Manufacturing platform

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6767000
  • Patent Number
    6,767,000
  • Date Filed
    Monday, June 24, 2002
    22 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, July 27, 2004
    19 years ago
  • Inventors
  • Examiners
    • Mackey; James P.
    • Heckenberg; Donald
Abstract
A manufacturing platform has one or more tables for producing construction components such as walls, floors, decks and roofs. The tables are pivotally mounted on second and/or third axes at the outboard edges or rear end of a pair of rectangular horizontal frames which are pivotally mounted on first axes on either side of a trailer. Actuating means tilts each table outward about the second axis or rearward about the third axis to an upright position for removal of the finished construction components, and tilts each table and corresponding frame together inward about the first axis to an upright storage position for trailer transport. Locking means secures and releases the tables to the frames. A first axis support is either the trailer or a foundation affixed to a floor. A second support at the outboard edge of the frame is selectively variable in height to level the table.
Description




The present invention relates generally to construction equipment and pertains, more specifically, to a construction component manufacturing platform upon which custom or standard parts can be produced for a building or structure. The invention can be configured as a stationary or mobile platform equipped with a plurality of manufacturing tables, each fitted with a lifting mechanism and optional vibrators and heaters.




Heretofore, construction components have been fabricated on site in a variety of ways. Wood components are assembled one piece at a time either in their finished position, or on the uneven ground, or on a construction site cluttered with debris. This is laborious, and sometimes even dangerous. Every component is custom made, even if multiple dwellings are to be built identically. Concrete components are made by erecting molds in place and pouring concrete into the molds. Each mold is essentially custom made for the job, and is disassembled afterward. The process is labor intensive and inefficient. Previous construction techniques have not been able to overcome these problems, as shown in the following U.S. patents:




Solomon, U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,861, shows a system of panels forming a mold for casting an entire outer wall of a building in one piece; Del Monte, U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,531, discloses a portable, heated mold for forming concrete wall segments; Sasaki, U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,349, reveals a mold, variable in height, for forming a horizontal concrete slab; and Lee, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,329,742, and 5,490,367, depict an apparatus for supporting and moving vertically a mold for forming the walls of a building.




While the prior art devices are functional in the construction of concrete walls or slabs, none of them are versatile enough to be used with either concrete, wood, or metal construction. Nor can any be used to form outside or inside walls that are completely finished on both sides, including studs, liners, plates, corners, sheathing, and lintels over windows and doors. Nor can they provide for walls complete with fiberglass or foam insulation, piping, electrical wiring and outlets, and paneling or drywall ready for decorative finish. None can be used to fabricate floor panels, decks, and roof panels. They cannot be utilized to form walls of brick, stone, stucco, or block, with different aggregates in the same wall.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




The present invention provides a platform for the manufacture of finished construction components made from any material. The platform can be fixed to a foundation in a plant, and used in a stationary mode. In this manner, it can be utilized to produce all kinds of products including building and structural components.




The platform can just as well be mounted on a trailer and towed with a truck tractor to a construction site with the platform table or tables in the raised, storage position, facing inward on the trailer. At the site, the table or tables are lowered into the horizontal, operative position and leveled. There, concrete forms are set up on the platform table, the forms being made from steel, aluminum, wood, plastic, or other like rigid materials. Outside surface materials, for example brick, are placed on the flat table surface, thus defining the outside wall surface. Reinforcing bars are placed in the forms, along with electrical conduit, plumbing, lintels over openings, and other structural elements. After pouring concrete, insulation and interior surfaces are installed. When the concrete is set, the locking means is released, and the platform table is raised into the discharge position facing outward on the trailer. The wall component, now erect, is then lifted from the platform and set into place in the building. In the case of wood construction, fixtures may be attached to the table surface to position various components. Outside sheathing is placed on the table surface, then the plate, studs, headers, liners, etc., are added. Windows and doors can be installed at this point. Electrical conduits and outlets are added next, along with plumbing, then insulation. Interior paneling or sheetrock is installed last. The table is then raised as before, and the wall is removed. In a similar manner, roof panels, floors, decks, stairs, railings, and architectural embellishments can be quickly, safely, and efficiently produced.




The above features, as well as further features and advantages, are attained by the present invention which may be described briefly as a manufacturing platform comprising a table having upper and lower surfaces extending between opposite first and second edges and opposite front and rear ends. A frame extends between opposite first and second edges. The frame second edge and rear edge pivotally attaches to the table adjacent the table second edge or at the rear edge between the first and second edges for supporting the table and allowing the table to pivot about a second axis or a third axis. Locking means are included for selectively locking the table to the frame to prevent pivotal movement of the table about the second axis or third axis, and releasing the table from the frame to allow pivotal movement of the table about the second axis or third axis.




A first support is pivotally attached to the frame adjacent the frame first edge for supporting the frame and allowing the frame to pivot about a first axis. A second support and third support is each attached to the frame adjacent the frame's respective second edge and rear end for supporting the frame.




Actuating means is further included for selectively actuating the table and frame together about the first axis to an upright storage position over the first support and to a substantially horizontal operative position wherein the table is used to manufacture the construction component with the locking means locked.




The actuating means also serves for selectively actuating the table about the second axis or third axis to an upright discharge position for removal of the construction component from the table as well as to the substantially horizontal operative position, at which the table is closely juxtaposed and substantially parallel with the frame with the locking means released.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




The invention will be more fully understood, while still further features and advantages will become apparent, in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a manufacturing platform constructed in accordance with the invention;





FIG. 2

is another perspective view of the manufacturing platform of

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 3

is a plan view of the manufacturing platform of

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 4

is a rear elevation view of the manufacturing platform of

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 5

is a rear elevation view of the manufacturing platform of

FIG. 1

, showing another aspect of the invention;





FIG. 6

is a rear elevation view of the manufacturing platform of

FIG. 1

, showing a further aspect of the invention;





FIG. 7

is a rear elevation view of another manufacturing platform constructed in accordance with the invention;





FIG. 8

is a rear elevation view of the manufacturing platform of

FIG. 7

, showing another aspect of the invention;





FIG. 9

is a rear elevation view of the manufacturing platform of

FIG. 7

, showing a further aspect of the invention;





FIG. 10

is a localized perspective view of the table portion of the platform showing the invention in use; and





FIG. 11

is a localized perspective view of the table portion of the platform showing another use of the invention.











DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS




Referring now to the drawing, and especially to

FIGS. 1

,


2


,


3


,


4


,


5


, and


6


, a manufacturing platform is shown at


20


, and includes one or more tables, single or in pairs, made of steel or aluminum plate. When constructed as one or more pairs, each pair typically includes a right table


22


and a left table


24


. Each table has upper and lower surfaces, including a right upper surface


26


and a right lower surface


28


, and a left upper surface


30


and a left lower surface


32


. The surfaces extend between opposite first and second edges, including a right first edge


34


and a right second edge


36


, and a left first edge


38


and a left second edge


40


, respectively. The surfaces also extend between opposite front and rear ends, including a right front end


42


and a right rear end


44


, and a left front end


46


and a left rear end


48


, respectively. The right table


22


and the left table


24


each includes a plurality of reinforcing members


50


adjacent the lower surfaces


28


and


32


, respectively, to limit deflection of the table surfaces.




The platform further comprises a pair of frames, including a right frame


52


and a left frame


72


, for supporting the right table


22


and the left table


24


, respectively. Each frame is constructed from four structural members welded together at the comers, forming a rectangle.




The right frame


52


includes a right first edge member


54


extending between opposite front


56


and rear


58


ends, and a right second edge member


60


extending between opposite front


62


and rear


64


ends. The first edge member


54


is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the second edge member


60


. A right front member


66


extends between the first edge member front end


56


and the second edge member front end


62


. A right rear member and third axis


68


extends between the first edge member rear end


58


and the second edge member rear end


64


. The front member


66


is substantially parallel to the rear member


68


. The right frame


52


, adjacent the right frame second edge member front end


62


and rear end


64


and the third axis


68


between first edge


58


and second edge


64


and adjacent to the right table rear edge


44


, is pivotally attached to the right table


22


adjacent the right table second edge


36


and rear end


44


. This pivotal attachment supports the right table


22


in a position closely juxtaposed and substantially parallel with the right frame


52


and allows the right table


22


to pivot about a right second axis


70


or right third axis


68


between first edge


58


and second edge


64


parallel with the rear end of Table


44


. The invention incorporates the combination of the second and third axis allowing the table to be pivoted at the axis most suitable for any given construction component.




The left frame


72


includes a left first edge member


74


extending between opposite front


76


and rear


78


ends, and a left second edge member


80


extending between opposite front


82


and rear


84


ends. The first edge member


74


is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the second edge member


80


. A left front member


86


extends between the first edge member front end


76


and the second edge member front end


82


. A left rear member


88


extends between the first edge member rear end


78


and the second edge member rear end


84


.




The front member


86


is substantially parallel to the rear member


88


. The left frame


72


, adjacent the left frame second edge member front end


82


and rear end


84


, is pivotally attached to the left table


24


adjacent the left table second edge


40


and the third axis


88


, between the first edge


78


and second edge


84


and adjacent to the left table rear end


48


, for supporting the left table


24


and allowing the left table


24


to pivot about a left second axis


90


or left third axis


88


for supporting the left table


24


and allowing the left table


24


to pivot about a left second axis


90


or left third axis


88


. The left frame


72


, adjacent the left frame second edge member front end


82


and rear end


84


, is pivotally attached to the left table


24


adjacent the left table second edge


40


. This pivotal attachment supports the left table


24


in a position closely juxtaposed and substantially parallel with the left frame


72


and allows left table


24


to pivot about a left second axis


90


and rear third axis


88


.




Locking means is provided for selectively locking each table to the respective frame, to prevent pivotal movement of each table about the respective second or third axis, and for releasing each table from the respective frame to allow pivotal movement of each table about the respective second axis or third axis.




At least two table locking members


92


, are attached to each table


22


and


24


, and serve as table locking means. The table locking members


92


, typically will be a pair of reinforcing members disposed transversely under each table. Each table locking member


92


has a hole


94


there through adjacent the table first edges


34


and


38


and substantially parallel to the table surfaces


26


and


30


. A plurality of frame locking members


96


are provided, typically mounted in pairs to each frame front member


66


and


86


, and to each frame rear member


68


and


88


, adjacent each frame first edge member


54


and


74


respectively, and projecting outward or rearward toward the corresponding table


22


and


24


. Each pair of frame locking members


96


is disposed on either side of one of the table locking members


92


, and each frame locking member


96


has a hole


98


therethrough in alignment with the respective table locking member hole


94


when the table is in a position closely juxtaposed and substantially parallel with the respective frame. A plurality of locking pins


100


are provided, including one locking pin


100


engaging each table locking member hole


94


and the corresponding frame locking member hole


98


.




A pair of right first supports are provided to support the weight of the table, frame, and construction component near the inboard or first edge of the right table. Included are a front right first support


102


pivotally attached to the right frame


52


adjacent the connection of the first edge member


54


to the front member


66


, and a rear right first support


104


pivotally attached to the right frame


52


adjacent the connection of the first edge member


54


to the rear member


68


, for supporting the right frame


52


and allowing the right frame to pivot about a right first axis


106


. Also provided are a pair of left first supports, to support the weight of the table, frame, and construction component near the inboard or first edge of the left table. Included are a front left first support


108


pivotally attached to the left frame


72


adjacent the connection of the first edge member


74


to the front member


86


, and a rear left first support


110


pivotally attached to the left frame


72


adjacent the connection of the first edge member


74


to the rear member


88


, for supporting the left frame


72


and allowing the left frame to pivot about a left first axis


112


.




A pair of right second supports


114


, being selectively variable in height, are used to support the weight of the table, frame, and construction component near the outboard or second edge


36


of the right table


22


. One support


114


is attached to the right frame


52


adjacent the connection of the second edge member


60


to the front member


66


, and one support


114


is attached to the right frame


52


adjacent the connection of the second edge member


60


to the rear member


68


, for supporting the right frame


52


. A pair of left second supports


116


, being selectively variable in height, are used to support the weight of the table, frame, and construction component near the outboard or second edge


40


of the left table


24


. One support


116


is attached to the left frame


72


adjacent the connection of the second edge member


80


to the front member


86


, and one support


116


is attached to the left frame


72


adjacent the connection of the second edge member


80


to the rear member


88


, for supporting the left frame


72


.




The supports can take any number of forms, including scissor jacks, screw jacks, hydraulic cylinders, etc., or telescoping tubes as described next.




Each support of the pair of right


114


and left


116


second supports includes a first tubular member


113


having at least one transverse hole. A second tubular member


115


slideably engages the first tubular member


113


. The second tubular member


115


has a plurality of transverse holes spaced apart longitudinally. A support pin


117


selectively engages one of the holes in each of the first


113


and second


115


tubular members, in order to adjust the table to a level operating position.




The platform includes a front right linear actuator


134


, and a rear right linear actuator


140


, which serve as right actuating means for selectively actuating or lifting the right table


22


and right frame


52


together in an arcing motion about the right first axis


106


to an upright storage position over the right first supports


102


and


104


, as shown by arrow


118


in FIG.


4


. The table must be secured to the frame with the locking means locked. In the storage position, the tables and frames can be transported over the road to the job site. The right actuating means also actuates or lowers the right table


22


and right frame


52


together from the storage position to a substantially horizontal operative position, as shown by arrow


122


in FIG.


5


. Again, the locking means must be locked. In the operative position, the right table


22


will be used to manufacture the construction component, as described above. The same right actuating means is used for selectively actuating or lifting the right table


22


about the right second axis


70


, to an upright discharge position over the right second supports


114


, as shown by arrow


126


in FIG.


6


. With the locking means released, as it now must be, the actuating means is no longer compelled to lift the combined weight of the table and frame, but only that of the table, which is semi-balanced. Thus, the frame remains on the ground and the table rises, this time in the other direction. In the discharge position, the construction component will be removed from the right table. The right actuating means also actuates or lowers the right table


22


to the substantially horizontal operative position as shown by arrow


130


in FIG.


5


. The locking means remains released as the right table


22


is lowered back into the operative position closely juxtaposed and substantially parallel with the right frame


52


.




The platform also includes a front left linear actuator


146


, and a rear left linear actuator


152


, which serve as left actuating means for selectively actuating or lifting the left table


24


and left frame


72


together in an arcing motion about the left first axis


112


to an upright storage position over the left first supports


108


and


110


, as shown by arrow


120


in FIG.


4


. The table must be secured to the frame with the locking means locked. The left actuating means also actuates or lowers the left table


24


and left frame


72


together from the storage position to a substantially horizontal operative position, as shown by arrow


124


in FIG.


5


. Again, the locking means must be locked. In the operative position, the left table


24


will be used to manufacture the construction component, as described above. The same left actuating means is used for selectively actuating or lifting the left table


24


about the left second axis


90


, to an upright discharge position over the left second supports


116


, as shown by arrow


128


in FIG.


6


. The locking means is now released. With the table now in the discharge position, the construction component will be removed from the left table. The left actuating means also actuates or lowers the left table


24


to the substantially horizontal operative position as shown by arrow


132


in FIG.


5


. The locking means remains released as the left table


24


is lowered back into the operative position closely juxtaposed and substantially parallel with the left frame


72


.




The linear actuators typically will be either hydraulic cylinders or electric motor driven screw type actuators, although other type actuators can be utilized.




The front right linear actuator


134


has opposite first


136


and second


138


ends, and the rear right linear actuator


140


, has opposite first


142


and second


144


ends. The front right linear actuator first end


136


is pivotally attached to the front right first support


102


below the right first axis


106


. The front right linear actuator second end


138


is pivotally attached to the right table


22


intermediate the first


34


and second


36


edges. The rear right linear actuator first end


142


is pivotally attached to the rear right first support


104


below the right first axis


106


. The rear right linear actuator second end


144


is pivotally attached to the right table


22


intermediate the first


34


and second


36


edges.




The front left linear actuator


146


has opposite first


148


and second


150


ends, and the rear left linear actuator


152


, has opposite first


154


and second


156


ends. The front left linear actuator first end


148


is pivotally attached to the front left first support


108


below the left first axis


112


. The front left linear actuator second end


150


is pivotally attached to the left table


24


intermediate the first


38


and second


40


edges. The rear left linear actuator first end


154


is pivotally attached to the rear left first support


110


below the left first axis


112


. The rear left linear actuator second end


156


is pivotally attached to the left table


24


intermediate the first


38


and second


40


edges.




The mobile version of the manufacturing platform includes a trailer, which serves as the pair of right first supports and the pair of left first supports. The trailer


158


comprises a chassis


160


extending longitudinally between opposite front


162


and rear


164


ends, the chassis having two longitudinal girders, including a right girder


166


and a left girder


168


. Two beams are attached to the girders transversely, including a front beam


170


extending between the girders and projecting outward from the right girder


166


to a right front beam end


172


, and projecting outward from the left girder


168


to a left front beam end


174


. Also included is a rear beam


176


extending between the girders and projecting outward from the right girder


166


to a right rear beam end


178


, and projecting outward from the left girder


168


to a left rear beam end


180


, with the right front


172


and right rear


178


beam ends pivotally engaging the right frame


52


on the right first axis


106


, and the left front


174


and left rear


180


beam ends pivotally engaging the left frame


72


on the left first axis


112


. The trailer


158


includes an axle with wheels and tires


182


, mounted to the chassis


160


adjacent the chassis rear end


164


. Also included is a hitch


184


mounted on the chassis front end


162


.




An optional feature of the platform is a plurality of vibrators


186


attached to the lower surfaces of each table to aid the concrete in flowing into recesses in the mold, and to consolidate concrete by eliminating air pockets.




Another optional feature of the platform is a plurality of heaters


188


attached to the lower surfaces of each table for reducing concrete curing time.




Turning now to

FIGS. 7

,


8


, and


9


, another manufacturing platform constructed in accordance with the invention is shown at


190


. This platform is stationary and differs from the mobile platform described above only in details of the first supports. Therefore, the same part numbers and accompanying descriptions will be used as for the right-hand portions of the mobile platform.




A pair of stationary first supports


192


are provided to support the weight of the table, frame, and construction component near the inboard or first edge of the right table. Included are a stationary first support


192


pivotally attached to the frame


52


adjacent the connection of the first edge member


54


to the front member


66


, and a stationary first support


192


pivotally attached to the frame


52


adjacent the connection of the first edge member


54


to the rear member


68


, for supporting the frame


52


and allowing the frame to pivot about a first axis


106


.




The stationary first supports


192


are typically affixed to the floor


194


of a manufacturing facility for permanent production work.




Referring now to

FIG. 10

, the table


22


of a mobile


20


or stationary


190


manufacturing platform as described above is shown being used for casting a concrete construction component. A mold


196


is assembled on the upper surface


26


of the table


22


. Reinforcing bars


198


are installed in the mold prior to pouring concrete.




Turning now to

FIG. 11

, the table


22


is shown being used to build a wood frame wall. Illustrated are the plate


200


, studs


202


, liners


204


, door header


206


, window header


208


, and sole


210


, which comprise the principal structural members.




It is to be understood that the above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is provided by way of example only. Various details of design and construction may be modified without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.



Claims
  • 1. A manufacturing platform for producing construction components comprising:a table having upper and lower surfaces extending between opposite first and second edges and opposite front and rear ends; a frame extending between opposite first and second edges and opposite front and rear ends; a first support pivotally attached to the frame adjacent the frame first edge for supporting the frame and allowing the frame to pivot about a first axis; a second support attached to the frame adjacent the frame second edge for supporting the frame; the frame second edge being pivotally attached to the table adjacent the table second edge for supporting the table and allowing the table to pivot about a second axis, and the frame rear end being pivotally attached to the table adjacent the table rear end for supporting the table and allowing the table to pivot about a third axis; locking means for selectively locking the table to the frame to prevent pivotal movement of the table about the second axis and third axes, and releasing the table from the frame to allow pivotal movement of the table about the second axis and third axes; and actuating means for selectively actuating the table and frame together about the first axis to an upright storage position over the first support and to a substantially horizontal operative position wherein the table will be used to manufacture the construction components, with the locking means locked, and for selectively actuating the table about the second axis or third axis to an upright discharge position over the frame second edge or frame rear end wherein the construction component will be removed from the table and to the substantially horizontal operative position wherein the table is closely juxtaposed and substantially parallel with the frame, with the locking means released.
  • 2. The platform of claim 1, wherein the table further comprises a plurality of reinforcing members adjacent the lower surface to limit deflection of the table surfaces.
  • 3. The platform of claim 1, wherein the actuating means is a linear actuator.
  • 4. The platform of claim 1, wherein the second support is selectively variable in height, in order to adjust the table to a level operating position.
  • 5. The platform of claim 1, wherein the first support includes a trailer, comprising:a chassis extending longitudinally between opposite front and rear ends, the chassis having a left side and a right side, the chassis including at least one longitudinal girder and at least one transverse beam projecting outward from the girder, the transverse beam having an end pivotally engaging the frame on the first axis; an axle, including a pair of wheels and tires, mounted to the chassis adjacent the chassis rear end; and a hitch mounted on the chassis front end.
  • 6. The platform of claim 1, wherein the second support further comprises:a first tubular member having at least one transverse hole; a second tubular member slideably engaging the first tubular member, the second tubular member having a plurality of transverse holes spaced apart longitudinally; and a pin selectively engaging one of the holes in each of the first and second tubular members, in order to adjust the table to a level operating position.
  • 7. The platform of claim 1, wherein the locking means further comprises:a table locking member attached to the table, the table locking member having a hole therethrough adjacent the table first edge and substantially parallel to the table surface; a frame locking member attached to the frame adjacent the frame first edge and projecting outward toward the table, the frame locking member having a hole therethrough in alignment with the table locking member hole when the table is in the operative and storage positions; and a locking pin engaging the holes in the table locking member and the frame locking member.
  • 8. The platform of claim 1, further comprising at least one vibrator attached to the table for consolidating concrete.
  • 9. The platform of claim 1, further comprising at least one heater attached to the table for reducing concrete curing time.
  • 10. The platform of claim 1, further comprising a third support attached to the frame adjacent the frame second edge and rear end for supporting the frame and table.
  • 11. A manufacturing platform for producing construction components comprising:one or more pairs of tables and frames; each pair of tables, including a right table and a left table, and each table having upper and lower surfaces extending between opposite first and second edges and extending between opposite front and rear ends; each pair of frames, including a right frame and a left frame, for supporting the right table and the left table, respectively, and each frame including a first edge member extending between opposite front and rear ends, a second edge member extending between opposite front and rear ends, the first edge member being spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the second edge member, a front member extending between the first edge member front end and the second edge member front end, a rear member extending between the first edge member rear end and the second edge member rear end, the front member being substantially parallel to the rear member; for each pair of frames, a pair of right first supports, including a front right first support pivotally attached to the right frame adjacent the connection of the first edge member to the front end member, and a rear right first support pivotally attached to the right frame adjacent the connection of the first edge member to the rear end member, for supporting the right frame and allowing the right frame to pivot about a right first axis, and a pair of left first supports, including a front left first support pivotally attached to the left frame adjacent the connection of the first edge member to the front end member, and a rear left first support pivotally attached to the left frame adjacent the connection of the first edge member to the rear end member, for supporting the left frame and allowing the left frame to pivot about a left first axis; for each pair of frames, a pair of right second supports, being selectively variable in height, one support attached to the right frame adjacent the connection of the second edge member to the front end member, and one support attached to the right frame adjacent the connection of the second edge member to the rear end member, for supporting the right frame, and a pair of left second supports, being selectively variable in height, one support attached to the left frame adjacent the connection of the second edge member to the front end member, and one support attached to the left frame adjacent the connection of the second edge member to the rear end member, for supporting the left frame; each frame second edge member being pivotally attached to the table adjacent the table second edge for supporting the table and allowing the table to pivot about a second axis, and each frame rear end being pivotally attached to the table adjacent the table rear end for supporting the table and allowing the table to pivot about a third axis; locking means for selectively locking each table to the respective frame, to prevent pivotal movement of each table about the respective second axis, and releasing each table from the respective frame to allow pivotal movement of each table about the respective second axis and third axis; a right actuating means for selectively actuating the right table and right frame together about the right first axis to an upright storage position over the right first support and to a substantially horizontal operative position wherein the right table will be used to manufacture the construction components, with the locking means locked, and for selectively actuating the right table about the right second axis to an upright discharge position over the right second support wherein the construction component will be removed from the right table and to the substantially horizontal operative position wherein the right table is closely juxtaposed and substantially parallel with the right frame, with the locking means released; and a left actuating means for selectively actuating the left table and left frame together about the left first axis to an upright storage position over the left first support and to a substantially horizontal operative position wherein the left table will be used to manufacture the construction component, with the locking means locked, and for selectively actuating the left table about the left second axis to an upright discharge position over the left second support wherein the construction component will be removed from the left table and to the substantially horizontal operative position wherein the left table is closely juxtaposed and substantially parallel with the left frame, with the locking means released.
  • 12. The platform of claim 11, wherein the right table and the left table each further comprises a plurality of reinforcing members adjacent the lower surface to limit deflection of the table surfaces.
  • 13. The platform of claim 11, wherein the right actuating means is a linear actuator.
  • 14. The platform of claim 11, wherein the left actuating means is a linear actuator.
  • 15. The platform of claim 11, wherein the pair of right first supports and the pair of left first supports includes a trailer, comprising:a chassis extending longitudinally between opposite front and rear ends, the chassis having two longitudinal girders, including a right girder and a left girder, and two beams attached to the girders transversely, including a front beam extending between the girders and projecting outward from the right girder to a right front beam end, and projecting outward from the left girder to a left front beam end, and including a rear beam extending between the girders and projecting outward from the right girder to a right rear beam end, and projecting outward from the left girder to a left rear beam end, with the right front and right rear beam ends pivotally engaging the right frame on the right first axis, and the left front and left rear beam ends pivotally engaging the left frame on the left first axis; an axle, including a pair of wheels and tires, mounted to the chassis adjacent the chassis rear end; and a hitch mounted on the chassis front end.
  • 16. The platform of claim 11, wherein each support of the pair of right and left second supports further comprises:a first tubular member having at least one transverse hole; a second tubular member slideably engaging the first tubular member, the second tubular member having a plurality of transverse holes spaced apart longitudinally; and a pin selectively engaging one of the holes in each of the first and second tubular members, in order to adjust the table to a level operating position.
  • 17. The platform of claim 11, wherein the locking means further comprises:a pair of table locking members attached to each table, the table locking members each having a hole therethrough adjacent the table first edge and substantially parallel to the table surface; a plurality of frame locking members, including one frame locking member attached to each frame front member and to each frame rear member, adjacent each frame first edge member and projecting outward toward the table, each frame locking member being in juxtaposition with one of the table locking members, and each frame locking member having a hole therethrough in alignment with the respective table locking member hole when the table is in the operative and storage positions; and a plurality of locking pins, including one locking pin engaging each table locking member hole and the respective frame locking member hole.
  • 18. The invention of claim 11, further comprising at least one vibrator attached to each table for consolidating concrete.
  • 19. The invention of claim 11, further comprising at least one heater attached to each table for reducing concrete curing time.
  • 20. The platform of claim 11, further comprising:for each pair of frames, a third support attached to each frame adjacent the frame second edge and rear end for supporting the frame and table.
US Referenced Citations (10)
Number Name Date Kind
3724805 Kleiber et al. Apr 1973 A
5023030 Rantanen Jun 1991 A
5035592 Lowndes, III et al. Jul 1991 A
5329742 Lee Jul 1994 A
5354189 McKinnon Oct 1994 A
5490367 Lee Feb 1996 A
5520531 Del Monte May 1996 A
5524861 Solomon Jun 1996 A
5533888 Belarde Jul 1996 A
5616349 Sasaki Apr 1997 A
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number Date Country
2538750 Jul 1984 FR