Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6767000
-
Patent Number
6,767,000
-
Date Filed
Monday, June 24, 200222 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, July 27, 200420 years ago
-
Inventors
-
-
Examiners
- Mackey; James P.
- Heckenberg; Donald
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 249 33
- 249 120
- 249 137
- 249 139
- 249 161
- 249 170
- 249 171
- 249 205
- 425 62
- 425 424
- 425 432
- 425 439
-
International Classifications
-
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)
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
2538750 |
Jul 1984 |
FR |