U.S. patent application number 10/338480 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-29 for two-piece main frame assembly for paving vehicles.
Invention is credited to Craig, Larry, Goodwin, Gene, Goodwin, Nancy, Koelm, Mark D., Roth, Thomas A., Szabo, Scott, Thomason, Thomas.
Application Number | 20040146354 10/338480 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32735373 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040146354 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goodwin, Gene ; et
al. |
July 29, 2004 |
Two-piece main frame assembly for paving vehicles
Abstract
A main frame assembly is for a paving vehicle having an engine
and two wheel assemblies, at least one of the wheel assemblies
being operably connectable with the engine for mobilizing the
vehicle. The frame assembly includes a lower frame having two
opposing sides, each side being configured to connect with a
separate one of the two drive assemblies, and a mounting portion.
An upper frame is connectable, preferably removably connectable,
with the lower frame. The upper frame has a compartment configured
to receive the engine and an attachment portion, the upper frame
attachment portion being connected with the lower frame mounting
portion so as to connect the upper and lower frames.
Inventors: |
Goodwin, Gene; (Gays,
IL) ; Roth, Thomas A.; (Lerna, IL) ; Thomason,
Thomas; (Charleston, IL) ; Craig, Larry;
(Mattoon, IL) ; Koelm, Mark D.; (Mattoon, IL)
; Szabo, Scott; (Mattoon, IL) ; Goodwin,
Nancy; (Gays, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark A. Ussai
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Suite 360
3773 Corporate Parkway
Center Valley
PA
18034
US
|
Family ID: |
32735373 |
Appl. No.: |
10/338480 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
404/108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 2301/30 20130101;
E01C 19/48 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/108 |
International
Class: |
E01C 019/12 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A main frame assembly for a paving vehicle, the vehicle having
an engine and two wheel assemblies, at least one of the wheel
assemblies being operably connectable with the engine for
mobilizing the vehicle, the frame assembly comprising: a lower
frame having two opposing sides, each side being configured to
connect with a separate one of the two drive assemblies; and an
upper frame removably connectable with the lower frame, the upper
frame having a compartment configured to receive the engine.
2. The frame assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the two wheel
assemblies are connectable with lower frame when the lower frame is
separate from the upper frame and the engine is disposeable within
the upper frame engine compartment when the upper frame is separate
from the lower frame, such that when the upper frame is connected
with the lower frame, the engine is positioned for operative
connection with at least one of the two wheel assemblies.
3. The frame assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the vehicle
further includes a paving material hopper and the lower frame has a
front portion connectable with the material hopper and a rear
portion connectable with the upper frame.
4. The frame assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein: the vehicle
further has a material transport conveyor; and the lower frame has
a longitudinal axis, the two sides extending generally parallel
with and disposed on opposing sides of the axis, and an upper
support surface extending generally along the axis and configured
to support the conveyor.
5. The frame assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein: the vehicle
further has a material transport conveyor; and a tunnel is defined
generally between the upper and lower frames when the upper frame
is connected with the lower frame, the tunnel being configured to
generally enclose at least a portion of the conveyor.
6. The frame assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein: each one of
the two wheel assemblies includes a base, each base being
connectable to a separate one of the two vehicle sides, and a
plurality of wheels connected with the base; and the upper frame
has two attachment portions, each attachment portion being
removably connectable with a separate one of the two wheel bases so
as to removably connect the upper frame with the lower frame.
8. The frame assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein each one of the
two wheel assemblies includes an endless track disposed about the
plurality of wheels.
9. The frame assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the lower frame
has a longitudinal centerline and includes a pair of side walls
spaced apart so as to extend generally parallel with respect to the
centerline, each side wall providing a separate one of the two
lower frame sides, and a plurality of transverse members, each
transverse member extending generally perpendicularly across the
centerline and having opposing ends, each member end being
connected with a separate one of the two side walls.
10. The frame assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein the lower
frame further includes a front wall extending side wall includes a
front end and a rear end and the lower frame further includes a
front wall extending across the front ends of the two side
walls
11. The frame assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein: the vehicle
further includes at least one pump connectable with the engine, a
fuel tank connectable with the engine and a hydraulic reservoir
connectable with the pump; and the upper frame has a front portion
providing the compartment, the compartment being configured to
receive both the engine and the pump, and a rear portion integrally
formed with the front portion and having another compartment, the
other compartment being configured to receive the fuel tank and the
reservoir.
12. The frame assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the upper
frame includes: a generally horizontal base wall having a front
end, a rear end and two opposing sides; two generally vertical side
walls, each side wall extending along a separate one of the two
sides of the base wall; a generally vertical front transverse wall
extending along the front end of the base wall; a generally
vertical rear transverse wall extending along the rear end of the
base wall; and a generally vertical middle transverse wall
extending generally between the side walls and disposed generally
between the front and rear walls such that the compartment is
defined between the front and middle transverse walls and another
compartment is defined between the middle and rear transverse
walls.
13. A paving vehicle comprising: a lower frame having two opposing
sides and a mounting portion; two wheel assemblies, each wheel
assembly being connected with a separate one of the two lower frame
sides; an upper frame having an attachment portion, the upper frame
attachment portion being connected with the lower frame mounting
portion so as to connect the upper frame with the lower frame, the
upper frame further having a compartment configured to receive an
engine; and an engine disposed in the upper frame compartment and
operatively connected with at least one of the two wheel
assemblies.
14. The paving vehicle as recited in claim 13 wherein the upper
frame is removably connected with the lower frame.
15. The paving vehicle as recited in claim 13 wherein: the lower
frame mounting portion includes two spaced apart sections, each
mounting section being disposed proximal to a separate one of the
lower frame sides; and the upper frame attachment portion is formed
of two sections, each attachment section being removably
connectable with a separate one of the lower frame mounting
sections to connect the upper frame with the lower frame.
16. The paving vehicle as recited in claim 15 wherein each one of
the two wheel assemblies includes a wheel base, each wheel base
being connectable to a separate one of the two vehicle sides and
having a portion providing a separate one of the two mounting
surface sections of the lower frame.
17. A method of manufacturing a paving vehicle comprising the steps
of; providing an upper frame configured to receive an engine;
providing a first lower frame configured to connect with two first
wheel assemblies; providing a second lower frame configured to
connect with two second wheel assemblies; selecting one of the
first lower frame and the second lower frame; and connecting the
upper frame with the selected one of the first and second lower
frames.
18. The method recited in claim 17 wherein: each one of two first
wheel assemblies includes a drive wheel, a second wheel and an
endless belt disposed about the drive wheel and the second wheel;
and each one of the two second wheel assemblies includes a driven
wheel and at least one second wheel.
19. A method of constructing a paving vehicle, the method
comprising the steps of: providing a lower frame having two
opposing sides, each side being configured to connect with a
separate one of two wheel assemblies, and a support surface;
providing a conveyor configured to transport paving material;
positioning the conveyor on the lower frame support surface;
providing an upper frame configured to receive an engine;
connecting the upper frame with the lower frame such that the
conveyor is disposed generally between the upper frame and the
support surface of the lower frame.
20. The method recited in claim 19 further comprising the steps of:
providing two wheel assemblies; connecting each wheel assembly with
a separate one of the two lower frame sides; providing an engine;
installing the engine within the upper frame; operatively
connecting the engine with at least one of the two wheel
assemblies.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to paving vehicles, and more
particularly to the main frames of paving vehicles.
[0002] Paving vehicles are known and are used to form mats of
asphalt, concrete or similar materials for such applications as
roadways, airport runways, parking lots, etc. A typical paving
vehicle includes a tractor and a screed towed from the rear of the
tractor. The tractor generally includes a material storage hopper,
a conveyor for transporting the material from the hopper to deposit
off of the rear of the tractor and an auger for spreading the
material laterally or transversely across the front of the of
screed to form a material head. The screed is then pulled into the
material head and levels material into a mat having an established
thickness. The tractor typically includes a main frame that houses
or supports various components of the vehicle, such as the hopper,
the conveyor, a diesel engine, pumps, etc. Further, wheel
assemblies, such as two or more separate wheels or a tracked wheel
train, are attached to either side of the frame to mobilize the
vehicle upon a base surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In one aspect, the present invention is a main frame
assembly for a paving vehicle. The vehicle has an engine and two
wheel assemblies, at least one of the wheel assemblies being
operably connectable with the engine for mobilizing the vehicle.
The frame assembly comprises a lower frame having two opposing
sides, each side being configured to connect with a separate one of
the two wheel assemblies. An upper frame is removably connectable
with the lower frame, the upper frame having a compartment
configured to receive the engine.
[0004] In another aspect, the present invention is a paving vehicle
comprising a lower frame having two opposing sides and a mounting
portion. Two wheel assemblies are each connected with a separate
one of the two sides of the lower frame. An upper frame has an
attachment portion, the attachment portion being connected with the
lower frame mounting portion so as to connect the upper frame with
the lower frame. The upper frame further has a compartment
configured to receive an engine. Further, an engine is disposed in
the upper frame compartment and is operatively connected with at
least one of the two wheel assemblies.
[0005] In a further aspect, the present invention is a method of
manufacturing a paving vehicle. The method comprises the steps of
providing an upper frame configured to receive an engine, providing
a first lower frame configured to connect with two first wheel
assemblies and providing a second lower frame configured to connect
with two second wheel assemblies. One of the first lower frame and
the second lower frame is selected and the upper frame is connected
with the selected one of the first and second lower frames.
[0006] In yet another aspect, the present invention is also a
method of constructing a paving vehicle. The method comprises the
steps of providing a lower frame having two opposing sides, each
side being configured to connect with a separate one of two wheel
assemblies, and a support surface, providing a conveyor configured
to transport paving material and providing an upper frame
configured to receive an engine. The conveyor is positioned on the
lower frame support surface and the upper frame is connected with
the lower frame such that the conveyor is disposed generally
between the upper frame and the lower frame support surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The foregoing summary, as well as the detailed description
of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings, which are diagrammatic, embodiments that are
presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the
present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and
instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, taken from the rear, of a
paving vehicle having a frame assembly in accordance with the
present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lower frame of the frame
assembly;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an upper frame of the frame
assembly;
[0011] FIG. 4 is perspective view of the upper frame, shown
assembled with various vehicle components so as to form an upper
vehicle subassembly;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lower frame, shown
assembled with tracked drive wheel assemblies and vehicle other
components so as to form a lower vehicle subassembly;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lower frame, shown with
certain components of the tracked drive wheel assemblies;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lower frame shown with
certain components of a wheeled drive assembly; and
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the upper frame, shown with
the main engine and certain other vehicle components assembled into
two main upper frame compartments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right", left",
"lower", "upper", "upward", "down" and "downward" designate
directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words
"front", "frontward" and "rear", "rearward" refer to directions
toward and away from, respectively, a designated front end of a
paving vehicle. The words "inner", "inwardly" and "outer",
"outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively,
a designated centerline or a geometric center of an element being
described, the particular meaning being readily apparent from the
context of the description. Further, as used herein, the word
"connected" is intended to include direct connections between two
members without any other members interposed therebetween and
indirect connections between members in which one or more other
members are interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the
words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words
or similar import.
[0017] Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like
numbers are used to indicate like elements throughout, there is
shown in FIGS. 1-8 a presently preferred embodiment of a two-piece
main frame assembly 10 for a paving vehicle 12. The paving vehicle
12 has, in addition to the frame assembly 10 and other components,
an engine 14, two wheel assemblies 16A, 16B, at least one of the
wheel assemblies 16A, 16B being operably connectable with the
engine 14 for mobilizing the vehicle 12 upon a base surface S, and
a material transport conveyor 17. The frame assembly 10 basically
comprises a lower frame 18 having two opposing sides 20A, 20B, each
side 20A, 20B being configured to connect with a separate one of
the two wheel assemblies 16A, 16B, respectively, and a mounting
portion 19. An upper frame 22 is connectable with, preferably
removably connectable with, the lower frame 18, the upper frame 22
having a compartment 24 configured to receive the engine 14.
Preferably, the upper frame 22 has an attachment portion 23
connectable with the lower frame mounting portion 19 so as to
connect the lower and upper frames 18, 22, respectively.
[0018] The two wheel assemblies 16A, 16B are connectable with lower
frame 18 when the lower frame 18 is separate from the upper frame
22 and the engine 14 is disposeable within the upper frame engine
compartment 24 when the upper frame 22 is separate from the lower
frame 18. If so assembled, when the upper frame 22 is connected
with the lower frame 18, the engine 14 is immediately positioned
for operable connection with at least one of the two wheel
assemblies 16A, 16B, as discussed in further detail below. Further,
the lower frame 18 has a longitudinal centerline 15, the two sides
20A, 20B extending generally parallel with and disposed on opposing
sides of the centerline 15, and an upper, horizontal support
surface 26 extending generally along the centerline 15 and
configured to support the conveyor 17. Furthermore, a tunnel or
passage 28 is defined generally between the upper and lower frames
18, 22, respectively, when the upper frame 22 is connected with the
lower frame 18, the tunnel 28 being configured to generally enclose
at least a rear portion of the conveyor 17.
[0019] The above basic elements of the main frame assembly 10 are
described in further detail below. However, to more clearly
understand the structure of the frame assembly 10, a brief
description of certain components of the paving vehicle 12 which
connect with, are supported by, or are housed within the upper and
lower frames 18, 22, respectively, is first provided. Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 4-8, the paving vehicle 12 preferably includes a paving
material hopper 30 disposed proximal to a front end 12a of the
vehicle 12 and configured to store paving material. The conveyor
17, which is preferably an assembly of independently driveable left
and right hand conveyors (not indicated), has a first end 17a
disposed within or beneath the hopper 30 and a second end 17b
disposed proximal to a rear end 12b of the vehicle 12 (see FIG. 5).
An auger assembly 32 is mounted to the rear end 12b of the vehicle
12 and is arranged for spreading paving material falling off the
rear end 17b of the conveyor 17 across the base surface S. Further,
an auger/conveyor drive motor assembly 33 is provided for powering
both the conveyor 17 and the auger assembly 32. Preferably, at
least one pump 34 is operably connected with the engine 14 and
actuates flow through a hydraulic circuit (not indicated)
connecting the pumps 34 with the wheel assemblies 16A, 16B, as
described below. Furthermore, at least one fuel tank 36 is
preferably fluidly connected with the engine 14 so as to provide
fuel (preferably diesel oil) thereto and a hydraulic tank 38 is
fluidly connected with the pump(s) 36 to supply hydraulic fluid to
hydraulic motors of the preferred wheel assemblies 16A, 16B, as
described below. In addition, at least one and preferably two
operator stations 35 are mounted to an upper end 12c of the vehicle
12, as discussed in further detail below.
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5-7, each one of the two wheel
assemblies 16A, 16B preferably includes a base 40 and a plurality
of wheels 42 connected with the base 40. Preferably, each wheel
base 40 is formed as a generally flat, elongated rectangular plate
44 having a first plurality of through-holes 43A (FIG. 7) for
connecting with the lower frame 18, as discussed below. Further,
each base plate 44 has an integral mounting section 45 including an
inner mounting surface 49 and a second plurality of through-holes
43B arranged longitudinally across the surface 49. The mounting
sections 45 of the two base plates 44 preferably provide the lower
frame mounting portion 19 and are configured for connecting the
lower frame 18 with the upper frame 22, as discussed above and in
further detail below. In addition, each base plate 44 has an inner
surface 44a that is disposeable against one of the lower frame
sides 20A or 20B, such that the through-holes 43A are alignable
with corresponding mounting holes in the lower frame 18 to connect
the assembly 20A or 20B therewith, as discussed below. Furthermore,
a wheel hub 41 is formed in each plate 44 and is configured to
mount a hydraulic motor and gear assembly 47 to each base 40, a
separate drive wheel 42a (discussed below) being rotatably
connected to each motor/gear assembly 47. Preferably, the two
motor/gear assemblies 47 are each operably connectable with the
engine 14, as discussed below, such that the engine 14 ultimately
powers both drive wheel assemblies 16A and 16B. Although the
above-described plate structure is preferred, the base 40 may
alternatively be formed as a plurality of plates, as a plurality of
bars or tubes, or in any other appropriate manner (no alternatives
shown).
[0021] In a first drive wheel assembly construction shown in FIGS.
1, 5 and 6, each wheel assembly 16A, 16B is a tracked wheel
assembly 46 including an endless track 48 disposed about the
plurality of wheels 42, which preferably include a rear drive wheel
42a (configured generally as a sprocket), a front idler wheel 42b,
and several bogie wheels 42c. The tracked wheel assembly 46 further
includes a box frame 50 attached to an outer surface 44b of the
base plate 44 and a plurality of bogie frames 51 attached to the
box frame 50 for connecting the bogie wheels 42c to the base 40.
Further, various other track drive components are disposed in the
box frame 50, such as a tensioning cylinder and arm 53 that
adjustably connects the front idler wheel 42b to the wheel base 40.
In a second drive wheel assembly construction shown in FIG. 7, each
one of the two drive wheel assemblies 16A, 16B is a "wheeled" drive
assembly 54 (i.e., separate wheels as opposed to a track drive
train) that includes the drive wheel 42a, preferably configured as
a pneumatic tire, and one or more bogie wheels (none shown). With
the wheeled drive assemblies 54, each base plate 44 further
includes one or more wheel shafts 56 (only one shown) for pivotally
mounting a preferred bogie frame and bogie wheels (neither shown)
to the wheel base 40. Further, a generally triangular mounting
bracket 58 is attached to a central portion of each base plate 40
and provides a mounting plate 58a for attaching the tow arms of a
screed assembly (neither shown) to the paving vehicle 12.
[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5-7, the lower frame 18 is
preferably constructed as a generally rectangular, truss-like frame
60 having a front portion 60a connectable with the material hopper
30 and a rear portion 60b connectable with the upper frame 22. The
truss-like frame 60 is preferably formed of a pair of side walls 62
spaced apart so as to extend generally parallel with respect to the
centerline 15 and a plurality of transverse members 64 extending
generally between the two side walls 62. Each side wall 62 provides
a separate one of the two lower frame sides 20A and 20B and has an
outer surface 61 and an inner surface 63. Preferably, each side
wall 62 is formed of front and rear, generally rectangular
elongated plates 66 and 68, respectively. Each plate 66 and 68
includes a plurality of L-shaped slotted openings 69 spaced apart
in a longitudinal row across the side wall 62. The slotted openings
69 of each side wall 62 are aligned with corresponding openings 69
in the other side wall 62 to form a pair of openings 69, each pair
of openings 69 being used to assemble the side walls 62 with one of
the preferred transverse members 64, as described below.
[0023] Further, each side wall 62 includes a plurality of threaded
inserts 70 spaced apart in a longitudinal row across the two plates
66 and 68, generally beneath the row of slotted openings 69. The
threaded inserts 70 are used to removably attach the base plate 44
of the associated one of the wheel assemblies 16A or 16B to the
lower frame 18 by means of threaded fasteners (e.g., bolts),
although the base plates 44 may alternatively be removably attached
by other means, such as by separate brackets, etc. Although it is
preferred to use the wheel base plates 44 to connect the upper and
lower frames 22, 18, respectively, the rear portion 60b of the
lower frame 18 may be alternatively formed for direct attachment
with the upper frame 22, as discussed below. Further, each front
plate 66 includes a plurality of tubular hinge bodies 67
(preferably three) spaced along and attached to an upper edge 66a
of the plate 66, which are used to connect a separate body half 31
of the preferred material storage hopper 30 to the lower frame 18.
Another row of threaded inserts 65 extends longitudinally across
the front plate 66 proximal to the plate upper edge 66a and are
alignable with corresponding through-holes 43A in the base plate
44, additional threaded fasteners being inserted therethrough when
the two wheel bases 40 are attached to the lower frame 18.
Furthermore, each rear plate 68 has a circular through-hole 71 with
a slotted opening portion 71a for installing the auger/conveyor
drive motor assembly 33 to the lower frame 18.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, the lower frame 18 preferably
includes seven of the transverse members 64 spaced along and
extending generally perpendicularly across the longitudinal
centerline 15. Each transverse member 64 has opposing ends 64a and
64b, each end 64a, 64b being connected with a separate one of the
two side walls 62. More specifically, each transverse member 64 is
preferably formed as an L-shaped beam or bar having two L-shaped
ends disposed in one pair of the aligned openings 69 in the two
side walls 62, as best shown in FIG. 2. When so attached, the
plurality of transverse members 64 rigidly connect the two side
walls 62 to form the lower frame 18, each transverse member 64
preferably being permanently attached to the side walls 62 by means
such as weldment material. Further, each transverse member 64 has a
generally flat, upper horizontal surface 64a, the upper surfaces
64a of all the transverse members 64 collectively forming the
conveyor support surface 26, as discussed above and in further
detail below.
[0025] Preferably, the lower frame 18 further includes a generally
rectangular front bumper plate 72 extending across and attached to
the front ends 62a of the two side walls 62. The bumper plate 72 is
used to mount a pair of push rollers (not shown) to the front end
18a of the lower frame 18 and generally functions to absorb impacts
to the paving vehicle 12 (i.e., from loading vehicles). Further,
the lower frame 18 also includes a rear, angled channel plate 74
extending between the two side walls 62 proximal to the rear ends
62b thereof. The channel plate 74 functions to direct paving
material deposited off the rear end 17b of the conveyor 17 to fall
toward the auger assembly 32.
[0026] Although preferably constructed as described above, the
lower frame 18 may be formed in any other appropriate manner that
enables the frame 18 to function as generally described herein. For
example, the lower frame 18 may be constructed as a box frame
formed of attached-together plates or as a truss consisting
primarily of interconnected bars or beams (neither shown). Further
for example, the lower frame 18 may be configured for direct
connection with the upper frame 22 (as opposed to connection
through the wheel base plates 44), such as by providing each side
wall 62 with threaded inserts, threaded holes, through-holes, or
slotted openings (none shown) or by providing separate mounting
brackets (none shown) attached to appropriate locations on the
lower frame 18 and connectable with the upper frame 22. The scope
of the present invention includes the structures described herein
and all other appropriate lower frame constructions that are
capable of connecting with the upper frame 22 and of supporting at
least the two wheel assemblies 16A and 16B of the paving vehicle
12.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 8, the upper frame 22 is
preferably formed as a generally rectangular box frame 80 having a
front portion 82 providing the first or "front" compartment 24 and
a rear portion 84 integrally formed with the front portion 82 and
providing another or "rear" compartment 86. The front compartment
24 is configured to receive at least the engine 14 and one or more
pumps 34 and the rear compartment 86 is configured to receive the
fuel tank(s) 36, the hydraulic tanks 38, and components of a fume
removal system 39, as discussed in further detail below. Further,
the box frame 80 also has two laterally spaced-apart attachment
sections 86 that are each removably connectable with the lower
frame 18 and which together provide the upper frame attachment
portion 23, as discussed above and in further detail below.
[0028] Preferably, the upper box frame 80 is formed of a plurality
of connected horizontal and vertical plates or walls, and most
preferably includes the following plates/members. The frame 80
preferably includes a generally horizontal base wall 90 having a
front end 90a, a rear end 90b, two opposing sides 90c and 90d, and
upper and lower surfaces 90e, 90f, respectively. Preferably, the
base wall 90 is formed of a front, generally flat plate 91 and a
rear bended plate 93 arranged such that the rear end 90b of the
base wall 90 is spaced vertically upwardly with respect to the base
wall front end 90a. The front plate 91 has a pair of projections 89
each extending laterally outwardly from a separate base wall side
90c and 90d and the rear plate 93 includes a pair of through-holes
95a, 95b providing clearance for portions of the preferred exhaust
system 39, as discussed below. Further, two generally vertical side
walls 92 each extend along a separate one of the two base wall
sides 90c and 90d. Each side wall 92 has a cut-out section 95
located proximal to the front ends 92a thereof, a proximal one of
the two base wall projections 89 extending through each cut-out
section 95 so as to increase the width, and thereby the available
storage volume, of the front compartment 24, as discussed in
further detail below. Furthermore, each side wall 92 has a lower
end portion 97 extending generally below or vertically lower than
the base wall lower surface 90f and providing a separate one of the
two upper frame attachment sections 86. Specifically, each
attachment section 86 includes an outer surface 99 and a plurality
of threaded inserts 101 (preferably six) spaced longitudinally
along the outer surface 99 and is connectable or attachable to a
corresponding base plate mounting section 45 on the lower frame 18,
as discussed below.
[0029] The preferred upper box frame 80 further includes a
generally vertical front transverse wall 94 extending along the
front end 90a of the base wall 90 and disposed against the front
ends 92a of the two side walls 92. A generally vertical rear
transverse wall 96 extends along the rear end 90b of the base wall
90 and is disposed against the rear ends 92b of the side walls 92.
Further, a generally vertical middle transverse wall 98 is disposed
generally between the front and rear walls 94, 96, respectively and
extends generally between and outwardly beyond the two side walls
92. More specifically, the middle transverse wall 98 has two
spaced-apart vertical slotted openings 103 and proximal portions of
each side wall 92 are disposed within each opening 103, such that
the middle wall 98 is generally divided into a central inner
portion 98a and two outer portions 98b.
[0030] With the above-described upper frame structure, the front
compartment 24 is defined between the front and middle transverse
walls 94, 98, respectively, and portions of the base wall 90 and
the two side walls 92 which extend between the two vertical walls
94, 98. The base wall projections 89 extend horizontally outwardly
between the front and middle walls 94, 98, respectively, and the
side wall cut-out sections 95 are disposed between the two vertical
walls 94 and 98, such that the front compartment 24 has two
opposing, generally open sides 24a, 24b. The rear compartment 86 is
defined generally between the middle and rear transverse walls 96,
98, respectively, and portions of the base wall 90 and the two side
walls 92 extending between the two vertical walls 96 and 98.
Further, the upper frame 22 also preferably includes a plurality of
cover panels or plates 100 (see FIG. 4) attached to outer sections
of the frame walls such that the front and rear compartments 24,
86, respectively, are generally enclosed when the paving vehicle 12
is fully assembled, as discussed below.
[0031] Although preferably constructed as a box frame 80 of
connected plates as described above, the upper frame 22 may be
formed in any other appropriate manner that enables the frame 22 to
function as generally described herein. For example, the upper
frame 22 may be formed as a truss-like structure of interconnected
bars or beams or as a combination of bars/beams and plates (neither
shown). Further for example, the upper frame 22 may have attachment
sections 86 provided by other vertical wall sections of the upper
frame 22, such as portions of the front, middle and/or rear
transverse walls 94, 96 and 98, respectively, or from horizontal
wall portions, such as sections of the base wall 90, or from one or
more separate components attached to the frame 22, such as mounting
brackets (no alternatives shown). The scope of the present
invention includes the structures of the upper frame described
herein and all other appropriate upper frame structures that are
capable of connecting with the lower frame 18 and of supporting at
least the engine 14 of the paving vehicle 12.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4-8, a paving vehicle 12 including
the frame assembly 10 of the present invention is formed as
follows. Preferably, prior to connecting the lower frame 18 and the
upper frame 22, the various other primary components of the vehicle
12 (discussed above) are assembled or installed into the
appropriate frame 18 or 22 to form a lower vehicle subassembly 21
and an upper vehicle subassembly 25. Although not preferred, the
lower and upper frames 18, 22, respectively, may alternatively be
connected together before the primary vehicle components are
installed to the main frame assembly 10.
[0033] Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 5-7, when forming the lower
vehicle subassembly 21, the two drive wheel assemblies 16A and 16B
are selected from either the track wheel assemblies 46 or the
wheeled drive assemblies 54. Preferably, the components of the
selected drive assemblies 16A, 16B are pre-assembled to the base
plate 44, and then an entire wheel assembly 46 or 56 is attached to
each side wall 62. More specifically, each base plate 44 is
disposed against the outer surface 63 of each side wall 62 such
that each base plate through-hole 43A is aligned with a separate
one of the side wall threaded inserts 70, and then a threaded
fastener (e.g., a bolt)(none indicated) is inserted through each
aligned hole/insert pair to removably connect each wheel assembly
16A or 16B to the lower frame 18. Further, the conveyor 17 is
positioned on the lower frame support surface 26 such that the
conveyor 17 extends across and rests upon the upper surfaces 64a of
the plurality of transverse members 64. Further, the auger assembly
32 is attached to the rear ends 62b of the two lower frame side
walls 62.
[0034] Referring next to FIGS. 1, 4 and 8, when forming the upper
vehicle subassembly 25, the engine 14 is installed in a central
portion of the front compartment 24 of the upper frame 22.
Referring first to FIG. 8, the pumps 34 are installed in the front
compartment 24 so as to be operatively connected with the engine
14, specifically to an output gearbox (not indicated) of the engine
14, and are preferably disposed within the compartment left open
side 24a and extending through the left cut-out section 95, the
pumps 34 being thereby accessible for maintenance by removing the
proximal cover plate 100. Further, a primary hydraulic tank 38a is
fluidly connected with the pumps 34 and is disposed on the left
base wall projection 89 so as to be located generally beneath the
pumps 34. Further, a fuel filter 104 is connected to the engine 14
and is disposed in the front compartment right open side 24b. Two
diesel fuel tanks 36 are installed within the rear compartment 86
and are then fluidly connected with the engine 14 and components of
a fume removal system 39 are installed in the rear compartment
generally between the two tanks 36. As best shown in FIG. 4, after
the described and other components or systems are installed within
the front and rear compartments 24, 86, respectively, the plurality
of cover plates 100 are then attached to the upper frame 22 so as
to generally enclose the two compartments 24 and 86. Thereafter,
the two operator stations 35 and various other externally-mounted
vehicle components (none indicated) are connected to the upper
frame 22 so as to form the complete upper vehicle assembly 25.
[0035] Once both the lower and the upper vehicle subassemblies 21
and 25 are formed, the upper frame 22 is positioned generally
above, and then connected with, the lower frame 18. More
specifically, the upper frame 22 is located such that two upper
frame attachment sections 86 are disposed between the two base
plate mounting sections 45. Each outer attachment surface 99 of the
upper frame 22 is disposed against (or at least proximal to) a
separate one of the inner mounting surfaces 49 on the lower frame
18, such that the upper frame threaded inserts 101 are aligned with
the lower frame through-holes 43B. Then, threaded fasteners 105
(e.g., bolts) (FIG. 1) are inserted through each aligned
through-hole/threaded insert pair to removably connect the lower
and upper frames 18 and 22, respectively. Alternatively, the
respective lower and upper frames 18, 22 may be permanently
connected by appropriate means, such as for example, by riveting or
welding together the upper frame attachment sections 86 and the
lower frame mounting sections 45.
[0036] Once the upper frame 22 is connected with the lower frame
18, the conveyor tunnel 28 is formed by, and generally between, the
two frames 18, 22 so as to generally enclose the rear portion of
the conveyor 17. Two pumps 34 in the upper frame 22 are each
fluidly connected with a separate one of the two drive motor/gear
assemblies 47 to thereby operatively connect the engine 14 with the
two wheel assemblies 16A and 16B. Further, other pumps 34 are
connected with the auger/conveyor drive motor-gear assembly 33 and
with various other systems or components (none indicated) on the
lower vehicle subassembly 21 so as to provide hydraulic power to
each such component/system as required. Furthermore, the hopper 30
is preferably mounted to the lower frame 18 after assembling
together the lower and upper vehicle subassemblies 21, 25,
respectively, specifically by connecting each hopper half 31 to the
tubular hinges 67 on each side wall 62, but may alternatively be
installed prior to connecting the two frames 18 and 20.
[0037] The frame assembly 10 of the present invention is clearly
advantageous over previously known paving vehicle frames. By being
formed of upper and lower frames 18 and 22, the various components
of the upper and lower vehicle assemblies 21, 25, respectively, may
be separately installed into the appropriate frame 18 or 22, which
facilitates assembly as compared to installing all the components
into a single main frame. In particular, it is much easier to first
assemble the conveyor 17 onto the lower frame 18 and then to
assemble the upper frame 22 to the lower frame 22 and above the
conveyor 17, thereby forming the conveyor tunnel 28 around the
conveyor 17, as compared to installing the rear portion of the
conveyor 17 into a tunnel through a single-piece main frame, as was
previously required.
[0038] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments or constructions described
above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof.
For example, the upper and lower frames 18 and 22 may be directly
attached together, as opposed to being connected by means of the
base plate mounting sections 45, and/or the two frames 18 and 22
may be permanently attached rather than removably connected. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments or constructions disclosed, but it is
intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the
present invention as generally described herein.
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