U.S. patent application number 15/926785 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-21 for tape machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is EPIC Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Timothy John Marthe, Reise Jordoon Stenberg, Jeffrey Arnold Wilkens.
Application Number | 20190055702 15/926785 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65359957 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190055702 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilkens; Jeffrey Arnold ; et
al. |
February 21, 2019 |
TAPE MACHINE
Abstract
An improved automated tape applicator that applies pavement
marking tape to a pavement surface. The automated tape applicator
may include dual knives for cutting two or more patterns
simultaneously, a hinged frame that permits an adhesion roller to
be lifted off the ground when not in active use, an electronic
clutch for selectively engaging a tape feed mechanism, a swiveling
front tire, an automated controller for simultaneous application of
multiple markings and accurate dimensioning, and/or replaceable
knife inserts.
Inventors: |
Wilkens; Jeffrey Arnold;
(West Fargo, ND) ; Marthe; Timothy John; (Relies
Acres, ND) ; Stenberg; Reise Jordoon; (Argusville,
ND) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
EPIC Solutions, Inc. |
Fargo |
ND |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65359957 |
Appl. No.: |
15/926785 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62473645 |
Mar 20, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 23/185 20130101;
B65H 35/0066 20130101; B65H 35/0086 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E01C 23/18 20060101
E01C023/18 |
Claims
1. An automated tape applicator for installing pavement marking
tape on a pavement surface, comprising: a supply spindle onto which
one or more rolls of pavement marking tape may be installed; an
adhesion roller for applying pressure to a non-adhesive side of
said pavement marking tape to adhere an adhesive side of said
pavement marking tape to said pavement surface; an upper guide
roller for directing pavement marking tape from said one or more
rolls toward said adhesion roller; an upper feed mechanism
comprising at least one roller for applying pressure to said
adhesive side of said pavement marking tape to aid in engagement of
said pavement marking tape by said upper guide roller, wherein said
upper feed mechanism is retractable from said upper guide roller
when not in use and extendable to said upper guide roller when in
use; and a cutting mechanism disposed between said upper guide
roller and said adhesion roller for cutting said pavement marking
tape.
2. The automated tape applicator of claim 1, wherein said cutting
mechanism comprises a first knife and a second knife, wherein said
first knife is configured to cut pavement marking tape from a first
roll of pavement marking tape and said second knife is configured
to cut pavement marking tape from a second roll of pavement marking
tape.
3. The automated tape applicator of claim 2, further comprising: a
first knife actuator operably engaged with said first knife; a
second knife actuator operably engaged with said second knife; and
an automated controller in operative communication with said first
and second knife actuators and configured to control each of said
first and second knife actuators independently.
4. The automated tape applicator of claim 3, further comprising: a
sensor disposed adjacent to a moving component of said automated
tape applicator, wherein a rate of rotation of said moving
component is directly associable with a speed of said automated
tape applicator in relation to said pavement surface and wherein
said sensor transmits a signal regarding said rate of rotation to
said automated controller.
5. The automated tape applicator of claim 4, wherein said moving
component is a toothed sprocket that is rotated as a result of said
adhesion roller rolling across said pavement surface.
6. The automated tape applicator of claim 5, wherein said automated
controller is programmable with at least a first pattern and a
second pattern for application of pavement marking tape, wherein an
operator may select said first pattern for application of pavement
marking tape from said first roll of pavement marking tape and said
second pattern for application of pavement marking tape from said
second roll of pavement marking tape.
7. The automated tape applicator of claim 6, further comprising an
upper feed mechanism actuator for extending and retracting said
upper feed mechanism with respect to said upper guide roller.
8. The automated tape applicator of claim 7, wherein said automated
controller calculates a distance traveled by said automated tape
applicator as a function of said signal from said sensor and
transmits control signals to direct operation of: said first knife
actuator; said second knife actuator; and said upper feed mechanism
actuator; wherein said operation of said first knife actuation,
said second knife actuator, and said upper feed mechanism actuator
according to said control signals results in application of
pavement marking tape from said first roll of pavement marking tape
according to said first pattern and application of pavement marking
tape from said second roll of pavement marking tape according to
said second pattern.
9. The automated tape applicator of claim 8, further comprising: a
drive mechanism operatively attaching said adhesion roller to said
upper guide roller to rotate said upper guide roller in response to
rotation of said adhesion roller across said pavement surface.
10. The automated tape applicator of claim 9, further comprising: a
clutch in operative engagement with said upper guide roller,
wherein said clutch is controllable by said automated controller to
effect at least one of rotational engagement and disengagement of
said upper guide roller with respect to said drive mechanism.
11. The automated tape applicator of claim 1, further comprising: a
frame, wherein said adhesion roller is mounted to said frame,
wherein said frame is pivotally mountable to a carrier vehicle,
wherein said frame may be pivoted with respect to said carrier
vehicle between an elevated configuration wherein said adhesion
roller is spaced apart from said pavement surface and an
application configuration in which said adhesion roller is in
contact with said pavement surface.
12. The automated applicator of claim 11, wherein said carrier
vehicle is a walk-behind cart.
13. The automated tape applicator of claim 12, wherein said cart
comprises a swiveling front wheel, and wherein said swiveling front
wheel is selectively lockable to restrict swiveling.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to pavement marking. More
particularly, the disclosure relates to an improved tape applicator
that applies pavement marking tape to a pavement surface.
BACKGROUND
[0002] It is well known that roadways, crosswalks, parking lots,
airports and other types of pavement surfaces have pavement
markings (e.g., lines, intermittent stripes, labels, words, etc.)
painted on them to guide vehicle traffic, pedestrians, etc.
Pavement marking materials (e.g., paints, tapes, thermoplastics,
etc.) are frequently used to create visible stripes or lines. Due
to the extended lengths of certain pavement markings such a highway
centerline, applying paint is typically the most cost effective way
to mark pavement surfaces. However, in some applications, it is
desirable to apply a premade pavement marking tape to a pavement
surface. Though typically more expensive, such pavement marking
tapes may be desirable in locations of heavy use and/or where
improved reflective qualities are desired.
[0003] Often times, rather than manual application by hand,
pavement marking tape is applied using a tape applicator. Various
forms of tape applicators are known, but prior solutions are
associated with several shortcomings. For example, many pavement
markings consist of more than one line or stripe (e.g., highway
centerline with passing zone in one direction has a solid and a
skip line). Such pavement markings require at least two passes with
a tape applicator, one pass to install a solid line and another
pass to install a skip line.
[0004] Further, known tape applicators may utilize a roller which
rests against the pavement surface and applies pressure to the top
side (i.e., non-adhesive) of the tape to press the adhesive side of
the tape against the ground. Such rollers are large and cumbersome
making tape applicators difficult and time-consuming to
maneuver.
[0005] Further still, tape applicators are known to deviate from
desired length and spacing specifications. In this regard, various
components of the machines may shift out of synchronization causing
spacing issues between stripes. Further in this regard, certain
moving components of known machines remain in motion even when tape
is not actively being laid onto the pavement surface. This may
cause the moving parts to rub against the loaded tape which is
stationary causing damage to the reflective surface and possibly
breakage.
[0006] Lastly, existing tape applicators utilize control systems
which fail to account for variations in environmental and operating
conditions. For example, some machines are controlled by a timing
system which accepts a theoretical speed and assumes no variation
in actual speed. In this regard, a machine may be programmed to
operate at 2 km/h and the timing of cuts to the tape may be based
off this hypothetical speed. In reality, bumps, cracks, or other
imperfections in the pavement surface may cause the machine to
operate slightly slower or faster at certain time, thereby causing
inaccuracy in the placement of markings.
SUMMARY
[0007] Provided herein is an automated tape applicator for pavement
marking tape offering several advantages over prior solutions. The
automated tape applicator has a number of features that overcome
the deficiencies described above in the background section
including, inter alia: [0008] dual knives for cutting two or more
patterns simultaneously; [0009] replaceable knife inserts [0010] a
hinged frame that permits the adhesion roller to be lifted off the
ground when not in use; [0011] a swiveling front tire; [0012] an
electronic clutch for selectively engaging a tape feed mechanism;
and/or [0013] an automated controller for simultaneous application
of multiple markings and accurate dimensioning. Each of these
features is believed to be novel independently as well as in
various combinations.
[0014] A cutting assembly featuring dual knives enables the
automated tape applicator described herein to install two or more
lines simultaneously. Each of the two or more lines may utilize the
same or different patterns. For example, a solid line may be
installed at the same time as a skip line. In this regard, the
automated tape applicator may install a complex pavement marking
(e.g., one utilizing multiple patterns) in a single pass. Notably,
although described herein as a dual knife system, it should be
appreciated that any number of knives may be utilized with the
principles described herein.
[0015] Each knife (or blade) may be operated independently by an
actuator. In a preferred embodiment, a compressed air may be used
to power a pneumatic system driving the knife actuators. The
compressed air may be supplied by an on-board storage tank or
gas-powered compressor. Alternative mechanisms for powering the
actuators are envisaged including electrical actuators, hydraulics,
etc. The automated controller of the automated tape applicator may
directly control operation of the knife actuators (e.g., electric
actuators) or may control valves that, in turn, control the knife
actuators (e.g., pneumatic actuators). The automated controller may
operate each of the dual knives independently based upon a
selectable pattern used for each roll of pavement marking tape.
[0016] Rather than using single-piece knives as is known in the
art, replaceable knife inserts may be used. In this regard, when a
blade edge is worn and needs replacement, there is no need to
replace the entire knife body but rather only the knife insert may
be replaced. Such a design may reduce time and costs associated
with replacement. The knife body which holds a knife insert may be
constructed from a first material and the knife insert may be
constructed from a second material.
[0017] A hinged frame may be used to enable an operator to lift and
lock the adhesion roller off the ground when not in use. The
vertical hinge may be an integral part of the frame of the
automated tape applicator or may formed within or in conjunction
with a carrier vehicle. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
the figures and described below, the carrier vehicle is a cart
designed to be maneuvered by an operator. With this design, an
operator may manually lift the machine's frame (and mechanisms
attached thereto such as the adhesion roller) and lock it into an
elevated position (e.g., with a linchpin or other locking
mechanism), or an assistance mechanism may be provided to aid in
lifting the frame such as a linear actuator, a cable and winch,
etc. By raising the frame into the elevated position, the adhesion
roller may be lifted from the ground. This may facilitate improved
maneuverability of the machine and may also reduce wear and tear on
the adhesion roller and mechanically associated components.
[0018] Alternatively, a carrier vehicle may be a pickup truck, a
towable trailer, or a specialty truck outfitted with one or more
automated tape applicators mounted to a chassis. In this regard,
the frame may be hingedly mounted to the carrier vehicle or may be
retractable to raise and lower the machine as desired.
[0019] Particularly in the exemplary embodiment which utilizes a
cart as a carrier vehicle, a swiveling front tire may be disposed
upon the cart, or directly affixed to the automated tape
applicator, to improve maneuverability. Given the substantial
weight of the automated tape applicator and associated components,
it may be quite difficult for an operator to manipulate the machine
into a desired position and orientation, especially when the
adhesion roller is resting on the ground with the weight of the
machine thereupon (as is the case with many prior machines). A
swiveling wheel may simplify the task of positioning and orienting
the automated tape applicator immediately prior to, or during,
application of a pavement marking.
[0020] A locking mechanism may also be provided to lock the
swiveling wheel into a fixed position. This may be desirable, for
example, for application of a long straight line. In this regard,
swiveling of the wheel may be desirable for unloading the automated
tape applicator from a trailer or truck, moving the machine within
a jobsite, and initially aligning the machine into a starting
position. However, the swiveling may cause difficulty during
application when it may be imperative to maintain a substantially
straight line. By providing a locking mechanism, an operator may
selectively toggle the wheel (or wheels) between a swiveling and
locked configuration. This may be accomplished manually by
manipulating the locking mechanism by hand while the carrier
vehicle is stopper, by manipulating a remote lock controller (e.g.,
wireless radio transmitter with a receiver disposed at the locking
mechanism, or a mechanical cable with a lever disposed near the
handlebar), or the automated controller may operate the locking
mechanism.
[0021] An electronic clutch may be incorporated into an automated
tape applicator in accordance with the present disclosure to engage
or disengage an upper guide roller. In this regard, in an exemplary
embodiment, the adhesion roller may be mechanically synchronized to
the upper guide roller by a chain or belt drive. This may be
desirable to ensure both rollers operate at the same speed to
consistently feed pavement marking tape to the pavement surface.
However, when pavement marking tape is not actively being applied,
it may be desirable to disengage the upper roller to prevent
unnecessary wear and stress to the pavement marking tape and to
cease the feeding of pavement marking tape to the adhesion roller.
Therefore, a clutch may be disposed between the upper guide roller
and the drive mechanism to allow the adhesion roller to roll as the
machine traverses the ground while stopping the rotation of the
upper guide roller. Moreover, sensors (e.g., optical, tension,
etc.) may be deployed to monitor a level of slack occurring in the
pavement marking tape between the upper guide roller and the
adhesion roller, as an increase in slack may occur if the upper
guide roller is operating too quickly in relation to the adhesion
roller (or if slippage occurs somewhere in the system). The
sensor(s) may send an observation signal to the automated
controller and, in turn, the automated controller may send a
control signal to the clutch to temporarily slow the upper guide
roller and remove the excess slack.
[0022] Furthermore, an automated controller may be provided which
synchronizes operation of a plurality of actuators and the clutch
to apply pavement marking tape in a desired pattern(s). The
automated controller may allow an operator to select from a
plurality of preprogrammed patterns and settings, for example a
solid/skip highway centerline and 6 in. wide, 12 mil. tape, or an
operator may be able to manually enter customized patterns and
settings. Using the selected parameters (e.g., a pattern and size
settings for each roll) the automated controller may selectively
actuate the clutch, the knife actuators, upper and lower feed
mechanism actuators (to press the pavement marking tape against the
upper guide roller and/or adhesion roller), etc.
[0023] Notably, the automated controller may be operable to apply
two or more patterns simultaneously. In this regard, certain
components may be operated independently to effectuate the
application of pavement markings using separate rolls of pavement
marking tape at different times. For example, a solid line may be
applied from a first roll of pavement marking tape when the
automated controller engages the clutch and extends the upper feed
mechanism. In this regard, the upper feed mechanism may be pressed
against the upper guide roller to feed pavement marking tape from
the first roll to the adhesion roller. By omitting actuation of the
respective knife actuator, a solid line is applied. It should be
appreciated that once the pavement marking tape is fed to the
adhesion roller, the upper feed mechanism may be retracted and/or
the clutch may be disengaged as these mechanisms may only be needed
to initiate the feeding of pavement marking tape to the adhesion
roller.
[0024] Simultaneously, a skip line may be applied when the
automated controller implements a cycle of: cutting pavement
marking tape from a second roll by actuating the knife actuator
associated with the second roll, retracting the upper feed
mechanism, disengaging the clutch to stop the upper guide roller to
prevent feeding from the second roll, measuring a distance
traversed, re-engaging the clutch and actuating the upper feed
mechanism actuator to feed from the second roll, and measuring a
distance traversed before actuating the second roll knife actuator
again, all based upon the parameters selected with the automated
controller.
[0025] It should be appreciated that in the above example, the
solid line may continue to be applied even after the clutch is
disengaged as the adhesion roller will continue pulling on the
first roll of pavement marking tape. With the upper feed mechanism
retracted and the clutch disengaged, the second roll of pavement
marking tape may remain stationary while the first roll of pavement
marking tape continues to feed.
[0026] Measuring of distance traversed to appropriately time the
actuation of the various components may be accomplished with any
number of sensors. For example, with a known circumference of the
adhesion roller, rotations of the adhesion roller may be monitored
with an optical sensor to calculate a distance traversed.
Alternatively or additionally, an inductive proximity sensor may be
used to transmit a pulse each time a tooth on a chain sprocket of
the drive mechanism passes by the sensor. In this regard, the
actuation of the various components may correspond to an actual
distance travelled rather than timing actuating based on a
theoretical or expected speed.
[0027] The details of one or more embodiments of the devices,
systems and processes are set forth in the accompanying drawings
and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages
of the invention will be apparent from the description, drawings,
and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure
and further advantages thereof, reference is now made to the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
drawings in which:
[0029] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an automated tape
applicator according to the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of an automated tape
applicator similar to that of FIG. 1A;
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a left side view of an automated tape
applicator mounted to a cart;
[0032] FIG. 3A illustrates a left side view of the automated tape
applicator of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3B illustrates a left side view of the automated tape
applicator of FIG. 3A as it may be positioned on a cart in an
application configuration;
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the automated tape
applicator on a cart as shown in FIG. 2;
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a hinged attachment of
an automated tape applicator to a cart in an application
configuration;
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 5 in an elevated
configuration;
[0037] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrates a mechanism for locking an
automated tape applicator in the elevated configuration shown in
FIG. 6;
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a drive mechanism and associated
proximity sensor;
[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a swiveling wheel as may be used on the
cart shown in FIG. 2;
[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates a knife insert in an installed
configuration;
[0041] FIG. 11 illustrates a knife insert in an uninstalled
configuration;
[0042] FIG. 12 illustrates an automated controller of an automated
tape applicator;
[0043] FIGS. 13-14 illustrate a sample screenshots as may be
displayed on the automated controller of FIG. 12.
[0044] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specifics have been shown by way of example
in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be
understood that the intention of the detailed description is not to
limit aspects of the invention to the particular embodiments
described. Rather, the invention covers all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
which at least assist in illustrating the various pertinent
features of the presented inventions. The following description is
presented for purposes of illustration and description.
Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the disclosed
embodiments of the inventions to the forms disclosed herein.
Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the
following teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art,
are within the scope of the presented inventions.
[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an automated tape
applicator ("ATA") 10. The ATA 10 includes a frame 12, which may be
attached to any number of different types of equipment including,
but not limited to, carrier vehicles such as trucks, pickups, ATV
vehicles, and walk behind carts. In subsequent figures, the ATA 10
is illustrated as part of a walk behind cart. However, this
embodiment is provided by way of example and not by way of
limitation. The ATA 10 is operable to apply pavement marking tape
to a pavement surface. The ATA 10 has several features that may
provide improvements over known applicators including, inter alia,
dual knives, a hinged frame, an electronic clutch, a swiveling
front tire, an automated controller, and/or replaceable knife
inserts.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the ATA 10 has a frame 12 that
supports a number of rollers, spindles, actuators, etc. that allow
for application of pavement marking tape 20 to a pavement surface.
One or more rolls of pavement marking tape may be installed on
supply spindle 14. The pavement marking tape may be positioned at a
desired location along the length of the supply spindle 14 and
secured with spacing rings 15. The pavement marking tape from the
supply spindle 14 may pass over a tensioning roller 16 which aids
in maintaining a suitable level of tension on the pavement marking
tape as it is being applied. After passing over the tensioning
roller 16, the pavement marking tape may pass between an upper feed
mechanism 18 and an upper guide roller 22. The upper feed mechanism
18 includes a number of rollers which engage the adhesive side of
the pavement marking tape to press the pavement marking tape into
the upper guide roller, thereby feeding tape from the roll(s) down
toward an adhesion roller 26 and lower feed mechanism 19. The lower
feed mechanism may include, similar to the upper feed mechanism 18,
a plurality of rollers for engaging the adhesive side of the
pavement marking tape to sandwich the tape between the lower feed
mechanism 19 and the adhesion roller 26. The rollers of the upper
feed mechanism 18 and lower feed mechanism 19 may comprise ridges,
sprockets, teeth, or the like to reduce to the surface area which
contacts the adhesive side of the tape to prevent binding or
sticking of the tape on the feed mechanism rollers. The rollers
and/or ridges may be made from any suitable material such as metal
or plastic.
[0048] The rotation of the adhesion roller 26 may be driven by
engagement of the adhesion roller 26 with a pavement surface. In
this regard, when the carrier vehicle stops, the adhesion roller 26
may also stop. A drive mechanism may connect the adhesion roller 26
and upper guide roller 22 such that rotation of the upper guide
roller 22 is also driven by engagement of the adhesion roller 26
with the pavement surface. A clutch 80 may be included in the drive
mechanism to engage and disengage the upper guide roller 22 when
needed. For example, the automated controller of the ATA 10 may
send a signal for the clutch 80 to engage the upper guide roller 22
when a free end of pavement marking tape is suspended between the
upper guide roller 22 and adhesion roller 26. This engagement may
cause the free end of the tape to be fed downward to the adhesion
roller 26. In contrast, when a cut is made, for example, to begin a
gap in a skip line, the clutch 80 may disengage the upper guide
roller 22 to prevent the feeding of tape to the adhesion roller
26.
[0049] One or more of the rollers of the upper feed mechanism 18
may be attached to a carriage which is positionable towards and
away from the upper guide roller 22. In the illustrated embodiment,
the bottom portion of the carriage is fixed to the frame 12 and the
upper portion of the carriage is attached to an upper feed
mechanism actuator 25. In this regard, by pivoting the carriage
with the actuator 25, the upper feed mechanism 18 may be extended
toward the upper guide roller 22 or retracted therefrom.
Accordingly, when the upper guide roller 22 is rotated by a drive
mechanism connecting the upper guide roller 22 to the adhesion
roller (as more fully discussed below), the pavement marking tape,
which is pinched between the upper guide roller 22 and the upper
feed mechanism 18, is fed between the lower feed mechanism 19 and
the adhesion roller. After passing between the lower feed mechanism
19 and adhesion roller 26, the pavement marking tape is compressed
onto the pavement surface by weight from the ATA 10 resting on the
adhesion roller.
[0050] The ATA 10 also includes cutting mechanism 32 which includes
one or more knives 90 actuated by actuator 34. Actuation of the
actuator 34 results in advancement of the knife 90 to cut the
pavement marking tape to a desired length. Notably, as illustrated
in FIG. 1B, two separate knives 90 may be provided, as well as two
separate actuators 34, to cut a first and second roll of tape
individually. As more fully discussed below, upon cutting the
pavement marking tape, the rotation of the upper roller and feed
mechanism may cease until an additional pavement marking tape strip
is needed.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 12 of ATA 10 may be hingedly
affixed to a carrier vehicle, in this case a cart 50. In this
regard, an operator may lift the adhesion roller 26 off of the
pavement surface and into an elevated configuration when pavement
marking tape 20 is not being applied to the pavement surface. This
may allow for easier transport of the ATA 10 when not in use. When
pavement marking tape application is desired, the hinged frame 12
allows for lowering the adhesion roller 26 onto the ground. In this
application configuration, a majority of the weight of the ATA 10
may be supported on the adhesion roller 26 giving the operator
uniform pressure on the pavement marking tape 20 being applied.
This improves the application of the pavement marking tape 20 by
having sufficient and evenly distributed pressure on the pavement
marking tape 20. Cart 50 includes a frame 52 that supports first
and second rear tires. In addition, the cart 50 includes handlebars
and controls (e.g., brake handles) which improve the ease with
which an operator is able to manipulate the ATA 10. The frame 12 of
the ATA 10 is pivotally connected at a hinge 40 to the frame 52 of
the cart 50. In order to maintain the adhesion roller 26 off/above
the pavement surface, a lock bar 54 (lock bar 54 of FIGS. 7A and
7B) may be provided to secure frame 12 to frame 52 in the elevated
configuration.
[0052] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a left side view of an ATA 10 in the
application configuration (i.e., frame 12 is pivoted downward such
that adhesion roller 26 rests on the ground). In this view, it can
be seen that the pavement marking tape 20 is fed from a roll on
supply spindle 14, over tensioning roller 16, between upper feed
mechanism 18 and upper guide roller 22, between lower feed
mechanism 19 and adhesion roller 26, and onto the pavement surface
30. Notably, in this illustrated stage, the pavement marking tape
20 is sandwiched between the pavement surface 30 and the adhesion
roller 26 such that forward movement of the ATA 10 (e.g., to the
left in FIGS. 3A and 3B) will result in tape being pulled from the
roll(s) on supply spindle 14. In this regard, the actuator 25 may
retract the upper feed mechanism 18 and the clutch 80 may disengage
the upper guide roller 22 as these features may not be needed at
this stage. When an operator desires to cease application of the
pavement marking tape, or when the automated controller (see FIG.
12) initiates a cut in accordance with a selected pattern, actuator
34 may extend knife 90 to cut the tape. With the clutch 80
disengaged from the upper guide roller 22, the portion of tape 20
above the knife 90 remains stationary while the portion of tape 20
below the knife 90 is applied to the pavement surface 30.
[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates an overview of ATA 10. Compressor 45 may
be driven by a gasoline engine or any suitable equivalent. The
compressor 45 may supply compressed air to a network of pneumatic
tubes to power the various actuators (e.g., actuators 25 and 34).
Valves disposed throughout the network of pneumatic tubes may be
controlled by the automated controller as needed.
[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of ATA 10 in the
application configuration in which the adhesion roller 26 is
resting upon the pavement surface 30. Frame 12 is shown being
pivotally attached to frame 52 at hinge 40. In this configuration,
lock bar 54 may be disengaged.
[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of ATA 10 in the
elevated configuration in which the adhesion roller 26 is lifted
from the pavement surface. An operator may engage lock bar 54 to
retain the ATA 10 in this position.
[0056] FIGS. 7A and 7B are intended to show further details of the
lock bar 54. FIG. 7B is a view looking toward the rear of the cart
50 from a position where the ATA 10 would typically be disposed.
However, in this view the ATA 10 has been removed for clarity and
the lock bar 54 is disconnected and rotated 90 degrees from its
normal orientation. As can be seen, a notch 56 is disposed along
the length of the lock bar 54.
[0057] FIG. 7A shows the lock bar 54 in its normal operating
orientation and in the lock configuration wherein the frame 12 is
in the elevated configuration. As can be seen, lip 60 is disposed
at least partially within notch 56 to retain the frame 12 in the
elevated configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, lip 60 is
formed from a rod fixed laterally to the frame 52 but it should be
appreciated that lip 60 may be formed in any appropriate manner,
for example, it may be integrally formed with frame 52.
[0058] Lock bar 54 is pivotally connected on a first end 55 to the
ATA frame 12 and has a second end 57 that may be manipulated
manually by an operator or by an actuation device. In the
illustrated embodiment, a cable actuator 62 is attached to the
second end 57 and a controller for the cable actuator 62 may be
disposed near the handlebars. In some embodiments, the automated
controller may be used to selectively actuate the cable actuator
62. It is envisaged that alternative locking mechanisms and
actuators may be utilized to effectuate pivoting and locking of the
frame 12.
[0059] FIG. 8 illustrates the drive mechanism connecting the upper
guide roller 22 to the adhesion roller 26. As shown, the adhesion
roller 26 has a lower sprocket 72 attached to its axel 74. The
lower sprocket 72 connects to an upper sprocket 78 which is
attached to an axel of the upper guide roller 22 via a chain 76.
Accordingly, when the adhesion roller 26 is rolled across the
pavement surface, rotation of the adhesion roller 26 is translated
to the upper guide roller 22 via the chain 76 connecting the two
sprockets 72, 78. This, in conjunction with extension of the upper
feed mechanism 18 against the upper guide roller 22 permits feeding
pavement marking tape 20 to the adhesion roller 26. However, the
present inventors have determined that it is not desirable to
continually drive the upper guide roller 22. That is, when the
pavement marking tape 20 is cut to a desired length it may be
desirable to cease feeding pavement marking tape 20 to the adhesion
roller 26 by discontinuing rotation of the upper guide roller 22
and upper feed mechanism 18. Accordingly, the inventors have
determined it is desirable to utilize a clutch 80 to disengage the
upper guide roller 22. The clutch 80 may be interconnected between
the upper sprocket 78 and the axel of the upper guide roller 22.
Accordingly, the automated controller is operative to disengage the
clutch 80 once the pavement marking tape 20 being fed to the
adhesion roller 26 is cut. That is, the clutch may be disengaged
when there is no need to drive the upper guide roller 22.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 8, a sensor 82 may be used to measure the
rotation of the adhesion roller 26. In one embodiment, the sensor
82 is a proximity sensor that gives a pulse each time a tooth on
the respective sprocket (in the illustrated embodiment, the lower
sprocket 72) moves past the sensor 82. This information is provided
to the automated controller to determine distance traveled. Other
sensor configurations are also envisaged such as an optical sensor
which detects markings on the adhesion roller. In any arrangement,
such a sensor 82 allows for measuring distance which can be
utilized to control the cutting mechanism 32 and/or engagement and
disengagement of the clutch 80 to appropriately time the various
components of the ATA 10 and lay pavement marking tape 20 in
accordance with the selected pattern(s).
[0061] FIG. 9 illustrates a swiveling wheel 85. As shown in the
illustrated embodiments, the cart 50 has a swiveling wheel 85
installed at the front end which allows the ATA 10 to be positioned
easier than other methods with less effort by the operator. A
locking mechanism may be provided in conjunction with the swiveling
wheel 85 to secure the wheel once the ATA 10 has been moved into
the desired position and orientation to aid the operator in
maintaining a straight line. Notably, a swiveling wheel 85 may be
disposed on the rear end of cart 50 instead of the front end, and
multiple swiveling wheels may also be utilized.
[0062] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the cutting mechanism 32. FIG. 10
illustrates the knife 90 of the cutting mechanism 32 installed in
the ATA 10. Notably, in this embodiment only a single knife is used
rather than the split or dual knife design of FIG. 1B.
[0063] FIG. 11 illustrates a replaceable knife insert design. A
knife insert 92 may be attached to a knife body 94. As shown the
knife insert 92 attaches to the knife body 94 with a set of mating
apertures and associated screws or bolts (not shown). This allows
replacing the knife insert 92 when it becomes work rather than
needing to sharpen or replace the much larger knife assembly. This
is important as the cost of the knife insert 92 may be much less
than an entire knife 90. The knife insert 92 may be constructed
from a weaker and cheaper material than the knife body 94. In this
regard, the knife body 94 may be constructed from a sturdy and
durable material to ensure a long service life while the knife
insert 92, which will wear and dull regardless, may be constructed
from a cheap material to keep the cost down. Alternatively, the
knife insert 92 may be constructed from a more durable material
than the knife body 94 to extend the service life of the knife
insert 92 while avoiding excessive costs associated with
constructing the large knife body 94 from a more durable material.
As shown, the knife insert 92 may be serrated.
[0064] FIG. 12 illustrates an automated controller 99 that, among
other things, controls the actuation of the knife (or knives) 90,
clutch 80, and upper feed mechanism 18, all based off distance
traveled as detected by the sensor 82. The automated controller 99
takes that information and processes it in relation to the desired
pattern that is loaded in memory or entered via an operator
interface to calculate the appropriate timing of actuation of the
various components. Automated controller 99 may be preloaded with a
plurality of patterns (e.g., solid line, skip lines with various
dimensions, etc.) which an operator can select from the operator
interface. The automated controller 99 may actuate the various
components at specified distances based on the pattern(s) selected.
This allows the automated controller 99 to automatically create
skip lines with gaps, apply specified lengths of pavement marking
tape 20, etc. In this regard, an operator does not have to initiate
cutting or measure manually, although such operation may be
optionally provided.
[0065] Incorporation of the features described above may permit the
ATA 10 to provide enhanced functionality. For example, the
incorporation of the automated controller 99 and split or dual
knives 90 may allow for application of one or two pavement marking
lines in a single pass. An operator may be able to load a first
pattern and a second pattern to apply different types of markings,
for example, a solid line and a skip line simultaneously. With
multiple knives 90, an operator may be able to cut a minimum of two
different patterns on the same pass. In some embodiments,
additional components may also be split such as the upper guide
roller 22, the upper feed mechanism 18, or the supply spindle 14.
That is, such components may be operative to rotate independent of
one another. In such an arrangement, each of the axially aligned
upper guide rollers may incorporate its own clutch.
[0066] It is also envisaged that a pointer bar may extend from the
front end of ATA 10 for guiding an operator, or a laser may be
mounted on the ATA 10 and directed at the pavement surface. One or
more sensors may be configured to monitor such a pointer bar or
laser and send feedback signals to the automated controller 99. In
this regard, the automated controller 99 may adjust certain
distances or timing to compensate for positioning indicated by the
feedback signals.
[0067] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate exemplary menu options and
settings that may be provided on a display of automated controller
99. As shown, various dimensions and settings may be selected by an
operator, either manually or automatically by selection of a
programmed pattern. Further, certain data such as a current speed
may be displayed. Moreover, manual timing of various functions are
provided by virtual buttons which the operator may press on a
touchscreen (e.g., dispense tape, run, and cut).
[0068] The foregoing description of the presented inventions has
been presented for purposes of illustration and description.
Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the
inventions to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations
and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill
and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the
presented inventions. The embodiments described hereinabove are
further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the
inventions and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the
inventions in such, or other embodiments and with various
modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s)
of the presented inventions. It is intended that the appended
claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the
extent permitted by the prior art.
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