U.S. patent application number 16/739605 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-16 for extension adjusting assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Carlson Paving Products, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Carlson Paving Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert Bauer, Cory Haven.
Application Number | 20200224377 16/739605 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 71516234 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200224377 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bauer; Robert ; et
al. |
July 16, 2020 |
EXTENSION ADJUSTING ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A screed apparatus including a main screed having a frame, a
screed extension, and an extension apparatus configured to mount
the screed extension to the main screed. The extension apparatus
includes a first mounting member configured to mount to the main
screed and to be movable along a first axis with respect to the
main screed. A second mounting member is pivotably mounted to the
first mounting member and is configured to pivot between a first
orientation and a second orientation about a second axis with
respect to the first mounting member. A third mounting member is
mounted to the second member and is configured to mount to the
screed extension. The third mounting member is further configured
to be movable along a third axis with respect to the second
mounting member while the second mounting member is in the first
orientation or second orientation.
Inventors: |
Bauer; Robert; (Saint Croix
Falls, WI) ; Haven; Cory; (Tacoma, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Carlson Paving Products, Inc. |
Tacoma |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Carlson Paving Products,
Inc.
Tacoma
WA
|
Family ID: |
71516234 |
Appl. No.: |
16/739605 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62790748 |
Jan 10, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 6/02 20130101; B62D
1/12 20130101; B60K 26/02 20130101; B62D 5/12 20130101; E01C 19/00
20130101; E01C 2301/16 20130101; B62D 5/09 20130101; F16M 13/022
20130101; E01C 2301/00 20130101; B60W 2520/28 20130101; E01C 19/255
20130101; B60K 2026/029 20130101; B60W 10/20 20130101; B60W 40/105
20130101; B60W 2520/26 20130101; B62D 11/02 20130101; E01C 19/42
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E01C 19/42 20060101
E01C019/42; F16M 13/02 20060101 F16M013/02 |
Claims
1. An extension apparatus configured to mount equipment to a frame,
the extension apparatus comprising: a first mounting member
configured to mount to the frame and to be movable with respect to
the frame along a first axis; a second mounting member pivotably
mounted to the first mounting member and configured to pivot
between a first orientation and a second orientation with respect
to the first mounting member about a second axis; a third mounting
member mounted to the second member and configured to mount to the
equipment and configured to be movable with respect to the second
mounting member between an extended position and a retracted
position along a third axis.
2. The extension apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a rigid
elongate rail oriented in a direction parallel with the first axis
and inserted through the first mounting member, the rail having
opposing ends including at least one end that is fixedly mounted to
the frame such that the first mounting member may slide along the
rail; and an arrest configured to mount to the frame and to engage
the first mounting member and to move the first mounting member
along the rail and to fixedly hold the first mounting member at a
selected one of at least two positions along the rail.
3. The extension apparatus of claim 2 wherein the arrest comprises
a screw configured to be inserted through a threaded receiver in
order to provide infinitely adjustable positioning of the first
mounting member along the rail.
4. The extension apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first axis is
orthogonal to the second axis.
5. The extension apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pivot
center about which the second mounting member pivots with respect
to the first mounting member, the pivot center formed by an
elongate first post extending away from the first mounting member
along the second axis towards the second member, the first post
configured to be received in an opening in the second mounting
member such that the second mounting member may be rotated around
the first post.
6. The extension apparatus of claim 5 further comprising: an
elongate second post extending away from the first mounting member
in a direction parallel with the second axis towards the second
member; and a receiving area formed in the second mounting member
that is configured to receive the second post as the second
mounting member pivots between a first orientation and a second
orientation, wherein, through an interaction between the second
post and the receiving area, rotation of the second mounting member
around the first post is limited to an arc of rotation .THETA..
7. The extension apparatus of claim 6 wherein arc of rotation
.THETA. is approximately 15 degrees.
8. The extension apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pivot
center about which the second mounting member pivots with respect
to the first mounting member through a range-limited arc of
rotation .THETA..
9. The extension apparatus of claim 8 wherein arc of rotation
.THETA. is approximately 15 degrees.
10. The extension apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a pair
of slideblocks fixedly mounted to the second mounting member, each
slideblock having a receiver slot; and a pair of rigid elongate
rails disposed on the third mounting member, wherein one rail of
the third mounting member is slidably engaged with each of the
receiver slots to enable the third mounting member to slide along
the third axis between the extended position and the retracted
position.
11. The extension apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a
disposable wear member removably disposed between first mounting
member and the second mounting member.
12. The extension apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an
actuator configured to move the third mounting member along the
third axis between an extended position and a retracted
position.
13. The extension apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first mounting
member further comprises a first portion configured to fixedly
mount to the frame and a second portion configured to be movable
with respect to the frame and the first portion of the first
mounting member along a first axis and further configured to be
fixed at a selected one of two or more positions along the first
axis, wherein the second mounting member is pivotably mounted to
the second portion of the first mounting member.
14. The extension apparatus of claim 1 wherein the third mounting
member is configured to be movable along the third axis with
respect to the second mounting member while the second mounting
member is in the first orientation or the second orientation.
15. An extension apparatus configured for use in a screed assembly
to mount a screed extension to a main screed, the apparatus
comprising: a first mounting member having a first portion
configured to fixedly mount to the main screed and a second portion
configured to be movable with respect to the main screed and the
first portion of the first mounting member along a first axis and
further configured to be fixed at a selected one of two or more
positions along the first axis; a second mounting member pivotably
mounted to the second portion of the first mounting member at a
pivot center and configured to pivot through a range-limited arc of
rotation .THETA. about a second axis passing through the pivot
center between a first orientation and a second orientation,
wherein the second mounting member is pivotably mounted to the
second portion of the first mounting member; a rigid elongate third
mounting member slidably mounted to the second member and
configured to slide along a third axis with respect to the second
mounting member while the second mounting member is in the first
orientation or second orientation; and a mounting surface disposed
on the third mounting member configured to mount to the screed
extension.
16. A screed apparatus comprising: a main screed having a frame; a
screed extension; an extension apparatus configured to mount the
screed extension to the main screed, the extension apparatus
comprising: a first mounting member configured to mount to the main
screed and to be movable along a first axis with respect to the
main screed; a second mounting member pivotably mounted to the
first mounting member and configured to pivot between a first
orientation and a second orientation about a second axis with
respect to the first mounting member; a third mounting member
mounted to the second member and configured to mount to the screed
extension and configured to be movable along a third axis with
respect to the second mounting member while the second mounting
member is in the first orientation or second orientation.
17. The screed apparatus of claim 16 further comprising: a first
screed extension mounted to a first side of the main screed via a
first extension apparatus; and a second screed extension mounted to
a second side of the main screed via a second extension
apparatus.
18. The screed apparatus of claim 17 wherein operation of the first
extension apparatus is independent of operation of the second
extension apparatus.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/790,748, filed on Jan. 10, 2019 and
entitled "PAVING MACHINE CONTROL SYSTEMS," which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to paving machine
extensions. More particularly, the invention relates to paving
machine extension adjustment assemblies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A paving machine can be used in the laying of bituminous
roadway mat. The typical paving machine employs a screed assembly
(sometimes referred to as a floating screed) for spreading and
compressing a bituminous material to form a smooth surfaced roadway
mat. The screed assembly typically has a set of screed extensions,
slidingly attached to a main body of the screed assembly (herein
referred to as a main screed), that allow an operator to control or
select a width of the screed assembly. These screed extensions are
typically connected to a linear power source (e.g., a
bi-directional hydraulic cylinder or other similar activator),
which is selectively operable in response to controls disposed at
an operator control station. This permits the operator to control
the position of the screed extensions in response to changing
requirements as the paving machine progresses. For example, this
permits the operator to accommodate obstacles in the path of the
paving machine (e.g., sewer drains, manhole covers, and/or the
like) and also permits overwidth paving of the road surface to
accommodate roadway features (e.g., driveway entrances, tie-ins,
and/or the like). The screed assembly can be a rear mount screed
assembly (i.e., a screed assembly in which the screed extensions
are mounted behind the main screed relative to the direction of
travel of the paving machine) or a front mount screed assembly
(i.e., a screed assembly in which the screed extensions are mounted
in front of the main screed relative to the direction of travel of
the paving machine).
[0004] With initial reference to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a
conventional extension apparatus 100 in use with a screed assembly
102, having a main screed 104 and a screed extension 106. Extension
apparatus 100 enables the screed extension 106 to move laterally
with respect to main screed 104 between a retracted or first
position LR and an extended or second position LE. However,
extension apparatus 100 constrains movement of the screed extension
106 to horizontal movement along axis A1 only. Thus, movement of
screed extension 106 is either laterally towards or laterally away
from main screed 104. Conventionally, extension apparatus 100
utilizes two or more independent, telescoping extension rods 108
that are not linked together. Since rods 108 are not linked
together, they are not sufficiently stiff and rigid, especially in
the extended second position LE. As a result, the disposition (e.g.
position, stability, angle, etc.) of apparatus 100 and screed
extension 106, may vary as main screed 104 moves and undesirable
extension flex or other movement may occur.
[0005] Conventional extension apparatuses, such as apparatus 100,
also have two or more independent height adjustment mechanisms 110
for vertically positioning and angling of a screed 112 mounted to
screed extension 106. When apparatus 100 is in use, screed
extension 106 is first positioned at the correct lateral position
with respect to main screed 104. Next, screed 112 is lowered and
angled by height adjustment mechanisms 110 to the correct vertical
height and angle. However, this vertical positioning and angling is
only acceptable for a specific lateral position. If a new lateral
position is utilized, the vertical position and angle would change.
For example, with reference to FIG. 2, a screed 112 is shown that
has been correctly positioned and angled when rods 106 are in first
position LR, such that the screed 112 contacts ground surface S.
However, with reference to FIG. 3, as rods 108 are moved to second
position LE, screed extension 106 is moved horizontally outwards
away from main screed 104 and screed 112 no longer contacts ground
surface S. Therefore, when using conventional extension
apparatuses, such as apparatus 100, the positioning of screed 112
must be corrected using height adjustment mechanisms 110 every time
rods 108 are moved.
[0006] Therefore, what is needed is an extension apparatus that
would enable equipment, such as a screed extension, to be mounted
to a frame, such as a main screed, and to be correctly oriented
with respect to a surface, such as a ground surface, at multiple
lateral positions without requiring adjustment of the position or
orientation of the equipment.
[0007] Notes on Construction
[0008] The use of the terms "a", "an", "the" and similar terms in
the context of describing the invention are to be construed to
cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated
herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising",
"having", "including" and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. The terms "substantially", "generally" and
other words of degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate
permissible variation from the characteristic so modified. The use
of such terms in describing a physical or functional characteristic
of the invention is not intended to limit such characteristic to
the absolute value which the term modifies, but rather to provide
an approximation of the value of such physical or functional
characteristic.
[0009] Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as
"connected" and "interconnected", refer to a relationship wherein
structures are secured or attached to one another either directly
or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both
moveable and rigid attachments or relationships, unless specified
herein or clearly indicated by context. The term "operatively
connected" is such an attachment, coupling or connection that
allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of
that relationship.
[0010] The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g.,
"such as" and "preferably") herein is intended merely to better
illuminate the invention and the preferred embodiment thereof, and
not to place a limitation on the scope of the invention. Nothing in
the specification should be construed as indicating any element as
essential to the practice of the invention unless so stated with
specificity.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The above and other needs are met by an extension apparatus
configured to mount equipment to a frame. The extension apparatus
includes a first mounting member, a second mounting member, and a
third mounting member. The first mounting member is configured to
mount to the frame and to be movable with respect to the frame
along a first axis. The second mounting member is pivotably mounted
to the first mounting member and is configured to pivot between a
first orientation and a second orientation with respect to the
first mounting member about a second axis. In preferred
embodiments, the first axis is orthogonal to the second axis. In
some embodiments, a disposable wear member is removably located
between the first mounting member and the second mounting member.
The third mounting member is mounted to the second member and is
configured to mount to the equipment. The third mounting member is
further configured to be movable with respect to the second
mounting member between an extended position and a retracted
position along a third axis.
[0012] In certain embodiments, a rigid elongate rail is oriented in
a direction parallel with the first axis and is inserted through
the first mounting member. The rail has opposing ends including at
least one end that is fixedly mounted to the frame such that the
first mounting member may slide along the rail. An arrest is
configured to mount to the frame and to engage the first mounting
member in order to move the first mounting member along the rai.
The arrest is also configured to fixedly hold the first mounting
member at a selected one of at least two positions along the rail.
In some embodiments, the arrest is a screw configured to be
inserted through a threaded receiver in order to provide infinitely
adjustable positioning of the first mounting member along the
rail.
[0013] The extension apparatus preferably includes a pivot center
about which the second mounting member pivots with respect to the
first mounting member. The pivot center is formed by an elongate
first post extending away from the first mounting member along the
second axis towards the second member. The first post is configured
to be received in an opening in the second mounting member such
that the second mounting member may be rotated around the first
post. In certain embodiments, an elongate second post extends away
from the first mounting member in a direction parallel with the
second axis towards the second member. A receiving area is formed
in the second mounting member, which receiving area is configured
to receive the second post as the second mounting member pivots
between a first orientation and a second orientation. Through an
interaction between the second post and the receiving area,
rotation of the second mounting member around the first post is
limited to an arc of rotation .THETA.. In certain embodiments, the
arc of rotation .THETA. is approximately 15 degrees.
[0014] According to certain embodiments, the extension apparatus
includes a pair of slideblocks, each having a receiver slot, that
are fixedly mounted to the second mounting member. A pair of rigid
elongate rails is located on the third mounting member. One rail of
the third mounting member is slidably engaged with each of the
receiver slots to enable the third mounting member to slide along
the third axis between the extended position and the retracted
position. In certain embodiments, an actuator moves the third
mounting member along the third axis between the extended position
and the retracted position.
[0015] In certain embodiments, the first mounting member further
includes a first portion configured to fixedly mount to the frame
and a second portion configured to be movable with respect to the
frame and the first portion of the first mounting member along a
first axis. The second portion is further configured to be fixed at
a selected one of two or more positions along the first axis. The
second mounting member is pivotably mounted to the second portion
of the first mounting member. In preferred embodiments, the third
mounting member is configured to be movable along the third axis
with respect to the second mounting member while the second
mounting member is in the first orientation or the second
orientation.
[0016] In order to facilitate an understanding of the invention,
the preferred embodiments of the invention, as well as the best
mode known by the inventor for carrying out the invention, are
illustrated in the drawings, and a detailed description thereof
follows. It is not intended, however, that the invention be limited
to the particular embodiments described or to use in connection
with the apparatus illustrated herein. Therefore, the scope of the
invention contemplated by the inventor includes all equivalents of
the subject matter described herein, as well as various
modifications and alternative embodiments such as would ordinarily
occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. The
inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as seem
to them appropriate, including the practice of the invention
otherwise than as specifically described herein. In addition, any
combination of the elements and components of the invention
described herein in any possible variation is encompassed by the
invention, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly excluded by
context.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The presently preferred embodiments of the invention are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference
numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:
[0018] FIGS. 1-3 depict a conventional extension apparatus used on
a main screed and screed extension that permits only horizontal
movement of the screed extension with respect to the main
screed;
[0019] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict an extension apparatus according to the
present invention used on a main screed and screed extension that
provides horizontal and rotational movement of the screed extension
with respect to the main screed;
[0020] FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of an extension
apparatus according to the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the extension apparatus of
FIG. 6;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a detail view of a first mounting member;
[0023] FIGS. 10 and 11 are rear elevation views depicting the
extension apparatus of FIG. 6 in an extended non-rotated and
extended rotated configuration, respectively;
[0024] FIGS. 12 and 13 are front elevation views depicting the
extension apparatus of FIG. 6 in an extended non-rotated and
extended rotated configuration, respectively;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a screed
apparatus having screed extensions mounted to left-hand and
right-hand sides of a main screed via separate extension
apparatuses according to an embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0026] FIGS. 15 and 16 are rear elevation views of the right-hand
side of the screed apparatus of FIG. 14 in a non-extended rotated
and extended rotated configuration, respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] This description of the preferred embodiments of the
invention is intended to be read in connection with the
accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the
entire written description of this invention. The drawings are not
necessarily to scale, and certain features of the invention may be
shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the
interest of clarity and conciseness.
[0028] With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is illustrated
extension apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present
invention in use in connection with screed apparatus 202 having
main screed 204 and screed extension 206. Like extension apparatus
100 described above and shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, screed extension
206 is laterally movable between retracted or first position LR and
extended or second position LE via extension apparatus 200 along
axis A1. However, unlike extension apparatus 100, movement provided
by extension apparatus 200 to screed extension 206 is not
constrained to horizontal-only movement; rather, the extension
apparatus is configured to rotate with respect to the main screed
such that the screed extension may move between first position LR
and second position LE while, at the same time, being rotated with
respect to the main screed. As such, screed extension 206 may
travel laterally away from main screed 204 along axis A2, which is
rotationally offset from axis A1 (by approximately 15 degrees in
the illustrated case). Advantageously, combining lateral movement
with rotation enables screed extension 206 to remain in contact
with ground surface S in multiple lateral positions, including in
first position LR and second position LE, without requiring
vertical or angular adjustments.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, there is provided an extension
apparatus 300 that is configured to mount equipment 302 to a frame
304 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus
300 generally includes a first mounting member 306, second mounting
member 308, and third mounting member 310. First mounting member
306 is configured to mount to the frame 304 and at least a portion
of first mounting member is configured to be movable along axis A3.
Second mounting member 308 is pivotably mounted to the first
mounting member 306 and is configured to pivot about axis A4 with
respect to the first mounting member. As such, in the illustrated
embodiment, second mounting member 308 may pivot upwards and
downwards about a horizontal axis A4. Preferably, axis A3 is
orthogonal (i.e., separated by 90 degrees) to axis A4. Therefore,
in preferred embodiments, second mounting member 308 can be moved
vertically along axis A3 and also rotated about a horizontal axis
A4. Third mounting member 310 is mounted to the second member 308
and is configured to mount to equipment 302. Third mounting member
310 is configured to be movable along axis A5 with respect to the
second mounting member between an extended position and a retracted
position. Thus, equipment 302 (e.g., a screed extension) mounted to
a frame 304 (e.g., a portion of a main screed) via extension
apparatus 300 may be laterally translated along axis A5 and
translated vertically along axis A3 while, at the same time, being
rotated about axis A4.
[0030] With continued reference to FIG. 8 and with further
reference to FIG. 9 (which is an elevation view of an opposite side
of the first mounting member 306 from the side shown in FIG. 8)
first mounting member includes a first portion 312 that is
configured to fixedly mount to frame 304. In this particular case,
first portion 312 is a rigid elongate guide rail that is oriented
in a direction parallel with axis A3, so first portion may be
referred to interchangeably throughout this description as a
"rail". Ends 314 of the rail 312 are fixedly mounted to frame 304
by bolts 316 that pass through the frame and are threaded into the
ends of the rails. First mounting member 306 also includes a second
portion 318, which may also be referred to interchangeably through
this description as a "vertical box", which is configured to be
movable with respect to rail 312 and frame 304. In this particular
case, vertical box 318 includes vertical side plates 320 joined to
two spaced apart and horizontal shelves 322 that extend between the
side plates. Lastly, a rear plate 324 forms the back of the
vertical box 318. Shelves 322 are provided with vertically-aligned
openings 326 (FIG. 8) that are sized to slidably receive rails 312,
such that vertical box 318 may slide vertically upwards and
downwards (in this particular embodiment) along axis A3 (FIG.
6).
[0031] To control the vertical movement of vertical box 318 with
respect to rails 312, first mounting member 306 is preferably also
provided with an arrest 328. Arrest 328 is configured to mount to
the frame 304 and to engage the vertical box 318 and to move the
vertical box along the rails 312. Arrest is further configured to
fixedly hold the vertical box 318 at one of several selected
positions along the rails 312. In this particular embodiment, the
arrest 328 is screw that is oriented in a direction parallel with
axis A3 (i.e. vertically, as shown in FIG. 9) and is parallel with
the rails 312. The arrest 328 is inserted through threaded receiver
330 in order to provide infinitely adjustable positioning of the
first mounting member along the rail. In this particular case,
threaded receiver 330 is attached to vertical box 318 as a separate
component. However, in other cases, threaded receiver 330 could be
a threaded opening formed in the vertical box 318. Arrests 328 may
be turned manually to adjust the height of vertical box 318 with
respect to rails 312. Preferably, arrests 328 are turned
simultaneously by a computer controlled motor-driven sprocket
system 332.
[0032] As discussed above, the second mounting member 308 is
pivotably mounted to the first mounting member 306 and is
configured to pivot about axis A4 (FIG. 6) with respect to the
first mounting member. Accordingly, axis A4 provides a pivot center
about which the second mounting member 308 pivots with respect to
first mounting member 306. With continued reference to FIG. 8 and
with further reference to FIGS. 10-13, in this particular
embodiment, to provide this pivoting attachment, rear plate 324 of
vertical box 318 is provided with a post 334 that extends towards
second mounting member 308 along axis A4. This post 334 passes
through an opening 336 formed in rear plate 337 of second mounting
member 308. A bushing is placed around post 334 to facilitate
rotation and then the post 334 is fixed with a washer and bolt,
which is threaded into an end of the post. Additionally, in certain
embodiments, a disposable wear member 338 is removably located
between first mounting member 306 and second mounting member
308.
[0033] In certain embodiments, an actuating device, such as a
hydraulic cylinder, is mounted to one of the first or second
mounting members 306, 308 to provide rotation about post 334. In
preferred embodiments, the actuating device rotates second mounting
member 308 about post 334. Actuation may also be accomplished
manually. For example, a turnbuckle or other similar device may be
attached between the first and second mounting members 306, 308 and
used to provide rotation about post 334. In certain embodiments, a
stop is provided to limit the range of rotation. For example, in
the illustrated embodiment, additional posts 340 extending away
from rear plate 324 of vertical box 318 are inserted through slots
342 located in rear plate 337 of second mounting member 308. Posts
340 are fixed with a washer and bolt that is threaded into an end
of each post. Slots 342 are curved with the center of curvature
being located along axis A4 in order to facilitate rotation of
second mounting member 308 with respect to first mounting member
306. In other embodiments, slots 342 are replaced with a receiving
area, such as stops (e.g., plates or bars), located on second
mounting member 308 that interact with posts 340 and limit rotation
of second mounting member with respect to first mounting member
306. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, second mounting member
308 rotates with respect to first mounting member 306, between a
first orientation and second orientation, in a limited arc of
rotation .THETA.. In certain embodiments, arc of rotation .THETA.
has a maximum of approximately 15 degrees. Thus, in the first
orientation, third mounting member 310 translates along axis A5.
However, by rotating second mounting member 308 about post 334,
third mounting member 310 may also be translated along a different
axis A5'.
[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, third mounting member 310
includes a pair of rigid elongate rails 344 that are rigidly
connected together with connecting member 346 and end 347 disposed
between them. An outward-facing surface of connecting member 346
provides a mounting surface 348 configured for mounting equipment
302 (FIG. 7) to third mounting member 310. Opposite-facing rails
344 are configured to be slidably engaged with each of a receiver
slot 350 of slideblocks 352. Slideblocks 352 are configured to be
mounted into upper and lower shelves 354 that extend from rear
plate 337 of second mounting member 308, where they remain fixed as
the rails 344 slide through slideblock 352 and carry third mounting
member 310 along axis A5 (FIG. 6) between the extended position and
the retracted position. Preferably, an actuator 356 moves the third
mounting member along the third axis between an extended position
and a retracted position. Preferably, an inward-facing surface of
connecting member 346 provides a receiving channel 358 for
receiving at least a portion of actuator 356 in order to make the
overall footprint of apparatus 300 more compact. Actuator 356 is
preferably fixedly mounted to a mounting area located between rear
plate 337 and the mounting location of slideblocks 354 on shelves
354. In the illustrated embodiment, standoff 360 extending from
rear plate 337 provides a mounting location for actuator 356.
[0035] Lastly, with reference to FIG. 14, there is provided a
screed apparatus 400 having a main screed 402, a left-hand screed
extension 404A and a right-hand screed extension 404B and that is
configured to proceed in processing direction D. Preferably, a
separate, independently-operated extension apparatus 300 mounts
each of the screed extensions 404A, 404B to the main screed 402. As
shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, unlike apparatus 100 (FIGS. 2 and 3),
extension apparatus 300 enables screed extension 404B to be
extended laterally away from main screed 402 along rotated axis
A5'. Advantageously, this enables screed extension 404B to maintain
the desired height and angular orientation (i.e., screed remains in
contact with ground surface S) throughout the lateral translation
process without requiring further adjustment.
[0036] Although this description contains many specifics, these
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but
as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently
preferred embodiments thereof, as well as the best mode
contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the invention. The
invention, as described and claimed herein, is susceptible to
various modifications and adaptations as would be appreciated by
those having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention
relates.
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