TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to grader blade attachments for machines and more particularly to grader blade attachments for box scrapers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Box scrapers, (also known as box blades) are landscaping or excavating tools which are pulled behind a towing vehicle providing motive power. Box scrapers can be used to grade golf greens, dirt racing tracks, fields, trails, or dirt roads. Box scrapers are usually equipped with a cutting, or grader, blade and several removable digging tools or shanks that are adjustable in height. The shanks serve to rip and loosen the soil to allow the cutting blade to move and level it as the unit is dragged forward. The shanks may be moveable between a functional position and a storage position. Box scrapers may be used for the removal of roots and trash, removing topsoil to establish driveways, cutting or building grades, and leveling building sites. The towing vehicle may be a tractor, ATV, or other vehicle with a towing hitch. Some grading jobs require an additional grader blade and do not require digging tools. Generally, these jobs are accomplished by another tools which is pulled by the vehicle or a specialized vehicle. This can be an added expense.
As can be seen, there may be an ongoing need for a tool which can be pulled by a vehicle which can accomplish grading jobs which require digging tools and one blade, and can accomplish grading jobs which require two blades. There is also an ongoing need for an attachment for a traditional box scraper which will allow it to accomplish grading jobs with two blades.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In one aspect of the present invention, a grader blade attachment for a box scraper is disclosed. The box scraper is configured to be pulled by a vehicle, and includes a first side wall with a first side bottom edge, a second sidewall with a second sidewall bottom edge, and an open front and a back wall attached to and between the first side wall and the second side wall. The grader blade attachment includes a first side attachment member, a second side attachment member, an elongated blade attachment member, and a grader blade. The first side attachment member is configured to attach to the first side wall. The second side attachment member is configured to attach to the second side wall. The elongated blade attachment member is attached to and between the first side attachment member and the second side attachment member and is configured to extend across the open front. The grader blade is fixedly attached to the blade attachment member and configured to extend across the open front and below the first side bottom edge and the second side bottom edge.
In another aspect of the present invention, a box scraper for pulling with a vehicle is disclosed. The box scraper includes a frame, a first grader blade, and a second grader blade. The frame includes a first side wall with a first side bottom edge, a second sidewall with a second sidewall bottom edge, and an open front and a back wall attached to and between the first side wall and the second side wall, the back wall including a back wall bottom edge. The first grader blade includes a first cutting edge fixedly attached to the back wall. The first cutting edge extends below the back wall bottom edge. The second grader blade includes a second cutting edge, is fixedly attached to the frame, and and extends across the open front. The second cutting edge extends below the first side bottom edge and the second side bottom edge.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a box scraper with a grader blade attachment being pulled by a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of a grader blade attachment, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a grader blade attachment with skid members, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a grader blade attachment with skid members, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a top view of a grader blade attachment with skid members, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a front view of a grader blade attachment with skid members, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7A is a side view of a box scraper with a grader blade attachment with skid members, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7B is an enlargement of the section of the box scraper with the grader blade attachment with skid members marked 7B in FIG. 7A.
FIG. 8A is a side view of a side attachment member of a grader blade attachment, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8B is a cross section of the side attachment member of FIG. 8A taken along the line 8B-8B′.
FIG. 8C is a top view of the side attachment member of FIG. 8A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a box scraper with a grader blade attachment, being pulled by a vehicle in a raised position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10A is a schematic illustration of an adjustment mechanism for a grader blade attachment, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10B is a schematic illustration of a first hollow cylindrical member of the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 10A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11A is a perspective view side attachment member attached to an alternative embodiment of a skid member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11B is a top view of the skid member of FIG. 11A.
FIG. 11C is a side view of the skid member of FIG. 11A.
FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of a box scraper with a grader blade attachment being pulled by a vehicle, grading a path and moving material, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of a box scraper with a grader blade attachment, the box scraper having a door assembly, being pulled by a vehicle, grading a path and moving material, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or may only address one of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below.
Throughout this description, positional terms such as “front”, “back”, “first side”, “second side”, “interior”, “exterior”, “top”, and “bottom” may be used to describe elements or components in relation to other elements or components. These terms are not used in a manner to limit the invention, but rather to describe relationships between components. Dashed lines are used in some views to illustrate features which would not be visible in the view as the features are blocked by other parts of the apparatus illustrated.
A box scraper owner may want to enhance the grading capability of his/her tool without having to completely replace it, and without losing its' current capabilities and functions. A grader blade attachment may be attached (and then detached) instead, to an already existing box scraper. Of course the, box scraper with a second grader blade may be manufactured as a single new unit as well.
Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary box scraper 100 with an exemplary grader blade attachment 200 is illustrated from a top front perspective view attached by a hitch 164 to a vehicle 172. The box scraper 100 may include a frame 102 including a first side wall 112 with a first side bottom edge 138, a second sidewall 114 with a second sidewall bottom edge 150, an open front 110 and a back wall 108 attached to and between the first side wall 112 and the second side wall 114, the back wall 108 including a back wall bottom edge 116; a first grader blade 134 with a first cutting edge 136 fixedly attached to the back wall 108, the first cutting edge 136 extending below the back wall bottom edge 116; and a second grader blade 208 with a second cutting edge 210, the second grader blade 208 fixedly attached to the frame 102 and extending across the open front 110, the second cutting edge 210 extending below the first side bottom edge 138 and the second side bottom edge 150. FIGS. 1-6, 9, and 12-13 include the labels “Front”, “Back”, “First Side”, and “Second Side” to provide a consistent special reference for the reader. These labels are not used in a manner to limit the invention, but rather to describe relationships between the different views and/or perspectives in these illustrations.
The frame 102 may also include a front frame member 162, and hitch frame members 166. The front frame member 162 may be fixedly attached to and extend between the first side wall 112 and the second side wall 114. The hitch frame members 166 may be fixedly attached to the back wall 108 and be supported by the front frame member 162. The frame 102 may have a frame interior 104 generally being enclosed by the first side wall 112, the second sidewall 114, the open front 110, and the back wall 108, and a frame exterior 106 generally being the environment surrounding the box scraper 100. A hitch 164 may be fixedly attached to the hitch frame members 166 and couple the box scraper 100 to the vehicle 172 for towing. Digging tools 168 may be attached to the front frame member 162 in a storage position, and may be adjustable to one or more functional positions at one or more heights.
The frame 102 may be formed of a solid material which can withstand grading and other operations performed by the box scraper. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame 102 may be formed of sheet metal cut, bent, and/or welded into the desired shape. The sheet metal may be steel or a steel alloy. The frame may be painted to withstand the environment and for ornamental reasons. In other embodiments, other manufacturing processes such as casting, bolting, or riveting may be used as is known in the art.
The back wall 108 may include a first side edge 118, a second side edge 120, a top edge 122, an exterior surface 124 (shown in relation to FIG. 9), and an interior surface 126. In some embodiments, the back wall 108 may include a bottom portion 130 and an elongated opening 132 (shown in relation to FIGS. 9 and 13). The back wall 108 may be generally rectangular in shape and formed of sheet metal. A top frame member 128 may be fixedly attached to the top edge 122 and extend between the first side wall 112 and the second side wall 114. A first grader blade 134 may abut the back wall 108 and extend between the first side wall 112 and the second side wall 114. An attachment member (not shown) may be used to fixedly attach the first grader blade 134 with bolt and nut assemblies to the frame 102. In other embodiments, the first grader blade 134 may be fixedly attached to the back wall 108 in any way known in the art. The first grader blade 134 may include a first cutting edge 136 which extends below the back wall bottom edge 116.
The first side wall 112 and the second side wall 114 may each include a first side edge 140152, a second side edge 142154, a top edge 144156, an exterior surface 146158, and an interior surface 148160. The first side edges 140152 may be fixedly attached to the back wall first and second side edges 118120 at a generally perpendicular angle. The first side wall 112 and the second side wall 114 may be generally rectangular in shape and formed of sheet metal. In some embodiments the intersection between the second side edge 142154 and the top edge 144156 may be curved and arcuate. The first side wall 112 and the second side wall 114 may include bolt apertures (not shown) through which bolt and nut assemblies 170 may be inserted to fixedly attach the grader blade attachment 200 to the box scraper 100.
The grader blade attachment 200 may include a first side attachment member 202 configured to attach to the first side wall 112; a second side attachment member 204 configured to attach to the second side wall 114; an elongated blade attachment member 206 (shown and explained in relation to FIG. 2) attached to and between the first side attachment member 202 and the second side attachment member 204 and configured to extend across the open front 110; and a second grader blade 208 fixedly attached to the blade attachment member 206 and configured to extend across the open front 110 and below the first side bottom edge 138 and the second side bottom edge 150. The second grader blade 208 may include a second cutting edge 210 which may extend below the first side bottom edge 138 and the second side bottom edge 150 when the grader blade attachment 200 is attached to the box scraper 200.
The first side attachment member 202 may include bolt apertures 226 (shown and described in relation to FIG. 2). The bolt apertures 226 may be lined up with bolt apertures in the first side wall 112 and bolt and nut assemblies 170 may secure the first side attachment member 202 to the first side wall 112. The second side attachment member 204 may be similarly fixedly attached to the second side wall 114. In this way the grader blade attachment 200 may be fixedly and removably attached to the box scraper 100. In alternative embodiments, the grader blade attachment 200 may be fixedly and removably attached to the box scraper in other ways as would be known in the art. In still other embodiments the second grader blade 208 may be a fixed to the frame 102 across the open front 110 during manufacture of the box scraper 100, and may not be removable. In some embodiments, the height of the second cutting edge 210 may be adjustable through a manual, automatic, or semi-automatic actuator and/or locking mechanism (not shown).
The box scraper 100 with grader blade attachment 100 is illustrated being pulled by vehicle 172. Vehicle 172 may be a backhoe loader, a tractor, a wheel loader, a tracked loader, or any other vehicle 172 which could be used to pull the box scraper 100 with grader blade attachment 100.
Referring now to FIG. 2 an exemplary grader blade attachment 200 is illustrated in a back perspective view. The first side attachment member 202 may include a first side plate 214 and a first bottom plate 216 fixedly attached at an angle θ. In the embodiment illustrated, the angle θ is approximately ninety degrees (90°). The first side attachment member 202 may be formed from a single piece of sheet metal and bent to angle θ to form the first side plate 214 and the first bottom plate 216. In other embodiments, the first side plate 214 and the first bottom plate 216 may be formed from separate pieces of sheet metal and welded together at the angle θ or attached by other methods known in the art. The first side plate 214 may include an interior surface 218, an exterior surface 220, and bolt apertures 226. When the grader blade attachment 200 is fixedly attached to the box scraper 200, the interior surface 218 may abut the exterior surface 146 of the first side wall 112. The sheet metal may be composed of steel, a steel alloy or other suitable metal. Alternatively, the first side attachment member 202 may be composed of a material with similar properties to sheet metal.
The second side attachment member 204 may be a mirror image of the first side attachment 202; and include a second side plate 228 with an interior surface 232 and exterior surface 234, and a bottom plate 230 with a top surface 236 and a bottom surface 238. The second side attachment member 204 may be formed and be composed of materials similar to the first side attachment member 202. When the grader blade attachment 200 is fixedly attached to the box scraper 200, the interior surface 232 may abut the exterior surface 158 of the second side wall 114.
The elongated blade attachment member 206 may be fixedly attached to and extend between the first side attachment member 202 and the second side attachment member 204. In one embodiment, the elongated blade attachment member 206 may be welded to the first side attachment member 202 and the second side attachment member 204. A gusset 252 (shown in FIG. 7B) may be used in an embodiment to attach the elongated blade attachment member 206 to the first side attachment member 202 and/or the second side attachment member 204. The elongated blade attachment member 206 may include a first portion 242 and a second portion 244 (shown in FIG. 7B) fixedly attached at a bending line 240 at an angle β (shown in FIG. 7B). The elongated blade attachment member 206 may be formed from an elongated rectangular piece of sheet metal bent at along a bending line 240. In other embodiments the first portion 242 and the second portion 244 may be separate pieces of sheet metal welded together, or attached in another method known in the art, at the angle β together. The sheet metal may be steel, a steel alloy, or another suitable metal. In other embodiments, other materials may be used that are known in the art. The second portion 244 may include an attachment surface 246 (shown in FIG. 7B) to which the second grader blade 208 is fixedly attached.
The second grader blade 208 may be a blade for grading as known in the art, and may include an exterior blade surface 278 (shown in FIG. 3) and an interior blade surface 280 (shown in FIG. 7B). The interior blade surface 280 may include an attachment surface 212 (shown in FIG. 7B), which may abut and be fixedly attached to the attachment surface 246 of the elongated blade attachment member 206. The second grader blade 208 may be attached to the elongated blade attachment member 206 with bolt and nut assemblies 170 or any other suitable means as known in the art. For example, welding or rivets may be used.
Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary grader blade attachment 200 with skid members 254266 is illustrated in a side perspective view. The second grader blade 208 may have a length L and a width W. The length may be approximately the distance between the first side attachment member 202 and the second side attachment member.
First skid member 254 may be fixedly attached to the bottom surface 224 of the first bottom plate 216, and second skid member 266 may be fixedly attached to the bottom surface 238 of the second bottom plate 230. These skid members 254266 may allow the box scraper 100 with grader blade attachment 200 to move easier and provide a better grade. The first skid member 154 may include a first elongated plate 256 with a first main portion 258 (shown in FIG. 7A) and a first angled end 260. The first main portion 258 may include a top surface 262 and a bottom surface 264 (shown in FIG. 7A). The first main portion 258 may be fixedly attached to the first angled end 260 at an angle of a (shown in FIG. 7B). The top surface 262 may be fixedly attached to the bottom surface 224 of the first bottom plate 216.
Second skid member 266 may be similar to first skid member 254 and may include a second elongated plate 268 with a second main portion 270 and a second angled end 272. The second main portion 270 may include a top surface 274 and a bottom surface (not shown). The second main portion 270 may be fixedly attached to the second angled end 272 at the angle of a. The top surface 274 may be fixedly attached to the bottom surface 238 of the second bottom plate 230.
Referring now to FIGS. 4-6 other views of exemplary grader blade attachments 200 with skid members 254266 are illustrated. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary grader blade attachment 200 with skid members 254266 in a front perspective view. FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary grader blade attachment 200 with skid members 254266 in a top view. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary grader blade attachment 200 with skid members 254266 in a front view.
Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, an exemplary box scraper 100 with an exemplary grader blade attachment 200 with skid members 254266 is illustrated in a side view. FIG. 7B is an enlargement of the area 7B in FIG. 7A. Dashed lines illustrate components which would not be visible. The arc of exterior blade surface 278 in the width dimension may be defined by a first radius R1. The arc of interior blade surface 280 in the width dimension may be defined by a second radius R2. The first radius may be different from the second radius.
Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8C, different views of the first side attachment member 214 are illustrated. The second side attachment member 228 may be a mirror image of the first side attachment member 214. FIG. 8A is a side view. FIG. 8B is a cross section view taken along the line 8B-8B′ in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is a top view.
Referring now to FIG. 9, an exemplary box scraper 100 with grader blade attachment 200, being pulled by the vehicle 172 in a raised position is illustrated in a side perspective view. Different box scrapers 100 may have different dimensions. A grader blade attachment 200 which fits one box scraper 100 may not fit another box scraper 100. The elongated blade attachment member 206 may include an adjustment mechanism 300 at one or both of the first end 248 and the second end 250. The adjustment mechanism 300 may adjust the distance between the first side plate 214 and the second side plate 228 such that the grader blade attachment 200 fits the box scraper 100. Many types of adjustment mechanisms are known in the art, including mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, electronic, or a combination of said. Some are manual, some automatic, and some semi-automatic. All adjustment mechanism known in the art which would adjust the distance between the first side plate 214 and the second side plate 228 such that the grader blade attachment 200 fits the box scraper 100 are contemplated by the invention. An exemplary adjustment mechanism 300 is illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B.
An optional elongated opening 132 is illustrated. As the second grader blade 208 cuts the surface the box scraper is pulled over, material may collect in the interior 104 of the box scraper 100. The elongated opening 132 may allow the material to fall out of the interior 104 more quickly. A door assembly 400 as shown in FIG. 13 may open and close the elongated opening 132 to the exterior 106.
Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, an exemplary adjustment mechanism 300 is illustrated in schematic views. The adjustment mechanism may include a first hollow cylindrical member 302 and a second hollow cylindrical member 308. One or both of the first end 248 and the second end 250 of the elongated blade attachment member 206 may be fixedly attached to the first hollow cylindrical member 302. The first hollow cylindrical member 302 may be radially symmetrical around an axis, and have an interior diameter D1. The first hollow cylindrical member 302 may include an interior surface 304, an exterior surface 306, and a first end 318. A primary channel 314 may be cut into the first hollow cylindrical member 302 from the first end 318. Multiple secondary channels 316 may branch from the primary channel 314 at points equidistant from each other. The points may be a distance D3 from each other. The secondary channels 316 may be perpendicular to the primary channel 314.
One or both of the first side plate 214 and the second side plate 228 may be fixedly attached to a second hollow cylindrical member 308. The second hollow cylindrical member 308 may be radially symmetrical around an axis, and have an exterior diameter D2. D2 may be a small amount less than D1. The second hollow cylindrical member 308 may include an exterior surface 310, and a second end 320. The second hollow cylindrical member 308 may include two or more protrusions 312 protruding from the exterior surface 310 in an axial line. The two or more protrusions 312 may be spaced at a distance D4 from each other. D4 may be substantially equal to D3, or a multiple of D3.
The second hollow cylindrical member 308 may be inserted into the first hollow cylindrical member 302 with the protrusions 312 in the primary channel 314. One or both of the second hollow cylindrical member 308 and first hollow cylindrical member 302 may be rotated such that the protrusions 312 slide into secondary channels 316 and are secured. Which secondary channels 316 the protrusions slide into may determine the distance between the first side plate 214 and the second side plate 228.
Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11C, an exemplary second embodiment of first and second skid members 254266 is illustrated. FIG. 11A illustrates a side attachment member 202204 attached to an alternative embodiment of a skid member 254266 in a side perspective view. FIG. 11B illustrates a top view of the skid member 254266 of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11C illustrates a side view of the skid member 254266 of FIG. 11A.
Referring now to FIG. 12, an exemplary box scraper 100 with a grader blade attachment 200 being pulled by a vehicle 172 is illustrated in a side perspective view. The box scraper 100 is grading a path 174 and moving material 176. The box scraper 100 with the grader blade attachment 200 may ride on skid members 254266 with the second cutting edge 210 below the bottom surfaces of the skid members 254266. The second cutting edge 210 cuts material 176 which moves into the interior 104 of the frame 102. The first cutting edge 136 then cuts material again. The resulting path may be much improved from running the box scraper 100 without grader blade attachment 200.
Referring now to FIG. 13, an exemplary box scraper 100 with a grader blade attachment 200 being pulled by a vehicle 172 is illustrated in a side perspective view. The box scraper 100 is grading a path 174 and moving material 176. In this embodiment the box scraper may have the optional elongated opening 132 in the back wall 108. A door assembly 400 may open and close access to the elongated opening 132. A door 402 may be rotatably connected above the elongated opening 132 with a hinge 404. Locking mechanisms 406 may selectively hold the door 404 open to allow material 176 to move through the elongated opening 132. The door 402 may be actuated manually, or may have a mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, electronic, or other automatic or semiautomatic actuator. The locking mechanism 406 may be engaged manually, automatically, or semi-automatically. A user input (not shown) may allow an operator of the vehicle 172 to actuate the door.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
Patent Application
20170292244
