MAST MOUNTED SCREED BOOM

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to screeds, and in particular, to a screed for multi-level buildings.

Screeds are used in the construction of buildings, or other structures with multiple floors made of concrete. When constructing the building, concrete is pumped to each floor. A concrete pump at ground level pumps concrete from a mixer truck through a delivery pipe, which extends upward along a mast of a boom system. The delivery pipe is connected to a hose at the tip of the mast. Concrete is delivered through the hose. The hose is attached to and extends along a boom that is connected to the top of the mast at one end. The hose hangs down from the other end of the boom to deliver the concrete to the floors of the building. Once the concrete for a floor of the building is pumped, a screed spreads out and levels the concrete. The screed has a screed boom that moves a screed head around the floor of pumped concrete. The screed head spreads out and levels the concrete. Positioning the screed onto a floor that requires leveling above the ground floor increase in difficulty as the building gets higher and concrete is pumped for more floors.

SUMMARY

A self-climbing screed system for use with a self-climbing boom system that includes a mast that has a tower and a rail that is connected to an outer surface of the tower, extends along a length of the tower, and has spaced holes, includes a screed. The screed includes a turntable configured to be positioned around the mast, the turntable including tension links and pins that are configured to engage and disengage from the tension links the holes of the rail, a screed boom having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the turntable, and a screed head connected to the distal end of the screed boom.

A self-climbing screed system for use with a self-climbing boom system that includes a mast that has a tower and a rail that is connected to an outer surface of the tower, extends along a length of the tower, and has spaced holes, includes a screed. The screed includes a turntable configured to be positioned around the mast, a screed boom having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the turntable, and a screed head connected to the distal end of the screed boom. The screed boom includes a first articulated boom section, a telescopic boom section connected to the first articulated boom section, and a second articulated boom section connected to the telescopic boom section such that the telescopic boom section is between the first articulated boom section and the second articulated boom section.

A self-climbing screed system for use with a self-climbing boom system that includes a mast that has a tower and a rail that is connected to an outer surface of the tower, extends along a length of the tower, and has spaced holes, includes a screed. The screed includes a turntable configured to be positioned around the mast, a screed boom having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the turntable, a screed head connected to the distal end of the screed boom, and a counterweight connected to the turntable opposite the screed boom. The turntable includes a frame having tension links, a roller bearing connected to the frame, and a pin configured to fit within holes of the tension links and engage with a hole of the rail. The screed boom can articulate 360 degrees around the mast.

A self-climbing screed system for use with a self-climbing boom system that includes a mast that has a tower and a rail that is connected to an outer surface of the tower, extends along a length of the tower, and has spaced holes, includes a screed. The screed includes a turntable configured to be positioned around the mast, a screed boom having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the turntable, and a screed head connected to the distal end of the screed boom. The turntable is shaped to be radially spaced from an outer surface of the mast, forming a gap between an inner surface of the turntable and an outer surface of the mast.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a self-climbing screed system for use with a self-climbing boom system.

FIG. 1B is a side view of a screed boom of the self-climbing screed system.

FIG. 1C is a side view of the screed boom of the self-climbing screed system in an extended position.

FIG. 1D is a side view of the screed boom of the self-climbing screed system in a retracted position.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the self-climbing screed system in a jacking position.

FIG. 2B is a perspective partial view of the self-climbing boom system used with self-climbing screed system.

FIG. 3A is a partial cross-sectional top view of the self-climbing screed system in the jacking position.

FIG. 3B is a perspective partial view of the self-climbing screed system in the jacking position.

FIG. 3C is a partial cross-sectional top view of the self-climbing screed system in an operating position.

FIG. 3D is a perspective partial view of the self-climbing screed system in the operating position.

FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of the self-climbing screed system.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a self-climbing screed system for use with a self-climbing boom system.

FIG. 5B is a side view of a screed boom with a crane jib of the second embodiment of the self-climbing screed system.

FIG. 5C is an enlarged side view of the crane jib of the second embodiment of the self-climbing screen system.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a self-climbing screed system.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a self-climbing screed system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the present disclosure describes a self-climbing screed for use with a placing boom such that the screed is only mounted to the mast of the placing boom during elevation of the screed, preventing movement of the boom and mast affecting the functionality of the screed.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of self-climbing screed system 10 for use with self-climbing boom system 12. FIG. 1A shows ground GR, first floor F1, second floor F2, third floor F3, fourth floor F4, and fifth floor F5 in cross-section. FIG. 1B is a side view of screed boom 22 of self-climbing screed system 10. FIG. 1C is a side view of screed boom 22 of self-climbing screed system 10 in an extended position. FIG. 1D is a side view of screed boom 22 of self-climbing screed system 10 in a retracted position. Self-climbing screed system 10 includes screed 14. Self-climbing boom system 12 includes mast 16, boom 18, and hose 19. Screed 14 includes turntable 20, screed boom 22 (which has proximal end 24 and distal end 26), screed head 28, and counterweight 29. Mast 16 includes tower 30, rails 32, and holes 34. Turntable 20 includes frame 36, roller bearing 38, tension links 39, and pins 40. Screed boom 22 includes first articulated boom section 42, telescopic boom section 44, and second articulated boom section 46. Ground level GR has opening O1. First floor F1 has opening O2. Second floor F2 has opening O3. Third floor F3 has opening O4. Fourth floor F4 has opening O5. Fifth floor F5 has opening O6.

Self-climbing screed system 10 utilizes self-climbing boom system 12 for screed 14, which is attachable, or mountable, to and detachable, or dismountable, from self-climbing boom system 12. Self-climbing boom system 12 is a placing boom system. Self-climbing boom system 12 has mast 16. Screed 14 is mountable and dismountable from mast 16. A proximal end of boom 18 of self-climbing boom system 12 is attached to mast 16. Boom 18 is pivotably connected to a top of mast 16. Boom 18 may be an articulated boom, a telescopic boom, or any combination of articulated boom sections and telescopic boom sections. Hose 19 has a first end connected to a delivery pipe (not shown) at the top of mast 16. Hose 19 is attached to and extends along boom 18 to reach a distal end of boom 18, where hose 19 extends down toward first floor F1, second floor F2, third floor F3, fourth floor F4, and fifth floor F5. A second end of hose 19 is positioned adjacent the floor requiring pumped concrete. Concrete is pumped by a concrete pump from a mixer truck at ground level GR, through a delivery pipe that extends up mast 16, and through hose 19. The concrete exits the second end of hose 19 to reach the floor requiring concrete, such as first floor F1. Screed 14 is positioned below boom 18 along mast 16.

Turntable 20 of screed 14 is positioned around mast 16 of self-climbing boom system 12. Screed boom 22 extends from turntable 20. Screed boom 22 is shaped to fold together in an elephant-trunk-like manner next to turntable 20. Screed boom 22 has proximal end 24 at a first end of screed boom 22 and distal end 26 at a second end of screed boom 22 opposite proximal end 24. Screed boom 22 is pivotably connected to turntable 20 at proximal end 24. Screed boom 22 unfolds to extends away from turntable 20. Screed boom 22 is attached to screed head 28 at distal end 26. Screed head 28 may be any suitable screed head. For example, screed head 28 may be a Somero boom screed head or laser screed head. Counterweight 29 is movably connected to turntable 20 opposite screed boom 22, or about 180 degrees from screed boom 22. Counterweight 29 is a weight that counterbalances the weight of screed boom 22 and screed head 28. Counterweight 29 is movable toward or away from turntable 20.

Mast 16 includes tower 30, rails 32, and holes 34. Rod-like tower 30 of mast 16 extends upward from base 17. In this embodiment, tower 30 is octagonal. In alternate embodiments, tower 30 may be any suitable shape. Rails 32 are connected to an outer surface of tower 30. Rails 32 are the connection point of mast 16 for screed 14 to attach to mast 16. In alternate embodiments, mast 16 may include any other suitable connection system in place of rails 32. Rails 32 are equally spaced along a perimeter of tower 30. In this embodiment, mast 16 includes four rails 32. In alternate embodiments, mast 16 may include two or any other suitable number of equally spaced rails 32. The thickness of rails 32 can be adjusted to accommodate various weights of screeds 14. Rails 32 extend along the length of tower 30, upward from a bottom of tower 30 to a top of tower 30. Rails 32 extend along an entirety of the length of tower 30. Holes 34 are spaced openings within rails 32. In this embodiment, holes 34 are circular. In alternate embodiments, holes 34 may be any suitable shape. Each rail 32 has spaced holes 34 extending along a length of rail 32. Holes 34 are equally spaced along each rail 32. Holes 34 are positioned at the same height among rails 32.

Turntable 20 includes frame 36, roller bearing 38, tension links 39, and pins 40. Frame 36 of turntable 20 is positioned around mast 16. Frame 26 holds counterweight 29. Counterweight 29 is movable toward or away from mast 16 along frame 26. Screed boom 22 is pivotably connected to frame 36 of turntable 20 opposite counterweight 29, or 180 degrees from counterweight 29. Roller bearing 38 is rotatably connected between a top section of frame 36 and a bottom section of frame 36. Tension links 39 are connected to frame 36. In this embodiment, frame 36 includes two tensions links 39 spaced 180 degrees from each other, one tension link 39 on each side of mast 16. A first end of each tension link 39 is pivotably connected to frame 36. A second end of each tension link 39 is connectable to mast 16. The second end of each tension link 39 has a hole through which pin 40 extends. When tension link 39 is connected to mast 16, tension links 39 pivot toward mast 16 and pins 40 extend through tension links 39 and holes 34 in rails 32 of mast 16, respectively. When tension link 39 is not connected to mast 16, tension links 39 pivot away from mast 16 and pins 40 do not extend through holes 34 in rails 32 of mast 16. As such pins 40 fit within holes 34 in rails 32 of mast 16. Pins 40 move in and out of holes 34 in rails 32 of mast 16 to engage with rails 32 to lock into position or to disengage with rails 32 to unlock. Pins 40 engage and disengage from tension links 39 and mast 16 to mount screed 14 to and dismount screed 14 from mast 16.

First articulated boom section 42 of screed boom 22 is connected to turntable 20. First articulated boom section 42 defines proximal end 24 of screed boom 22. First articulated boom section 42 has jointed ends. First articulated boom section 42 connects to turntable 20 and telescopic boom section 44 at jointed ends so that first articulated boom section 42 can bend at the jointed ends. First articulated boom section 42 may have any suitable number of sections connected together via joint(s). First articulated boom section 42 is connected to telescopic boom section 44 of screed boom 22. Telescopic boom section 44 has a larger portion and smaller portions that telescopically extend out from and into the larger portion. As seen in FIG. 1C, both smaller portions extend out telescopically from the larger portion when telescopic boom section 44 is in a fully extended position. As seen in FIG. 1D, both smaller portions are retracted telescopically into the larger portion when telescopic boom section 44 is in a fully retracted position. Smaller portions can partially extend in and out of the larger portion of telescopic boom section 44 to be partially extended or retracted. Telescopic boom section 44 is straight, or planar. Telescopic boom section 44 may be cylindrical, rectangular, or any other suitable shape. Telescopic boom section 44 is also connected to second articulated boom section 46. As such, telescopic boom section 44 is between first articulated boom section 42 and second articulated boom section 44 of screed boom 22. Second articulated boom section 46 makes up distal end 26 of screed boom 22. Second articulated boom section 46 connects to telescopic boom section 44 at a jointed end. Second articulated boom section 46 comprises sections connected together via joint(s) so that second articulated boom section 46 can bend at the joint(s). Second articulated boom section 46 may have any suitable number of sections connected via joint(s). When screed boom 22 folds together, first articulated boom section 42 and second articulated boom section 46 fold, or curl, at the joint(s).

Self-climbing boom system 12 begins on ground GR and extends within opening O1 of ground level GR of a structure, such as a building, that is in the process of being constructed. In this embodiment, first floor F1, second floor F2, third floor F3, fourth floor F4, and fifth floor F5 are the floors shown directly above ground level GR of the building being constructed. In alternate embodiments, first floor F1, second floor F2, third floor F3, fourth floor F4, and fifth floor F5 may be any floor of the building being constructed. In further alternate embodiments, the building may not include all of first floor F1, second floor F2, third floor F3, fourth floor F4, and fifth floor F5. Any suitable number of floors may be constructed above floor F5 of the multi-level building. Mast 16 of self-climbing boom system 12 initially extends through opening O1 at ground level GR. As additional floors F are added, mast 16 is elevated. As such, mast 16 moves up from ground level GR, above opening O1, as seen in FIG. 1A. Mast 16 extends through openings O2, O3, O4, O5, and O6. Boom 18 is in a folded position as mast 16 is elevated. Once mast 16 is in position and not being elevated, boom 18 unfolds and extends.

Boom 18 is positioned at the top of mast 16 so that hose 19 for pumping the concrete can extend high enough to pump concrete for the highest floor of the building. Mast 16 and boom 18 provide structure for the delivery pipe of pumped concrete and hose 19. Concrete is pumped upward, by a concrete pump at ground level, through the delivery pipe connected to mast 16. Concrete moves from the delivery pipe into hose 19 at the top of mast 16. Concrete is pumped through hose 19, along boom 18, and down hose 19 to deliver material to each floor. Boom 18 directs the pumped concrete that is flowing through hose 19 along boom 18. For example, boom 18 articulates and directs concrete onto first floor F1. After the pumped concrete is delivered to first floor F1, boom 18 directs pumped concrete to be delivered to second floor F2. Boom 18 continues to direct the pumped concrete to every floor of the building. Boom 18 is positioned at the top of mast 16 so that the hose for delivering the pumped concrete can extend high enough to deliver pumped concrete to the highest floor of the building.

Screed 14 is positioned on first floor F1 after concrete has been pumped for first floor F1, second floor F2 after concrete has been pumped for second floor F2, third floor F3 after concrete has been pumped for third floor F3, fourth floor F4 after concrete has been pumped for fourth floor, and fifth floor F5 after concrete has been pumped for fifth floor. At each of first floor F1, second floor F2, third floor F3, fourth floor F4, and fifth floor F5, screed boom 22 extends out from a folded position, and screed head 28 is attached to distal end 26 of screed boom 22. Screed boom 22 directs screed head 28 along each of first floor F1, second floor F2, third floor F3, fourth floor F4, and fifth floor F5 to spread out and level the pumped concrete. First articulated boom section 42 may articulate at joints in various directions to change angles of screed boom 22. For example, first articulated boom section 42 angles up from turntable 20 to extend over obstacles on first floor F1 adjacent turntable 20. Telescopic boom section 44 telescopes moves in and out between fully retracted and fully extended positions. Second articulated boom section 46 articulates at joints in various directions to change angles of screed boom 22. As a result, screed boom 22 moves around such that screed head 28 reaches all parts of first floor F1, second floor F2, third floor F4, fourth floor F5, and fifth floor F5 that require concrete to be leveled. Counterweight 29 counterbalances the weight of screen boom 22 on frame 36 of turntable 20 so that screed 14, including screed head 28, remains level. Counterweight 29 is extended away from turntable 20 of screed 14 while screed boom 22 of screed 14 is leveling concrete.

Once the concrete for each of first floor F1, second floor F2, third floor F3, fourth floor F4, and fifth floor F5 is leveled by screed head 28, screed 14 is moved to the subsequent floor. Screed 14 is mounted to mast 16 to be elevated to the next floor. Tension links 39 of turntable 20 are connected to rails 32 of mast 34 at holes 34 via pins 40. Pins 40 extend through tension links 39 and lock into holes 34 in rails 32 of mast 16. Rails 32 are equally spaced along the perimeter of tower 30 of mast 16 to equally distribute the weight of screed 14 to mast 16. In this embodiment, four rails 32 are suitable to carry the weight of screed 14. In alternate embodiments, mast 16 may include any suitable number of rails 32 to carry the weight of screed 14. Screed head 28 is removed from distal end 26 of screed boom 22, and screed boom 22 is folded into a compact position adjacent turntable 20. Counterweight 29 is moved toward turntable 20. As such, screed 14 is elevated to subsequent floors as static weight. In this example, mast 16 is elevated, elevating screed 14 along with mast 16, to reach the next floor. After reaching the next floor, screed 14 is dismounted from mast 16, disengaging pins 40 from holes 34 in rails 32 of mast 16. Counterweight 29 is extended away from turntable 20. Screed boom 22 is unfolded and screed head 28 is reattached to screed boom 22 so that screed 14 can level the floor.

Turntable 20 is positioned around mast 16 so that screed 14 can be mounted to mast 16, and mast 16 can elevate screed 14 up to each level of the building. Mast 16 is moved up, elevating screed 14 along with mast 16 until screed 14 has leveled each floor of the building. At each floor, turntable 20 is dismounted from mast 16 to detach screed 14 from self-climbing boom system 12, counterweight 29 is moved away from turntable 20 to provide counterbalance, and screed head 28 is reattached to screed boom 22 after screed boom 22 is unfolded, before screed 14 levels the floor. After leveling the floor, turntable 20 is mounted to mast 16 to attach screed 14 to self-climbing boom system 12, counterweight is moved toward turntable 20, and screed head 28 is detached from boom 22 so that screed boom 22 can fold in toward turntable 20. As a result, screed 14 is in a position that enables mast 16 to elevate screed 14 to the next floor.

Self-climbing boom system 12 of self-climbing screed system 10 allows for the delivery of concrete to each level of a building, which is needed for constructing the floors of the building. Self-climbing screed system 10 uses the existing infrastructure of self-climbing boom system 12, including mast 16, and the existing building structure required for self-climbing boom system 12, including openings in the floors of the building, to move screed 14 to each floor. Screed 14 is elevated as static weight attached to mast 16, easing the moving process, which traditionally requires the screed to be lifted by crane onto each floor. Screed 14 is needed on each floor to level the pumped concrete from self-climbing boom system 12. As such, self-climbing screed system 10, provides an easier, more cost-effective way to level the floors of a building using screed 14.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of self-climbing screed system 10 in a jacking position. FIG. 2A shows ground GR, first floor F1, second floor F2, third floor F3, fourth floor F4, and fifth floor F5 in cross-section. FIG. 2B is a perspective partial view of self-climbing boom system 12 used with self-climbing screed system 10. FIG. 3A is a partial cross-sectional top view of self-climbing screed system 10 in the jacking position. FIG. 3B is a perspective partial view of self-climbing screed system 10 in the jacking position. FIG. 3C is a partial cross-sectional top view of self-climbing screed system 10 in an operating position. FIG. 3D is a perspective partial view of self-climbing screed system 10 in the operating position. FIGS. 2A-3D will be discussed together.

Self-climbing screed system 10 is used with self-climbing boom system 12. Self-climbing screed system 10 includes screed 14. Self-climbing boom system 12 includes mast 16 and hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B), each of which includes wedge 48W, and frames 49 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). Screed 14 includes turntable 20, screed boom 22 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 4 and partially in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B), which has proximal end 24 and distal end 26, screed head 28, and counterweight 29. Mast 16 includes tower 30, rails 32, and holes 34. Turntable 20 includes frame 36 (which includes top portion 36A and bottom portion 36B), roller bearing 38, tension links 39, pins 40 (shown in FIG. 3), and outriggers 50. Outriggers 50 include arms 52 and pads 54. Fifth floor F5 has opening O6.

Self-climbing boom system 12 extends through screed 14, which is positioned around mast 16 of self-climbing boom system 12. Mast 16 of self-climbing boom system 12 extends through opening O6 of fifth floor F5. Screed 14 is mountable and dismountable from mast 16. When screed 14 is dismounted from mast 16, screed 14 is no longer in contact with mast 16. Gap G is a space between mast 16 and turntable 20, as seen in FIGS. 3A and 3C. Turntable 20 is shaped to be radially spaced from an outer surface of mast 16, forming gap G between an inner surface of turntable 20 and an outer surface of mast 16.

Each hydraulic jacking cylinder 48 is positioned adjacent mast 16 on a floor below screed 14. Frame 49 of hydraulic jacking cylinder 48 is positioned around an outer surface of mast 16 and the opening of the floor to rest on the floor. Each hydraulic jacking cylinder 48 has a vertical telescopic portion that is connected to frame 49 at the bottom and to wedge 48W at the top. The vertical telescopic portions extend and retract to lengthen or shorten hydraulic jacking cylinders 48. Hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 of self-climbing boom system 12 are connected to mast 16 at wedge 48W, as seen in FIG. 2B. Pins extend through wedges 48W and mast 16 to connect hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 to mast 16. Hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 are hydraulically powered to extend upward, telescoping out to lengthen hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 such that hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 increase in length vertically to increase the height of wedge 48W from first the floor. As hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 extend upward, mast 16 moves up along with wedges 48W of hydraulic jacking cylinders 48. A second frame 49 is positioned on another floor above hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 and below screed 14. The second frame 49 is positioned around mast 16 and the opening of the floor to rest on the floor. After hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 extend upward to move mast 16 upward, mast 16 can be connected the first and second frames 49. Hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 can then be detached from mast 16 such that frames 49 keep mast 16 in place.

Turntable 20 is positioned radially in from opening O1. Screed boom 22 is connected to turntable 20 at proximal end 24 of screed boom 22. Screed boom 22 folds in to be adjacent turntable 20 and unfolds to extend out from turntable 20, away from mast 16. Counterweight 29 is attached to turntable 20 opposite screed boom 22, or 180 degrees from screed boom 22, to counterbalance screed boom 22. Counterweight 29 moves toward and away from turntable 20 based on whether self-climbing screed system is in a jacking position or an operating position.

Tower 30 of mast 16 is a long octagonal pole-like structure along which rails 32 extend. In this embodiment, tower 30 includes two equally spaced rails 32 to connect two hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 to tower 30. In alternate embodiments, tower 30 includes four equally spaced rails 32 to connect to four hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 tower 30. In further alternate embodiments, tower 30 may include any other suitable number of equally spaced rails 32. Holes 34 are equally spaced along a length of each rail 32.

Frame 36 of turntable 20 is positioned around mast 16. Frame 36 comprises top portion 36A and bottom portion 36B. Top portion 36A is a top part of frame 36, and bottom portion 36B is a bottom part of frame 36. Top portion 36A and bottom portion 36B are positioned around mast 16. Gap G is present between mast 16 and top portion 36A and bottom portion 36B of frame 36. Screed boom 22 is pivotably connected to top portion 36A at first end 24. Counterweight 29 is connected to top portion 36A of frame 36 180 degrees from screed boom 22. Counterweight 29 moves along top portion 36A of frame 36 to move toward or away from mast 16. Roller bearing 38 is between top portion 36A of frame 36 and bottom portion 36B of frame 36. Roller bearing 38 is also positioned around mast 16. As such, top portion 36A of frame is rotatable about mast 16 along roller bearing 38.

Tension links 39 are connected to top portion 36A of frame 36. Tension links 39 are equally spaced from each other. In this embodiment, tension links 39 are 180 degrees apart. Tension links 39 are pivotable at top portion 36A of frame 36 to move toward and away from rails 32 of mast 16. Tension links 39 of turntable 20 extend into gap G when tension links 39 pivot toward mast 16 to mount turntable 20 to mast 16. Pins 40 extend through holes in tension links 39 and through holes 34 in rail 32 of mast 16 to mount turntable 20 to mast. In this embodiment, pins 40 are cylindrical. In alternate embodiments, pins 40 may be any suitable shape to mate with holes in tension links 39 and holes 34 of mast 16. Pins 40 are configured to move in and out of holes 34 in rail 32 to engage and disengage with holes 34 in rail 32 of mast 16. Pins 40 are engaged with holes 34 when screed 14 is attached to mast 16 via turntable 20 to elevate screed 14 to the next floor. Pins 40 are disengaged with holes 34 when screed 14 is not attached to mast 16 via turntable 20, to allow screed 14 to level the floor, screed boom 22 being about to rotate 360 degrees around mast 16.

Outriggers 50 are connected to turntable 20, extending in a radially outward direction away from turntable 20, as seen in FIGS. 3A and 3C. In this embodiment, self-climbing screed system 10 includes four outriggers 50 circumferentially and equally spaced along a circumference of turntable 20, as seen in FIGS. 3A and 3C. In alternate embodiments, self-climbing screed system 10 may include any suitable number of equally spaced outriggers 50. Self-climbing screed system 10 has a sufficient number of outriggers 50 to support the weight of screed 14 once screed 14 is detached from mast 16. Outriggers 50 are 90 degrees apart. Outriggers 50 are positioned such that counterweight 29 is 45 degrees from two of the four outriggers 50, and screed boom 22 is 45 degrees from the other two outriggers 50.

Each outrigger 50 has arm 52 connected to bottom portion 36B of frame 36 and pad 54. The proximal end of arm 52 of each outrigger 50 is attached to second portion 36B of frame 36. As such, arm 52 of each outrigger 50 is attached to the bottom of roller bearing 38 via second portion 36B of frame 36. The distal end of arm 52 of each outrigger 50 is connected to pad 54. Pad 54 of each outrigger 50 is positioned on the floor that is supporting screed 14, above shoring S2, when outrigger 50 is extended. When outriggers 50 are retracted, pads 54 are retracted up toward arm 52 such that pads 54 do not contact the floor. Outriggers 50 remain stationary along with bottom portion 36B of frame 36 while top portion 36A of frame is rotatable along roller bearing 38.

As seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, screed 14 is in a jacking position when screed 14 is to be elevated. Screed 14 is mounted to mast 16. Tension links 39 are pivoted toward mast 16 through gap G. Pins 40 are inserted through tension links 39 to engage with holes 34 in rails 32 of mast 16, locking screed 14 to mast. Screed head 28 of screed 14 is detached from distal end 26 of screed boom 22 of screed 14. Screed boom 22 folds in an elephant-trunk-like matter to be positioned adjacent turntable 20. Counterweight 29 is moved in toward turntable 20. Outriggers 50 are in a retracted position. Mast 16 supports the weight of screed 14. After mast 16 has been elevated, mast 16 is attached to first support frame 49 positioned on a lower floor and a second support frame 49 positioned on an even lower floor.

Hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 are attached to mast 16. Hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 on lower first frame 49 are attached to mast 16. Wedge 48W of each hydraulic jacking cylinder 48 is attached to rail 32 by inserting pins into holes of wedge 48W and holes 34 of rail 32 to lock wedge 48W to rail 32, thereby locking hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 to mast 16, as seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B. As such, mast 16 is connected to hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 at wedges 49. Hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 are activated to move mast 16 and screed 14 up. When hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 are activated, hydraulic jacking cylinders 38 extend upward, lengthening hydraulic jacking cylinder 48. As a result, wedges 49 extend upward. As wedges 49 extend upward, wedges 49 push mast 16 upward because wedges 49 are connected to mast 16. Mast 16 takes screed 14 along as mast 16 is pushed upward because mast 16 is connected to screed 14. Screed 14 is moved up with mast 16 along with wedge 48W of hydraulic jacking cylinder 48 from one floor to the next floor F2. Mast 16 is then connected to first and second frames 49 to support mast 16. Hydraulic jacking cylinder 48 can be detached, deactivated to retract, reattached, and activated (after removing mast 16 from support frames) to extend upward as many times as necessary for screed 14 to reach the next floor. Pins of wedge 48W are removed from holes 32 of rail 32 of mast 16 and holes of wedge 48W to detach hydraulic jacking cylinders 48 from mast 16.

As seen in FIGS. 3C and 3D, screed 14 is in an operating position when screed 14 has reached the next floor. Screed 14 is used to level the floor. Screed 14 is dismounted from mast 16. Pins 40 are disengaged from holes 34 in rails 32 of mast 16, disconnecting screed 14 from mast 16. Tension links 39 are pivoted away from mast 16, reestablishing gap G between screed 14 and mast 16. Screed boom 22 unfolds in an elephant-trunk-like matter to extend away from turntable 20. Screed head 28 of screed 14 is reattached to distal end 26 of screed boom 22 of screed 14. Counterweight 29 is moved away from turntable 20. Outriggers 50 are in an extended position, pads 54 of each outrigger 50 resting on the floor directly above shoring S to align with shoring S to help support the weight of screed 14. Outriggers 50 stabilize screed 14 when screed 14 is in the operating position. Screed 14 is not in contact with mast 16. Screed 14 is used to level the floor on which screed 14 is positioned. Screed boom 22 directs screed head 28 around the floor. Frame 26 of turntable 20 can rotate at least 360 degrees about roller bearing 38 such that boom 22 can access the floor to direct screed head 28 around the pumped concrete of the floor. First articulated boom section 42 and second articulated boom section 46 of screed boom 22 articulate, and telescopic boom section 44 of screed boom 22 extends in and retracts out to allow screed head 28 to level the pumped concrete of the floor. Screed 14 can be elevated along with mast 16 until screed 14 has leveled all floors of the building.

Screed 14 can be moved to each level of the building being constructed. Screed 14 is only in the jacking position, mounted to mast 16, to move screed 16 up to the next floor of the building. Screed 14 is then dismounted from mast 16 to perform leveling operations. Screed 14 is in the operating position and does not contact mast 16. Thus, screed 14 can more accurately level concrete because screed 14 is not affected by the movement of boom 18 and mast 14.

Because screed 14 is mountable to and dismountable from mast 16, screed 14 can be attached to mast 16 when advantageous and detached from mast 16 when being connected to mast 16 is disadvantageous. Screed 14 is dismounted from mast 16 so as not to contact mast 16 while screed 14 is leveling concrete. As a result, movement of self-climbing boom system 12, particularly movement of boom 18, is not transferred to screed 14 via mast 16, which would affect the accuracy of the leveling process of screed 14. Screed 14 levels each floor independently from self-climbing boom system 12 so that movement and vibrations in mast 16 do not cause movement and vibrations in screed head 28. Screed 14 is mountable to mast 16 so that self-climbing boom system 12 can be used to move screed 14 up to the next floor of the building. Screed 14 is mountable to and dismountable from self-climbing boom system 12 such that self-climbing screed system 10 is more efficient, more cost-effective, and properly levels a plurality of levels of a building.

Further, because roller bearing 38 allows turntable 20, and thus screed boom 22, to rotate 360 degrees around mast 16, screed head 28 can more easily reach areas of the floor that need to be leveled. Screed 14 can be detached from mast 16 because outriggers 50 help distribute the weight of screed 14 and use shoring S to help support the distributed weight of screed 14. A single screed boom 22 can then direct screed head 28 around the entire floor for leveling concrete. As a result, self-climbing screed system 10 also requires less parts to level a plurality of floors of a building.

FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of self-climbing screed system 10 illustrating an operation of self-climbing screed system 10. Self-climbing screed system 10 is used with self-climbing boom system 12 and includes screed 14. Self-climbing boom system 12 includes mast 16 and boom 18. Screed 14 includes turntable 20 and screed boom 22.

Self-climbing boom system 12 has mast 16 extending through openings at centers of floors of the building being constructed. Boom 18 is connected to mast 16. Boom 18 is positioned at the top of mast 18. Screed 14 is mountable and dismountable from mast 16. When screed 14 is leveling the floor, turntable 20 is not mounted to mast 16 such that screed 14 is not attached to self-climbing boom system 12. Turntable 20 of screed 14 is positioned around mast 16. Screed boom 22 of screed 14 extends from turntable 20. Screed 14 is positioned on the floor that requires leveling. As such, screed 14 is positioned on a floor below boom 18 of self-climbing boom system 12. Thus, boom 18 of self-climbing boom system 12 is above screed boom 22 of screed 14.

Boom 18 directs the pumped concrete onto the floor. In this example, boom 18 may direct the pumped concrete into a first section of the floor first. After the first section of the floor has been filled with pumped concrete, boom 18 moves to direct the pumped concrete into a second section of the floor. As pumped concrete is being directed into the second section of the floor, screed 14 is used to level the first section of the floor, positioning screed boom 22 of screed 14 within the first section of the floor. Screed boom 22 moves within the first section of the floor to level the pumped concrete in the first section using screed head 28.

After the second section of the floor has been filled with pumped concrete, boom 18 moves to direct pumped concrete into another section of the floor or another floor. As pumped concrete is being directed into a different section or floor, screed 14 is used to level the second section of the floor. Turntable 20 of screed 14 rotates to position screed boom 22 of screed 14 within the second section of the floor. Screed boom 22 moves within the second section of the floor to level the pumped concrete in the second section of the floor using screed head 28.

After the entirety of the floor has been filled with pumped concrete and leveled, turntable 20 of screed 14 is mounted to mast 16 of self-climbing boom system 12, and screed 14 is pushed up to the next floor the has pumped concrete. Once reaching the next floor F2, screed 14 is dismounted from mast 16 by dismounting turntable 20 from mast 16.

Because boom 18 of self-climbing boom system 12 operates independently of screed boom 14 of screed, boom 18 and screed boom 14 can be oriented in different directions. Floors can be filled with pumped concrete and leveled more quickly using self-climbing screed system 10 because directing and leveling concrete for the same floor can occur at the same time. Further, it is easier and quicker to move screed 14 to the next floor for leveling using mast 16 of self-climbing boom system 12.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of self-climbing screed system 110 for use with self-climbing boom system 112. FIG. 5B is a side view of screed boom 122 with crane jib 128 of self-climbing screed system 110. FIG. 5C is an enlarged side view of crane jib 128 of self-climbing screen system 110.

Self-climbing screed system 110 includes screed 114. Self-climbing boom system 112 includes mast 116, boom 118, and frames 149. Screed 114 includes turntable 120, screed boom 122 (which has proximal end 124 and distal end 126), crane jib 128, and counterweight 129. Mast 116 includes tower 130, rails 132, and holes 134. Turntable 120 includes frame 136, roller bearing 138, tension links 139, pins 140, and outriggers 150. Screed boom 122 includes first articulated boom section 142, telescopic boom section 144, and second articulated boom section 146. Outriggers 150 includes arms 152 and pads 154. Ground level GR1 has opening O10. First floor F10 has opening O20. Second floor F20 has opening O30. Third floor F30 has opening O40. Fourth floor F40 has opening O50. Fifth floor F50 has opening O60.

Self-climbing screed system 110 has the same structure and function as self-climbing screed system 10, described with respect to FIGS. 1A-4; however, second articulated boom section 146 of screed boom 122 is shorter and has crane jib 128 attached at distal end 126 instead of screed head 28. Self-climbing screed system 110 enables use of crane jib 128 on a multi-level building. If use of both crane jib 128 and screed head 28 may be required, second articulated boom section 146 is attachable and detachable such that second articulated boom section 146 can be replaced with second articulated boom section 46. As a result, both screed head 28 and crane jib 128 can be used with self-climbing screed system 110.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of self-climbing screed system 210. Self-climbing screed system 210 includes screed 214. Self-climbing boom system 212 includes mast 216. Screed 214 includes turntable 220, screed boom 222 (which has proximal end 224 and distal end 226), and screed head 228. Mast 216 includes tower 230, rails 232, and holes 234. Turntable 220 includes frame 236 and roller bearing 238. Screed boom 222 includes first articulated boom section 242, telescopic boom section 244, and second articulated boom section 246. Ground level GR10 has opening O100. First floor F100 has opening O200. Second floor F200 has opening O300. Third floor F300 has opening O400. Fourth floor F400 has opening O500. Fifth floor F500 has opening O600.

Self-climbing screed system 210 has the same structure and function as self-climbing screed system 10, described with respect to FIGS. 1A-4; however, boom 18 is not included and screed 214 is positioned on top of mast 216.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of self-climbing screed system 310. Self-climbing screed system 310 includes screed 314. Self-climbing boom system 312 includes mast 316. Screed 314 includes turntable 320, screed boom 322 (which has proximal end 324 and distal end 326), and screed head 328. Mast 316 includes tower 330, rails 332, and holes 334. Turntable 320 includes frame 336 and roller bearing 338. Screed boom 322 includes first articulated boom section 342, telescopic boom section 344, and second articulated boom section 346. Ground level GR100 has opening O1000. First floor F1000 has opening O2000. Second floor F2000 has opening O3000. Third floor F3000 has opening O4000. Fourth floor F4000 has opening O5000. Fifth floor F5000 has opening O6000.

Self-climbing screed system 310 has the same structure and function as self-climbing screed system 210, described with respect to FIG. 6; however, second articulated boom section 346 of screed boom 322 is shorter and has crane jib 328 attached at distal end 326 instead of screed head 228. Self-climbing screed system 310 enables use of crane jib 328 on a multi-level building. If use of both crane jib 328 and screed head 228 may be required, second articulated boom section 346 is attachable and detachable such that second articulated boom section 346 can be replaced with second articulated boom section 246. As a result, both screed head 228 and crane jib 328 can be used with self-climbing screed system 310.

While these embodiments illustrate self-climbing screed systems 10, 110, 210, and 310 having screed heads 28, 228 or crane jibs 128, 328, alternate embodiments can have the same structure and function but include any other suitable piece of equipment, in place of screed heads 28, 228 and/or crane jibs 128, 328. Additionally, screed heads 28, 228 and crane jibs 128, 328 can be detachable and attachable such that a single embodiment of a self-climbing screed system can use multiple attachments that include one or more of a screed head, crane jib, or any other suitable piece of equipment. Further, although self-climbing screed systems 10 and 110 have been described in the context of a concrete pumping system with a placing boom, self-climbing screed systems 10 and 110 can also be used with a poured concrete system and/or other types of booms, such as a tower crane boom.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

MAST MOUNTED SCREED BOOM

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