BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a blade changer apparatus constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the structure of FIG. 1, with internal components shown in phantom outline;
FIG. 3 is a view along section 3-3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3, with a blade rest shown in a non-supporting position, a new or replacement blade with its protective sheath placed in the elongate tray of the blade changer and a stabilizer positioned with respect to the tray to form a guard;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, with the blade released from the sheath and disposed in an upright position against the guard, and with bolts fitted through corresponding holes formed in the blade;
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, with the blade rest disposed in its supporting position and the blade resting thereupon;
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 3, with the blade shown as in FIG. 6 and the rear end of the apparatus raised off the ground for transport;
FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, with the jack mechanism shown in its operative position and the tray shown in its lowered position;
FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, with the tray shown in its elevated position;
FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a blade changer apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention, with the tray thereof shown at its elevated position, with the blade rest disposed in its supporting position and with the handles thereof disposed at upper operative positions;
FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 10, with the tray shown at its lowered position and the handles disposed at storage positions; and
FIG. 12 is rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 10 with the tray shown at its lowered position and the handles disposed at lower operative positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With general reference to FIGS. 1-9, a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a blade changer apparatus, is illustrated, and is designated by the general reference numeral 20. FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively show front and rear views of the blade changer apparatus 20. Visible in FIG. 1 is a base frame 12 in the form of a steel channel member that extends substantially the width of the blade changer apparatus 20. Mounted on opposite ends of the base frame 12 are two caster wheels 14 upon which the frame 12 can be rolled over a horizontal support surface or floor.
As seen in FIGS. 1-3, rigidly connected to the base frame 12 are two bent handle members 16 and 18 made from metal pipe and extending upwardly and rearwardly from the base frame 12. Mounted on each of these handle members 16, 18 is a rubber hand grip 21. The handle members include a lower bend 22 which forms a ground contact point when the blade changer apparatus 20 is not being moved.
As seen in FIGS. 1-3, the blade changer 20 includes an elongate tray arrangement 24. The tray arrangement 24 includes a blade/sheath holding section 102, an upper side 24A with a length and a width, opposite ends 100A, 100B between which said upper side 24A extends in a horizontal direction and a supporting surface 104 presenting upwardly. This tray arrangement 24 is formed in part by a front angle member 26 which, in a preferred embodiment, is five feet long. This angle member has an upstanding leg 28. The angle member 26 is welded to four horizontally-extending plate supports 32. Two of these plate supports 32 are located at opposite ends of the angle member 26 while the other two are positioned above and mounted on respective scissor jacks 34. As shown, a shim 33 is mounted between the top of each jack 34 and its respective support 32. Each shim 33 has a sloping top that orients the supporting surface 104 at an acute angle α to the horizontal support surface or floor. Angle α as shown is 10°. The scissor jacks 34 are mounted on top of the base frame 12 and together form part of a jack mechanism or arrangement 35. The scissor jacks 34 are jointly actuated by means of a centrally located crank handle 36 that is integrally connected to a horizontal shaft 38 which is rotated by a handle 36. The shaft 38 is rotatably supported by means of two bearing supports 40 mounted by means of bolts to a horizontal support plate 42. The plate 42 is rigidly mounted on top of base frame 12 at the center thereof. As best indicated by FIG. 2, there are mounted on shaft 38 two 12 tooth sprockets 44 which are arranged next to each other on the shaft 38. Extending from each of these sprockets 44 is an endless roller chain 46 with chain portions extending in each direction from the shaft 38, as seen in FIG. 1. Each endless chain 46 extends around a thirty tooth sprocket 48 so that in effect there is about a three to one gear ratio between the drive sprockets 44 and the driven sprockets 48, making rotation of the crank handle 36 relatively easy. Chain, drive sprocket and driven sprockets are shown in FIG. 2 in phantom outline, for greater clarity. It should be noted that, for clarity, only a single driven sprocket 48 and chain 46 are shown in each of FIGS. 3, 7, 8 and 9. As shown in FIG. 2, the chain and sprockets are covered by an elongate chain cover 50 for safety purposes. It will be understood that each sprocket 48 is operatively connected to its respective scissor jack 34 so that rotation of each sprocket 48 will actuate its respective jack. Because each sprocket 48 is operated by the same crank handle 36, the two jacks 34 will be actuated simultaneously. Connected to the rear side of the blade holding section 102 is a pivotable metal flap 52 which is pivotably mounted by means of a piano hinge 54. The piano hinge 54 is connected to the top edge of an upwardly extending leg of a rear angle member 56 which forms the rear side of the blade tray 24. The angle member 56 is rigidly connected (such as by welding) to the rear ends of the four plate supports 32. Another major component of the blade changer apparatus 20 is a stabilizer member 60 which can be completely detached from the rest of the blade changer 20. As seen in FIG. 4, the stabilizer 60 consists of a long angle member 62 and two short angle members 64 which extend perpendicular to the member 62.
To install a blade on an ice resurfacing machine, a sharp blade is procured. Such blades are typically shipped releasably secured to a protective sheath to form a blade/sheath combination, and the first step in such installation is to position said blade/sheath combination in the tray arrangement 24 as shown in FIG. 4, wherein the blade/sheath combination is supported by the tray arrangement, the blade being identified with reference numeral 70 and the two-part sheath by reference numeral 72.
This step may require the initial step of pivoting the flap 52 away from the top of the tray to a non-supporting position, and removal of the stabilizer 60, as indicated in FIG. 3, such that the combination 70/72 can be positioned in the tray 24. When placed in the tray 24, the sharp edge portion of the blade 70 is covered by the protective transportation sheath 72 which typically is made of wood. After the blade 70 has been placed on the tray 24, the stabilizer 60 can be mounted on the tray 24 using two metal support brackets 74 which are rigidly connected on the front side of tray 24. FIG. 4 shows the stabilizer 60 mounted on the tray 24 with the two short angle members 64 extending substantially vertically and the long angle member 62 fitted in a slot 37 (shown in FIG. 3) defined between leg 28 and brackets 74 to form a guard. Mounting bolts (not shown) which hold the protective sheath 72 and blade 70 together for handling are removed, these being located at opposite ends of the sheath 72. The blade 70 is then tipped forwardly against the guard, specifically, against the upright angle members 64 of the stabilizer 60, to the upright position shown in FIG. 5. Angle members 64 are appropriately sized and horizontally spaced-apart from one another, such that, so positioned, the blade can be safely rested. Pliers or other tools may be used for this manipulation. In this position, all of the blade mounting bolts 80 can be installed by inserting them through holes distributed along the length of the blade 70. Once the bolts 80 have been inserted, the metal flap 52 is swung down to its supporting position, onto the wooden sheath 72 which still extends horizontally. In this configuration, the top surface of the flap 52 extends at an angle to the horizontal of 15-30 degrees, corresponding to the correct mounting angle for the blade 70. The relatively heavy blade 70 with bolts 80 is then tipped back down onto the top of the metal flap 52 at which point the stabilizer 60 can be removed. The blade 70 so positioned on the flap 52 is shown in FIG. 6.
So positioned, the blade 70 is arranged on the upper side 24A of the tray arrangement 24 so that the length of the blade 70 extends in the lengthwise direction of the tray arrangement 24, and so that the blade 70, from front 70A to rear 70B edges thereof, extends at an acute angle to the horizontal surface on which the apparatus sits, said angle typically being between 15 and 30 degrees.
The next step is for the operator to roll the blade changer 20 with the blade 70 thereon under the ice resurfacing machine (not shown). The handles 16,18 can be gripped, and the apparatus 20 moved in the manner of a wheelbarrow for this purpose, as shown in FIG. 7. Thereafter, the crank handle 36 can be turned to actuate the jacks 34 and move the tray arrangement 24, and the blade 70 and sheath 72 supported thereby, upwards. In the operative position of the apparatus 20, the bolts 80 in the blade 70 line up with the mounting holes in the ice surfacing machine as the jack mechanism 35 lifts the tray 24 to its elevated position, such that at the elevated position of the tray 24, the blade 70 is fitted tightly against the mounting bar of the machine, with the mounting bolts 80 extending therethrough. That is, the blade 70 is supported at an acute angle to the horizontal surface on which the apparatus 20 rests and at a suitable height for securing the blade 70 to the machine for use. Lock washers and nuts (not shown) can then be used to connect the blade 70 to the ice conditioning machine. The tray arrangement 24 carrying the now-empty transportation sheath 72 is then lowered to its lowered position by reverse rotation of the crank handle 36, such that the blade changer apparatus 20 can be easily pulled away from beneath the ice conditioning machine. Lamps 82, shown in FIG. 2, which are mounted to the base 12, facilitate mounting and demounting of the blade 70.
The above procedure in reverse can be used to remove a blade from a machine.
A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 10-12 and designated with general reference numeral 20A. This embodiment is similar in construction and operation to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, and thus, is not described in detail. However, as will be recognized by persons of ordinary skill, this embodiment is different in certain respects from the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9.
Notably, in contrast to the scissor-style jacks previously illustrated, this embodiment comprises a pair of hydraulic jacks 34A, fluidly coupled to one another by a hydraulic line 204 for joint actuation. A hydraulic pump 202 is coupled to fluid line 204. Pump 202 is operable by pump handle 36A for delivering hydraulic fluid to jacks 34A, for extension thereof, to move the tray arrangement 24 to the elevated position, and a valve 206 is provided to permit hydraulic fluid to be released from the jacks 34A, for movement of the tray arrangement 24 to the lowered position. Each jack 34A is pivotably mounted to base frame 12 and to a parallelogram linkage 212,214 which supports tray arrangement 24, such that extension of the jacks 34A cause pivotal movement of the links 212,214 forming the parallelogram linkage 212,214 and movement of the tray arrangement 24 between the lowered and elevated positions.
A further difference resides in the provision of a pair of rear caster wheels 200 upon which the jack mechanism is supported, such that the apparatus 20A rolls on wheels 14,200 in the manner of a cart.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, handles 16A, 18A have a position similar to the position of handles 16, 18 shown in FIG. 3. This represents upper operative positions of the handles 16A, 18A. However, handles 16A, 18A also have storage positions and lower operative positions, shown, respectively, in FIGS. 11 and 12. To provide for this functionality, handles 16A, 18A are defined by L-shaped members, and two pairs of handle-receiving sockets 216 and 210 are provided. When in the upper operative positions, the handles 16A, 18A are fitted into sockets 216 and orientated with grips 21 projecting rearwardly. When in the lower operative positions, handles 16A, 18A are fitted into sockets 210 and orientated with grips 21 projecting upwardly. When in the storage position, the tray arrangement 24 is disposed at its lowered position and the handles 16A, 18A are fitted into sockets 210 and oriented with the grips 21 projecting sideways, away from one another, such that the handles 16A, 18A overly the tray arrangement 24. Pins (not shown) are provided for locking the handles 16A, 18A in the storage, upper operating and lower operation positions, to enhance safety.
The handles 16A, 18A may advantageously be deployed in the lower operative positions if the apparatus 20 is to be used for changing the blade on an ice resurfacing machine having fairly low ground clearance, as it sometimes the case. When in the storage position, the handles 16A, 18A lock the tray arrangement 24 against movement, to permit the apparatus 20 to be pivoted onto its front end, which may be advantageous for storage and transport.
A further difference in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12 resides in the provision of extendable locating rods 208 which are fitted into bores (not shown) defined in risers 230 in which the sockets 210,216 are defined. The locating rods 208 can be adjusted by a user of the device so as to abut the undercarriage of any given particular ice resurfacing machine when the apparatus is properly positioned for blade exchange, and secured in place with set screws (provided but not identified). Once the locating rods 208 are adjusted and suitable markings have been placed onto the ice surfacing machine, suitable positioning of the blade changing device 20A can be obtained simply by aligning the rod 208 ends with the markings.
A further difference resides in the presence of modified stabilizers 60A which have operative positions as shown in FIGS. 10-12, at which same are releasably locked, and which can be released to pivot (not shown) about a hinge defined on their forward, lower edge. When releasably locked at the position of FIGS. 10-12, modified stabilizers 60A function in a manner identical to stabilizers 60 as shown in FIG. 4. When stabilizers 60A are pivoted forwardly (not shown), apparatus 20A may be positioned beneath the ice resurfacing machine for blade exchange in the manner herein described in detail. The stabilizers 60A are spring-loaded, to avoid inadvertent unlocking, again to enhance safety.
A yet further difference resides in the provision of bolts 240 and a pattern of threaded bores 250 provided in flap 52. In use, the bolts 240 are received in respective mounting holes in the blade, to permit the blade to be positioned at a known location relative to the blade changer. This feature, in combination with the locating rods 208, means that a blade can be conveniently disposed at a position beneath the ice resurfacing machine for blade exchange. The pattern of threaded bores 250 reflects the variances in mounting bolt patterns on commonplace ice resurfacing machines, such that the blade changer apparatus can be easily modified for use therewith.
While but two embodiments of the present invention have been herein shown and described, it will be understood that various changes may be made.
For example, whereas the preferred embodiments illustrated contemplate the tray receiving the blade/sheath combination, the tray could simply receive the blade. This could avoid the need for the blade rest and stabilizers.
As well, a pair of scissor jacks are shown in the described embodiments, but a greater or lesser number of jacks, and jacks of different types, such as pneumatic jacks, could be substituted.
Yet further, whereas the blade rest is shown as a metal plate, it could take other forms, such as a metal framework of bars or the like. As well, whereas it is shown hingedly attached, it could as well be removable. Indeed, the blade rest could be avoided entirely, if the tray arrangement and sheath were suitably shaped and sized so as to avoid interference with the machine mounting bar when the tray arrangement is disposed at the elevated position.
As well, whereas the blade changers shown and described contemplate presentation of the blade at an acute angle to a horizontal plane, the apparatus could be modified to present the blade, for example, in a horizontal orientation.
Further, whereas locating rods are indicated to be fixed in position with set screws, this is not necessary, and variants, such as threaded rods, could be employed.
Accordingly, it should be understood that the invention is to be limited only by the claims appended hereto, purposively construed.
Patent Application
20070277360
