EXTENSION ADJUSTING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A screed apparatus including a main screed having a frame, a screed extension, and an extension apparatus configured to mount the screed extension to the main screed. The extension apparatus includes a first mounting member configured to mount to the main screed and to be movable along a first axis with respect to the main screed. A second mounting member is pivotably mounted to the first mounting member and is configured to pivot between a first orientation and a second orientation about a second axis with respect to the first mounting member. A third mounting member is mounted to the second member and is configured to mount to the screed extension. The third mounting member is further configured to be movable along a third axis with respect to the second mounting member while the second mounting member is in the first orientation or second orientation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to paving machine extensions. More particularly, the invention relates to paving machine extension adjustment assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A paving machine can be used in the laying of bituminous roadway mat. The typical paving machine employs a screed assembly (sometimes referred to as a floating screed) for spreading and compressing a bituminous material to form a smooth surfaced roadway mat. The screed assembly typically has a set of screed extensions, slidingly attached to a main body of the screed assembly (herein referred to as a main screed), that allow an operator to control or select a width of the screed assembly. These screed extensions are typically connected to a linear power source (e.g., a bi-directional hydraulic cylinder or other similar activator), which is selectively operable in response to controls disposed at an operator control station. This permits the operator to control the position of the screed extensions in response to changing requirements as the paving machine progresses. For example, this permits the operator to accommodate obstacles in the path of the paving machine (e.g., sewer drains, manhole covers, and/or the like) and also permits overwidth paving of the road surface to accommodate roadway features (e.g., driveway entrances, tie-ins, and/or the like). The screed assembly can be a rear mount screed assembly (i.e., a screed assembly in which the screed extensions are mounted behind the main screed relative to the direction of travel of the paving machine) or a front mount screed assembly (i.e., a screed assembly in which the screed extensions are mounted in front of the main screed relative to the direction of travel of the paving machine).

With initial reference to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a conventional extension apparatus 100 in use with a screed assembly 102, having a main screed 104 and a screed extension 106. Extension apparatus 100 enables the screed extension 106 to move laterally with respect to main screed 104 between a retracted or first position LR and an extended or second position LE. However, extension apparatus 100 constrains movement of the screed extension 106 to horizontal movement along axis A1 only. Thus, movement of screed extension 106 is either laterally towards or laterally away from main screed 104. Conventionally, extension apparatus 100 utilizes two or more independent, telescoping extension rods 108 that are not linked together. Since rods 108 are not linked together, they are not sufficiently stiff and rigid, especially in the extended second position LE. As a result, the disposition (e.g. position, stability, angle, etc.) of apparatus 100 and screed extension 106, may vary as main screed 104 moves and undesirable extension flex or other movement may occur.

Conventional extension apparatuses, such as apparatus 100, also have two or more independent height adjustment mechanisms 110 for vertically positioning and angling of a screed 112 mounted to screed extension 106. When apparatus 100 is in use, screed extension 106 is first positioned at the correct lateral position with respect to main screed 104. Next, screed 112 is lowered and angled by height adjustment mechanisms 110 to the correct vertical height and angle. However, this vertical positioning and angling is only acceptable for a specific lateral position. If a new lateral position is utilized, the vertical position and angle would change. For example, with reference to FIG. 2, a screed 112 is shown that has been correctly positioned and angled when rods 106 are in first position LR, such that the screed 112 contacts ground surface S. However, with reference to FIG. 3, as rods 108 are moved to second position LE, screed extension 106 is moved horizontally outwards away from main screed 104 and screed 112 no longer contacts ground surface S. Therefore, when using conventional extension apparatuses, such as apparatus 100, the positioning of screed 112 must be corrected using height adjustment mechanisms 110 every time rods 108 are moved.

Therefore, what is needed is an extension apparatus that would enable equipment, such as a screed extension, to be mounted to a frame, such as a main screed, and to be correctly oriented with respect to a surface, such as a ground surface, at multiple lateral positions without requiring adjustment of the position or orientation of the equipment.

Notes on Construction

The use of the terms “a”, “an”, “the” and similar terms in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The terms “substantially”, “generally” and other words of degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variation from the characteristic so modified. The use of such terms in describing a physical or functional characteristic of the invention is not intended to limit such characteristic to the absolute value which the term modifies, but rather to provide an approximation of the value of such physical or functional characteristic.

Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected”, refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both moveable and rigid attachments or relationships, unless specified herein or clearly indicated by context. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.

The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., “such as” and “preferably”) herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and the preferred embodiment thereof, and not to place a limitation on the scope of the invention. Nothing in the specification should be construed as indicating any element as essential to the practice of the invention unless so stated with specificity.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above and other needs are met by an extension apparatus configured to mount equipment to a frame. The extension apparatus includes a first mounting member, a second mounting member, and a third mounting member. The first mounting member is configured to mount to the frame and to be movable with respect to the frame along a first axis. The second mounting member is pivotably mounted to the first mounting member and is configured to pivot between a first orientation and a second orientation with respect to the first mounting member about a second axis. In preferred embodiments, the first axis is orthogonal to the second axis. In some embodiments, a disposable wear member is removably located between the first mounting member and the second mounting member. The third mounting member is mounted to the second member and is configured to mount to the equipment. The third mounting member is further configured to be movable with respect to the second mounting member between an extended position and a retracted position along a third axis.

In certain embodiments, a rigid elongate rail is oriented in a direction parallel with the first axis and is inserted through the first mounting member. The rail has opposing ends including at least one end that is fixedly mounted to the frame such that the first mounting member may slide along the rail. An arrest is configured to mount to the frame and to engage the first mounting member in order to move the first mounting member along the rai. The arrest is also configured to fixedly hold the first mounting member at a selected one of at least two positions along the rail. In some embodiments, the arrest is a screw configured to be inserted through a threaded receiver in order to provide infinitely adjustable positioning of the first mounting member along the rail.

The extension apparatus preferably includes a pivot center about which the second mounting member pivots with respect to the first mounting member. The pivot center is formed by an elongate first post extending away from the first mounting member along the second axis towards the second member. The first post is configured to be received in an opening in the second mounting member such that the second mounting member may be rotated around the first post. In certain embodiments, an elongate second post extends away from the first mounting member in a direction parallel with the second axis towards the second member. A receiving area is formed in the second mounting member, which receiving area is configured to receive the second post as the second mounting member pivots between a first orientation and a second orientation. Through an interaction between the second post and the receiving area, rotation of the second mounting member around the first post is limited to an arc of rotation Θ. In certain embodiments, the arc of rotation Θ is approximately 15 degrees.

According to certain embodiments, the extension apparatus includes a pair of slideblocks, each having a receiver slot, that are fixedly mounted to the second mounting member. A pair of rigid elongate rails is located on the third mounting member. One rail of the third mounting member is slidably engaged with each of the receiver slots to enable the third mounting member to slide along the third axis between the extended position and the retracted position. In certain embodiments, an actuator moves the third mounting member along the third axis between the extended position and the retracted position.

In certain embodiments, the first mounting member further includes a first portion configured to fixedly mount to the frame and a second portion configured to be movable with respect to the frame and the first portion of the first mounting member along a first axis. The second portion is further configured to be fixed at a selected one of two or more positions along the first axis. The second mounting member is pivotably mounted to the second portion of the first mounting member. In preferred embodiments, the third mounting member is configured to be movable along the third axis with respect to the second mounting member while the second mounting member is in the first orientation or the second orientation.

In order to facilitate an understanding of the invention, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as well as the best mode known by the inventor for carrying out the invention, are illustrated in the drawings, and a detailed description thereof follows. It is not intended, however, that the invention be limited to the particular embodiments described or to use in connection with the apparatus illustrated herein. Therefore, the scope of the invention contemplated by the inventor includes all equivalents of the subject matter described herein, as well as various modifications and alternative embodiments such as would ordinarily occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as seem to them appropriate, including the practice of the invention otherwise than as specifically described herein. In addition, any combination of the elements and components of the invention described herein in any possible variation is encompassed by the invention, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly excluded by context.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The presently preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGS. 1-3 depict a conventional extension apparatus used on a main screed and screed extension that permits only horizontal movement of the screed extension with respect to the main screed;

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict an extension apparatus according to the present invention used on a main screed and screed extension that provides horizontal and rotational movement of the screed extension with respect to the main screed;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of an extension apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the extension apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a detail view of a first mounting member;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are rear elevation views depicting the extension apparatus of FIG. 6 in an extended non-rotated and extended rotated configuration, respectively;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are front elevation views depicting the extension apparatus of FIG. 6 in an extended non-rotated and extended rotated configuration, respectively;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a screed apparatus having screed extensions mounted to left-hand and right-hand sides of a main screed via separate extension apparatuses according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 15 and 16 are rear elevation views of the right-hand side of the screed apparatus of FIG. 14 in a non-extended rotated and extended rotated configuration, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is illustrated extension apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention in use in connection with screed apparatus 202 having main screed 204 and screed extension 206. Like extension apparatus 100 described above and shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, screed extension 206 is laterally movable between retracted or first position LR and extended or second position LE via extension apparatus 200 along axis A1. However, unlike extension apparatus 100, movement provided by extension apparatus 200 to screed extension 206 is not constrained to horizontal-only movement; rather, the extension apparatus is configured to rotate with respect to the main screed such that the screed extension may move between first position LR and second position LE while, at the same time, being rotated with respect to the main screed. As such, screed extension 206 may travel laterally away from main screed 204 along axis A2, which is rotationally offset from axis A1 (by approximately 15 degrees in the illustrated case). Advantageously, combining lateral movement with rotation enables screed extension 206 to remain in contact with ground surface S in multiple lateral positions, including in first position LR and second position LE, without requiring vertical or angular adjustments.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, there is provided an extension apparatus 300 that is configured to mount equipment 302 to a frame 304 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 300 generally includes a first mounting member 306, second mounting member 308, and third mounting member 310. First mounting member 306 is configured to mount to the frame 304 and at least a portion of first mounting member is configured to be movable along axis A3. Second mounting member 308 is pivotably mounted to the first mounting member 306 and is configured to pivot about axis A4 with respect to the first mounting member. As such, in the illustrated embodiment, second mounting member 308 may pivot upwards and downwards about a horizontal axis A4. Preferably, axis A3 is orthogonal (i.e., separated by 90 degrees) to axis A4. Therefore, in preferred embodiments, second mounting member 308 can be moved vertically along axis A3 and also rotated about a horizontal axis A4. Third mounting member 310 is mounted to the second member 308 and is configured to mount to equipment 302. Third mounting member 310 is configured to be movable along axis A5 with respect to the second mounting member between an extended position and a retracted position. Thus, equipment 302 (e.g., a screed extension) mounted to a frame 304 (e.g., a portion of a main screed) via extension apparatus 300 may be laterally translated along axis A5 and translated vertically along axis A3 while, at the same time, being rotated about axis A4.

With continued reference to FIG. 8 and with further reference to FIG. 9 (which is an elevation view of an opposite side of the first mounting member 306 from the side shown in FIG. 8) first mounting member includes a first portion 312 that is configured to fixedly mount to frame 304. In this particular case, first portion 312 is a rigid elongate guide rail that is oriented in a direction parallel with axis A3, so first portion may be referred to interchangeably throughout this description as a “rail”. Ends 314 of the rail 312 are fixedly mounted to frame 304 by bolts 316 that pass through the frame and are threaded into the ends of the rails. First mounting member 306 also includes a second portion 318, which may also be referred to interchangeably through this description as a “vertical box”, which is configured to be movable with respect to rail 312 and frame 304. In this particular case, vertical box 318 includes vertical side plates 320 joined to two spaced apart and horizontal shelves 322 that extend between the side plates. Lastly, a rear plate 324 forms the back of the vertical box 318. Shelves 322 are provided with vertically-aligned openings 326 (FIG. 8) that are sized to slidably receive rails 312, such that vertical box 318 may slide vertically upwards and downwards (in this particular embodiment) along axis A3 (FIG. 6).

To control the vertical movement of vertical box 318 with respect to rails 312, first mounting member 306 is preferably also provided with an arrest 328. Arrest 328 is configured to mount to the frame 304 and to engage the vertical box 318 and to move the vertical box along the rails 312. Arrest is further configured to fixedly hold the vertical box 318 at one of several selected positions along the rails 312. In this particular embodiment, the arrest 328 is screw that is oriented in a direction parallel with axis A3 (i.e. vertically, as shown in FIG. 9) and is parallel with the rails 312. The arrest 328 is inserted through threaded receiver 330 in order to provide infinitely adjustable positioning of the first mounting member along the rail. In this particular case, threaded receiver 330 is attached to vertical box 318 as a separate component. However, in other cases, threaded receiver 330 could be a threaded opening formed in the vertical box 318. Arrests 328 may be turned manually to adjust the height of vertical box 318 with respect to rails 312. Preferably, arrests 328 are turned simultaneously by a computer controlled motor-driven sprocket system 332.

As discussed above, the second mounting member 308 is pivotably mounted to the first mounting member 306 and is configured to pivot about axis A4 (FIG. 6) with respect to the first mounting member. Accordingly, axis A4 provides a pivot center about which the second mounting member 308 pivots with respect to first mounting member 306. With continued reference to FIG. 8 and with further reference to FIGS. 10-13, in this particular embodiment, to provide this pivoting attachment, rear plate 324 of vertical box 318 is provided with a post 334 that extends towards second mounting member 308 along axis A4. This post 334 passes through an opening 336 formed in rear plate 337 of second mounting member 308. A bushing is placed around post 334 to facilitate rotation and then the post 334 is fixed with a washer and bolt, which is threaded into an end of the post. Additionally, in certain embodiments, a disposable wear member 338 is removably located between first mounting member 306 and second mounting member 308.

In certain embodiments, an actuating device, such as a hydraulic cylinder, is mounted to one of the first or second mounting members 306, 308 to provide rotation about post 334. In preferred embodiments, the actuating device rotates second mounting member 308 about post 334. Actuation may also be accomplished manually. For example, a turnbuckle or other similar device may be attached between the first and second mounting members 306, 308 and used to provide rotation about post 334. In certain embodiments, a stop is provided to limit the range of rotation. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, additional posts 340 extending away from rear plate 324 of vertical box 318 are inserted through slots 342 located in rear plate 337 of second mounting member 308. Posts 340 are fixed with a washer and bolt that is threaded into an end of each post. Slots 342 are curved with the center of curvature being located along axis A4 in order to facilitate rotation of second mounting member 308 with respect to first mounting member 306. In other embodiments, slots 342 are replaced with a receiving area, such as stops (e.g., plates or bars), located on second mounting member 308 that interact with posts 340 and limit rotation of second mounting member with respect to first mounting member 306. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, second mounting member 308 rotates with respect to first mounting member 306, between a first orientation and second orientation, in a limited arc of rotation Θ. In certain embodiments, arc of rotation Θ has a maximum of approximately 15 degrees. Thus, in the first orientation, third mounting member 310 translates along axis A5. However, by rotating second mounting member 308 about post 334, third mounting member 310 may also be translated along a different axis A5′.

In the illustrated embodiment, third mounting member 310 includes a pair of rigid elongate rails 344 that are rigidly connected together with connecting member 346 and end 347 disposed between them. An outward-facing surface of connecting member 346 provides a mounting surface 348 configured for mounting equipment 302 (FIG. 7) to third mounting member 310. Opposite-facing rails 344 are configured to be slidably engaged with each of a receiver slot 350 of slideblocks 352. Slideblocks 352 are configured to be mounted into upper and lower shelves 354 that extend from rear plate 337 of second mounting member 308, where they remain fixed as the rails 344 slide through slideblock 352 and carry third mounting member 310 along axis A5 (FIG. 6) between the extended position and the retracted position. Preferably, an actuator 356 moves the third mounting member along the third axis between an extended position and a retracted position. Preferably, an inward-facing surface of connecting member 346 provides a receiving channel 358 for receiving at least a portion of actuator 356 in order to make the overall footprint of apparatus 300 more compact. Actuator 356 is preferably fixedly mounted to a mounting area located between rear plate 337 and the mounting location of slideblocks 354 on shelves 354. In the illustrated embodiment, standoff 360 extending from rear plate 337 provides a mounting location for actuator 356.

Lastly, with reference to FIG. 14, there is provided a screed apparatus 400 having a main screed 402, a left-hand screed extension 404A and a right-hand screed extension 404B and that is configured to proceed in processing direction D. Preferably, a separate, independently-operated extension apparatus 300 mounts each of the screed extensions 404A, 404B to the main screed 402. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, unlike apparatus 100 (FIGS. 2 and 3), extension apparatus 300 enables screed extension 404B to be extended laterally away from main screed 402 along rotated axis A5′. Advantageously, this enables screed extension 404B to maintain the desired height and angular orientation (i.e., screed remains in contact with ground surface S) throughout the lateral translation process without requiring further adjustment.

Although this description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments thereof, as well as the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the invention. The invention, as described and claimed herein, is susceptible to various modifications and adaptations as would be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention relates.

Claims

1. An extension apparatus configured to mount equipment to a frame, the extension apparatus comprising: a first mounting member configured to mount to the frame and to be movable with respect to the frame along a first axis;a second mounting member pivotably mounted to the first mounting member and configured to pivot between a first orientation and a second orientation with respect to the first mounting member about a second axis;a third mounting member mounted to the second member and configured to mount to the equipment and configured to be movable with respect to the second mounting member between an extended position and a retracted position along a third axis.

2. The extension apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a rigid elongate rail oriented in a direction parallel with the first axis and inserted through the first mounting member, the rail having opposing ends including at least one end that is fixedly mounted to the frame such that the first mounting member may slide along the rail; andan arrest configured to mount to the frame and to engage the first mounting member and to move the first mounting member along the rail and to fixedly hold the first mounting member at a selected one of at least two positions along the rail.

3. The extension apparatus of claim 2 wherein the arrest comprises a screw configured to be inserted through a threaded receiver in order to provide infinitely adjustable positioning of the first mounting member along the rail.

4. The extension apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first axis is orthogonal to the second axis.

5. The extension apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pivot center about which the second mounting member pivots with respect to the first mounting member, the pivot center formed by an elongate first post extending away from the first mounting member along the second axis towards the second member, the first post configured to be received in an opening in the second mounting member such that the second mounting member may be rotated around the first post.

6. The extension apparatus of claim 5 further comprising: an elongate second post extending away from the first mounting member in a direction parallel with the second axis towards the second member; anda receiving area formed in the second mounting member that is configured to receive the second post as the second mounting member pivots between a first orientation and a second orientation,wherein, through an interaction between the second post and the receiving area, rotation of the second mounting member around the first post is limited to an arc of rotation Θ.

7. The extension apparatus of claim 6 wherein arc of rotation Θ is approximately 15 degrees.

8. The extension apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pivot center about which the second mounting member pivots with respect to the first mounting member through a range-limited arc of rotation Θ.

9. The extension apparatus of claim 8 wherein arc of rotation Θ is approximately 15 degrees.

10. The extension apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a pair of slideblocks fixedly mounted to the second mounting member, each slideblock having a receiver slot; anda pair of rigid elongate rails disposed on the third mounting member, wherein one rail of the third mounting member is slidably engaged with each of the receiver slots to enable the third mounting member to slide along the third axis between the extended position and the retracted position.

11. The extension apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a disposable wear member removably disposed between first mounting member and the second mounting member.

12. The extension apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an actuator configured to move the third mounting member along the third axis between an extended position and a retracted position.

13. The extension apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first mounting member further comprises a first portion configured to fixedly mount to the frame and a second portion configured to be movable with respect to the frame and the first portion of the first mounting member along a first axis and further configured to be fixed at a selected one of two or more positions along the first axis, wherein the second mounting member is pivotably mounted to the second portion of the first mounting member.

14. The extension apparatus of claim 1 wherein the third mounting member is configured to be movable along the third axis with respect to the second mounting member while the second mounting member is in the first orientation or the second orientation.

15. An extension apparatus configured for use in a screed assembly to mount a screed extension to a main screed, the apparatus comprising: a first mounting member having a first portion configured to fixedly mount to the main screed and a second portion configured to be movable with respect to the main screed and the first portion of the first mounting member along a first axis and further configured to be fixed at a selected one of two or more positions along the first axis;a second mounting member pivotably mounted to the second portion of the first mounting member at a pivot center and configured to pivot through a range-limited arc of rotation Θ about a second axis passing through the pivot center between a first orientation and a second orientation, wherein the second mounting member is pivotably mounted to the second portion of the first mounting member;a rigid elongate third mounting member slidably mounted to the second member and configured to slide along a third axis with respect to the second mounting member while the second mounting member is in the first orientation or second orientation; anda mounting surface disposed on the third mounting member configured to mount to the screed extension.

16. A screed apparatus comprising: a main screed having a frame;a screed extension;an extension apparatus configured to mount the screed extension to the main screed, the extension apparatus comprising: a first mounting member configured to mount to the main screed and to be movable along a first axis with respect to the main screed;a second mounting member pivotably mounted to the first mounting member and configured to pivot between a first orientation and a second orientation about a second axis with respect to the first mounting member;a third mounting member mounted to the second member and configured to mount to the screed extension and configured to be movable along a third axis with respect to the second mounting member while the second mounting member is in the first orientation or second orientation.

17. The screed apparatus of claim 16 further comprising: a first screed extension mounted to a first side of the main screed via a first extension apparatus; anda second screed extension mounted to a second side of the main screed via a second extension apparatus.

18. The screed apparatus of claim 17 wherein operation of the first extension apparatus is independent of operation of the second extension apparatus.