GRAVEL BLADE SYSTEM

Abstract

An adjustable blade system is provided. The blade system includes opposed first and second blade sets, each being adjustable to form respective V shapes such that, together, the blade sets form an adjustable W shape. The blade system includes a support system for connecting the blade system to a tractor or other equipment. The blade system includes an adjustment system for selectively adjusting the blade sets relative to the support system, thereby facilitating movement of the blade sets between various configurations. The blade system is configured to selectively move from a straight configuration to various W configurations, as desired or required, thereby changing the width and other geometrical aspects of the blade system.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to gravel blades. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with an adjustable gravel blade that can be reconfigured to improve performance and provide increased versatility.

BACKGROUND

Conventional gravel blades include flat blades and box blades, each of which allows for the basic manipulation of gravel or other aggregate material. Often, the objective is to smooth the aggregate material over a large area, such as a road, a construction area, or the like. Unfortunately, traditional blades tend to be inefficient, often requiring multiple passes to obtain a desired or required smoothness of the aggregate material. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to have an efficient gravel blade system that reduces the number of passes required to smooth aggregate materials.

Traditional gravel blades, which are typically attached to tractors or other machinery, have limited versatility. To the extent that traditional gravel blades are adjustable, such adjustments are very limited. Unfortunately, due to the limited versatility of existing gravel blades, the effectiveness of such gravel blades is highly dependent on the skill of the operator, and such blades tend to be ineffective when used by inexperienced operators. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to have a versatile gravel blade system that can be adjusted to satisfy a specific need, thereby facilitating effective use by inexperienced operators while simplifying effective use for skilled operators.

SUMMARY

The present invention comprises an efficient gravel blade system that requires minimal passes to smooth aggregate materials over a large area. In some embodiments, the system is configured to simultaneously knock down high areas of aggregate material and fill in low levels of aggregate material.

The present invention comprises an effective gravel blade system that is versatile and adjustable. In some embodiments, the system is movable from a straight configuration to a funneling configuration, the funneling configuration being configured to funnel excess aggregate materials towards one or more funnel points associated with the gravel blade system.

The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations of invention may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention and various features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a gravel blade system of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of gravel blade system that is similar to the gravel blade system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a top view of the system of FIG. 1 shown in a straight configuration.

FIG. 2B is a partial detail view of FIG. 2A shown on an enlarged scale.

FIG. 3A is a top view of the system of FIG. 1 shown in a funneling configuration.

FIG. 3B is a partial detail view of FIG. 3A shown on an enlarged scale.

FIG. 4A is a top view of the system of FIG. 1 shown in a funneling configuration.

FIG. 4B is a partial detail view of FIG. 4A shown on an enlarged scale.

FIG. 5A is a top view of the system of FIG. 1 shown in a funneling configuration.

FIG. 5B is a partial detail view of FIG. 5A shown on an enlarged scale.

FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of a primary blade of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6B is a top view of the primary blade of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a front elevation view of a secondary blade of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the secondary blade of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a front elevation view of a primary blade of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8B is a top view of the primary blade of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a front elevation view of a secondary blade of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9B is a top view of the secondary blade of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of a gap filler and the primary blade of FIG. A.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of a gap filler and the secondary blade of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the gap filler extending between blades.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a support structure of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a first adjustment system of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a top view of a second adjustment system of the system of FIG. 1.

The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention is a blade system 100 having a support structure 120 and at least one blade set 110 coupled thereto. In the embodiment shown, the blade system 100 includes two blade sets 110 and two corresponding adjustment systems, each blade set being coupled directly to the support structure, and each adjustment system extending between the support structure 120 and the respective blade set.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-5B, each blade set 110 includes a primary blade 112 and a secondary blade 114 that is rotatably coupled to the primary blade and to the support structure 120. The blade system is configured to move the primary blade 112 relative to the support structure 120, thereby causing the primary 112 and secondary 114 blades to rotate relative to the support structure 120. In this way, selective movement of the primary blade 112 moves the blade system between a variety of configurations, thereby facilitating adjustment of the blade system to a specific desired or required configuration.

The blade system 100 of the present invention is moveable from a straight configuration (FIG. 2A) to a variety of funneling configurations (FIGS. 3A, 4A, and 5A). In some embodiments, each primary blade 112 of each blade set 110 is rotatably coupled to an adjustment system 130 of the present invention, thereby facilitating movement of each primary blade 112 relative to the support structure 120, which in turn facilitates movement of the blade system between various configurations.

In some embodiments, the blade system 100 includes left and right blade sets 110, each being a mirror image of the other. In some such embodiments, the primary blade 112 for each blade set 110 defines the respective left and right outboard position of the blade system 100, thereby facilitating adjustment of the width of the blade system 100 by adjusting the relative positions of each primary blade 112. In some such embodiments, the secondary blade 114 of the left blade set 110 abuts, or nearly abuts, the secondary blade 114 of the right blade set 110 when the blade system 100 is in a straight configuration. Referring to FIG. 1B, in some embodiments left and right blade sets 110 slightly overlap each other. By overlapping blade sets 110, potential adverse effects associated with potential gaps between the blade sets 110 are eliminated or otherwise diminished.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12, some embodiments of the present invention utilize a gap filler 115 extending between the primary 112 and secondary 114 blades of each blade set 110. In some such embodiments the gap filler 115 is coupled to the primary blade 112 and slides along the secondary blade 114. In other such embodiments, the gap filler 115 is coupled to the secondary blade 114 and slides along the primary blade 112.

Referring to FIG. 13, the support system 120 of the present invention includes a support beam 122 and a plurality of attachment features 125 extending therefrom. The attachment features 125 are configured to facilitate selective engagement with a tractor or other equipment, thereby facilitating use of the blade system 100 with such equipment. In the embodiment shown, the attachment features 125 are configured to work with a standard three-point system. It will be appreciated that the attachment features can be reconfigured to work with other attachment systems now known or later developed.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, some embodiments of adjustment systems 130 of the present invention include an adjustment arm 132 that is configured to engage with the support system 120. In some embodiments, the support beam 122 of the support system 120 is hollow and the adjustment arm 132 of the adjustment system 130 is configured to be received by the hollow support beam 122, thereby facilitating telescopic engagement of the adjustment arm 132 with the support beam 122. In some embodiments, the adjustment system 130 includes a biasing member 135 for controlling the position of the adjustment arm 132 relative to the support beam 122. In other embodiments, the adjustment system 130 includes an inhibiting feature (not shown), such as a pin or the like, for selectively inhibiting movement of the adjustment arm 132 relative to the support beam 122. In still other embodiments, the adjustment system 130 includes a biasing member 135 and an inhibiting feature.

The present invention includes a method of distributing gravel or other aggregate material. In some embodiments, the method includes adjusting a width of a blade system to accommodate a particular distribution activity. In some such embodiments, adjusting the width of the blade system comprises adjusting an angle of one or more blades of the blade system. In some embodiments, the method comprises adjusting an angle of a primary blade for each of two blade sets, thereby also adjusting an angle of a secondary blade for each blade set to form a W-shape blade configuration. In some such embodiments, the blade sets are adjusted such that a primary blade for at least one blade set is positioned to knock down humps or other raised areas of aggregate material, such as windrows positioned at or near a side of a gravel road. In some embodiments, the secondary blade of each blade set is configured to direct excess gravel towards the primary blade of such blade set. In some embodiments, each of the primary and secondary blades of each blade set is configured to direct excess gravel towards depressed areas in the gravel, some such depressed areas being formed by tires of the tractor or other equipment pulling the blade system.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes reconfiguring a blade system from a W configuration (or other funneling configuration) to a straight configuration. In some embodiments, adjusting an angle of a primary blade includes moving an adjustment arm relative to a support structure of the blade system. In some such embodiments, moving the adjustment arm is accomplished by sliding the adjustment arm relative to a support beam of the support structure. In some embodiments, movement of the adjustment arm is accomplished by way of a biasing member, such as a hydraulic cylinder or the like.

In some embodiments, the method of distributing aggregate material includes securing a blade system in a selected configuration. In some embodiments, a biasing member is utilized to move the blade system to a selected configuration and then to subsequently secure the blade system in the selected configuration. In other embodiments, the method includes engaging an inhibiting feature with a support beam and an adjustment arm of the blade system, thereby securing the blade system in a selected configuration by preventing or otherwise inhibiting movement of the adjustment arm relative to the support beam.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventions is by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been described by reference to an exemplary embodiment, and the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that certain changes, modification or variations may be made in embodying the above invention, and in the construction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein, may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modification or variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the attached claims, all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A blade system comprising: a support system; anda first blade set coupled to said support system, said first blade set comprising: a primary blade having opposed outer and inner ends, said primary blade being functionally coupled to said support system; anda secondary blade having opposed outer and inner ends, said outer end of said secondary blade being rotatably coupled to said support system, and said inner end of said secondary blade being rotatably coupled to said inner end of said primary blade,wherein said first blade set is moveable between a straight configuration and a funneling configuration, andwherein said inner edges of said primary and secondary blades are positioned aft of said outer edges of said primary and secondary blades when said first blade set is in the funneling configuration.

2. The blade system of claim 1, further comprising an adjustment system for controlling an angle of said primary blade relative to said support structure.

3. The blade system of claim 1, further comprising a first adjustment arm extending between said primary blade of said first blade set and a support beam of said support system, thereby functionally coupling said primary blade to said support beam.

4. The blade system of claim 3, wherein said first adjustment arm is telescopically coupled with said support beam.

5. The blade system of claim 4, further comprising a biasing member coupled with said support beam and said first adjustment arm, said biasing member being configured for selectively moving said first adjustment arm relative to said support beam.

6. The blade system of claim 5, wherein said biasing member is a hydraulic cylinder.

7. The blade system of claim 5, wherein said biasing member is configured for selectively inhibiting movement of said first adjustment arm relative to said support beam.

8. The blade system of claim 5, further comprising a gap filler extending between said primary and secondary blades.

9. The blade system of claim 5, further comprising a second blade set coupled to said support system, said second blade set comprising: a primary blade having opposed outer and inner ends, said primary blade being functionally coupled to said support system; anda secondary blade having opposed outer and inner ends, said outer end of said secondary blade being rotatably coupled to said support system, and said inner end of said secondary blade being rotatably coupled to said inner end of said primary blade,wherein said second blade set is moveable between a straight configuration and a funneling configuration,wherein said inner edges of said primary and secondary blades are positioned aft of said outer edges of said primary and secondary blades when said second blade set is in the funneling configuration, andwherein the blade system is in a straight configuration when said first and second blade sets are each in respective straight configurations, andwherein the blade system is in a W configuration when said first and second blade sets are each in respective funneling configurations.

10. The blade system of claim 9, further comprising first and second gap fillers, said first gap filler extending between said primary and secondary blades of respective first and second blade sets.

11. A blade system comprising: a support system; andfirst and second blade sets coupled to said support system, each blade set comprising: a primary blade having opposed outer and inner ends, said primary blade being functionally coupled to said support system; anda secondary blade having opposed outer and inner ends, said outer end of said secondary blade being rotatably coupled to said support system, and said inner end of said secondary blade being rotatably coupled to said inner end of said primary blade,wherein said first and second blade sets are each moveable between respective straight and funneling configurations,wherein the blade system is in a straight configuration when said first and second blade sets are in respective straight configurations, andwherein the blade system is in a W configuration when said first and second blade sets are in respective funneling configurations.

12. The blade system of claim 11, further comprising an adjustment system for controlling an angle of each primary blade relative to said support structure.

13. The blade system of claim 11, further comprising first and second adjustment arms extending between a support beam of said support system and respective primary blades of said first and second blade sets, thereby functionally coupling said primary blades to said support beam.

14. The blade system of claim 13, wherein said first and second adjustment arms are telescopically coupled with said support beam.

15. The blade system of claim 14, further comprising first and second biasing members coupled with said support beam and respective first and second adjustment arms, said first and second biasing members being configured for selectively moving respective first and second adjustment arms relative to said support beam.

16. The blade system of claim 15, wherein said first and second biasing members are hydraulic cylinders.

17. The blade system of claim 15, wherein said biasing member is configured for selectively inhibiting movement of said first adjustment arm relative to said support beam.

18. The blade system of claim 15, further comprising first and second gap fillers, said first gap filler extending between said primary and secondary blades of respective first and second blade sets.

19. A method of adjusting a blade system, the blade system comprising: a support system; anda first blade set coupled to the support system, the first blade set comprising: a primary blade having opposed outer and inner ends, the primary blade being functionally coupled to the support system; anda secondary blade having opposed outer and inner ends, the outer end of the secondary blade being rotatably coupled to the support system, and the inner end of the secondary blade being rotatably coupled to the inner end of the primary blade,wherein the method comprises rotating the primary blade of the first blade set relative to a support beam of the support system so as to increase or decrease a depth of a V shape created by the first blade set.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the blade system further comprises a second blade set, and wherein the method further comprises moving a primary blade of the second blade set relative to the support beam of the support system so as to increase or decrease a depth of a V shape created by the second blade set, the method further comprising adjusting the first and second blade sets simultaneously such that increasing and decreasing the respective depths of the respective V shapes of the first and second blade sets adjusts a W shape of the blade system.