AU2014334506B2

AU2014334506B2 - Marking apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2014334506B2
Application number: AU2014334506A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Margaret Mary DULLAWAY; Michael Hillan DULLAWAY
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-10-08
Filing date: 2014-10-08
Publication date: 2017-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 2034-10-08
Also published as: WO2015051412A1; AU2014334506A1

Abstract

A line marking apparatus for heavy equipment including a mounting assembly to mount the marking apparatus to a piece of mobile heavy equipment, containment structure associated with the mounting assembly and adapted to at least partially contain an actuable container holding a marking substance and an actuation system for actuating the actuable container as required to dispense the marking substance under the control of an operator of the heavy equipment.

Description

MARKING APPARATUS TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a marking apparatus for heavy equipment and particularly to such an apparatus for operation by a controller of the heavy equipment to reduce exposure of others to injury.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Many pieces of heavy equipment, particularly eaitihmoving equipment are large enough that they present a danpr to workers working around the heavy equipment, particularly when the heavy equipment is moving. For example, if a worker is working beside a grader and is required to proceed close to the grader in order to perform work such as marking out, that worker is placed in danger if that heavy equipment moves, simply because if the worker i s not visible to the driver of the grader, the worker can easily he injured if any part of the grader accidentally strikes them.

[0003] It is also known to provide control systems for heavy equipment in order to perform the desired works with more precision. One manner of doing this is to provide devices in relation to the heavy equipment which provide feedback to either the driver and/or another operator in relation to various parameters of the job to be completed such as for example angles of earthworks, desired grades, locations and the like. These control devices do not minimise the possibility of injuring bystanders using the heavy equipment hut they do allow the driver of the heavy equipment and/or another operator to control the heavy equipment with better precision and accuracy during the course of the job.

[0004] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY PF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to a marking apparatus for heavy equipment, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice, [0006] With dte foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a marking apparatus for heavy equipment including a mounting assembly to mount the marking: apparatus to a piece of mobile heavy equipment, a containment structure associated with the mounting assembly and adapted to at least partially contain an aetuable container holding a marking substance and an actuation system for actuating: the aetuable container as required to di spense the marking substance under the control of an operator of the heavy equipment, [0007] Preferably, the marking apparatus is used for marking out, preferably lines or similar and will be attached relative to an alignment and/or control system or component that is mounted on the heavy equipment, The most common alignment and/or contra! system used with heavy equipment is manufactured by Trimble but the line marking apparatus of the present invention can be used with ary system or may be directly attached to the heavy equipment, [0008] It is: preferred that the line marking apparatus; of the present invention is used with earthmoving: equipment, Any suitable earthmoving equipment: may be used, such as, but not limited to a grader. It is particularly preferred that the heavy equipment; with which the line marking apparatus is used, is a piece of finishing equipment in order not to disrupt any line markings which may be created, [0009] The line marking apparatus includes a mounting assembly to mount the line marking; apparatus to a piece of mobile heavy equipment. This will preferably allow the operator of the heavy equipment to mark out lines when the mobile heavy equipment is moving without endangering bystanders or other operators which may be required to move into close proximity to the heavy equipment in other circumstances, [0.010) Generally speaking, the mounting assembly will he mounted laterally of the heavy equipment, normally towards a lateral side Of the heavy equipment in the direction of travel. The mounting assembly can be mounted either inside the wheel line or outside the wheel line of the heavy equipment.

[0011] The particular location of the line marking apparatus will typically depend on the type of heavy equipment to which it is attached. Generally speaking, the mounting assembly and the line marking apparatus will be located behind the working portion of the heavy equipment. As an example, the working portion of a grader for example is the grader blade which is normally oriented at an angle to the direction of travel and in this situatieai, the line marking apparatus is preferably provided behind the blade in the direction of forward movement of the grader. This means that the line marking' when applied will be marking an already finished surface rather than a surface which has yet to be worked. 10012] The mounting assembly of the preferred embodiment may allow movement of the containment structure between a storage condition and a use condition.: The mounting assembly may allow movement of the containment structure between these two conditions from a remote location.

[00X3] Typically, the mounting; assembly will include a number of arms positioned relative to one another to mount to the heavy equipment and have the containment structure in the desired location. Typically, there will be: at least one laterally extending arm member and at; least: one forwardly or rearwardly extending arm member. Either arm member may mount the containment structure and either ami member may attach to the heavy equipment or alignment and/or control system component, [00X 4] Typically, there will be one laterally extending arm member and one arm member extending substantially perpendicularly thereto. It is preferred that: the members are oriented at 90° to one another although one or more angle bracing members may be included in order to provide sufficient rigidity to allow the containment structure to be actuated to release the marking substance without disturbing the position or orientation of the containment structure.

[0015] Preferably, a substantially vertically extending arm is used to mount the containment structure, typically at or towards a lower end thereof. This substantially vertically extending arm will normally be length adjustable although it may be of fixed length. It is preferred that a telescoping assembly is used with one member at least partially receiving at least one second member in order to adjust the overall length of the vertically extending arm,. Normally, a simple pin and slot fixing mechanism is used .in. which an opening in the Outer arm is aligned with one or more openings in the inner arm and a pin inserted therethrough to at least temporarily fix the length of the vertically extending arm, [0016] The apparatus of the present invention also includes a containment structure associated with the mounting assembly and adapted to contain an actuable container holding a marking substance. The container will normally hold an aerosol spray can or similar containing marking paint or similar . This type of container is normally configured with a depressible button which in turn actuates a nipple at the top of the can. depression of which causes release of the marking substance. The nipple is typically parallel to the long axis of the container. The actuation system may actuate either the depressible button or the nipple directly.

[0017] The containment structure is typically a shaped containing assembly such as a box or a cage in order to hold the preferred aetuaMe container in an inverted position during use. The containment structure preferably has at least one sidewall but depending Upon the configuration of the containing assembly* can have more than one sidewall.

[0018] The containment structure cart be of any shape but will typically be either cylindrical or rectangular, The containment structure will normally be hollow in order to receive a container within, [0019] An upper flap or similar will normally be provided in order to hold, the container within the containment Structure. This is particularly the case as the preferred actuation: system wall apply force to the bottom end of the container which will In turn attempt to force the container upwardly within the containment structure and: therefore, it is important that a mechanism be provided at the upper end of the containment structure to hold the container down. The: upper flap hlay be provided with one or more biasing members extending therefrom to assist in hoi ding the container down. This is particularly useful, when containers of varying sizes may be used, particularly when relatively small containers are used. The one or more biasing members may be of any suitable form, such as lengths of compressible material, springs or the like, or a combination thereof.

[0020] A latch is normally provided in association with the upper flap in order to allow removal and replacement of the container holding the marking substance. The upper flap or lid is typically hinged to the at least one sidewall of the containment structure, Normally, the upper flap is hinged and secured with a pin or similar. In a particularly preferred embodiment, an elongate finger extends upwardly from the sidewall of the containment structure to be received within an opening through the upper flap. The elongate finger has a laterally extending opening therethrough and once the flap is in the closed condition in which the finger is received in the opening through the upperflap, a cotter or spring pin can be inserted through the opening in the elongate finger in order to hold the flap closed, and typically, abutting an upper end of the container held within the containment structure.

[0021] A lower wall is normally provided on the containment structure and the lower wall normally forms pan of the actuation system to be discussed further below.

[0022] The containment structure is normally mounted at or towards a lower end of the substantially vertical arm of the mounting assembly. The containment structure typically receives the container relatively closely within in order to maintain the position and orientation of the container to ensure that the marking substance is released correctly and as directed, [0023] The actuation system provided is operable by a user of the heavy equipment to actuate tire actuable container as required in order to dispense the marking substance as required.

The actuation system will normally include a number of components. As mentioned, above, a lower wall of the containment structure will normally be a part of the actuation system. It is preferred that the lower wall be substantially planar and extend laterally sideways further than the limit of the containment Structure. The lower wall will normally be substantially planar with an opening therethrough in order to; correspond in position to the dispensing: opening: on the actuable container.

[0024] The lower vyall is normally hinged to the containment, structure on one side. On the opposite side, the biasing mechanism is preferably provided in order to bias tile lower wall away from the container within the containment: structure. Normally, a biasing means is attached to the lower wail in order to bias: the lower wall, away from the container.

[0025] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a biasing means such as a spring is provided between a portion of the lower wall of the containment structure and a laterally extending flange mounted relative to the containment structure. A guide rod is normally provided about which the spring is located, and a guide rod is normally attached above the flange and below the lower wall, normally using threaded guide rod and a nut above tire flange and a second nut below' the lower wall.

[0026] A gripping portion is normally provided at an upper end of the guide rod. The gripping portion allows the guide rod to be moved upwardly against die biasing force of the preferred biasing spring which moves the lower wail and forces the lower wall against a portion of the actuable container to dispense the marking substance. As mentioned above, the lower wall may be provided with an abutment member in order to abut the dispensing button rather than the nipple directly.

[0027] Preferably, the line marking apparatus of the present invention will be capable of remote actuation by the operator of the heavy equipment, and typically, by the driver. Any mechanism may be used to allow the remote actuation of the container to release the marking substance. One simple meehanisra is to provide an elongate cable or rope or similar which can be manipulated to move the guide rod on the containment structure to dispense the marking substance as required. In this simple mechanism, the elongate cable or rope may be required to pass over or through one or more pulleys for example in order to move the guide rod against the biasing force of the biasing means to actuate the container.

[0028] More complex mechanisms may include a hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical system involving an electrical signal initiated by the dri ver of the vehicle which actuates a hydraulic or pneumatic ram or similar to move the guide rod as required to dispense the marking substance, |O029| Normally, the lower end of the containment structure (and therefore the dispensing end of the actuable container) will be located adjacent the surface to be marked in order to minimis Joss of the marking substance after dispensing. The separation distance between the containment structure and the working surface may be adjustable using the mounting assembly As mentioned above, die containment structure and/or moimting assembly may allow movement of the line marking apparatus between a use condition in which the containment structure is relatively closely separated from the working surface and a storage condition in which the containment structure is located away from the working surface, typically to provide increased clearance.

[QO30] In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus may be provided in an electrically actuable configuration in which the operator of a machine relative to which the apparatus is mounted can actuate the release of the marking substance by causing an electronic signal to be issued which once received and conveyed to a servo actuator, drives movement of a drive arm to actuate the actuable container to release the: marking substance.

[0031] In this configuration, the apparatus itself will typically be configured for remote Operation and a message will be electronically forwarded via a cable or wireless system to operate and actuator associated with the containment structure.

[0032] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with anyone or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0033] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the fallowing Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawi ngs as follows: [0035] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a line marking apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 is a left side elevation view of the line marking apparatus illustrated in Figure 1.

[0037J Figure 3 is a pl an v iew of the line marking appa ratu s i 1 lu strated in Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 4 is an isometric view of the line marking apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 from the opposite side.

[0039] Figure 5 is a view from the rear of the line marking apparatus illustrated in Figure 1.

[0040] Figure 6 is a view from the front of the line marking apparatus illustrated in Figure 1.

[0041] Figure 7 is an exploded left side elevation view of the line marking apparatus iliusirated in Figure I

[0042] Figure 8 i s an exploded front view of the line marking apparatus illustrated in Figure 1.

[0043] Figure 9 is an exploded right side view of the line marking apparatus illustrated in

Figure 1..,

[0044] Figure 10 is an exploded plan view of the line marking apparatus illustrated in Figure F

[0045] Figure 11 is an exploded isometric view from a first side of the line marking apparatus illustrated in Figure 1.

[0046] Figure 12 is an exploded isometric view from a second side of the line marking apparatus illustrated in Figure 1.

[0047] Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of the location of the line marking apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 and showing deployment from the storage to the use condition.

[0048] Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of the line marking apparatus illustrated in 'Figure 1, in a storage condition and mounted to a control apparatus on a grader.

[0049] Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of the line marking apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 in use condition.

[0050] Figure 1$ is a schematic illustration of the line marking apparatus illustrated in Figure I illustrati ng remote actuation using a rope or cable.

[0051] Figure 17 is an isometric view from a first side of the containment structure according to a. preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 18 is art isometric view from a second side of the containment structure illustrated in 'Figure 17.

[0053] Figure 19 is a front view of the containment structure illustrated in Figure 17.

[0054] Figure 20 is a right-hand side view of the containment; structure illustrating Figure 17.

[0055] Figure 21 is a schematic view showing the operation of the line marking apparatus illustrated in Figure 1.

[0056] Figure 22 is a detailed view of the portion indicated on Figure 21 showing the actuation of the line marking apparatus to release the marking substance.

[0057] Figure 23 is a schematic illustrati on of a genera! arrangement of a marker assembly according to an alternative: preferred embodiment.

[0058] Figure 24 is an isometric view of a line marking; apparatus illustrated in the general arrangement shown in Figure 23.

[0059] Figure 25 is a front elevation view of the portion marked “A” in Figure 24.

[0060] Figure 26 is a side elevation view of the portion marked “A” in Figure 24 [0061] Figure 27 is a front elevation view of the portion marked “B" in Figure 24.

[0062] Figure 28 is a side elevation view ofthe portion marked “B” in Figure 24.

DESC RIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0063] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a marking apparatus 10 for use with heavy equipment and remotely actuated by the dri ver of the heavy equipment is provided, [0064] The line marking apparatus of the preferred embodiment includes a mounting assembly 1 i to mount the marking apparatus to a piece of mobile heavy equipment as illustrated in Figures 13 to 16 in particular, and a containment structure 12 associated with the mounting assembly 11 and adapted to at least partially contain an aetuable container holding a marking substance. An actuation system for actuating the aetuable container is provided to dispense the marking substance as requi red under the control of a dri ver of tire heavy equipment [0065] As illustrated in Figures 13 to 16, 21 and 22 in particular, the line marking apparatus 10 is preferably attached relative to an alignment and/or control system or component 13 that is mounted on the heavy equipment The most common alignment and/or control system used with heavy equipment is manufactured by Trimble but the line marking apparatus of the present inventi on can be used with any system or may be directly attached to the heavy equipment.

[0066] It is preferred that the line marking apparatus of the present invention is used with earthmoving equipment such as a loader or more preferably, a grader. It is parti cut ail y preferred that the heavy equipment with which the line marking apparatus is used is a piece of finishing equipmem in order not to disrupt any line markings which may be created.

[0067] Generally speaking, the mounting assembly 11 is mounted laterally of the heavy equipment,; normally towards a lateral side of the heavy equipment in the directi on of travel. The mounting assembly can be mounted either inside the wheel li ne or outside the wheel line of the heavy equipment.

[0068] The particular location of the line marking apparatus will typically depend on the type of heavy equipment to which it is attached. Generally speaking, the mounting assembl y and the line marking apparatus will be located behind the working portion of the heavy equipment. As an example, the working portion: of a grader for example is the greater blade which is normally oriented at an angle to the direction of travel and in this situation, the line marking apparatus is preferably provided behind the blade in the direction of forward movement of the grader. This means that the line marking when applied will be marking and already finished surface rather than a surface which has yet to: be worked, [0069] The mounting assembly 11 of the preferred embodiment allows movement of the containment structure between a storage condition as illustrated in Figure 14 and a use condition as illustrated in Figures IS and 16 by rotation of the containment; structure 12 about a portion of the mounting assembly 11, as illustrated schematically in Figure 13.: [0070] The preferred mounting assembly 11 includes a rearwardly extending arm member 14 and a depending arm 15 mounting the containment structure 12, [0071] It is preferred that the members are oriented at 90° to one another although one or more angle bracing members may be included in order to provide sufficient rigidity to allow the containment structure 12 to be actuated to release the marking substance without disturbing the positi on orientation of the containment structure.

[0072] A substantially vertically extending arm 15 is used to mount the containment structure 12, typically at or towards a; lower end thereof This: substantially vertically extending ami 1.5 is length adjustable. The illustrated embodiment includes a telescoping arm, with an outer upper member 16 at least partially receiving a second lower member 17 in order to adjust the overall length of the vertically extending arm 15. Normally, a simple pin and slot fixing mechanism is used in which an opening in the outer arm 16 is aligned with one or more openings in the inner arm 17 and a pin 18 inserted therethrough to at least temporarily fix the length of the vertically extending arm 35. A cotter or similar pin 19 extends through an opening in the end of the pin 18 to prevent accidental dislodgement of the pin 18.

[0073] An upper portion of the outer upper member 16 is provided with a rotation mount to allow the movement of the depending arm 15 between the use and storage conditions. The rotation mount includes an extension 20 from the rearwardly extending arm member 14 and a sleeve 21 attached to the end of the outer upper member 16. A spring loaded locking pin is provided in association with the outer upper member 16 and which extends into a first opening 24 at one end of a lateral plate 23 when in the use condition and when released and rotated into the storage condition, is recei ved into a second opening 25 at the other end of the lateral plate 23 to lock the outer upper member 16 into one of the conditions.

[0074] The apparatus of the present invention also includes a containment structure 12 associated with the mounting assembly 11 and adapted to contain an actuable container (not shown) holding a marking substance, such, as an. aerosol paint can. This type of container is normally configured with a depressible button which in turn actuates a nipple at the top of the can, depression of which causes release of the marking substance. The nipple is typically parallel to the long axis of the container. The: actuation system of the apparatus of the invention may actuate either the depressibl e button or the nipple directly.

[0075] The containment structure: as particularly illustrated in Figures 17 to 20 is typically a shaped containing assembly such as a box. or a cage in order to hold the preferred actuable aerosol paint can in an inverted position during use in. a space 30 within the containment structure 12, [0076] An upper flap 26 or similar will normally be provided in order to hold the container within the containment structure 12. This is particularly the case as the preferred actuation system will apply force to the bottom end of the container which will in turn attempt to force the container upwardly within the containment structure 12 and therefore, it is important that a mechanism be provided at the upper end- of the containment structure 12 to hold the container down.

[0077] In the specific embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 9, the upper flap 26 is provided with a biasing member in the form of a cone spring 50 attached thereto by a bolt 51. The cone spring 50 is adapted to hold the container within the containment structure 12, particularly when the container is relatively small and the upper flap 26 alone would be insufficient to hold the container within the containment structure 12.

[0078] As illustrated in Figures 17 to 20, a latch is provided in association: with the upper flap 12 in order to allow removal and replacement of the container holding the marking substance. The upper flap 12 is attached, at a hinge 27 to a sidewall, .of the containment structure 12.. Normally, the flap 12 is secured with a pin or similar. In a particularly preferred embodiment, an elongate finger 28 extends: upwardly from the sidewall of the containment structure 12 to be received within an opening through the upper flap 12, The elongate finger 28 has a laterally extending opening therethrough and once the flap 12 is in the closed condition in which the finger .28 is received in the opening through the upper flap 12, a cotter or spring pin 29 can be i nsetted through the opening in the elongate finger 28 in order to hold the flap 12 closed, and typically, abutting an upper end of the container held within the containment structure 12, [0079] As illustrated, a lower wall is normally provided on the containment structure 12 and the lower wall normally forms part of the actuation sy stem .

[0080] The containment structure is normally mounted at or towards a lower end of the substantially vertical arm 15 of the mounting assembly 11. The containment structure typically receives, the container relatively closely within In order to maintain the positioning and orientation of the container to ensure that the marking substance is released correctly and as directed.

[0081] The actuation system provided is operable by a user of the heavy equipment: to actuate the actuable container as required in order to dispense the marking substance as required. The actuation system will normally include: a number of components. As mentioned above, a lower wall 31 of the. containment structure 12 will normally be a part of the actuation system:. It is preferred that the lower wall 31 be substantially planar and extend laterally sideways further than the limit of the containment structure 12. The lower wall 31 will normally be substantially planar with an opening therethrough in order to correspond in position to the dispensing opening on the aeiuabl e container.

[0082] The lower wall 31 is attached to the containment structure 12 by a hinge 32 to the containment structure 12 on one side. On the opposite side, a biasing mechanism is preferably provided in order to bias the lower wall 31 away from the container within the containment structure 12. 'Normally,: a biasing means is attached to the lower wall in order to bias the lower wall away ffcottt the container.

[0083] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated, a biasing spring 33 is provided between a portion of the lower wall 3 fof the containment structure and a laterally extending flange 34 mounted relative to the conMoment: structure 12. A guide rod 35 is provided about which the spring is 33 located, and the guide rod 35is normally attached above the flange 34 and below :he lower wall 3 ., normally using a threaded guide rod and a nut 36 above the flange 34 and a second nut 37 below1 the lower wall 31, [0084] A hook 38 is provided at an upper end of the guide rod 35 allowing the guide rod 35 to bo moved upwardly against the biasing force of the biasing spring 33 which moves; the lower wall 31 and forces the lower wall 21 against a portion of the aetuable container to dispense the marking substance. As illustrated in Figure 20, the lower wall 3:1 may be provided with an abutment member 39 in order to abut the dispensing button rather than the nipple directly.

[0085] Preferably, the line marking apparatus of the present invention will be capable of remote actuation by the operator of the heavy equipment, and typically, by the driver. Any mechanism may be used to allow the remote actuation of the container to release the marking substance. One simple mechanism as illustrated is to provide an elongate cable or rope 40 which can be manipulated by the driver to move the guide rod 35 on the containment structure 12 to dispense the marking substance as required. In this simple mechanism, the elongate cable or rope 40 may be required to pass over or through one or more pulleys 41 for example in order to move the guide rod 3 5 against the biasing force of the biasing spring 33 to actuate the container.

[0086] Normally, the lower end of the containment structure (and therefore the dispensing end of the aetuable container) will be located adjacent the surface to be marked in order to minimise loss of the marking substance after dispensing as illustrated in Figure 21. The separation distance between the containment structure 12 and the working surface may be adjustable using the mounting assembly 11, As mentioned above, the containment structure 12 and/or mounting assembly 11 may allow movement of the line marking: apparatus between: a Use condition in which tire containment structure is relatively closely separated from die working surface and a storage condition in which the containment structur e is located away from the working surface, typically to provide increased clearance.

[0087] In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus may be provided in an electrically aetuable configuration in which the operator of a machine relative to which the apparatus Is mounted can actuate the release of the marking substance by causing an electronic signal to be issued which once received and conveyed to a servo actuator, drives movement of a drive arm to actuate the aetuable container to release the m.:ai'king substance:, [0088] In this configuration, the apparatus itself will typically be configured for remote operation and a message is electronically forwarded via a cable or wireless system to operate and actuator associated with the containment structure.

[0089] A preferred embodiment of this configuration is illustrated in Figure 23. As can be seen, the marking apparatus 10 is provided with a servo 46 associated with die containment structure holding the aetuable container. Upon receipt of an electronic signal, the servo 46 actuates and moves an arm to actuate the container to release the marking substance.

[0090] The system is provided with a control box 42, which is normally located in the cabin of a machine to which the marking apparatus 10 is mounted. The control box 42 is associated with a power source 43 which in this preferred embodiment, is either a 12 V or 24 V power supply, normally one associated witli the vehicle. The control box 42 is also connected via an elongate cable 44 with appropriate connection plugs 45 to the servo 46 In this way, an operator can use the control box 42 to pass a signal along the cable 44 to the servo 46 in order to actuate the servo 46.

[0091] A more detailed view of the particular apparatus preferred according to this embodiment is illustrated in Figure 24. As with the previous embodiment, the apparatus in tins particular embodiment includes a rearward arm 14 extending from the vehicle relative to which the apparatus is mounted. A lateral arm 47 extends substantially perpendicularly to the rearward arm 14.

[0092] A pivoting arm 49 is mounted to the rearward arm 44 around a pivot arrangement including an extension 20 from the rearward arm which is received inside a sleeve 21 mounted to the pivoting arm 49. A bolt 18 is received through the pivot arrangement in order to hold the piyot arrangement and to bias the pivot arrgpgement through the use of a spring. This allows the depending arm 1. 5 which has the containment structure at a lower end thereof to pivot around the rearward arm 14., [0093] The pivoting arm 23 can be locked relative to lateral ami 47 using the locking pm 22. As mentioned previously, the lower arm .17 and the upper arm 16 are movable relative to one another in order to set the effective length of the depending arm 15.

[0094] The containment structure is located on the lower end of the lower arm 17 and in this configuration* includes a cover 276 to cover the actuation mechanism provided aceoerdbg to this particular embodiment which will be discussed in relation to Figures 27 and 28.

[0095] The portion identified as “A” in Figure 24 is surely mere detail in Figures 25 and 26. Illustrated in Figure .25,. is the pivoting and biasing structure between the pivoting arm and the rearward arm 14. A washer 21 is illustrated located between the lateral arm 47 and the pivoting arm 49. The sleeve 21. of the pivot connection is provided with a grease nipple 1.7 and the extension 20 is also provided with a washer 19 before the bolt 18 extends there through to form the pivoting connection. Also illustrated in Figure 25 is the locking pin 20 which is used to selectively lock the pivoting arm 49 relative to the lateral arm. 47.

[0096] Illustrated in Figure 26 is a from view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 25 with the lateral arm being referred to as item 1 in: this: particular illustration. Also shown in Figure 2:6 is the enlarged upper arm referred: to as item to in this illustration. The locking assembly used to lock the pivoting arm 23 to lateral arm 1 is illustrated. The locking assembly includes the locking pin 20 attached using a hex bolt .12, a washer 9 und^lSfyloek nut 8.

[0097] A hex bolt 22 i s also used to fix the: position of the lower arm 17 relative to the upper arm 2 with a pair of washers 23 being provided and the bolt being secured by a Nylock nut 24.

[0098] The lower portion of the apparatus 10 is illustrated in further detail in Figures 27 and 28, The containment: structure 12 is provided on a lower end of a lower arm in this illustration referred to as item 3, The containment structure 12 is provided with an upper flap 4 which can be rotated around a hex bolt 12, washer 9 and Nylock nut 8 to open and close the containing: Structure 12. An annular bumper 27 is provided mounted relative to the upper flap 4 in order to hold the container of marking substance within the containment structure 12, The bumper 27 is held in position using a hex bolt 12, washer 9 and Hyfock nut 8 as illustrated in Figure 27, A latch mechanism 16 is provided in order to secure the flap 4 in the closed condition, [0099] A lower actuation plate 5 is provided at a lower end of the containment structure 12. The actuation plate 5 is movable about a hex bolt 12, washer 9 and Nylock nut 8 as illustrated in Figure 27. An .elongate spring bias assembly 7 is provided through the actuation plate 5 arid extends to within the containment structure; 12, Typically, a, spring or similar biasing member is provided inside the containment; structure 12 as a part of the spring bias assembly 72 bias the actuation plate 5 into the deactivated position and only when the servo is actuated, the servo move the actuation arm 1Q to draw the actuation played five toward the: containment structure 12 to release the marking substance from; the container held within the containment structure 1.2.

[00100] An opposite side of the actuation plate 5 is connected to an actuation arm IQ using a pair of washers 9 and a pair of Nylock nuts 8. An upper portion of the actuation arm IQ is attached to a ball j oint 11 which is subsequently mounted to a servo link arm 25 using a washer 9 and a Nylock nut 8. The servo link arm 25 is driven by the servo 26. The servo 26 is mounted relative to a substantially planar plate 48 by a l U mm hex bolt 13 and a properly sized Nylock nut 14. The Upper end of the actuation arm IQ and the servo arrangement is normally covered in use by a cover 6 are attached to the containment stracture I 2, [00101} In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[001,02] Reference throughout this specification to ’one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment” or ‘in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures^ or characteristics may be combined in any Suitable manner in one or more combinations.

Claims

1. A line marking apparatus for heavy equipment including: a. a mounting assembly to mount the marking apparatus to a piece of mobile heavy equipment, b. a containment structure including a moveable lower wall, the containment structure associated with the mounting assembly and adapted to at least partially contain an actuable container holding a marking substance, and c. an actuation system for actuating the actuable container as required to dispense the marking substance under the control of an operator of the heavy equipment, and wherein the line marking apparatus is capable of remote actuation by an operator of the heavy equipment such that the actuation system drives movement of the lower wall on the containment structure to actuate the actuable container to release the marking substance.

2. A line marking apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mounting assembly is configured to allow movement of the containment structure between a storage condition and a use condition in which the containment structure is adjacent to a surface.

3. A line marking apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the mounting assembly includes at least one laterally extending arm member and at least one forwardly or rearwardly extending arm member with either arm member mounting the containment structure and either arm member attaching to the heavy equipment.

4. A line marking apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein, a substantially vertically extending arm is used to mount the containment structure at a lower end thereof.

5. A line marking apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the substantially vertically extending arm is length adjustable.

6. A line marking apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein, in use, the containment structure associated with the mounting assembly contains an aerosol spray can holding a marking substance.

7. A line marking apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the containment structure is a shaped containing assembly to hold the actuable container in an inverted position during use.

8. A line marking apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the containment structure includes an upper flap in order to releasably hold the actuable container within the containment structure.

9. A line marking apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the lower wall includes an opening therethrough in order to correspond in position to a dispensing opening on the actuable container.

10. A line marking apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the lower wall is hinged to the containment structure on one side with a biasing mechanism provided in order to bias the lower wall away from the actuable container within the containment structure.

11. A line marking apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein remote actuation is achieved through the provision of an elongate member which is manipulated to move the lower wall on the containment structure.

12. A line marking apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein remote actuation is achieved through the provision of a control to issue an electronic signal and an actuator associated with a signal receiver such that when the signal is received, the actuator drives the movement of the lower wall on the containment structure.

13. A line marking apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the electronic signal is electronically forwarded via a cable or wireless system to operate the actuator associated with the containment structure.

14. A line marking apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims mounted to an alignment and/or control system component which is mounted to the heavy equipment.

15. A line marking apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein in use, the separation distance between the containment structure and the working surface is adjustable using the mounting assembly.

16. A line marking system including: i. a piece of mobile heavy equipment; and, ii. a line marking apparatus mounted to the heavy equipment, the line marking apparatus including: a. a mounting assembly to mount the marking apparatus to the piece of mobile heavy equipment, b. a containment structure including a moveable lower wall, the containment structure associated with the mounting assembly and adapted to at least partially contain an actuable container holding a marking substance, and c. an actuation system for actuating the actuable container as required to dispense the marking substance under the control of an operator of the heavy equipment, and wherein the line marking apparatus is capable of remote actuation by an operator of the heavy equipment such that the actuation system drives movement of the lower wall on the containment structure to actuate the actuable container to release the marking substance.

17. A line marking system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the marking apparatus is attached relative to an alignment system, a control system or an alignment and control system that is mounted on the heavy equipment and the alignment system, the control system or the alignment and control system controls the actuation of the marking apparatus.

18. A line marking system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the alignment system, the control system or the alignment and control system includes an integrated positioning device.