36. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the jaws are moveable between and open and a closed position wherein in the open position the jaws is moved around a post, and in the closed position, the jaws substantially surround the post, to enable cleaning.
37. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the jaws include water jets for cleaning.

specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019
38. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 37, wherein there are numerous water jets, in the jaws to enable rapid and effective cleaning of the post area nearby.
39. The cleaning apparatus according to claims 37 or 38, wherein the waterjets are controlled so that low or high pressure washing can be applied to the post.
40. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the drive mechanism is similar to a garbage bin lifting arm.
41. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the drive mechanism is controlled from the vehicle.
42. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the drive mechanism enables the cleaning to be controlled from the cabin of the vehicle.
43. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein the drive mechanism includes hydraulics.
44. A cleaning apparatus vehicle for use for cleaning guide posts by a person, the apparatus including:

a cleaning means, for substantially cleaning an area of the guide post;

a drive mechanism, for moving the cleaning means relative to the guide post; a control means for control of the drive mechanism and cleaning means by the person, wherein the person can substantially clean the guide post by use of the control means to control the drive mechanism, to move the cleaning means up and down and control the cleaning means to clean the guide post, and the cleaning apparatus is operable from the cabin of the vehicle.

specPA2061019

2019210651 02 Aug 2019
45. A cleaning apparatus for a vehicle, for use for cleaning guide posts by a person, the apparatus including:

a cleaning means, for substantially cleaning an area of the guide post, including a pair of jaws, each with a plurality of water jets attached to a water supply and pump;

a drive mechanism, for moving the cleaning means relative to the guide post; a control means for control of the drive mechanism and cleaning means by the person, controllable from the cabin of the vehicle, wherein the person can substantially clean the guide post by use of the control means to control the drive mechanism, to move the cleaning means up and down and control the cleaning means to clean the guide post through high pressure water spray through the waterjets.
46. A method of use of a cleaning apparatus for cleaning guide posts by a person, the apparatus including, a cleaning means, for substantially cleaning an area of the guide post, a drive mechanism, for moving the cleaning means relative to the guide post, a control means for control of the drive mechanism and cleaning means by the person, the method including the following steps;

a) operating the cleaning means from the vehicle;

b) moving the cleaning means to be proximal to the post;

c) positioning the cleaning means around the post; and

d) cleaning the post.

the steps are repeated for each post to be cleaned. Preferably, a further step is included to open jaws over the cleaning means to surround an area of the post.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the cleaning apparatus is the cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 45.