ADJUSTABLE EDGE FORMING APPARATUS FOR PAVING MACHINE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a pavement edge forming apparatus for a paving machine. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable shaping plate for the pavement edge forming apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Paving machines are commonly used to lay asphalt/concrete on roads, bridges, parking lots, and other construction sites. Paving machines may also provide relative compaction to asphalt and/or concrete, to assist formation of an asphalt and/or concrete mat (hereinafter referred to as a mat) on a paving surface. For that purpose, paving machines generally include a screed that helps with the preliminary compaction requirement. Screeds may need to be extended or retracted depending on a desired mat width. An end gate is generally attached to the screed and may move with the screed to prevent undesirable spillage of the asphalt and/or concrete over an adjacent, unpaved surface. Such movement of the end gate with the screed generally results in the formation of a steep edge between the mat and the unpaved surface.

As it relates to driving on a road with a steep edge between the mat and base surface such as when a wheel slips off the roadway, it is undesirable to encounter such an affect. During an attempt to return to a corresponding drive lane, the steep edges may become an obstacle to a controlled return. Resultant difficulties may include a bumpy ride, occupant discomfort while plying over the adjacent unpaved surface and momentary loss of vehicular control.

It is known to apply a ramped edge or “pavement edge” to the margins of the paved surface. However, current methods pose significant challenges. One way to form the pavement edge is to use a wedge-shaped attachment between an extender of the screed and a frame of a paving machine. However, such attachments may prevent the extension and/or retraction of the screed. Another way to form the pavement edge is to use a tapered end gate shoe. However, the use of the tapered end gate shoe may reduce efficiency of the pavement edge forming operation. Further, the use of tapered end gate shoe may include a lot of maintenance and cost.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,591,142 discloses a road paving equipment and a pavement-shaping device. Although this reference discloses a system that forms a ramp at the edge of a paved roadway, the described pavement-shaping device does not accommodate for flexibility in the retraction and extension of the screed, when desired. Moreover, no provision is disclosed for modularly positioning the pavement-shaping device.

Accordingly, the system and method of the present disclosure solves one or more problems set forth above and/or other problems in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present disclosure illustrate an edge forming apparatus for a paving machine. The paving machine forms margins of road paving materials concomitantly with a paving operation. The edge forming apparatus includes a tube member and an elongated member slidably engaged with the tube member. Further one or more lock plates are in positionable engagement with the elongated member. The one or more lock plates have one or more lock-plate openings. A shaping plate is adjustably coupled with the one or more lock plates. The shaping plate includes one or more offset strips that are fixedly attached to the shaping plate. The one or more offset strips include one or more apertures. At least one offset pin selectively positions the one or more lock plates with the one or more offset strips by an extension of the offset pin through the one or more lock-plate openings and the aperture. More particularly, the one or more lock plates are positionably movable with the elongated member to position the shaping plate in one of a retracted position and an angled position relative to the elongated member. Moreover, the shaping plate is restricted from substantial rotation through an engagement of the shaping plate with the tube member having a non-rotatable fit between the tube member and the elongated member in response to contact between the shaping plate and the road paving materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is side view of an exemplary paving machine incorporated with an edge forming apparatus, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial view of the edge forming apparatus of the paving machine shown in FIG. 1 that includes a shaping plate, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the edge forming apparatus of FIG. 2 with the shaping plate being shown in an angled position, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the edge forming apparatus of FIG. 2, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary paving machine 100, which operates over the non-paved surface 102. The paving machine 100 may be an asphalt paver that paves the non-paved surface 102. To perform the paving operation, the paving machine 100 includes a variety of components, such as one or more hoppers 104, an auger 106, a screed 108, an end gate 110, a walk-platform 112, and a pavement edge forming apparatus 114. A fully formed paved surface may be referred to as a mat 116. Machine movement may be executed along a direction, A, as shown.

The hoppers 104 may be configured to receive and generally store asphalt/concrete or other road forming materials from a dump truck (not shown) or known material transfer means. The hoppers 104 may be movable relatively upwards and downwards, and may be tiltable to dump a quantity of asphalt to a conveyor (not shown). The conveyor may be positioned between the pair of hoppers 104 to generally transfer the asphalt and/or concrete to the auger 106.

The auger 106 is configured to receive and lay the asphalt and/or concrete on the non-paved surface 102. The auger 106 may include a screw conveyor, which may include a mechanism that uses a helically shaped screw blade known as flighting. A rotation of such a screw conveyor may dump the asphalt and/or concrete as a stockpile over the non-paved surface 102.

The screed 108 may be panned and controllable to evenly spread the dumped stockpile over the non-paved surface 102. The screed 108 may provide at least a minimal compaction to the underlying stockpile to form the asphalt and/or concrete based mat 116. A delivery of the stockpile may be such that a flattened, planer layer of the stockpile is substantially laid-out on the non-paved surface 102.

The end gate 110 may be fixedly engaged along the ends of the screed 108. While the screed 108 forms the mat 116, the end gate 110 may restrict the unrequited spread of the stockpile beyond the specified limits, and may comply with a desired mat width. The end gate 110 includes a first end 118 that lies in proximity to the screed 108.

The walk-platform 112 may be installed adjacent to the screed 108, and towards the first end 118. The walk-platform 112 is generally a walkway that enables an operator to stand and observe the paving process. While on the walk-platform 112, various aspects of the mat 116, such as leveling of the mat 116, surface finish, and/or the like, may be inspected.

The pavement edge forming apparatus 114 is configured to shape steep edges of the mat 116 into a ramped surface. More particularly, the pavement edge forming apparatus 114 assists in the formation of margins of road paving materials (mat 116) concomitantly with a paving operation. The pavement edge forming apparatus 114 is positioned substantially between the screed 108 and the walk-platform 112. Further, the pavement edge forming apparatus 114 may be positioned in proximity to the end gate 110. The ramped surface is formed between the mat 116 and an adjacent unpaved surface that lies along an expanse of the associated roadway. Moreover, the ramped surface is disposed at an inclination to the unpaved surface.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an enlarged view of the pavement edge forming apparatus 114 in a retracted position. The pavement edge forming apparatus 114 includes a tube member 221 integrally connected to a mounting bracket 202 (see FIG. 3). An elongated member 204 is slidably positionable and adjustable within the tube member 221 with the mounting bracket 202, and a shaping plate 206, operably connected to the elongated member 204. The shaping plate 206 includes two fixedly attached offset strips 208, with four apertures 210 therein (best seen in FIG. 4). It will be understood that one offset strip 208 or multiple offset strips may be contemplated for use on the shaping plate 206. Moreover, although it is shown in an exemplary embodiment that there are four apertures 210 in each offset strip 208, it is contemplated that each offset strip 208 may include four apertures 210 to adequately set an angle or various alternative angle options for the shaping plate 206. It will be further understood that the offset strips 208 are fixed to the shaping plate 206, for example, such as, by being welded or integrally formed with the shaping plate 206 or any other forming method known to those with ordinary skill in the art.

Two lock plates 212 are included, each of which have an engaged hole 213 and an unused hole 213′ at an upper end (best seen in FIG. 4). Collectively, the engaged hole 213 and the unused hole 213′ may be referred to as holes 213. At a lower end, the two lock plates 212 include a lock-plate opening 214 alongside a common lock-plate opening 214′ (best seen in FIG. 4). Collectively, the lock-plate opening 214 and the common lock-plate opening 214′ may be referred to as lock-plate openings 214. The holes 213 generally facilitate rotatable positioning of the shaping plate 206 relative to the elongated member 204, and therefore, the shaping plate 206 may be adjustably coupled with the two lock plates 212. The pavement edge forming apparatus 114 also has an offset pin 216 and a common offset pin 216′ (collectively referred to as offset pins 216). The common offset pin 216′ may commonly engage both the elongated member 204 and the shaping plate 206. Further, a resilient member 218 is included as well.

The two lock plates 212 are in positionable engagement with the elongated member 204 and facilitate a fixed connection between the elongated member 204 and the shaping plate 206. The holes 213 and the lock-plate openings 214 are substantially rectangular arrayed, as best seen in FIG. 4. A variation in the number of holes 213 and the lock-plate openings 214 may be contemplated.

The mounting bracket 202 may be structured to include a passage 220 within the tube member 221 (see FIG. 4), through which the elongated member 204 may be slidably accommodated. A lock 228 is threaded into the tube member 221 to lock the elongated member 204 once the proper position of the shaping plate 206 is established. The lock 228 may be rotated by an operator once the shaping plate 206 is set to restrict movement and/or a position of the slidably disposed elongated member 204, within the passage 220 of the tube member 221. The passage 220 within tube member 221 may be square to complement the exterior shape of the elongated member 204 so as to restrict rotation of the elongated member 204 but to allow translation of the elongated member 204 within the tube member 221. It will be understood that other cross-sectional profiles for the elongated member 204 and the tube member 221 may be used, such as, for example a triangle or a rectangle or any other cross sectional profiled known to those with ordinary skill in the art. The tube member 221 may be welded to the mounting bracket 202 or integrally formed in a known manner to those with ordinary skill, and each of the tube member 221 and mounting bracket 202 may be manufactured from a carbon based steel material, which is made to withstand the relatively extensive use and vibration corresponding to paving operations. The mounting bracket 202 may include a first hook portion 222, as shown configured to retain an end of the resilient member 218 such as an extension spring, for example.

As best shown in FIG. 3, once the elongated member 204 is properly positioned by the operator, it may be locked by lock 228 such that any movement of the elongated member 204, along the direction, B, may be restricted. At a lower end, the elongated member 204 includes an engagement slot 404 and a common engagement slot 404′ (see FIG. 4). Collectively, the engagement slot 404 and the common engagement slot 404′ may be referred to as engagement slots 404. The engagement slot 404 aligns with the engaged hole 213, while the common engagement slot 404′ aligns with the common lock-plate opening 214′ of the lock plate 212. Effectively, the elongated member 204 is removably and alternatively connected to the shaping plate 206. The slidable disposal of the elongated member 204, within the passage 220 of the mounting bracket 202, enables the shaping plate 206 to be positioned at varying heights relative to the paving machine 100.

The shaping plate 206 may generally include a flat, planar face 224 that shapes the ramped surface of the mat 116, during operation. Although the offset strips 208 (two in the depicted embodiment) include four apertures 210 each, it may be contemplated that each offset strip 208 may include a varied set of apertures 210. The offset strips 208 may be structured and arranged on the shaping plate 206 substantially laterally relative to the paving machine 100. The offset strips 208 may also be paralelly structured relative to each other.

Once assembled with the elongated member 204, the shaping plate 206 is restricted from substantial rotation through an engagement of the shaping plate 206 with the tube member 221, in response to contact between the shaping plate 206 and the road paving materials (mat 116). This is because of the non-rotatable fit between the tube member 221 and the elongated member 204.

The offset pins 216 may selectively position the lock plates 212 with the offset strips 208 by extension of the offset pins 216 through the lock-plate openings 214 and the aperture 210. More particularly, a common aperture 210′ (see FIG. 4) may facilitate an associated passage of the common offset pin 216′ through the offset strips 208, during this assembly. The lock plates 212 are positionably movable with the elongated member 204 to position and deploy the shaping plate 206 in one of the retracted position and the angled position relative to the elongated member 204.

The offset pins 216 may selectively and fixedly engage at least two of the lock-plate openings 214 (and thus the lock plates 212) with the shaping plate 206. Here, an engagement to the shaping plate 206 may be facilitated through the apertures 210 structured on the offset strips 208. A resultant two-point connection establishes a fixed engagement between the lock plates 212 and the shaping plate 206. However, the shaping plate 206 remains unrestrained relative to the elongated member 204 until the lock pin 402 (see FIG. 4) is engaged.

A shift in engagement of the lock plates 212, along a length of the offset strips 208 is possible. More particularly, the two lock-plate openings 214 may suitably engage with any of the two consecutive apertures 210. In that manner, a resultant manipulation of the shaping plate 206 is facilitated substantially laterally relative to the elongated member 204 (or the paving machine 100). Further, a second hook portion 226 that corresponds to the first hook portion 222 is also included in the shaping plate 206.

The resilient member 218 is connected between the first hook portion 222 and the second hook portion 226. The resilient member 218 may be among the commonly applied industrial springs known in the art. However, other resilient devices may be envisioned. The resilient member 218 may include a spring constant and other material characteristics that may suitably meet the resilience required to place the shaping plate 206 in a retracted position relative to the elongated member 204. More specifically, the resilience assists in auto-retraction of the shaping plate 206, from an extended (angled) position to a home position (retracted position).

Referring to FIG. 3, the extended position, opposed to the retracted position of the shaping plate 206, is shown. This extended position may relate to a 120-degree inclination of the shaping plate 206, relative to the pavement edge forming apparatus 114 (or the elongated member 204). In this extended position, the shaping plate 206 is in a work-state that helps in the formation of the ramped surface.

Referring to FIG. 4, an exploded view of the pavement edge forming apparatus 114 is shown. Each of the components of the pavement edge forming apparatus 114 discussed above may be viewed with clearer silhouettes and contours here. More particularly, the view includes the lock pin 402 that fixedly engages the lock plates 212 to the elongated member 204. The lock pin 402 may be a cotter pin, which, when forming a joint, may pass through the engagement slot 404 within the elongated member 204, while also engaging the lock plates 212. At an opposed end, the lock pin 402 may be keyed away, as conventionally known, for a confirmed lock. Washers 406 may help with the joint formation process. Similar to the deployment of the lock pin 402, the offset pins 216 may be locked away by key-loops 408, also at an opposed end, during an assembly of the lock plates 212 to the shaping plate 206.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In assembly, the engaged hole 213 and the common lock-plate opening 214′, may be respectively aligned with the engagement slots 404 (inclusive of the common engagement slot 404′). A resultant connection between the lock plates 212 and the elongated member 204 is enabled via the lock pin 402 and the common offset pin 216′ (see FIG. 4). Similarly, both the lock-plate openings 214 (inclusive of the common lock-plate opening 214′) may also be simultaneously aligned with two consecutive apertures 210 (inclusive of the common aperture 210′) in the offset strips 208. In that manner, the offset pins 216 (inclusive of the common offset pin 216′) may engage the lock plates 212 with the shaping plate 206. The common offset pin 216′, therefore, connects to both the elongated member 204 and the shaping plate 206, along with the lock plate 212. Effectively, a fixed engagement between the elongated member 204 and the shaping plate 206 is established.

A common alignment point exists between the elongated member 204, the shaping plate 206, and the lock plates 212. To this end, the apertures 210 may include a common aperture 210′ (see FIG. 4) that forms part of the common alignment point. During assembly, this common aperture 210′ is brought into engagement with the common engagement slot 404′ (see FIG. 4) of the elongated member 204, and the common lock-plate opening 214′ of the lock plate 212. The resulting common alignment point is established by extending and securing the common offset pin 216′ commonly into the common lock-plate opening 214′, common aperture 210′, and the common engagement slot 404′.

A resulting connection between the elongated member 204 and the shaping plate 206 is a three-point connection. This three-point connection leaves at least one hole (referred to as the unused hole 213′) unused. A switch between the unused hole 213′ and the engaged hole 213, which solely facilitates engagement of the lock plate 212 to the elongated member 204, enables a switch between two operable configurations of the shaping plate 206. The two operable configurations may include the shaping plate 206 in one of the retracted position and the angled position, relative to the elongated member 204.

In operation, a first configuration may include the shaping plate 206 to be positioned at right angles with the elongated member 204. A second configuration may exemplarily include a 120-degree angular placement of the shaping plate 206 (or zero degree to the horizontal) relative to the elongated member 204. The right-angled position of the shaping plate 206, relative to the elongated member 204, may be the retracted position, while the 120-degree angular placement may be the angled position, as already noted. In either configuration, the shaping plate 206 defines a fixed engagement with the elongated member 204. Other angular arrangements and configurations may be contemplated. Because the common lock-plate opening 214′ facilitates a substantial permanent accommodation of the common offset pin 216′ therethrough, the shaping plate 206 rotates relative to the common alignment point during a change in configuration.

An exemplary switch from the retracted position to the angled position may be enabled by removing the lock pin 402, shifting (or pushing) the shaping plate 206 to the angled position, and re-securing the lock pin 402. Here, re-securing includes engaging the lock pin 402 into the unused hole 213′ and engagement slot 404 that corresponds to the angled position. A similar procedure may be contemplated when the shaping plate 206 is being changed over from the angled position to the retracted position. Notably, the resilient member 218 may assist in auto-retraction of the shaping plate 206, from the angled position to the retracted position. In an angled position, the shaping plate 206 is deployed for the formation of an edge for the mat 116 (see FIG. 1). In the retracted position, however, the shaping plate 206 is in a stacked-away, stored state. In the retracted position, the shaping plate 206 may also be applied to form a seamless joint between two adjacent newly laid road surfaces.

In an embodiment, additional lock-plate openings 214 may be suitably (and sequentially) structured on the lock plates 212. In such a case, a switch to either of the sequentially placed unused lock-plate openings 214 may facilitate a variation in the number of shaping plate (206) configurations. Given the switchable configuration, a shiftable or a positionable engagement exists between the lock plates 212 and the elongated member 204. This is because the engaged hole 213, engaged solely with the elongated member 204, may be desirably interchanged (or positionable) with the unused hole 213′.

A location of the shaping plate 206 may also be altered. Such alterations may occur along the length of the offset strips 208, laterally to the paving machine 100. To this end, the offset pins 216 may be first removed and the offset strips 208 adjusted according to the new positional requirement. Thereafter, when the lock-plate openings 214 coincide with a subsequent pair of apertures 210 (four in the disclosed embodiment), a re-securement of the offset pins 216 according to the desired position is performed.

The modular and removable structural configuration of the pavement edge forming apparatus 114 allows the paving machine 100 to accommodate adjustments and provisions for an edge formation of the mat 116 on either machine sides. This modularity may allow the paving machine 100 to structure a ramped surface at either ends (or about the width) of a roadway, along an expanse of the roadway.

It should be understood that the above description is intended for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other aspects of the disclosure may be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claim.

ADJUSTABLE EDGE FORMING APPARATUS FOR PAVING MACHINE

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