Patent Application
20240384502
Example embodiments relate to skid steer trimmer and grader assemblies usable for contouring the ground.
Skid steers are small, rigid-framed, engine-powered machines usable for several purposes. One such purpose is the contouring of ground. For this purpose trimmers and graders are mounted on the front of the skid steers and the skid steers move the trimmers and graders to contour the ground. Having the correct contour can be important for several reasons. For example, parking lots are generally designed with one or more slopes to encourage water to run off the parking lot in a controlled manner. If the ground is not contoured properly water may not properly drain from the parking lot.
The inventors have noted several problems with conventional trimmers and graders mounted on skid steers. First, the trimmers, graders, and skid steers have a tendency to bounce thereby diminishing their ability to achieve the proper sub-grade and/or grade elevation. This bounce or wave or elevation change is not acceptable for applications such as paving applications. Second, the finished surface, at times, is not as compact as is desired. As a consequence, the inventors set out to solve these problems. The result is a modified trimmer and grader which virtually eliminates the aforementioned problems.
Example embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and/or section from another elements, component, region, layer, and/or section. Thus, a first element component region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the structure in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the structure in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The structure may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
Embodiments described herein will refer to plan views and/or cross-sectional views by way of ideal schematic views. Accordingly, the views may be modified depending on manufacturing technologies and/or tolerances. Therefore, example embodiments are not limited to those shown in the views, but include modifications in configurations formed on the basis of manufacturing process. Therefore, regions exemplified in the figures have schematic properties and shapes of regions shown in the figures exemplify specific shapes or regions of elements, and do not limit example embodiments.
The subject matter of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies. Generally, example embodiments relate to a skid steer trimmer assembly usable for contouring the ground.
In example embodiments, the trimmer assembly 100 may include a first frame 150 which supports an auger 110. The auger 110, for example, may have flightings 120 which may have diameters of about 16 inches and which may have replaceable carbide cutting teeth 130. The auger 110 may run about the length of the trimmer assembly 100 and may be actuated by a hydraulic motor 140, for example, a 38.26 cubic inch displacement, direct drive hydraulic motor, which may be attached to the first frame 150. In example embodiments activation of the hydraulic motor 140 causes the auger 110 to turn which, when in contact with soil, causes the soil to move along the auger 110. In this way the ground can be contoured.
In example embodiments, the first frame 150 may be movably supported by a second frame 210 which may be part of the stabilizer assembly 200. In example embodiments, the first frame 150 may be configured to move vertically with respect to the second frame 210 of the stabilizer assembly 200 by virtue of a pair of actuators 160 and 170 which may be arranged between the first frame 150 and the second frame 210. For example, rods of the first and second actuators 160 and 170 may be attached to the second frame 210 whereas barrels of the first and second actuators 160 and 170 may be attached to the first frame 150. In operation, the first frame 150 may be moved upwards or downwards via operation of the pair of actuators 160 and 170. In addition, the pair of actuators 160 and 170 may be operated independently and thus may position the first frame 150 in a manner that inclines it from the horizontal. For example, the first actuator 160 may move a first end of the frame 150 to first elevation above the ground, for example, about 10 inches from the ground, and the second actuator 170 may move a second end of the frame 150 to a second elevation above the ground, for example, about 11 inches from the ground. In this manner, the trimmer assembly 100 may be operated to provide a ground contouring of various inclinations.
The trimmer assembly 100 is configured to move soil in direction which is generally perpendicular (or nearly perpendicular) to the direction of travel of the trimmer assembly 100 (see
In example embodiments the second frame 210 may be supported by a stabilizer 220. The stabilizer 220 may be, for example, a roller, for example, a drum style roller. The stabilizer 220 is arranged to ride on the grade behind the trimmer assembly 100. The stabilizer 220 allows an operator of the skid steer to put some weight on the stabilizer 220 which helps stabilize the skid steer trimmer assembly 1000 during operation. In some embodiments, the stabilizer 220 may also help pack the soil and leave a relatively smooth finish. In example embodiments the stabilizer 220 is not required to be a drum style roller, for example, in other nonlimiting example embodiments the stabilizer 220 may be comprised of one or more wheels and/or skids. For purpose of clarity, the main function of the stabilizer 220 is to support the weight of the trimmer and/or skid steer while producing the finish grade. This eliminates bounce, wave and/or unwanted variations in the finish grade resulting in a significant improvement in a paving finish.
In example embodiments the second frame 210 may include a coupler 260 to attach the second frame 210 to a skid steer 2000. The skid steer 2000 may push the skid steer trimmer assembly 1000 in a direction of travel to contour the ground. In one nonlimiting example embodiment the trimmer assembly 100 may be pushed in a direction of travel and the trimmer assembly 100 may be inclined from the direction of travel as shown in
In example embodiments the performance of the skid steer assembly 1000 can be enhanced using an electronic controller to control a hydraulic circuit that controls the actuators 160 and 170 (thereby controlling orientation of the auger 110 and its elevation). The controller, for example, may be a computer which is configured to control the hydraulic circuit. For example, a civil engineer may design a three dimensional surface in a CAD system and upload the surface to the computer. The controller may use this surface to control the hydraulic circuit to ensure the auger 110 is orientated properly and at the desired elevation to create the desired three dimensional surface. The system may be further improved by incorporating a GPS locator in the skid steer trimmer assembly 1000 and/or the skid steer 2000. This would enable the controller to precisely know it's location to control the circuit in accordance with the three dimensional surface stored in the controller's memory.
In example embodiments the front portion 3200 of the frame 3100 and the back portion 3300 of the frame 3100 may move with respect to one another. For example, as shown in
In example embodiments the stabilizing skid plate 3600 is rotatably connected to the frame 3100. For example, the stabilizing skid plate 3600 may be connected to the back portion 3300 of the frame 3100 by brackets 3650. In at least one nonlimiting example embodiment, the stabilizing skid plate 3600 may include one or more cylindrical members which 3625 which are rotationally connected to the brackets 3650 which in turn are connected to the back portion 3300 of the frame 3100. In this way, the skid plate 3600 may pivot about the one or more cylindrical members 3625 rotationally supported by the brackets 3650. For example, the brackets 3650 may include a sleeve into which the one or more cylindrical members 3625 of the stabilizing skid plate 3600 may insert. In this nonlimiting example embodiment, the brackets 3625 may prevent translational motion of the one or more cylindrical members 3625 while allowing the one or more cylindrical members 3625 to rotate.
In example embodiments the skid plate 3600 may be secured in place using one or more restraining members 3700. The one or more restraining members, for example, may fix the skid plate 3600 at a desired angle with respect to the ground and/or frame 3100. In one nonlimiting example embodiment the one or more restraining members are one or more turnbuckles, however, other types of restraining members 3700 may be usable to secure the skid plate 3600 and/or control its angle with respect to the ground and/or frame 3100. For example, a rod or a linkage may be used in lieu of a turnbuckle. In addition, in an embodiment that uses the linkage, the linkage may be attached to a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder so that the skid plate 3600 may be secured in place by an operator controlling the hydraulic and/or pneumatic cylinder. In yet another embodiment, the hydraulic and/or pneumatic cylinder itself may be used to secure in place the skid plate 3600. As such, the skid plate 3600 orientation (for example, the angle the skid plate 3600 makes with respect to the ground and/or frame) may be controlled or locked in place via any of the aforementioned restraining members 3700.
In example embodiments the skid plate 3600 provides stability to a grader assembly 3000 and a skid steer attached to the grader assembly 3000. While adjusting an angle of having the skid plate 3600 alone provides some stability, the inventors have found stability can be remarkably be improved by controlling an elevation of the skid plate 3600. For this reason, example embodiments of the grader 3000 allow not only an angle of the skid plate 3600 to be controlled but an elevation of the skid plate 3600 as well. In order to execute the above, the quick attach plate 3500 is configured in a manner that allows for elevation of the quick attach plate 3500, and therefore the grader assembly 3000 (including the skid plate 3600), to be controlled. In one nonlimiting example embodiment the quick attach plate 3500 is attached to back portion 3300 of the grader assembly frame 3100 by bolts 3525. In this nonlimiting example embodiment, the bolts 3525 are arranged to pass through slots 3550 formed in the quick attach plate 3500. The slots 3550 allow a user to adjust a position of the quick attach plate 3500 relative to the frame 3000 which allows an operator to control the elevation of the skid plate 3600. In at least one nonlimiting example embodiment, position of the quick attach plate 3500 may be controlled using at least one actuator 3750 to move the quick attach plate 3500. For example, in at least one nonlimiting example embodiment, the at least one actuator 3750 may be a pair of turn buckles arranged at sides of the quick attach plate 3500. The turn buckles may allow the location of the quick attach plate 3500 to be adjusted to a desirable position (for example, a desired height) and thereafter secured in place by the bolts 3525. The use of turnbuckles, however, is not meant to limit the invention since other actuators, for example, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, may be used to adjust a location of the quick attach plate 3500.
Example embodiments of the invention have been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of example embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/181,132 which was filed on Feb. 22, 2021 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,243 which was filed on Feb. 21, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/633,336 which was filed on Feb. 21, 2018, the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein fully by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62633336 | Feb 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16281243 | Feb 2019 | US |
| Child | 17181132 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17181132 | Feb 2021 | US |
| Child | 18663873 | US |
