Patent Application
20220178089
This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, U.S. application Ser. No. 17/007,931 filed on Aug. 31, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/254,451, filed on Jan. 22, 2019, that issued on Sep. 1, 2020 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,760,227, both of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates generally to power floats or flotation machines for smoothing and compacting poured concrete prior to finishing. More specifically, the invention relates to a flotation machine having a support structure dedicated to interface with a float pan.
Floating is a well-known construction technique used during the process of finishing a newly poured concrete surface. Floating describes the act of passing a flat tool over and downward against a leveled slab of concrete to remove surface imperfections, flatten the surface, and compact the concrete to sink the aggregate and bring water to the surface.
Float tools, or floats, may be designed for manual or power operation. Manual floats are typically used on concrete pours over relatively small areas, such as in residential construction. A manual float typically includes a rectangular surface made of wood, or of metal such as aluminum, magnesium, or steel. Power floats are used for larger pours. A power float is a device powered by an engine or motor that rotates float blades or a float pan. Float blades and float pans are typically made of abrasion-resistant steel. The weight of the power trowel itself provides the downward force necessary to achieve the desired floating effect. One type of power float is a walk-behind power trowel fitted with float blades or combination (float and finishing) blades. Another type of power float is achieved by fitting a ride-on trowel with a float pan accessory that attaches underneath the finishing blades of each trowel, so that the float pans support the trowel and operator above the surface of the concrete while rotating to both smooth the concrete and propel the trowel along its surface.
When using a ride-on trowel as a flotation machine, certain difficulties can arise from retro-fitting a power trowel to function as a power float. The rotor blades of a power trowel are designed primarily for finishing a concrete surface—not for supporting a float pan—and thus the rotor blades provide an imperfect interface. As a result, the float pan can be difficult to center when fitting it to the rotor blades, and if installed off-center, can cause undesirable movement of the trowel or pan during operation. Even when the float pan is properly centered, the ride-on trowel, which can weigh in excess of 2500 lbs, when pressing rotor blades against the float pan can form nonplanar areas on the float pan that cause grooves or furrows in the concrete surface. These must be smoothed over by additional passage of the float pan, or by another power float. Repeated use of a poorly fit float pan can also reduce its the useful life.
What is needed is an advancement in power float design, dedicated to perfecting the floating process itself, that preserves a desired shape of a float plan during power operation.
The present invention provides an engineered solution for overcoming the aforesaid problems in prior power flotation machines. According to the invention, an advanced power flotation machine provides a specialized pan support structure as a direct mechanical interface between the rotor and the float pan. Such a machine can be operated exclusively as a flotation machine, without intermediate attachment of the float pan to trowel blades. Advantageously, the specialized pan support structure when under load conforms the shape of the float pan to an optimal, desired shape during concrete floating operations.
In one embodiment of the invention, a support structure for a float pan includes a hub having a rotational axis and configured for concentric attachment to a rotor. A plurality of trusses extend radially from the hub, each truss having a float pan contact surface, and one or more of the trusses includes a means for attachment to the float pan. The support structure is further strengthened by perimetric bracing that links two or more of the trusses, and preferably all of the trusses.
The hub of the support structure may further incorporate a flange positioned concentrically with respect to the rotational axis, and a truss attachment surface displaced radially from the axis along a perimeter of the flange. The flange in one embodiment forms a planar surface normal to the axis, and the truss attachment surface extends perpendicularly from the planar surface of the flange to provide sufficient area for attaching the trusses at their proximal ends. In another embodiment, the truss attachment surface is cylindrical in form and entirely encloses the flange. In a more elaborate embodiment, the hub may define a centering hole configured to receive a centering bracket mounted on a float pan, so that the centering hole while receiving the centering bracket will urge the float pan into concentric alignment with the support structure.
In another embodiment, the support structure includes one or more trusses that each consist of a pair of truss arms. In this arrangement, the pair of truss arms may be connected together at a distal end of the truss that is formed by the truss arm pair. Preferably, the plurality of trusses, or truss arm pairs, are angularly spaced about the axis of the hub at regular intervals. An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes eight trusses, each angularly spaced from an adjacent truss by 45 degrees.
According to the invention, to conform the shape of a float pan under load, the float pan contact surface of each truss may have a form identical to the float pan contact surface of every other truss. Various forms of float pan contact surfaces are possible. The float pan contact surface may be substantially fully flat. The float pan contact surface may be substantially fully curved in a radial direction. The float pan contact surface may be partially flat in a radial direction and partially curved in the radial direction. When fully or partially curved, the curve of a float pan contact surface may conform to a desired radius of curvature. In any one of the foregoing examples, the float pan contact surface of one or more of the trusses may, at its proximal end, be recessed from the float pan contact surface in an axial direction. One or more of the trusses may also include, at its distal end, a notch configured for engaging the perimetric bracing.
Another embodiment of the invention provides a machine for floating a concrete surface. The machine includes a rigid frame adapted to be disposed over the concrete surface, means attached to the rigid frame for providing motive power to the machine, a rotatable rotor assembly attached to the rigid frame and configured for converting the motive power into rotational motion, and a float pan support structure. The float pan support structure is rotatably coupled to the rotor assembly and configured for rotatable attachment to a float pan. The float pan has a conformable shape configured to frictionally contact the concrete surface and support the rigid frame thereabove, and the support structure is configured for conforming the shape of the float pan. The float pan support structure may further include a specialized hub. The hub has a rotational axis and is configured for concentric attachment to the rotor assembly. plurality of trusses extends radially from the hub, each truss has a float pan contact surface, and one or more of the trusses includes means for attachment to the float pan. Perimetric bracing links two or more of the trusses, and preferably all of the trusses. According to the invention, the support structure may be configured to conform the conformable shape of the float pan to any of various shapes, such as substantially fully flat, substantially fully curved in a radial direction, and partially flat in the radial direction and partially curved in the radial direction.
In another embodiment of the support structure for the float pan, there is a plurality of trusses extending radially from the hub. The hub has a rotational axis and is configured for concentric attachment to a rotor. Preferably, there is a plurality of first and second trusses each having a radial length. In a preferred embodiment, the radial length of the second trusses is greater or less than the radial length of the first trusses. Each of the first and second trusses have a hub attachment end and a planar contact surface extending radially from the hub. In a preferred embodiment, the planar contact surface of at least one of the first or second trusses is less than the total radial length of the truss.
The first and second trusses may be positioned in an alternating angular sequence about the hub. Preferably, the first and second trusses are angularly spaced at regular intervals about the hub. However, alternative sequences and spacing may also be used. In one embodiment, the float pan support structure has a total of four of the first trusses and four of the second trusses. However, alternative combinations of first and second trusses may also be used.
The support structure further includes at least one mounting plate. Preferably, there is a plurality of mounting plates. Each mounting plate is configured for attachment between the float pan and the planar contact surface of one of the trusses. Preferably, the mounting plate has a surface area greater than the surface area of the planar contact surface of any of the first and second trusses, to distribute force between the support structure and the float pan across a wider surface area. The mounting plate may have a generally rectangular shape.
In a preferred embodiment, the location of attachment of each mounting plate to a planar contact surface is adjustable in a radial direction. Accordingly, the planar contact surface of one or more of the first and second trusses may define at least one mounting hole, and preferably a plurality of radially displaced mounting holes, wherein each mounting hole is configured for the adjustable attachment of the mounting plate.
In another embodiment, a support structure according to the invention further includes at least one truss beam configured to link two or more trusses. Preferably, the truss beam links one of the first trusses to one of the second trusses. The truss beam can have an attachment arm that extends substantially radially with respect to the hub. The attachment arm is radially separated from the hub and is configured to attach the truss beam to a mounting bracket on the float pan. In alternative embodiments, the float pan may include a plurality of mounting brackets. The truss beam can have a forked arm for attachment to one truss and a singular arm for attachment to an adjacent truss.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the invention. Dimensions shown are exemplary only. In the drawings, like reference numerals may designate like parts throughout the different views, wherein:
The present invention discloses an innovation for power flotation machine. A power flotation machine according to the invention provides a specialized pan support structure as a direct mechanical interface between rotor and float pan. Such a machine can be operated exclusively as a flotation machine, without intermediate attachment of the float pan to trowel blades. Advantageously, the specialized pan support structure when under load conforms the shape of the float pan to an optimal, desired shape during concrete floating operations. The invention may be applied to both walk-behind and ride-on machines. For purposes of illustration only, the invention is described herein in the context of a ride-on embodiment.
Machine 10 is designed for floating a concrete surface. Machine 10 includes a rigid frame 18 that is adapted to be disposed over a planar concrete surface, and that provides structural support for all components of the machine. Machine 10 includes means attached to the rigid frame 18 for providing motive power to said machine, such as an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a battery, hydraulic drives, or any combination of the foregoing. Machine 10 also includes at least one but preferably two rotatable rotors 14 that are each attached to the rigid frame 18 and configured for converting the motive power into rotational motion. Machine 10 may include a protective cagework 20 that is attached to the rigid frame 18 and disposed over and about a portion of each pan support structure 12. For illustrative purposes only, cagework 20 is omitted from
The number of trusses 30 that compose the plurality can vary. In the embodiment disclosed herein, a total of eight trusses 30 are shown as an example. The trusses 30 are shown angularly spaced about the axis 28 of the hub 22 at regular intervals, i.e. each truss 30 is angularly offset from an adjacent truss 30 by 45 degrees. Where the trusses 30 are spaced at regular intervals, the angular offset will be a function of the total number of trusses. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that trusses 30 may be spaced at irregular intervals, or at a combination of regular and irregular intervals. For example, an alternative embodiment of a float pan support structure 12 may have a total of six trusses 30, with a first set of three trusses on one half of the support structure and a second set of three trusses on the other half of the support structure, directly opposite the first set of three trusses, wherein the middle truss of each set is spaced from its two adjacent trusses by alpha degrees and from the one opposite middle truss by 180 degrees. Each of the other two trusses in a set is spaced from its two adjacent trusses by alpha degrees and by (180−2*alpha) degrees. Skilled artisans will recognize that there are many different configurations, using different spacing angles and different numbers of trusses, for angular spacing plural trusses 30 about the axis 28 of the hub 22 without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also possible to replace the plural trusses with a singular support, in circular, conical, or spherical form, that spans from hub 22 to the perimeter of the support structure 12; however such as design has the disadvantage of adding excessive weight to the assembly and adding unnecessarily to manufacturing costs.
Referring again to
In another embodiment of the invention, one or more of the trusses 30 may each comprise a pair of truss arms, 30a and 30b, as shown in the figures, Each pair of truss arms 30a-30b may be identical in form, but if not identical are preferably similar in form. For any pair of truss arms 30a-30b, at the proximal end each truss arm of the pair may be angularly spaced from the other truss arm of the pair, while their distal ends be attached together, so that each pair of truss arms 30a-30b forms a triangular wedge. Where the distal ends come together, the truss arms 30a-30b may be welded together or attached by other means such as conventional fasteners.
Whether a truss 30 consists of a singular arm, or a pair of truss arms 30a-30b, the lower surface of the truss 30 provides a pan contact surface 45 that when pressed against a float pan 16, conforms the upper surface of the float pan 16 to the shape of the pan contact surface 45, This will be described in further detail below with reference to
The float pan support structure 12, comprising hub 22, trusses 30, and perimetric bracing 32, is configured for rotatable attachment to the float pan 16. Rotatable attachment means that support structure 12 is attachable to the float pan 16 so that when a rotor 12 of machine 10 rotates, the rotational power will be transmitted by the support structure to the float pan and cause the float pan to rotate cooperatively with the rotor. Preferably, the rotatable attachment of the support structure 12 to the float pan 16 enables both components to rotate at the same frequency and without slippage. In this respect, float pan support structure provides a cooperative connection interface between each float pan 16 and each rotor 12. During operation, the weight of machine 10, which can be in excess of 2500 lbs, presses the float pan 16 downward onto a concrete surface while rotating the float pan. The float pan 16 is formed from material such as aluminum, magnesium, or soft steel, into a conformable shape configured to frictionally contact the concrete surface and support the frame of machine 10 above the concrete surface. According to the invention, the float pan support structure 12 is configured for conforming the shape of the float pan 16 into a desired shape for optimizing a concrete floating process under these conditions.
In the exploded view of
When the float pan 16 is axially aligned with the support structure 12, the two components may be rotatably attached. Means for effecting such rotatable attachment may include one or more of a hole 36 defined through a truss 30, the truss itself, a pair of connecting brackets 38, and a fastener (not shown) such as a hex-head bolt and nut, or a cotter pin. For example, the rotatable attachment may be achieved by angularly aligning the support structure 12 and float pan 16 so that when engaged, two or more trusses 30 abut the surface of the float pan between a pair of connecting brackets 38. In one embodiment, spacing between any two brackets of a pair of connecting brackets 38 may be about 1.7 in., and there may be multiple pairs of connecting brackets, preferably angularly spaced to receive trusses 30. For example, each pair may be angularly spaced from an adjacent pair by about 90 degrees, as shown. Fasteners may be run through bolt holes in brackets 38 and through one or more holes 36 in a truss 30 to lock the float pan to the support structure. According to the invention, such rotatable attachment may allow a minor amount of shifting to occur between the support structure and float pan in the horizontal plane, so long as the float pan is attached in such a way to substantially maintain its cooperative alignment and rotation with the support structure.
In a more elegant embodiment of the invention, a support structure for a float pan may comprise a hub that is configured for concentric attachment directly to a rotor, and a means for attaching the hub directly to the float pan. Direct attachment between the hub and a rotor means that surfaces of the two attached components abut one another. In one implementation, the structure for the directly attaching means may comprise hardware such as brackets and fasteners attached to both the hub and the float pan that when fastened cause the direct attachment. in another implementation, the directly attaching means may comprise a magnetic force, provided by electromagnetic induction or by a. permanent magnet. The permanent magnet may be formed as an integral part of the hub, or the entire hub may be magnetized. In any of the foregoing embodiments for direct attachment between hub and float pan, the directly attaching means may be configured for concentrically aligning the float pan to the hub.
In an embodiment of a float pan not shown in the figures, a float pan may be formed along its perimeter with integral perimetric bracing. The integral perimetric bracing may be similar in form to perimetric bracing 32 shown and described herein. Alternatively, the integral perimetric bracing may be a circular (or other shaped) rim running along the upper perimeter of the float pan. Means for attaching trusses 30 to the integral perimetric bracing may be provided on the integral perimetric bracing itself, or on the distal ends of braces 30, or on both components. The structure of the attaching means should allow for convenient removal of the float pan, and may comprise slots, brackets, fasteners, cotter pins, alignments holes, or other locking or engagement devices. In any of these embodiments, the perimetric bracing 32 is absent from the float pan support structure 12.
The above description of the various embodiments of the present invention apply equally to the following description, except as otherwise indicated. It is understood that features common to all previously described embodiments apply equally to the following embodiments and thus will not be re-described below. Similarly, exemplary dimensions previously described may also be applied equally to the following description.
In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of trusses 202, 204 are of two different radial lengths. The first trusses 202 are of a first radial length L1. The second trusses 204 are of a second radial length L2. The second radial length L2 can be greater or less than the first radial length L1. In a preferred embodiment, L2 is approximately ¾ of L1. For example, if L1 is 30 inches than L2 is 22.5 inches (L2=L1×0.75). Skilled artisans will recognize that there are many other configurations of L1 and L2 using a different L1-coefficient to determine the radial length of L2 without departing from the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, trusses 202 and 204 may be substantially similar in size and shape.
The support structure 200 further comprises at least one mounting plate 206, 208. Preferably, there is one mounting plate per one truss. The mounting plates 206, 208 are configured to attach between the float pan 16 and the planar contact surface 224 or 228 of the trusses. Each of the mounting plates 206, 208 is configured to distribute the load supported by the trusses, or imparted by the trusses, across a surface area of the float pan 16 that is wider than the surface area of the planar contact surface 224 or 228 abutted by the mounting plate. In another embodiment, each of the mounting plates 206, 208 provides a surface area for contacting the float pan 16 that is greater than the surface area of the planar contact surface 224 or 228 of any of the trusses 202, 204. Preferably, for ease of manufacturing, a mounting plate 206 or 208 has a generally rectangular shape; however, other geometric shapes may also be used. Mounting plates 206 and 208 may be similar in size and shape, or may differ in size and shape.
In alternative embodiments, the configuration of the mounting plate 206 or 208 may be altered resulting in more or fewer mounting plates per truss without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, there may be a single mounting plate formed in a loop and configured to attach to all of the trusses 202, 204 of the support structure 200. In another embodiment, there may be one or more enlarged mounting plates each configured to attach to at least two trusses 202, 204. Other configurations are possible provided that a mounting plate provides a mating surface between a truss 202 or 204 and the top surface of the float pan 16 to achieve a load distribution for conforming the shape of the float pan 16 into a desired shape when the float pan 16 is under the load of a concrete forming machine.
As shown in
In the embodiments depicted herein, each of the trusses 202, 204 is configured to attach to a respective one of the mounting plates 206, 208. In a preferred embodiment, each of the first trusses 202 is configured to attach to a first mounting plate 206 and each of the second trusses 204 is configured to attach to a second mounting plate 208. Preferably, each of the mounting plates 206, 208 is configured to be adjustable in the radial direction with respect to the truss 202, 204 to which a mounting plate 206 or 208 is attached. The adjustability of the mounting plates allows an operator to configure the load distribution of the trusses to achieve a desired conformation of the shape of the float pan 16 when under load.
In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first trusses 202 has a pair of parallel truss arms 202a and 202b. The truss arms 202a and 202b are transversely connected by a flat planar bottom surface 203 that defines the planar contact surface 228 of each truss 202. In one embodiment, the bottom surface 203 is an integral part of the truss arm. The bottom surface 203 may have at least one radially displaced hole 210 configured to attach the planar contact surface 228 of the truss 202 to a mounting plate 206. Preferably, the bottom surface 203 has a plurality of radially displaced holes 210 configured to allow the mounting plate 206 to be attached to the planar contact surface 228 at multiple different radially displaced positions. In an embodiment having a plurality of radially displaced holes 210, the position of a mounting plate 206 with respect to a truss 202 may be adjusted along a radial direction by moving the mounting plate radially until locking hardware such as tabs 213 arranged on the top surface of the mounting plate engage a desired pair of holes 210.
One or more of the second trusses 204 may also have a pair of parallel truss arms 204a and 204b. The truss arms 204a and 204b may be separately or integrally connected by a flat planar bottom surface 205 that defines the planar contact surface 224 of each second truss 204. The bottom surface 205 may have at least one radially displaced hole 212 configured to attach the planar contact surface 224 of the truss 204 to a mounting plate 208. Preferably, the bottom surface 205 has a plurality of radially displaced holes 212 configured to allow the mounting plate 208 to be attached to the planar contact surface 224 at multiple different radially displaced positions. In an embodiment having a plurality of radially displaced holes 212, the position of a mounting plate 208 with respect to a truss 204 may be adjusted along a radial direction by moving the mounting plate radially until locking hardware such as tabs 213 arranged on the top surface of the mounting plate engage a desired pair of holes 212.
In another embodiment, attachment of the trusses 202, 204 to the mounting plates 206, 208 may be accomplished by conventional fastening means, for example, by using standard nuts and bolts or other fasteners. Where radial adjustability of the trusses is not desired, spot welding may be used to attach the trusses to the mounting plates. The plurality of holes provides one means for which the trusses are adjustable along the horizontal radial axis of the mounting plates. Other means of adjusting the trusses along the mounting plates may also be used. For example, the mounting plates may have a track that a truss attaches to and is moveable along. Alternatively, the trusses may be configured for snap-in engagement along the radial axis of the mounting plates, for example, by means of the locking tabs 213.
The truss arms of the first and second trusses 202, 204 may further be connected by at least one cross brace 230, 232. Alternatively, each of the trusses 202, 204 may have a plurality of cross braces 230 or 232. The cross braces 230, 232 connect the parallel truss arms of a first or second truss. Preferably, the cross braces 230, 232 connect the parallel truss arms of a first or second truss along at least a portion of the radial length of the respective truss. The cross braces 230, 232 are configured to strengthen the trusses. In an embodiment where the cross braces only extend along a portion of the radial length of the truss, the remaining radial length of the truss may be configured with an open face. The open face of a truss of this embodiment provides access to the mounting plate the truss is connected to. Access to the mounting plate through the open face of the truss can allow an operator to adjust the position of the mounting plate along the truss or conduct any necessary repairs to the mounting plate or truss.
At least one truss beam 214 is configured to link two trusses together. Preferably, the plurality of trusses 202, 204 are linked together by a plurality of truss beams 214. Preferably, each truss beam 214 connects a first truss 202 to a second truss 204, so that collectively the plurality of trusses is arranged in alternating angular sequence, as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a plurality of individual truss beams 214, and each truss beam 214 is configured to contribute to the overall integrity and material strength of the support structure 200. This design allows for the easy replacement or repair of individual truss beams, if needed. Alternatively, a truss beam 214 can be designed as a single, unitary piece that connects all the trusses. Whether the support structure 200 includes a system of truss beams 214 or a singular truss beam 214, the resulting truss beam structure cross-links the trusses 202, 204 together.
In one embodiment, each truss beam 214 generally has an “h” shape having a forked arm 218 and a singular arm 217. The truss beam 214 has an attachment arm 214a connecting the forked arm 218 with the singular arm 217. The attachment arm 214a is configured to extend substantially radially with respect to the hub.
In a preferred embodiment, a float pan support structure 200 according to the invention is configured to engage a float pan 16 by means of one or more brackets 216. A typical float pan 16 will include at least one such mounting bracket 216 that is radially separated from the hub 22. Each mounting bracket 216 is secured to the top surface of the float pan 16, for example, by spot welding, and is configured to securely attach the truss beam 214 of the support structure 200 to the float pan 16. Preferably, there is a plurality of mounting brackets 216 configured to attach the truss beam 214 to the float pan at multiple distinct locations. Each mounting bracket 216 is configured to receive the attachment arm 214a of the truss beam. Each mounting bracket 216 has a width that corresponds to the width of the attachment arm 214a of the truss beam. Similarly, each mounting bracket 216 has a length that corresponds to the length of the attachment arm 214a. Preferably, the angular displacement between each of the mounting brackets 216 is equal such that the locations of truss beam attachments are radially symmetrically arranged about the hub 22. The mounting brackets 216 are preferably displaced from the hub 22 in the radial direction. In one embodiment, there is at least one mounting bracket 216 for every two truss beams 214. In the illustrated embodiment, the float pan 16 has a mounting bracket for every other truss beam 214. In alternate embodiments, the float pan may have more or fewer mounting brackets.
The forked arm 218 of truss beam 214 is configured to attach to a first truss 202. In one embodiment, the first truss 202 may define a pair of mounting holes 219 configured for receiving the forked arm 218 of the truss beam 214. The mounting holes 219 may be formed in each of the truss arms 202a and 202b of the first truss such that connections of truss beams on either side of a first truss are symmetrical about a radial axis extending centrally along the truss. The forked arm 218 may be secured to the first truss 202 by spot welding at the mounting holes 219. Alternatively, the forked arm may be secured to the first truss using nuts and bolts or other similar fasteners.
The singular arm 217 of truss beam 214 is configured to attach to a second truss 204. The second truss 204 may define a mounting hole 215 configured for receiving the singular arm 217 of the truss beam 214. The mounting hole 215 may be formed in each of the truss arms 204a and 204b of the second truss such that connections of truss beams on either side of a second truss are symmetrical about a radial axis extending centrally along the truss. The singular arm 217 may be secured to the second truss 204 by spot welding at the mounting hole 215. Alternatively, the singular arm may be secured to the second truss using nuts and bolts or other similar fasteners.
In alternative embodiments, each forked arm 218 may be configured to attach to a second truss 204 and each singular arm 217 may be configured to attach to a first truss 202. In these alternative embodiments, it is preferred that connection of the truss beam to a truss remains symmetrical on either side of a truss. However, asymmetrical connections are possible within the scope of the invention.
Similarly, truss 204 may have a proximal portion 222 (closest to hub 22) and a distal portion (furthest from hub 22). The distal portion comprises planar contact surface 224. Truss 204 is formed so that when the support structure 200 is installed to the float pan 16, the proximal portion 222 of truss 204 does not contact the surface of the float pan 16, leaving a gap between the float pan and the proximal portion 222. The proximal portion 222 extends radially from the hub to point 223, and the distal portion of truss 204 extends from point 223 radially outward toward the perimeter of the float pan 16. In one embodiment, the planar contact surface 224 is defined along the entire radial length of the distal portion of truss 204.
Other embodiments of a support structure according to the invention are possible wherein all trusses are configured similarly and have substantially identical radial lengths. Other embodiments of a support structure according to the invention are possible wherein the lower edge of one or more of the trusses defines a curved contact edge rather than a planar contact surface. Other embodiments of a support structure according to the invention are possible wherein one or more of the mounting plates similarly defines a curved surface rather than a planar surface, for conforming the float pan to a desired shape under load.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in an illustrative style. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. Although minor modifications to the teachings herein will occur to those well versed in the art, it shall be understood that what is intended to be circumscribed within the scope of the patent warranted hereon are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advancement to the art hereby contributed, and that that scope shall not be restricted, except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16254451 | Jan 2019 | US |
| Child | 17007931 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17007931 | Aug 2020 | US |
| Child | 17677914 | US |
