CA1207578A - Cart for laying ground covering elements - Google Patents
Cart for laying ground covering elementsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1207578A CA1207578A CA000422776A CA422776A CA1207578A CA 1207578 A CA1207578 A CA 1207578A CA 000422776 A CA000422776 A CA 000422776A CA 422776 A CA422776 A CA 422776A CA 1207578 A CA1207578 A CA 1207578A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- brake
- frame
- cart
- ground covering
- gripper
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Abstract
A B S T R A C T
A cart for laying ground covering elements, the cart comprising:
(a) a movable frame which is equipped with front wheels, at least one rear wheel and a backwardly extending manipulation boom;
(b) a forwardly projecting beam which is mounted to the frame in a manner allowing a swivelling motion of said beam about a horizontal swivel axis;
(c) a ground covering element gripper which is carried by the beam;
(d) a mechanical spring means acting between the frame and the beam and being designed such that it can swivel the beam in the upward direction when the gripper does not carry a ground covering element, and such that it allows a swivelling motion of the beam in the downward direction, with the spring means being increasingly loaded, when the gripper carries a ground covering element;
(e) and a mechanical brake means active between the frame and the, beam, the brake means being adapted to selectively prevent and: release the swivelling motion of the beam.
A cart for laying ground covering elements, the cart comprising:
(a) a movable frame which is equipped with front wheels, at least one rear wheel and a backwardly extending manipulation boom;
(b) a forwardly projecting beam which is mounted to the frame in a manner allowing a swivelling motion of said beam about a horizontal swivel axis;
(c) a ground covering element gripper which is carried by the beam;
(d) a mechanical spring means acting between the frame and the beam and being designed such that it can swivel the beam in the upward direction when the gripper does not carry a ground covering element, and such that it allows a swivelling motion of the beam in the downward direction, with the spring means being increasingly loaded, when the gripper carries a ground covering element;
(e) and a mechanical brake means active between the frame and the, beam, the brake means being adapted to selectively prevent and: release the swivelling motion of the beam.
Description
lZ~7578 CART FOR LAYING GROUND COVERING ELEM~NTS
The present invention relates to a cart for layinq ground covering elements. Ground covering elements to be laid by means of the cart of the invention are especially slabs that are too heavy for layinq by hand and qroups of paving stones disposed adjacent one another that are grasped and laid together as a group. The ground coverinq elements or paving stones are preferably made of concrete and serve for paving plazas, yards, driveways and the like.
It is the object of the invention to provide a cart for layinq ground covering elements, which is simple in construction, inexpensive and particularly sturdy.
To meet this ohject, the invention provides a cart for laying ground covering elements which comprises the followin~
features:
(a) A movable frame which is equipped with front wheels, at least one rear wheel and a backwardly extendinq manlpulation boom;
(b) a forwardly projecting beam which is mounted to the frame in a manner allowing a swivelling motion of said beam about a horizontal swivel axis;
(c) a ground covering element gripper which is carried by the beam;
(d) a mechanical spring means acting between the frame and the beam and being designed such that it can swivel the beam inthe upward direc-tion when the gripper does not carry a ground covering element, and such that it allows a swivelling motion of the beam in the downward direction, with the spring means beinq increasingly loaded, when the gripper carries a ground coverinq element.
:' .
12C~7578 (e) and a mechanical brake means active between the frame and the beam, the brake means being adapted to selectively prevent and release the swivelling motion of the beam.
The wheels may be mounted to the frame in such a manner that their direction of the axes relative to the frame is determined. However, they may also be mounted to the frame in such a manner that they are slewable relative to the frame about a substantially vertical axis, for instance in the manner of so-called trailing or caster wheels as they are known from servina wagons or pushchairs. This applies particularly to the rear wheel or wheels and results in an easier maneuverability of the cart. The front and rear wheels may be of different size, with smaller~rear wheels being particularly feasible ~The mechanical spring means is designed such that it may be loaded by the ground covering element or ground covering element group having the lowest weight for which the cart is intended, when the beam performs a downward swivelling motion.
For the mechanical spring means, it is possible to use any kind of conventional mechanical springs, for instance torsion sprinas, spiral springs the windings of which are helically wound on top of each other, conventional coil springs, spring members made of rubber. However, use is preferably made of coil springs under tension the one end of which is secured to the frame and the other end of which biases the beam in the upward swivelling direction. Particularly favorable assembly conditions may be achieved when providing one curved guide means as tension sprin~ support for each tension s~ring. referably, the guide means has the sha~e of an arc of a circle and is concentric with the swivel axis of the beam.
lZ~757~
Depending on the size of the swivel region of the beam and on the size of the gro~lnd covering element gripper, it may be advantageous to provide a beam with an angled course, so that it will not be in the way of the gripper in the upper swivel position of the beam.
A further development of the invention provides that the swivel axis of the beam is located rearwardly of the axes of the front wheels and forwardly of the axes of the rear wheels or forwardly of the axis of the rear wheel. In this manner, the load resulting from the weight of the covering element hanging on the gripper is passed via the beam to the frame at a fairly rear location, whereby a construction is achieved which is compact and advantageous in terms of load. It is particularly advantageous to design the beam such that it can be swivelled in the upward direction at least to such an extent that the gripper comes into the region located vertically above the front wheels. Thus, when moving the cart the qripped load is no longer in front of the front wheels, and it is no longer necessary to balance the cart up by applying pressure on-to the manipulation boom.
Preferably, the mechanical brake means has a brake spring which normally keeps the brake means in the braking condition, so that, especially when -moving the cart, the brake means need not be kept in the braking condition by the operator. For eliminating the braking condition, there is provided an .
operatina mem~ which is in this case to be actuated by the operator. me operating member may be designed for operation by hand or by foot and can preferably be reached from the place where the operator normally stands, namely at the end of the manipulation boom.
Preferably, the mechanical brake means is provided with a first brake means member coaxially rotating with the beam and with a second brake means member held at the frame, with the braking condition being established by frictional engaqement between said first and said second brake means member.
lZ~75~;~8 Due to the arrangement of the first brake means member coaxially Wit]l the swivel axis of the beam the compactness of the cart is further enhanced.
~ particularly beneficial form of the brake means consists in providing a band brake which includes a brake wheel unrotationally connected to the beam such that it is coaxial with the swivel axis of the beam,and which includes a brake band wound round the brake wheel and having one end secured to the frame and the other end secured to an operating member the position of which determines the extent to which the brake band is pressed against the brake wheel. In relation to the force required for establishing the braking condition, this band brake provides a particularly high brakinq effect and it is especially advantageous for maintenance.
It will become still clearer from the followinq description that working with the cart of the invention in many cases requires the frame as a whole to be swivelled about a horizontal axis that is defined by the line of ground contact of the front wheels or of the rear wheels. For the purpose of facilitating these swivel motions of the frame, the frame may be provided with a rearwardly extending extension having a pedal to which the operator can apply a force with his foot.
7~
Ti1e invention will now be described in detail by way of an embodiment shown in the drawing. The sole drawing fiqure shows a side view of a cart with the uppermost swivel position of the beam being shown in full lines and the lowermost swivel vosition of the beam being shown in broken lines.
The cart 2 depicted in the drawina comprises a frame 4 which is composed substantially of four supports. A irst support 6 extends from the forward lower end of the frame 4 in an oblique direction upwardly to the upper rear. A second support 8 extends from the up2er end point of the first support 6 slightly upwardly and to the rear and merges into a manipulation boom 10. A third support 12 extends from the forward lower end of the first supporL 6 in an oblique direction u~rdly and r~wardly, but in a manner less steep than the first support 6. The rear end of the third support 12 is connected to the second support 12 via a fourth support 14 that extends upwardly in a sl:eep manner. The rear end of the manipulation boom 10 is bifurcated and provided with two handles 16. Approximately froM the point where the first support 6 is connected to the second support 8, an additional support 18 extends rearwardly and downwardly in an oblique direction; the additional support 18 is connected to the third support 12 and to the fourth support 14 at the connecting point thereof and extends rearwardly beyond this connecting point.
At the end of the additional support 18 there is provided a pedal 20.
In the area of the connectin~ point between the first support 6 and the third support 12, there is provided a horizontal front wheel axle 22 on which one pneumatic-tire front wheel 24 each is rotatably mounted on the right side and on the left side of the frame 4. A bracket 26 extends downwardly from the third support 12 from the intermediate portion thereof and carries a horizontal rear wheel axle 23. Tw~ re~r whee]s 30 with pneumatic tires are rotatably mounted on the rear wheel axle 23, one wheel being mounted on the right side and the other wheel beinq mounted on the left side of the frame 4. The wheels 24 and 30 rest, ~ith their lines of ground contact 32, on a surface 34 on which the cart 2 can be moved by rolling movement of the wheels 24 and 30.
Approximately in the middle of the length of the first support 6, a beam 36 is mounted to the first support 6 in a manner allowing a swivelling motion of said beam 36 about a horizontal swivel axis 38. The beam 36 substantially has an inversely L-shaped configuration, with the first leg 40 havingr when the beam 36 is swivelled completely upwards, substantially the same direction as the first support 6, said direction extending obliquely and rearwardly upwards, and with the second leg 42, which extends at right angles to the lower leg 42, being, in this swivel position of the beam 36, directed obliquely and forwardly upwards. The second leg 42 has in its front portion a downwardly extending bend. In the position in which the beam 36 is swivelled completely downwards (drawn in broken lines), the first leg 40 is directed obliquely and forwardly upwards and the second leg 42 is directed o~liquely and forwardly downwards. me swivel axis 38 is located above the wheels 24, 30 and - as seen in the longitudinal direction of the cart 2 - rearwardly of the front wheel axle 22 and forwardly of the rear wheel axle 28.
A clamping gripper 42 is suspended at the forward, free end of the beam 36 by means of a vertical rod 40.
The upper end of the rod 40 is hingedly connected to the beam 36 and the lower end of the rod 40 is hingedly connected to the clamping gripper 42. The clamping gripper 42 comprises two gripper jaws 44 and 46 which are pivotable relative to each other and which are adapted to close automatically when the clamping gripper 42 is being lifted.
lZ~7578 Coaxially with the swivel axis 38, two guide means 48 curved in the manner of an arc of a circle are unrotationally connected to the beam 36, namely one guide means 48 laterally on the left side of the beam 36 and the other guide means 48 laterally on the right side of the beam 36.
One tension spring 50 each, which is designed as a coil spring, is anchored with its upper end to an associated one of the two guide means 48 and with its lower end to the frame 4 in the region of the front wheel axle 22. When swivelling the beam 36 in the downward direction, each of the two tension springs 48 is thus stretched and the rearward upper portion thereof is increasingly supported on the associated guide means 48 in an arcuate manner. In this manner, tension springs 50 having a long stroke can be used and accommodated in a space-saving manner.
On one side of the beam 36, a brake wheel 52 is unrotationally connected to the beam 36 such that it is coaxial with the swivel axis 38. The brake wheel 52 is located axially adjacent one of the guide means 48. The outer circumference of the brake wheel 52 is of circular shape. A brake band 54 having an inner brake lining 56 is wound about the outer circumference of the brake wheel 52 to an extent of approximately 270. An operating member in the form of a foot lever 58 is hingedly connected to the additional support 18 approximately in the middle thereof in such a manner that it is pivotable about a joint or link 60.
One end of the brake band 54 is secured to the frame 4 in the region of the joint 60. The brake band 54 extends from the joint 60 approximately in the direction of the additional support 18 and to the outer circumference of the brake wheel 52. After encircling the brake wheel 52 at an angle of approximately 270, the brake band 54 extends obliquely and rearwardly upwards to a mounting point 54 at the foot lever 58, with a drawbolt 62 being interposed ' .:' .
120t75';~8 therebetween, with the mounting point 64 being spaced from the joint 60 by several centimeters towards the rearward lower end of the foo~ lever 58. A coil spring 66 under tension extends between the foot lever 58 and the second support 8 and it normally pulls the footlever 58 upwards with a force of such great extent that the hrake band 54 is pulled against the brake wheel 52 in such a strona manner that the beam 36 is prevented from swivelling in the downward direction even when the clamping gripper 42 is loaded. When the operator presses the foot lever 58 with his foot downwardly against the action of the spring 66, the brake band 54 is loosened and the beam 36 may perform a swivelling motion.
The construction of the embodiment shown in the drawina is such that the beam 36 consists of two steel profiles which are arranged in parallel, connected to each other by means of transverse braces (not shown) and which are disposed on the right and on the left of (in the drawing in front of and behind) the first support 6, so that the frame 4 is located, so to speak, between the two steel profiles of the beam 36.
As an alternative thereto,the frame 4 may be composed of supports 6, 8, 12, 14 which each consist of steel profiles-which are arranged in parallel to each other on the right and on the left (in the drawing in the front and in the rear~, and the beam may be disposed between the steel profiles of the first support 6. In this case, the beam 36 may consist of one single steel profile.
For adaption to ground covering e]ements or ground covering element ~roups of differing size or differing wei~ht that are to be laid, it is possible to make the manipulation boom 10 and/or the first leg 40 of the beam 36 and/or the second leg 42 of the beam 36 and/or the support 18 leading to the pedal and/or the foot lever 58 adjustable in length, for instance by the possibility of telescopic lengthening or shorteninq.
i~O'7S~8 Working with the cart of the invention can be performed in the following manner:
The coverinq elements, for instance groups of interlockin~ stones of concrete, are provided in layers in the form of a supply stack resting on the ground 34. The operator moves the cart 2 to the supply stack, with the clamping gripper 42 being raised to the required height, and lowers the clamping qripper 42 to the uppermost layer of the supply stack by swivelling the cart 2 in total about a line 32 of qround contact. In doing so, the clamping gripper 42 comes into the region in front of the front wheels 24, since the upper point of pivot of the rod 40 is shifted forwardly and since the rod 40 always adjusts to a vertical position. When the touch or contact lever 68 of the clamping gripper 42 comes into contact with the upper surface of the uppermost ground covering element layer which is to be gripped, the gripper jaws 44 and 66 extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of the cart 2 are unlocked and come into engagement with two opposed sides of the ground covering element layer to be gripped. When subsequently raising the clamping gripper 42 by swivelling the cart 2 about a line 32 of ground contact, which is assisted by the operator applying force with his foot to the pedal 20, the gripper jaws 44 and 46 close automatically so that the ground CO~Jering element group to be laid is lifted off from the supply stack ~nd suspended from the beam 36 while being held together by the clamping effect of the clamping gripner 42. me band brake is applied during the whole of this operation. Due to the backward swivelling motion of the cart 2 about a line 32 of ground contact, the clampin~ gripper 42 and, thus, the aripped ground covering element group comes into the region vertically above the fror,t ~eels 24, so that the cart stands balanced in itself and does not have to be stabilized by applying force to the pedal 20 or to the handles 16. ~en, the operator moves the cart 2 to the desired laying site of the gripped ground covering element group. After having arrived there, the operator releases the band brake by applying pressure with his foot to the brake release-lever 58, and the beam 36 s~ivels in the downward direction until the ground covering element group is placed down at the intended site.
~207578 -- 1 o --The tension sprinqs 50 become tensioned during this swivelling motion of the beam 36 in the downward direction. Due to the touchinq down of the ground covering element aroup at the laying site and, if necessary, in addition bv sliqhtly swivellina the cart 2 about a line 32 of ~round contact, the clamping gripper 42 is released and locked in the spread apart, opened position, so that the clarnping gripper 42 may be raised subsequently without lifting the laid ground covering element group again. The subsequent swivelling of the beam 36 in the upward direction is effected by the tensioned tension springs 50 which are adapted to raise the beam 36 and the unloaded clamping gripper 42. For doing so, the operator releases the band brake by applying pressure with his foot to the brake release lever 58. Thereafter, a new laying cycle can commence.
The present invention relates to a cart for layinq ground covering elements. Ground covering elements to be laid by means of the cart of the invention are especially slabs that are too heavy for layinq by hand and qroups of paving stones disposed adjacent one another that are grasped and laid together as a group. The ground coverinq elements or paving stones are preferably made of concrete and serve for paving plazas, yards, driveways and the like.
It is the object of the invention to provide a cart for layinq ground covering elements, which is simple in construction, inexpensive and particularly sturdy.
To meet this ohject, the invention provides a cart for laying ground covering elements which comprises the followin~
features:
(a) A movable frame which is equipped with front wheels, at least one rear wheel and a backwardly extendinq manlpulation boom;
(b) a forwardly projecting beam which is mounted to the frame in a manner allowing a swivelling motion of said beam about a horizontal swivel axis;
(c) a ground covering element gripper which is carried by the beam;
(d) a mechanical spring means acting between the frame and the beam and being designed such that it can swivel the beam inthe upward direc-tion when the gripper does not carry a ground covering element, and such that it allows a swivelling motion of the beam in the downward direction, with the spring means beinq increasingly loaded, when the gripper carries a ground coverinq element.
:' .
12C~7578 (e) and a mechanical brake means active between the frame and the beam, the brake means being adapted to selectively prevent and release the swivelling motion of the beam.
The wheels may be mounted to the frame in such a manner that their direction of the axes relative to the frame is determined. However, they may also be mounted to the frame in such a manner that they are slewable relative to the frame about a substantially vertical axis, for instance in the manner of so-called trailing or caster wheels as they are known from servina wagons or pushchairs. This applies particularly to the rear wheel or wheels and results in an easier maneuverability of the cart. The front and rear wheels may be of different size, with smaller~rear wheels being particularly feasible ~The mechanical spring means is designed such that it may be loaded by the ground covering element or ground covering element group having the lowest weight for which the cart is intended, when the beam performs a downward swivelling motion.
For the mechanical spring means, it is possible to use any kind of conventional mechanical springs, for instance torsion sprinas, spiral springs the windings of which are helically wound on top of each other, conventional coil springs, spring members made of rubber. However, use is preferably made of coil springs under tension the one end of which is secured to the frame and the other end of which biases the beam in the upward swivelling direction. Particularly favorable assembly conditions may be achieved when providing one curved guide means as tension sprin~ support for each tension s~ring. referably, the guide means has the sha~e of an arc of a circle and is concentric with the swivel axis of the beam.
lZ~757~
Depending on the size of the swivel region of the beam and on the size of the gro~lnd covering element gripper, it may be advantageous to provide a beam with an angled course, so that it will not be in the way of the gripper in the upper swivel position of the beam.
A further development of the invention provides that the swivel axis of the beam is located rearwardly of the axes of the front wheels and forwardly of the axes of the rear wheels or forwardly of the axis of the rear wheel. In this manner, the load resulting from the weight of the covering element hanging on the gripper is passed via the beam to the frame at a fairly rear location, whereby a construction is achieved which is compact and advantageous in terms of load. It is particularly advantageous to design the beam such that it can be swivelled in the upward direction at least to such an extent that the gripper comes into the region located vertically above the front wheels. Thus, when moving the cart the qripped load is no longer in front of the front wheels, and it is no longer necessary to balance the cart up by applying pressure on-to the manipulation boom.
Preferably, the mechanical brake means has a brake spring which normally keeps the brake means in the braking condition, so that, especially when -moving the cart, the brake means need not be kept in the braking condition by the operator. For eliminating the braking condition, there is provided an .
operatina mem~ which is in this case to be actuated by the operator. me operating member may be designed for operation by hand or by foot and can preferably be reached from the place where the operator normally stands, namely at the end of the manipulation boom.
Preferably, the mechanical brake means is provided with a first brake means member coaxially rotating with the beam and with a second brake means member held at the frame, with the braking condition being established by frictional engaqement between said first and said second brake means member.
lZ~75~;~8 Due to the arrangement of the first brake means member coaxially Wit]l the swivel axis of the beam the compactness of the cart is further enhanced.
~ particularly beneficial form of the brake means consists in providing a band brake which includes a brake wheel unrotationally connected to the beam such that it is coaxial with the swivel axis of the beam,and which includes a brake band wound round the brake wheel and having one end secured to the frame and the other end secured to an operating member the position of which determines the extent to which the brake band is pressed against the brake wheel. In relation to the force required for establishing the braking condition, this band brake provides a particularly high brakinq effect and it is especially advantageous for maintenance.
It will become still clearer from the followinq description that working with the cart of the invention in many cases requires the frame as a whole to be swivelled about a horizontal axis that is defined by the line of ground contact of the front wheels or of the rear wheels. For the purpose of facilitating these swivel motions of the frame, the frame may be provided with a rearwardly extending extension having a pedal to which the operator can apply a force with his foot.
7~
Ti1e invention will now be described in detail by way of an embodiment shown in the drawing. The sole drawing fiqure shows a side view of a cart with the uppermost swivel position of the beam being shown in full lines and the lowermost swivel vosition of the beam being shown in broken lines.
The cart 2 depicted in the drawina comprises a frame 4 which is composed substantially of four supports. A irst support 6 extends from the forward lower end of the frame 4 in an oblique direction upwardly to the upper rear. A second support 8 extends from the up2er end point of the first support 6 slightly upwardly and to the rear and merges into a manipulation boom 10. A third support 12 extends from the forward lower end of the first supporL 6 in an oblique direction u~rdly and r~wardly, but in a manner less steep than the first support 6. The rear end of the third support 12 is connected to the second support 12 via a fourth support 14 that extends upwardly in a sl:eep manner. The rear end of the manipulation boom 10 is bifurcated and provided with two handles 16. Approximately froM the point where the first support 6 is connected to the second support 8, an additional support 18 extends rearwardly and downwardly in an oblique direction; the additional support 18 is connected to the third support 12 and to the fourth support 14 at the connecting point thereof and extends rearwardly beyond this connecting point.
At the end of the additional support 18 there is provided a pedal 20.
In the area of the connectin~ point between the first support 6 and the third support 12, there is provided a horizontal front wheel axle 22 on which one pneumatic-tire front wheel 24 each is rotatably mounted on the right side and on the left side of the frame 4. A bracket 26 extends downwardly from the third support 12 from the intermediate portion thereof and carries a horizontal rear wheel axle 23. Tw~ re~r whee]s 30 with pneumatic tires are rotatably mounted on the rear wheel axle 23, one wheel being mounted on the right side and the other wheel beinq mounted on the left side of the frame 4. The wheels 24 and 30 rest, ~ith their lines of ground contact 32, on a surface 34 on which the cart 2 can be moved by rolling movement of the wheels 24 and 30.
Approximately in the middle of the length of the first support 6, a beam 36 is mounted to the first support 6 in a manner allowing a swivelling motion of said beam 36 about a horizontal swivel axis 38. The beam 36 substantially has an inversely L-shaped configuration, with the first leg 40 havingr when the beam 36 is swivelled completely upwards, substantially the same direction as the first support 6, said direction extending obliquely and rearwardly upwards, and with the second leg 42, which extends at right angles to the lower leg 42, being, in this swivel position of the beam 36, directed obliquely and forwardly upwards. The second leg 42 has in its front portion a downwardly extending bend. In the position in which the beam 36 is swivelled completely downwards (drawn in broken lines), the first leg 40 is directed obliquely and forwardly upwards and the second leg 42 is directed o~liquely and forwardly downwards. me swivel axis 38 is located above the wheels 24, 30 and - as seen in the longitudinal direction of the cart 2 - rearwardly of the front wheel axle 22 and forwardly of the rear wheel axle 28.
A clamping gripper 42 is suspended at the forward, free end of the beam 36 by means of a vertical rod 40.
The upper end of the rod 40 is hingedly connected to the beam 36 and the lower end of the rod 40 is hingedly connected to the clamping gripper 42. The clamping gripper 42 comprises two gripper jaws 44 and 46 which are pivotable relative to each other and which are adapted to close automatically when the clamping gripper 42 is being lifted.
lZ~7578 Coaxially with the swivel axis 38, two guide means 48 curved in the manner of an arc of a circle are unrotationally connected to the beam 36, namely one guide means 48 laterally on the left side of the beam 36 and the other guide means 48 laterally on the right side of the beam 36.
One tension spring 50 each, which is designed as a coil spring, is anchored with its upper end to an associated one of the two guide means 48 and with its lower end to the frame 4 in the region of the front wheel axle 22. When swivelling the beam 36 in the downward direction, each of the two tension springs 48 is thus stretched and the rearward upper portion thereof is increasingly supported on the associated guide means 48 in an arcuate manner. In this manner, tension springs 50 having a long stroke can be used and accommodated in a space-saving manner.
On one side of the beam 36, a brake wheel 52 is unrotationally connected to the beam 36 such that it is coaxial with the swivel axis 38. The brake wheel 52 is located axially adjacent one of the guide means 48. The outer circumference of the brake wheel 52 is of circular shape. A brake band 54 having an inner brake lining 56 is wound about the outer circumference of the brake wheel 52 to an extent of approximately 270. An operating member in the form of a foot lever 58 is hingedly connected to the additional support 18 approximately in the middle thereof in such a manner that it is pivotable about a joint or link 60.
One end of the brake band 54 is secured to the frame 4 in the region of the joint 60. The brake band 54 extends from the joint 60 approximately in the direction of the additional support 18 and to the outer circumference of the brake wheel 52. After encircling the brake wheel 52 at an angle of approximately 270, the brake band 54 extends obliquely and rearwardly upwards to a mounting point 54 at the foot lever 58, with a drawbolt 62 being interposed ' .:' .
120t75';~8 therebetween, with the mounting point 64 being spaced from the joint 60 by several centimeters towards the rearward lower end of the foo~ lever 58. A coil spring 66 under tension extends between the foot lever 58 and the second support 8 and it normally pulls the footlever 58 upwards with a force of such great extent that the hrake band 54 is pulled against the brake wheel 52 in such a strona manner that the beam 36 is prevented from swivelling in the downward direction even when the clamping gripper 42 is loaded. When the operator presses the foot lever 58 with his foot downwardly against the action of the spring 66, the brake band 54 is loosened and the beam 36 may perform a swivelling motion.
The construction of the embodiment shown in the drawina is such that the beam 36 consists of two steel profiles which are arranged in parallel, connected to each other by means of transverse braces (not shown) and which are disposed on the right and on the left of (in the drawing in front of and behind) the first support 6, so that the frame 4 is located, so to speak, between the two steel profiles of the beam 36.
As an alternative thereto,the frame 4 may be composed of supports 6, 8, 12, 14 which each consist of steel profiles-which are arranged in parallel to each other on the right and on the left (in the drawing in the front and in the rear~, and the beam may be disposed between the steel profiles of the first support 6. In this case, the beam 36 may consist of one single steel profile.
For adaption to ground covering e]ements or ground covering element ~roups of differing size or differing wei~ht that are to be laid, it is possible to make the manipulation boom 10 and/or the first leg 40 of the beam 36 and/or the second leg 42 of the beam 36 and/or the support 18 leading to the pedal and/or the foot lever 58 adjustable in length, for instance by the possibility of telescopic lengthening or shorteninq.
i~O'7S~8 Working with the cart of the invention can be performed in the following manner:
The coverinq elements, for instance groups of interlockin~ stones of concrete, are provided in layers in the form of a supply stack resting on the ground 34. The operator moves the cart 2 to the supply stack, with the clamping gripper 42 being raised to the required height, and lowers the clamping qripper 42 to the uppermost layer of the supply stack by swivelling the cart 2 in total about a line 32 of qround contact. In doing so, the clamping gripper 42 comes into the region in front of the front wheels 24, since the upper point of pivot of the rod 40 is shifted forwardly and since the rod 40 always adjusts to a vertical position. When the touch or contact lever 68 of the clamping gripper 42 comes into contact with the upper surface of the uppermost ground covering element layer which is to be gripped, the gripper jaws 44 and 66 extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of the cart 2 are unlocked and come into engagement with two opposed sides of the ground covering element layer to be gripped. When subsequently raising the clamping gripper 42 by swivelling the cart 2 about a line 32 of ground contact, which is assisted by the operator applying force with his foot to the pedal 20, the gripper jaws 44 and 46 close automatically so that the ground CO~Jering element group to be laid is lifted off from the supply stack ~nd suspended from the beam 36 while being held together by the clamping effect of the clamping gripner 42. me band brake is applied during the whole of this operation. Due to the backward swivelling motion of the cart 2 about a line 32 of ground contact, the clampin~ gripper 42 and, thus, the aripped ground covering element group comes into the region vertically above the fror,t ~eels 24, so that the cart stands balanced in itself and does not have to be stabilized by applying force to the pedal 20 or to the handles 16. ~en, the operator moves the cart 2 to the desired laying site of the gripped ground covering element group. After having arrived there, the operator releases the band brake by applying pressure with his foot to the brake release-lever 58, and the beam 36 s~ivels in the downward direction until the ground covering element group is placed down at the intended site.
~207578 -- 1 o --The tension sprinqs 50 become tensioned during this swivelling motion of the beam 36 in the downward direction. Due to the touchinq down of the ground covering element aroup at the laying site and, if necessary, in addition bv sliqhtly swivellina the cart 2 about a line 32 of ~round contact, the clamping gripper 42 is released and locked in the spread apart, opened position, so that the clarnping gripper 42 may be raised subsequently without lifting the laid ground covering element group again. The subsequent swivelling of the beam 36 in the upward direction is effected by the tensioned tension springs 50 which are adapted to raise the beam 36 and the unloaded clamping gripper 42. For doing so, the operator releases the band brake by applying pressure with his foot to the brake release lever 58. Thereafter, a new laying cycle can commence.
Claims (10)
PROPERTY OR PRIVLEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A cart for laying ground covering elements, the cart comprising:
(a) a movable frame which is equipped with front wheels, at least one rear wheel and a backwardly extending manipulation boom;
(b) a forwardly projecting beam which is mounted to the frame in a manner allowing a swivelling motion of said beam about a horizontal swivel axis;
(c) a ground covering element gripper which is carried by the beam;
(d) a mechanical spring means acting between the frame and the beam and being designed such that it can swivel the beam in the upward direction when the gripper does not carry a ground covering element, and such that it allows a swivelling motion of the beam in the downward direction, with the spring means being increasingly loaded, when the gripper carries a ground covering element;
(e) and a mechanical brake means active between the frame and the beam, the brake means being adapted to selectively prevent and release the swivelling motion of the beam.
(a) a movable frame which is equipped with front wheels, at least one rear wheel and a backwardly extending manipulation boom;
(b) a forwardly projecting beam which is mounted to the frame in a manner allowing a swivelling motion of said beam about a horizontal swivel axis;
(c) a ground covering element gripper which is carried by the beam;
(d) a mechanical spring means acting between the frame and the beam and being designed such that it can swivel the beam in the upward direction when the gripper does not carry a ground covering element, and such that it allows a swivelling motion of the beam in the downward direction, with the spring means being increasingly loaded, when the gripper carries a ground covering element;
(e) and a mechanical brake means active between the frame and the beam, the brake means being adapted to selectively prevent and release the swivelling motion of the beam.
2. A cart according to claim 1, wherein at least one tension spring is provided as spring means, one end of said tension spring being secured to the frame and the other end of said tension spring biasing the beam in the upward swivelling direction, and wherein a curved guide means is provided as tension spring support.
3. A cart according to claim 2, wherein the guide means has the shape of an arc of a circle and is concentric with the swivel axis of the beam.
4. A cart according to claim 1, wherein the beam has an angled course.
5. A cart according to claim 1, wherein the swivel axis of the beam is located rearwardly of the axes of the front wheels and forwardly of the axes of the rear wheels or forwardly of the axis of the rear wheel.
6. A cart according to claim 1, 4 or 5, wherein the beam is adapted to be swivelled in the upward direction at least to such an extent that the gripper comes into the region located vertically above the front wheels.
7. A cart according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical brake means is provided with a brake spring normally keeping the brake means in the braking condition, and wherein an operating member is provided by the actuation of which the braking condition can be eliminated against the action of the brake spring.
8. A cart according to claim 1, 2 or 5 wherein the mechanical brake means is provided with a first brake means member coaxially rotating with the beam and with a second brake means member held at the frame, with the braking condition being established by frictional engagement between said first and said second brake means member.
9. A cart according to claim 1, 2 or 7, wherein a band brake is provided as mechanical brake means, said band brake including a brake wheel which is unrotationally connected to the beam such that it is coaxial with the swivel axis of the beam, and including a brake band wound round the brake wheel and having its one end secured to the frame and its other end secured to an operating member the position of which determines the extent to which the brake band is pressed against the brake wheel.
10. A cart according to claim 1, 2 or 5, wherein the frame is provided with a rearwardly extending extension having a foot pedal.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT0082982A AT376729B (en) | 1982-03-03 | 1982-03-03 | LIFT CARRIERS, ESPECIALLY FOR LAYING SURFACE COVERING ELEMENTS |
| AT829/82 | 1982-03-03 | ||
| DE19828211698U DE8211698U1 (en) | 1982-03-03 | 1982-04-23 | LAYING CARRIAGE FOR COVERING ELEMENTS |
| DEG8211698.9 | 1982-04-23 | ||
| DE19828228211U DE8228211U1 (en) | 1982-03-03 | 1982-10-07 | LAYING CARRIAGE FOR COVERING ELEMENTS |
| DEG8228211.0 | 1982-10-07 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1207578A true CA1207578A (en) | 1986-07-15 |
Family
ID=27146780
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000422776A Expired CA1207578A (en) | 1982-03-03 | 1983-03-03 | Cart for laying ground covering elements |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU1186083A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1207578A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5037236A (en) * | 1988-08-12 | 1991-08-06 | Martin Probst | Stone-laying machine |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU613951B2 (en) * | 1987-09-09 | 1991-08-15 | Gareth Patrick Hogan | Improvements in or relating to fast unloading of hand trucks |
-
1983
- 1983-02-25 AU AU11860/83A patent/AU1186083A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1983-03-03 CA CA000422776A patent/CA1207578A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5037236A (en) * | 1988-08-12 | 1991-08-06 | Martin Probst | Stone-laying machine |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU1186083A (en) | 1983-09-08 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |