U.S. patent application number 14/158853 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-24 for line striper.
The applicant listed for this patent is Neal D. McNutt. Invention is credited to Neal D. McNutt.
Application Number | 20140205744 14/158853 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51207894 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140205744 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McNutt; Neal D. |
July 24, 2014 |
Line Striper
Abstract
Herein is an apparatus for overlaying a media stripe onto a
media stripe previously applied to a surface (i.e., "old media
strip"). The apparatus includes a mobile frame housing controls and
an applicator head having a spray nozzle that applies new media.
The applicator head also includes sensors and/or a camera that cast
a cone of vision onto a surface. The cone of vision is positioned
tangentially to a first edge of the old media stripe. If while
operating the apparatus, the applicator head moves and the new
media stripe is not overlaid onto the old media stripe, the sensors
and/or camera will direct an actuator arm (or similar) to
reposition the applicator head and spray nozzle so that the new
media stripe is once again sprayed on top of the old media
stripe.
Inventors: |
McNutt; Neal D.; (Robesonia,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
McNutt; Neal D. |
Robesonia |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51207894 |
Appl. No.: |
14/158853 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61754732 |
Jan 21, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
427/8 ; 118/712;
118/713 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 23/22 20130101;
E01C 23/163 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
427/8 ; 118/712;
118/713 |
International
Class: |
E01C 23/22 20060101
E01C023/22 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for overlaying a media stripe onto a media stripe
previously applied to a surface comprising: a mobile frame housing
controls; an applicator head comprising a first sensor which casts
a first cone of vision onto the surface, the first cone of vision
positioned tangentially to a first edge of the media stripe
previously applied to the surface, a second sensor which casts a
second cone of vision onto the surface, the second cone of vision
positioned tangentially to a second edge of the media stripe
previously applied to the surface, and a media nozzle adapted to
spray media overlaid on the media stripe previously applied to a
surface, the media nozzle positioned at a distance from the first
and second sensor; and an extendable arm having one end attached to
the frame and the other end attached to the applicator head,
wherein when the applicator head is moved along the media stripe
previously applied to the surface and either the first or second
cone of vision from the first or second sensor is no longer
tangential to the first or second edge of the media stripe
previously applied to the surface, the first and second sensors
communicate with the controls which instruct the extendable arm to
reposition the first and second sensors such that the their
respectable cones of vision center are again tangential to the
first or second edge of the media stripe previously applied to the
surface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the media nozzle is positioned
at a fixed distance from the first and second sensor.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mobile frame is mounted to
a carriage selected from the group consisting of a walk-behind
cart, a self-propelled cart, a vehicle, and a towed trailer.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mobile frame further
comprises a user interface providing the user with information
regarding the status of the apparatus.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extendable arm is a worm
screw, piston, belt, shaft, or hydraulic cylinder.
6. An apparatus for applying a media stripe onto a surface
comprising: a mobile frame housing controls; an applicator head
comprising a media nozzle adapted to spray media onto a surface; a
extendable arm having one end attached to the frame and the other
end attached to the applicator head, wherein the extension of the
arm is controlled by the controls; at least one camera mounted to
the apparatus, mobile frame or applicator head, and in
communication with the controls; wherein when the applicator head
is moved along the surface, the at least one camera identifies a
location on the surface where media should be applied, the at least
one camera communicates with the controls, which communicates with
the arm to align the applicator head and media nozzle over the
location on the surface where media is to be applied.
7. A method of applying new media on a media stripe previously
applied to a surface with an apparatus comprising a mobile frame
housing controls, an applicator head comprising a first sensor
which casts a first cone of vision onto the surface, the first cone
of vision positioned tangentially to a first edge of the media
stripe previously applied to the surface, a second sensor which
casts a second cone of vision onto the surface, the second cone of
vision positioned tangentially to a second edge of the media stripe
previously applied to the surface, a media nozzle adapted to spray
media overlaid on the media stripe previously applied to a surface,
the media nozzle positioned at a distance from the first and second
sensor and an extendable arm have one end attached to the frame and
the another end attached to the applicator head, the steps of
positioning the applicator head over the media stripe previously
applied to a surface so that the first sensor having a cone of
vision adjacent to a first edge of the media stripe and the second
sensor having a cone of vision is adjacent to a second edge of the
media stripe previously applied to the surface; moving the mobile
frame while simultaneously applying new media, whereby the movement
of the apparatus misaligns the applicator head such that the first
or second cone of vision from the first or second sensor is no
longer tangential to the first or second edge of the media stripe
previously applied to the surface and the new media stripe is not
overlaid with precision onto the media stripe previously applied to
the surface; communicating the misalignment from the sensors to the
controls; communicating from the controls to the extendable arm to
reposition the applicator head so that the first and second sensors
cones of vision are realigned in that they are again tangential to
the first or second edge of the media stripe previously applied to
the surface, wherein misalignment of the applicator head does not
interrupt simultaneously application of the new media.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the application
of media onto a surface from a device in motion, e.g., a line
striper apparatus.
[0002] Stripes are applied to roadways, parking lots, warehouse
floors and the like for directing the movement and placement of
people, things, and vehicles. Every year thousands of miles of
roads and countless square miles of parking lots, warehouse floors,
airport floors and runways, and athletic fields are re-striped when
the existing surface markings fade because of the natural erosion
of time and the elements. Safety, traffic flow, and athletic events
rely on clearly visible surface markings and boundaries. There is a
need to continuously maintain these markings.
[0003] One challenge in re-striping the markings is the precision
at which the new stripe overlays onto the existing stripe. While
various types of video and mechanical guidance systems are known
for use with vehicle mounted line stripers, all systems known to
date suffer somewhat in that while attempting to re-stripe over an
existing line, despite the advancement of the guidance systems, the
re-striping still relies to a great extent on the operator. For
example, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,351, the driver of the cab
must follow a guide rod positioned above the stripe on the road on
a forward looking video system in order for the apparatus to
re-stripe the line near the rear of the vehicle. If the driver is
distracted and the guide moves off of the existing line, the new,
re-striped line will not properly overlay the old line. Thus, as
with any repetitive task, user operator error is the main source of
error. The present invention is directed to minimizing user
introduced error when re-striping surfaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Described herein is an apparatus for applying a new media
stripe onto or overlaid onto a media stripe that has been
previously applied to a surface (i.e., "old media stripe"). The
apparatus has a mobile frame housing controls, an applicator head
and an extendable arm that connects the applicator head to the
mobile frame. The applicator head has at least one sensor and/or
camera that casts a cone of vision position tangentially to the
edge of the old media stripe. The applicator head also has a media
nozzle adapted to spray media overlaid on the media stripe
previously applied to a surface. The media nozzle is positioned at
a distance from the at least one sensor and/or camera so that when
the sensor/s and/or camera "see" the old media stripe, the at least
one sensor and/or camera communicates with the controls to align
the applicator head housing the media nozzle so that the new media
stripe is applied on top of the old media stripe.
[0005] Also disclosed is a method of using the apparatus described
herein which allows for simultaneous application of a new media
stripe onto an old media stripe while correcting for and
misalignment of the spray nozzle by the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The invention is best understood from the following detailed
description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.
It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various
features of the drawing are not to scale. On the contrary, the
dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or
reduced for clarity. Included in the drawing are the following
figures:
[0007] FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for
applying media stripe onto a surface according to the
invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a detailed, partial view of the applicator head of
the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 shows the movement of the extendable arm
repositioning the applicator head of the apparatus shown in FIG.
1;
[0010] FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the media discharge
nozzle and the first and second sensors and/or camera of the
applicator head shown in FIG. 2;
[0011] FIG. 5 shows the first and second sensor and/or camera cones
of vision positioned at the edges of a previously applied media
stripe; and
[0012] FIG. 6 shows an event where more than one media stripe that
has been previously applied to a surface do not exactly
overlap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention simplifies the line striping process
making it more accurate, efficient, and/or less labor intensive.
According to an embodiment, the invention is an actuated sensing
system that controls the position of a spray nozzle of a
self-contained striping apparatus. The system comprises a user
interface with controls that communicate with multiple sensors
and/or a camera which determines the edges of an existing media
line or stripe. According to one embodiment, the pressure and/or
volume of the flow of media is fixed, however, according to
alternative embodiments, the controls also adjust the pressure
and/or volume of the flow of media from the discharge nozzle. The
sensors and/or camera determine where the previous media stripe was
applied to the surface. They communicate with the controls, which
use this information to reposition the discharge nozzle, as
necessary, in a way that "follows" the previous media stripe so
that the newly applied media stripe overlays the old media stripe.
Therefore, when the system is mounted to a walk-behind unit, a
ride-behind unit, or a vehicle, the system allows quality striping
at higher speeds.
[0014] With reference now to the figures where an embodiment of the
invention is described, FIG. 1 shows a walk-behind line striper 1
having frame 10 mounted on a movable carriage 25. Mounted to
carriage 25 are user interface 5, controls 15, and media reservoir
20. Although the invention is exemplified in the Figures as adapted
to be mounted to a walk behind apparatus as in U.S. Pat. No.
7,673,815, other line striping apparatus are contemplated such as a
vehicle as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,232 or towed behind a truck
similar to U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,385, or self powered as in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,947,637--all of which are incorporated by reference.
[0015] User interface 5 may comprise two toggle switches, a push
button reset switch, and indicator lamps (not shown) that indicate
an error in the line striping application process such as over
travel, i.e., when the newly applied media is being misapplied over
the old media stripe. Exemplary indicator lights are those
manufactured by Mouser Electronics. Controls 15 may comprise a
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) such as those manufactured by
Allen Bradley.
[0016] An actuator 45 is mounted to carriage 25 at actuator
carriage end 35 and extends, as shown in this exemplary embodiment,
as extending perpendicular to the direction of travel of line
striper 1. Mounted to the other end of the actuator 45, also
referred to herein as applicator head housing end 40, is applicator
head housing 100. Applicator head housing 100 contains multiple
components, including sensors and/or a camera (not shown) and media
applicator 30. According to an alternative embodiment, depending on
the type of media being applied and the application speed, a second
set of sensors and/or a camera are mounted independent from the
media applicator head. According to this alternative embodiment, a
second actuator is mounted to the same carriage, or a separate
carriage, to house the second set of sensors and/or a camera, which
are independent from the applicator head housing. The second set of
sensors and/or a camera are used to detect the old media stripe and
the applicator head housing having its sensors and/or its camera
positions the media discharge nozzle. These two sets of sensors
and/or cameras on the same or different carriages are calibrated to
adjust for the ground speed and travel heights of the line striper,
respectively.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows applicator head 100 in more detail. In this
particular embodiment of applicator head 100, an applicator head
plate 120 is adapted to receive and maintain media discharge nozzle
110 in a position such that when media is discharged from the
nozzle, the media are applied onto a surface. In the embodiment of
the invention shown in FIG. 1, the media discharge nozzle is
oriented so that the media is dispensed downward onto the surface
as line striper 1 is moved. Adjustably mounted to head plate 120
via a first sensor and/or camera slot 130A is first sensor and/or
camera 130. Similarly, also adjustably mounted to head plate 120
via a second sensor and/or camera slot 140A is second sensor and/or
camera 140. Exemplary sensors include photo switch and inductive
proximity switch sensors such as those manufactured by Allen
Bradley. Two sensors are shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2,
however, more than 2 sensors may be used. A camera system may also
be used such as a camera manufactured by Cognex. At least two
sensors and/or a camera are required to track along the outside
edge of the existing line.
[0018] Also shown in FIG. 2 is old media stripe 310 to illustrate
how the sensors and/or camera "see" an old line painted on a
surface such as a road. For example, the first sensor and/or camera
130 is positioned so that it cone of vision 135 "sees" the surface
immediately adjacent to an edge of the old media stripe 310
(designated with an X). The second sensor and/or camera 140 is
likewise positioned so that its cone of vision 145 "sees" the
surface immediately adjacent to the opposite edge of old media
stripe 310 as shown in more detail in FIG. 4. According to this
embodiment, the sensors and/or cameras 130 and 140 are connected to
actuator arm 45 via applicator head 100, however, the sensors
and/or cameras may be attached to any portion of line striper 1 so
long as the sensor and/or camera cone of vision is immediately
adjacent or tangential to the surface of the old media stripe.
[0019] In the embodiment of the camera system, one or more multiple
cameras are connected or linked to a main image processing unit.
The connection may be made to specialized intermediate hardware
like a frame grabber using either a standardized or custom
interface. Alternatively, the cameras or camera has image process
capabilities built in, which are generally referred to as a smart
cameras or smart sensors. After the image is acquired, it is
processed through machine vision software using methods known to
one of ordinary skill in the art. The outputs of the machine vision
software instruct the movement of actuator 45 to position the
applicator head housing 100 into a position so that a media stripe
is applied to a surface or reapplied over an existing media
stripe.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1
in motion. As line striper 1 is moved along, parallel, or next to
old media stripe 310, the sensors and/or camera (not shown in FIG.
3, but described in detail with respect to FIG. 4) "see" the
surface immediately adjacent to the edge of old media stripe 310
(i.e., the cone of vision is tangential to the edge of the
previously applied media stripe). The operator positions line
striper apparatus 1 such that applicator head housing is in a first
position 100A over media stripe 310. If the operator of the line
striper apparatus 1 misguides the apparatus or the old media line
is curved and applicator head housing 100 and spray pattern of the
newly applied media 300 is no longer aligned over old media stripe
310, the sensors and/or camera "see" the misalignment (represented
by applicator head 100B) by sensing the difference from the old
media stripe compared to the uncoated surface. The sensors and/or
camera feed this information back to controls 15, which
automatically instructs actuator 45 to reposition applicator head
housing 100 into a corrected position (represented by applicator
head 100A). The result is that the application of new media stripe
300 from line striper apparatus 100 is overlaid onto old media
stripe 310. Accordingly, during normal operation, the cones of
vision, 135 and 145, of both sensors and/or cameras 130 and 140
track along the outside edge of existing media stripe 310. In the
event that either sensor and/or camera detects the old media stripe
310, said sensor and/or camera will send a signal to the PLC and
the PLC will reposition actuator 45 in the appropriate direction.
Actuator 45 will continue to move until said sensor and/or camera
no longer detects old media stripe 310.
[0021] Moreover, according to an embodiment of the invention, when
actuator 45 is near fully extended (or retracted), an over-travel
sensor and/or camera (not shown) at user interface 5 will trip a
warning light and a reset button (also not shown) must be pushed in
order to realign applicator head housing end 40 and realign spray
pattern of newly applied media 300 over old media stripe 310.
[0022] The sensors and/or camera and automatic features embodied in
this invention allow for greater precision (i.e., correct any
operator error caused by misalignment of the new media spray onto
the old media spray) and allow the line striper apparatus to apply
new media faster.
[0023] In an embodiment, actuator 45 is a worm screw, piston,
cable, belt, hydraulic cylinder or any mechanical device that
provides for movement of applicator head housing 100. The actuator
movement shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3 is bidirectional (e.g.,
it moves in or out) and is perpendicular to the direction the line
apparatus travels. However, also contemplated is an actuator that
can reposition applicator head housing multidirectionally (both in
and out, and forward and backward with respect to the travel
direction of the line striper apparatus). Also contemplated is an
actuator that can reposition applicator head houses closer to or
away from the surface to which the media is applied. In this
embodiment, the nozzle responsible for the spray width of the media
can remain the same, while the spray width can be narrowed or
widened depending on the distance the applicator head housing is
moved from the surface to be sprayed.
[0024] Shown in FIG. 4 is an embodiment of the components of
applicator head 100. First sensor and/or camera 130 and second
sensor and/or camera 140 are arranged such that the sensor and/or
camera cones of vision 135 and 145 "sees" the surface immediately
adjacent to each edge of old media stripe 310. The center of the
cone of vision are represented by reference numerals 137 and 147,
respectively. The respective centers are equidistant from a point
that is the center of media spray width 150. Thus, distance X from
center of media spray width 150 to center of circle 137 cast by
sensor and/or camera cone of vision 135 of first sensor and/or
camera 130 is equal to distance Y from center of media spray width
150 to center of circle 147 cast by sensor and/or camera cone of
vision 145 of second sensor and/or camera 140. Media discharge
nozzle 110 is positioned at a height above the surface to which the
media is being applied or the nozzle spray width is adjusted such
that when media is sprayed, new media stripe 300 is formed having a
width (shown as distance Z) equal not only to the distance between
the first and second cones of visions, but also to the width of the
old media stripe 310. In this way, new media stripe 300 is
precisely overlaid onto old media stripe 310.
[0025] FIG. 5 is an aerial view of a media stripe and the cones of
vision cast by the sensors and/or cameras. Sensors and/or cameras
130 and 140 are mounted in applicator head housing 100 such that
the respective cones of vision 135 and 145 are aligned with or
tangential to the edge 305 of old media stripe 310. The cones of
visions are fixedly positioned such that the distances A and B from
an edge 138 and 148 of the cones of vision to center line 150 of
old media stripe 310 are equidistant. Thus, the width of old media
stripe 310 is substantially equal to the total distances of A and
B; and, in one embodiment, is also equal to the width of new media
stripe 300 that is to be overlaid onto old media stripe 310.
Accordingly, if the operator of the line striping apparatus
misaligns the applicator head housing 100 and move the edges 138
and 148 of the cones of visions 135 and 145 of the sensors and/or
camera off of edge 305 of old media stripe 310, the sensors and/or
camera communicate/s this misalignment to controls 15, which
repositions applicator head housing 100 via actuator 45 to realign
cones of visions 135 and 145 so that their respective edges, 138
and 148, are again tangential to edge 305 of old media stripe
310.
[0026] Illustrated in FIG. 6 is an event where more than one media
stripe has been previously applied to the surface and they do not
exactly overlap. As shown in FIG. 6, old media stripe 310 is
partially overlaid onto second old media stripe 320. In one
embodiment, for example as shown in FIG. 2, first and second
sensors and/or cameras 130 and 140, respectively, are adjustably
mounted to applicator head 100 via first and second sensor and/or
camera adjustment slots 130A and 140A. When, as shown in FIG. 6,
two previously laid media stripe are not exactly overlaid on top of
the other, the edge 138 of the first sensor and/or camera cone of
vision 135 is positioned tangential or adjacent to the outermost
edge of any previous media stripe (e.g., 320). Likewise, the edge
148 of the second sensor and/or camera cone of vision 145 is also
positioned tangential or adjacent to the other outermost edge of
any previous media stripe (e.g., 310). In an embodiment, media
discharge nozzle 110 is adjustable. It can be raised or lowered
relative to the surface to be painted so that the spray pattern of
the media is made narrow or wide. In another embodiment, the media
spray nozzle itself is adjustable so that the spray pattern of the
media is made narrow or wide. When new media stripe 300 is
predetermined to be a fixed width and such a width would not
completely overlay both old media stripes, new media stripe 300 is
applied so that center of the new media spray width 150 is the
point at which equidistantly bisects the distance between edges 138
and 148 of their respective cones of vision. In this embodiment,
new media stripe will be applied approximately in the middle of any
number of old media stripes.
* * * * *