EP3049583B1 - Equipment for forming surfaces, method of manufacture and use of the equipment for forming surfaces and mobile unit including the equipment for forming surfaces - Google Patents

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to equipment designed for surface forming.

Technology background

Equipment (devices or devices) for forming surfaces, such as floor coverings made of granular or liquid materials (e.g. liquid concrete), currently used in industry and available on the market, come in many varieties. and different shapes. Some equipment has been designed for an application intended specifically for surface forming, such as leveling. Other equipment commonly used for surface forming was not designed for this application but is still used for this purpose.

Surface forming includes activities in which granular materials, such as soil, sand, gravel, fine rocks, stone dust, mulch, crushed stone, recycled asphalt, Liquid concrete and other granular or liquid substrates, such as concrete, lying on the ground are moved to create a desired surface profile. Surface forming includes ground leveling in which the ground is flattened. Surface forming can also include moving granular material to create an embankment, embankment, etc. Surface forming is frequently carried out in landscaping, public works, agricultural work and industrial work.

Many "leveling blade" manufacturers supply the surface forming equipment market. Of these, Caterpillar, Kubota, John Deere, Yanmar, Bobcat and others supply the market with substantially straight, flat blades that can be mounted to the front or rear of a power unit (or motorized vehicle ), as described in US patent application no. 2013/0000929 published on January 3, 2013 and in German document no. DE3608893 published September 24, 1987 . However, these are primarily designed for pushing granular material rather than leveling land. In certain situations, they may tend to tip forward and thus dig into the ground. There are also leveling platforms or other leveling units that mount to the rear of a motorized unit, such as that described in US patent no. 3,901,618 released August 26, 1975 . However, it is impossible to use these to push granular material efficiently. Other surface forming equipment is described in the documents AU2009202478 A1 And US1543222 A .

There are also devices designed specifically for surface leveling or moving granular material. However, these are generally less versatile and/or with relatively low forward speeds.

1. 1. Compacité;
2. 2. Grande efficacité, notamment une efficacité constante même lorsqu'employé avec une vitesse de déplacement relativement élevée;
3. 3. Une grande maniabilité;
4. 4. Une grande polyvalence dans la diversité des travaux d'aménagement du paysage;
5. 5. Un encombrement réduit en opération et/ou en entreposage et/ou en transport;
6. 6. Un nombre limité de pièces constitutives;
7. 7. Une longévité sans usure prématurée malgré des conditions d'utilisation généralement difficiles (incluant les intempéries, l'abrasion intense, les impacts, etc.);
8. 8. Une facilité d'assemblage des pièces constitutives de l'équipement; et
9. 9. Un coût de revient compétitif.

The surface forming equipment sought must be adaptable to mobile units and must have at least one of the following properties:

1. 1. Compactness;
2. 2. High efficiency, including constant efficiency even when used at relatively high travel speeds;
3. 3. Great maneuverability;
4. 4. Great versatility in the diversity of landscape design work;
5. 5. Reduced bulk in operation and/or storage and/or transport;
6. 6. A limited number of constituent parts;
7. 7. Longevity without premature wear despite generally difficult conditions of use (including bad weather, intense abrasion, impacts, etc.);
8. 8. Ease of assembly of the constituent parts of the equipment; And
9. 9. A competitive cost price.

In view of what has been mentioned above, there is therefore a need for surface forming equipment which is capable of overcoming or at least minimizing at least one drawback of the prior art.

Summary of the invention

Consequently, an object of the present invention is to provide surface forming equipment adaptable to mobile units, such as those of the caterpillar type (in particular of the compact loader type with differential steering ("skidsteer") working in the field of works public, agricultural and/or industrial, the equipment being devoid of at least one of the disadvantages of equipment of the prior art. Mobile units include motorized units such as those intended for leveling operations.

According to a general aspect, the invention relates to surface forming equipment according to claim 1.

According to another general aspect, the invention relates to motorized equipment for forming surfaces according to claim 14.

In one embodiment, the beam includes a bottom surface and the blade includes a knife secured to the beam proximate the bottom surface, the knife contacting a surface to be formed when using the surface forming equipment . The beam may include a front surface and a rear surface and the knife extends beyond the bottom surface of the beam at the front surface and the rear surface. rear surface. The knife may extend beyond the bottom surface of the beam at the side ends of the beam. In one embodiment, the knife extends at least 1.27 cm (½ inch) beyond the bottom surface of the beam. The knife can completely cover the bottom surface of the beam. In one embodiment, the knife has an area greater than the area of the bottom surface of the beam. The knife may have a beveled edge along the longitudinal axis. The beveled edge can form an acute angle, the edge of which projects outwards from the beam. In one embodiment, the knife has a thickness between 0.95 cm (3/8 inch) and 2.54 cm (1 inch). The knife may have a substantially planar bottom surface. The knife may be made of material with high abrasion resistance. In one embodiment, the knife has a thickness less than the height of the beam. The knife may include a lower surface in contact with the ground and an upper surface in contact with the lower surface of the beam, the lower surface being greater than the area of the upper surface.

In one embodiment, the attachment structure is configured to attach the blade to the front of the mobile unit.

In one embodiment, the attachment structure includes two arms, engaged with each other at their proximal end and spaced apart from each other at their distal end.

In one embodiment, the forming equipment includes a blade pivot assembly connected to the blade and the attachment structure and for pivoting the blade between an upright position where a longitudinal axis of the blade is oriented substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the equipment and a plurality of inclined positions in which the longitudinal axis of the blade defines an oblique angle with the direction of movement of the equipment. The blade pivot assembly is pivotable about a blade pivot axis, substantially centrally aligned with and substantially perpendicular to the blade's longitudinal axis, spaced rearwardly thereof. here, and substantially vertical. The pivot assembly may include a system of rotating plates including a first plate, fixedly mounted on the blade and extending rearward thereof, a support surface at the proximal end of the structure d attachment, and at least one securing piece secured to the support surface with the first plate extending between the two and preventing disengagement of the first plate, the central plate being able to pivot between the support surface and the other minus a securing piece around the pivot axis of the blade, aligned with the center of the rotating plate system. The support surface may include a top plate fixedly mounted to the proximal end of the attachment structure. The at least one securing part may comprise two hoops secured to the support surface. The pivot assembly may include at least one actuator. For example, the pivot assembly may include at least two actuators with at least one of the two actuators disposed on each side of the pivot axis of the blade. Each of the two actuators may include a cylinder having a first end secured to the attachment structure and a second end secured to the blade. The cylinder may include a single-action cylinder.

In one embodiment, the interior volume defined inside the beam is substantially empty. The beam may comprise an internal reinforcing structure including at least one reinforcing member extending in the interior volume between two of the at least three surfaces. In one embodiment, the beam has a length at least seven times greater than its height and whose depth is less than its height. In one embodiment, the beam has a width varying between 5.1 cm (2 inches) and 30.5 cm (12 inches). In one embodiment, the beam has at least six surfaces. The beam may include at least two side surfaces. In one embodiment, the beam includes a front surface and a rear surface and at least one of the front and rear surfaces is concave. In one embodiment, the beam includes a planar lower surface and a planar upper surface, extending along the longitudinal axis parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the blade includes a main section and at least one side wing pivotally connected to one end of the main section. The at least one side wing may include two side wings, each pivotally connected to a respective end of the main section. The at least one side wing may have a length less than half the length of the main section along the longitudinal axis. The at least one side wing may include a wing pivot assembly mounted at one end of the main section, in an upper portion of the beam. The wing pivot assembly may include at least one actuator having a first end mounted to the main section and a second end mounted to the at least one side wing. The at least one actuator may include a cylinder, such as a double-action cylinder.

In one embodiment, the wing pivot assembly comprises: a cylindrical cavity defined in one of the main section and the at least one side wing, in the adjacent respective end; at least two plates, spaced apart, extending at the respective adjacent end of the other of the main section and the at least one side wing; and a core inserted into the cylindrical cavity and secured to at least two plates, the plates covering the openings of the cylindrical cavity and the at least one core rotatable inside the cylindrical cavity, a pivot axis of the wing extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade, in the center of the core. In one embodiment, the pivot axis of the wing is located in the upper part of the beam and below the upper surface of the beam.

In one embodiment, the at least one lateral wing pivots around a pivot axis of the wing extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade.

In one embodiment, when the at least one side wing is in the unfolded configuration, the lower surface of the at least one side wing is in the same plane as the lower surface of the main section in order to form a ground contact surface keep on going. In one embodiment, each of the at least one wing and the main section includes a lower surface with a knife secured to the beam near the surface respective lower part, the knife being in contact with a surface to be formed when using the surface forming equipment, the knife of the main section comprising at least one of a male connector and a female connector at its lateral end and the knife of the at least one wing comprising at least one of the other of the male connector and the female connector at its end adjacent to the main section, the male and female connectors being engageable one into the other in the unfolded configuration of the blade.

In one embodiment, the forming equipment includes a baffle mounted to the main section and extending substantially vertically above the top surface of the beam.

In one embodiment, the adjacent ends of the at least one wing and the main section are inclined and of substantially complementary shape.

In one embodiment, the at least one side wing includes two side wings, each pivotally connected to a respective end of the main section. In one embodiment, the at least one side wing has a length less than half the length of the main section along the longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the at least one side wing includes a wing pivot assembly mounted at one end of the main section, in an upper portion of the beam. The wing pivot assembly may include at least one actuator, such as a cylinder, having a first end mounted to the main section and a second end mounted to the at least one side wing.

In one embodiment, the wing pivot assembly comprises: a cylindrical cavity defined in one of the main section and the at least one side wing, in the adjacent respective end; at least two plates, spaced apart, extending at the respective adjacent end of the other of the main section and the at least one side wing; and a core inserted into the cylindrical cavity and secured to at least two plates, the plates covering the openings of the cylindrical cavity and the at least one core rotatable inside the cylindrical cavity, a pivot axis of the wing extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade, in the center of the core. The pivot axis of the wing may be located in the upper part of the beam and below the upper surface of the beam.

In one embodiment, the at least one lateral wing pivots around a pivot axis of the wing extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, when the at least one side wing is in the unfolded configuration, the lower surface of the at least one side wing is in the same plane as the lower surface of the main section in order to form a ground contact surface keep on going. In one embodiment, each of the at least one side wing and the main section includes a lower surface with a knife secured to the beam near the respective lower surface, the knife being in contact with a surface to be formed when using the surface forming equipment, the knife of the main section comprising at least one of a male connector and a female connector to its lateral end and the knife of the at least one lateral wing comprising at least one of the other of the male connector and the female connector at its end adjacent to the main section, the male and female connectors being engageable one in the 'other in the unfolded configuration of the blade.

In one embodiment, the forming equipment includes a baffle mounted to the main section and extending substantially vertically above the top surface of the beam.

In one embodiment, the adjacent ends of the at least one wing and the main section are inclined and of substantially complementary shape.

In one embodiment, the forming equipment includes an attachment structure having a proximal end connected to the blade and a distal end configured to be attached to a movable unit. The attachment structure can be configured to attach the blade to the front of the mobile unit. The attachment structure may include two arms, engaged together at their proximal end and spaced apart from each other at their distal end.

In one embodiment, the forming equipment includes a blade pivot assembly connected to the blade and the attachment structure and for pivoting the blade between an upright position where a longitudinal axis of the blade is oriented substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the equipment and a plurality of inclined positions in which the longitudinal axis of the blade defines an oblique angle with the direction of movement of the equipment. The blade pivot assembly is pivotable about a blade pivot axis, substantially centrally aligned with and substantially perpendicular to the blade's longitudinal axis, spaced rearwardly thereof. here, and substantially vertical. The pivot assembly may include a system of rotating plates including a first plate, fixedly mounted on the blade and extending rearward thereof, a support surface at the proximal end of the structure d attachment, and at least one securing piece secured to the support surface with the first plate extending between the two and preventing disengagement of the first plate, the central plate being able to pivot between the support surface and the other minus a securing piece around the pivot axis of the blade, aligned with the center of the rotating plate system. The support surface may include a top plate fixedly mounted to the proximal end of the attachment structure. The at least one securing part may comprise two hoops secured to the support surface. The pivot assembly may include at least one actuator. For example, the pivot assembly may include at least two actuators with at least one of the two actuators disposed on each side of the pivot axis of the blade. Each of the two actuators can include a cylinder, such as a single-action cylinder, having a first end secured to the attachment structure and a second end secured to the blade.

In one embodiment, the beam includes a bottom surface and the blade includes a knife secured to the beam proximate the bottom surface, the knife contacting a surface to be formed when using the surface forming equipment . The beam may include a front surface and a rear surface and the knife extends beyond the bottom surface of the beam at the front surface and the rear surface. The knife may extend beyond the bottom surface of the beam at the side ends of the beam. The knife may extend at least 1.27 cm (½ inch) beyond the bottom surface of the beam. The knife can completely cover the bottom surface of the beam. In one embodiment, the knife has an area greater than the area of the bottom surface of the beam. In one embodiment, the knife has a beveled edge along the longitudinal axis. For example, the beveled edge can form an acute angle, the edge of which projects outwards from the beam. In one embodiment, the knife has a thickness between 0.95 cm (3/8 inch) and 2.54 cm (1 inch). The knife may have a substantially planar bottom surface. The knife may be made of material with high abrasion resistance. The knife may have a thickness less than the height of the beam. The knife may include a lower surface in contact with the ground and an upper surface in contact with the lower surface of the beam, the lower surface being greater than the area of the upper surface. In one embodiment, the beam has a length at least seven times its height and the depth is less than its height.

In one embodiment, the beam is a closed profile beam having the shape of an elongated geometric profile along a longitudinal axis, having at least three surfaces extending along the longitudinal axis and defining an interior volume between these. The interior volume defined inside the beam may be substantially empty. The beam may comprise an internal reinforcing structure including at least one reinforcing member extending in the interior volume between two of the at least three surfaces. In one embodiment, the beam has a width varying between 5.1 cm (2 inches) and 30.5 cm (12 inches).

In one embodiment, the beam has at least six surfaces. The beam may include at least two side surfaces.

In one embodiment, the beam includes a front surface and a rear surface and at least one of the front and rear surfaces is concave.

In one embodiment, the beam includes a planar lower surface and a planar upper surface, extending along the longitudinal axis parallel to each other.

In one embodiment, the beam includes a front surface and a rear surface and the knife extends beyond the bottom surface of the beam at the front surface and the rear surface. The knife may extend beyond the bottom surface of the beam at the lateral ends of the beam. The knife may extend at least 1.27 cm (½ inch) beyond the bottom surface of the beam. The knife can completely cover the bottom surface of the beam. The knife may have an area greater than the area of the bottom surface of the beam. The knife may have a beveled edge along the longitudinal axis. The beveled edge can form an acute angle, the edge of which projects outwards from the beam. The knife can be between 0.95 cm (3/8 inch) and 2.54 cm (1 inch) thick. The knife may have a substantially planar bottom surface. The knife may be made of material with high abrasion resistance. The knife may have a thickness less than the height of the beam. The knife may include a lower surface in contact with the ground and an upper surface in contact with the lower surface of the beam, the lower surface being greater than the area of the upper surface.

In one embodiment, the forming equipment includes: an attachment structure having a proximal end connected to the blade and a distal end configured to be attached to a movable unit; and a blade pivot assembly connected to the blade and the attachment structure and for pivoting the blade between an upright position where a longitudinal axis of the blade is oriented substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the equipment and a plurality of inclined positions in which the longitudinal axis of the blade defines an oblique angle with the direction of movement of the equipment.

In one embodiment, the blade pivot assembly pivots about a blade pivot axis, substantially centrally aligned with the blade along and substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, spaced rearwardly of it, and substantially vertical.

In one embodiment, the pivot assembly comprises a system of rotating plates including a first plate, fixedly mounted on the blade and extending rearward thereof, a support surface at the proximal end of the attachment structure, and at least one securing piece secured to the support surface with the first plate extending between the two and preventing disengagement of the first plate, the central plate being able to pivot between the support surface and the at least one securing part around the pivot axis of the blade, aligned with the center of the rotating plate system. The support surface may include a top plate fixedly mounted to the proximal end of the attachment structure. The at least one securing part may comprise two hoops secured to the support surface. The pivot assembly may include at least one actuator. For example, the pivot assembly may include at least two actuators with at least one of the two actuators disposed on each side of the pivot axis of the blade. Each of the two actuators may include a cylinder, such as a single-action cylinder, having a first end secured to the attachment structure and a second end secured to the blade.

In one embodiment, the interior volume defined inside the beam is substantially empty. The beam may comprise an internal reinforcing structure including at least one reinforcing member extending in the interior volume between two of the at least three surfaces. The beam can have a length of at least seven times its height and the depth is less than its height. In one embodiment, the beam has a width varying between 5.1 cm (2 inches) and 30.5 cm (12 inches). In one embodiment, the beam has at least six surfaces. The beam may include at least two side surfaces. The beam may include a front surface and a rear surface and at least one of the front and rear surfaces is concave. The beam may include a planar lower surface and a planar upper surface, extending along the longitudinal axis parallel to each other.

In one embodiment, the blade pivot assembly pivots about a blade pivot axis, substantially centrally aligned with the blade along and substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, spaced rearwardly of it, and substantially vertical.

In one embodiment, the pivot assembly comprises a system of rotating plates including a first plate, fixedly mounted on the blade and extending rearward thereof, a support surface at the proximal end of the attachment structure, and at least one securing piece secured to the support surface with the first plate extending between the two and preventing disengagement of the first plate, the central plate being able to pivot between the support surface and the at least one securing part around the pivot axis of the blade, aligned with the center of the rotating plate system. The support surface may include a top plate fixedly mounted to the proximal end of the attachment structure. In one embodiment, the at least one securing part may comprise two hoops secured to the support surface.

In one embodiment, the pivot assembly includes at least two actuators with at least one of the two actuators disposed on each side of the pivot axis of the blade. Each of the at least two actuators may include a cylinder, such as a single-action cylinder, having a first end secured to the attachment structure and a second end secured to the blade.

In one embodiment, the beam has a length at least seven times greater than its height and whose depth is less than its height. The beam can have a width varying between 5.1 cm (2 inches) and 30.5 cm (12 inches).

The beam may include a planar lower surface and a planar upper surface, extending along the longitudinal axis parallel to each other.

In one embodiment, the forming equipment includes a knife secured to the beam proximate the lower surface, the knife contacting a surface to be formed when using the surface forming equipment. The knife may exceed the lower surface of the beam. The knife may extend beyond the bottom surface of the beam at the side ends of the beam. The knife may extend at least 1.27 cm (½ inch) beyond the bottom surface of the beam. In one embodiment, the knife completely covers the lower surface of the beam. In one embodiment, the knife has an area greater than the area of the bottom surface of the beam. The knife may have a beveled edge along the longitudinal axis. The beveled edge may form an acute angle, the edge of which projects outward from the beam. The knife may have a thickness between 0.95 cm (3/8 inch) and 2.54 cm (1 inch). The knife may have a substantially planar bottom surface. The knife may be made of material with high abrasion resistance. The knife may have a thickness less than the height of the beam. The knife may include a lower surface in contact with the ground and an upper surface in contact with the lower surface of the beam, the lower surface being greater than the area of the upper surface. In one embodiment, the central plate is circular in shape and has a “T” shaped profile. In one embodiment, the support surface includes a top plate. In one embodiment, the at least one securing part comprises two arches arranged under the support plate. In one embodiment, the mechanism comprises at least one actuator connected to the first component and the second component to allow the pivoting of the central plate relative to the support surface.

In the specification, the term "beam" is used to qualify an object, body or structure having an elongated geometric profile extending along a longitudinal axis. The beam can have the profile of common structural elements including “I” beams, “C” beams, “L” beams, “T” beams, tube-shaped beams with flat surfaces or curves, etc.

In the specification, the term "closed profile beam" is used to qualify an object, body or structure having an elongated geometric profile extending along a longitudinal axis, having at least three surfaces extending along the along the longitudinal axis and defining an interior volume between them. The profile of the beam has a closed profile, along a cutting plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, defines a closed figure. The closed profile beam has three dimensions (length, depth (or width) and height) and its geometric profile is elongated because its length is significantly greater, or greater, or significantly greater than its depth and height. The interior volume defined by the at least three surfaces may be full, semi-empty, substantially empty, or entirely empty (hollow). In one embodiment, the beam with a closed profile has at least five surfaces including the at least three surfaces extending along the longitudinal axis of the beam and two lateral surfaces closing the ends. The ends of the beam with a closed profile can be opened or closed by a surface. In one embodiment, the elongated geometric profile has six faces (that is to say six surfaces) which can be of planar, concave or convex shape. In one embodiment, the beam with a closed profile has a section profile, along a section axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, of substantially rectangular shape, square, diamond, trapezoidal, etc. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional profile of the beam with a closed profile is substantially trapezoidal but in which some of the surfaces have a substantially concave shape and, more particularly, the surfaces joining the edges extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In embodiments where the beam is not a closed profile beam, it has at least one lower flange and a web extending from the lower flange. In one embodiment, the beam also has an upper flange and the web extends between the lower flange and the upper flange. The core can have a flat or curved profile.

In the specification, the term “wing” is used to describe a side section mounted laterally to a main section of the blade for blades with two or more sections.

In the specification, the term "leveling" is used to describe an activity of forming surfaces and, more particularly, the flattening of a surface, whether level or inclined.

In the specification, the term “proximal” is used to qualify an element or component near the blade or the center of the blade while the term “distal” is used to qualify an element or component distant from the blade or the center of the blade. center of the blade (near its ends).

Summary description of the drawings

• There Figure 1 is a front and right perspective view of surface forming equipment, including two side wings configured in the unfolded (or extended) position;
• There Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 1 ;
• There Figure 3 is a rear elevation view of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 1 ;
• There Figure 4 is a top view of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 1 ;
• There Figure 5 is a bottom view of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 1 ;
• There Figure 6 is a side elevation view, illustrating the right side, of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 1 , with the right wing in the unfolded position;
• There Figure 7 is a front and right perspective view of surface forming equipment, including the two side wings configured in the folded (or compact) position;
• There Figure 8 is a front elevation view of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 7 ;
• There Figure 9 is a rear elevation view of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 7 ;
• There Figure 10 is a top view of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 7 ;
• There Figure 11 is a bottom view of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 7 ;
• There Figure 12 is a side elevation view, illustrating the left side, of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 7 , with the right wing in the folded position;
• There Figure 13 is a top perspective view of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 1 wherein the beam defines an oblique angle with the direction of movement of the forming equipment when mounted to a mobile unit (not shown);
• There Figure 14 is an exploded front and right perspective view of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 1 ;
• There Figure 15 includes the Figures 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e , 15f and 15g which are sectional views of different embodiments of a blade for the surface forming equipment illustrated in the Figure 1 ;
• There Figure 16 is a top view of surface forming equipment, in which the side wings are connected to the main section by a joint system and in which the side wings are configured in a folded position;
• There Figure 17 is a front elevation view of the surface forming equipment shown in Figure 16 ;
• There Figure 18 is a sectional view along line AA of the Figure 16 of the surface forming equipment shown in Figure 16 ;
• There Figure 19 is a side elevation view, illustrating the right side, of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 16 , with the right wing in the folded position;
• There Figure 20 is a rear elevation view of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 16 ;
• There Figure 21 is a top view of the surface forming equipment shown on
• there Figure 16 , in which the side wings are configured in the unfolded position;
• There Figure 22 is a front elevation view of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 21 ;
• There Figure 23 is a side elevation view, illustrating the right side, of the surface forming equipment shown in the Figure 21 , with the right wing in the unfolded position; And
• There Figure 24 is an exploded and enlarged perspective view of the articulation system of the surface forming equipment shown in Figure 21 .

detailed description

With reference to the figures, surface forming equipment and a method of manufacturing the surface forming equipment will be described.

More particularly, with reference to Figures 1 to 14 , the surface forming equipment 20 comprises a blade 22 in the general shape of a beam and of which at least one external surface of the blade constitutes a forming surface. The blade 22 includes at least one beam 26 and an external surface of the beam 22 can constitute the forming surface(s). The forming equipment 20 is configured to be positioned and mounted at the front or rear of a mobile unit (not shown) (or motorized unit or power unit), such as, without limitation, those of type caterpillars (in particular of the compact loader type with differential steering (“skidsteer”)), tractors and dumpers (bulldozers) working in the field of public, agricultural and/or industrial works.

The forming equipment 20 also includes an attachment structure 24 of the blade 22 connected thereto and allowing the blade 22 to be mounted at the front or rear of a mobile unit. In the Figures 1 to 14 , the attachment structure 24 is configured to mount the blade 22 to the front or rear of the mobile unit. It is configured to allow indirect engagement of the blade 22 to the mobile unit. More particularly, the attachment structure 24 comprises a first end, connected to the blade 22, and a second end, engageable with the mobile unit, at the front thereof. In one embodiment, the attachment structure 24 of the blade 22 is connected to the blade 22 via a blade pivot assembly 40.

In one embodiment, the blade 22, characterized by a longitudinal axis L, is configurable in a plurality of positions. In the present description, these positions are referred to with respect to the direction of movement D of the forming equipment 20 while it is pushed or pulled in a rectilinear direction by a mobile unit, that is to say without carrying out any movement. turns. In a first position, referred to as the "upright position", the longitudinal axis L of the blade 22 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement D of the equipment 20. In a second position, referred to as the "tilted position ", the blade 22 is pivoted, forwards or backwards, relative to an axis of rotation substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis L of the blade 22 while the blade 22 is in a straight position in a plane making a tilting angle with the direction of movement of the equipment. In a third position, referred to as "inclined position", the longitudinal axis L of the blade 22 defines an oblique angle with the direction of movement D of the equipment. An oblique angle is defined as an angle that is not a right angle (90°) or a multiple of a right angle. In the inclined position, it is appreciated that the inclination can be oriented to the right or the left relative to the direction of movement D of the equipment. It is appreciated that combinations of positions are possible. For example and without being limiting, the blade 22 can be configured in a straight and tilted position or in an inclined and tilted position.

With reference to Figures 1 to 14 , a first embodiment of the surface forming equipment 20 is shown. The surface forming equipment 20 comprises a blade 22 as well as an attachment structure 24 of the blade 22 mounted at the rear of the blade 22 in a substantially centered manner. The blade 22, having a longitudinal axis L, includes a beam 26 whose longitudinal axis corresponds to the longitudinal axis L of the blade 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the beam 26 is a beam with a closed profile and, more particularly, having an elongated geometric profile with six surfaces. The six surfaces of the beam 26 respectively include a front surface 30, a rear surface 32, opposite and spaced from the front surface 30, a lower surface 34, extending between the front 30 and rear surfaces 32 at the lower end of these, an upper surface 36, opposite the lower surface 34 and two side surfaces 37, spaced from one another. In certain embodiments, the surface of the blade 22 in contact with the ground is not the lower surface 34. It is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the beam 26 can be free of side surfaces 37 and that the beam 26 can be open at the lateral ends 37. It is also appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, for a closed profile beam, the beam 26 can be free of upper surface 36 so that the front 30 and rear 32 surfaces have an edge upper engaged with each other (beam with three surfaces extending along the longitudinal axis L). It is also appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, beam 26 may include more than six surfaces. It is also appreciated that the beam 26 may be different from a closed profile beam. For example and without being limiting, the beam can have the profile of common structural elements including “I” beams, “C” beams, “L” beams, “T” beams, etc.

As mentioned above, the beam is elongated, that is to say its most important dimension is that of length. In one embodiment, the length of the beam is at least seven (7) times greater than the height of the beam. In another embodiment, the length of the beam is at least nine (9) times greater than the height of the beam. In a particular embodiment, the length of the beam is approximately eleven (11) times greater than the height of the beam. In one embodiment, the depth of the beam is less than its height. It is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the depth of the beam is greater than its height. More particularly, in one embodiment, the depth to height ratio is of the order of 5/8. In addition, depending on the longitudinal axis of the beam, its profile can be rectilinear (straight beam) or non-rectilinear (curved beam). In one embodiment, the beam may have a radius of curvature, constant or irregular, or at least one angular change along the length.

For a closed profile beam, the interior volume of the beam 26 can be full, partially filled, or empty (or hollow). In one embodiment, in order to reduce the weight of the equipment 20, the interior volume of the beam 26 is mainly empty (or hollow) but includes a reinforcing structure. In one embodiment, the reinforcing structure comprises a plurality of reinforcing members extending in the interior volume between two walls of the beam 26 defining two surfaces. In one embodiment, the beam 26 can be of the mechanically welded and/or glued and/or bolted type.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 22 includes a main section 22a and two side sections 22b (referred to as side wings 22b), pivotally mounted to the main section 22a, at the ends thereof. Each of the main section 22a and the side wings 22b includes the front surface 30, the rear surface 32, the lower surface 34 and the upper surface 36 of the beam 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the beam 26 of each of the side wings 22b includes a lateral surface 37 at its distal end (i.e. remote from the main section 22a) and at its proximal end (i.e. adjacent to the main section 22a) while the ends of the main section 22a of beam 26 are open. In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the beam 26 in the side wings 22b can be opened. Also, the ends of the beam 26 in the main section 22a can be closed.

In one embodiment, the upper surface 36 at the main section 22a is shorter, along the longitudinal axis L, than the lower surface 34. Thus, at the main section 22a, the ends are inclined. At the level of the side wings 22b, the beam 26 may have proximal ends which are substantially complementary in shape to the ends of the main section 22a and, particularly, which are inclined, being longer near the upper surface 36.

In one embodiment, the distal ends of the side wings 22b may also be inclined, for example in the same direction as the proximal ends of the side wings 22b. Consequently, the lower edge of the distal end extends beyond the upper edge towards the outside of the side wing 22b. It is appreciated that the inclination angles of the distal and proximal ends, defined with the lower surface of the blade 22, may be similar or different.

It is appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, the ends of the side wings 22b and/or of the main section can be straight, that is to say not inclined or substantially vertical.

In an unfolded configuration of the blade 22, illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 , as will be described in more detail below, each of the front surfaces 30, the rear surfaces 32, the lower surfaces 34 and the upper surfaces 36 are substantially aligned with the corresponding surface of the other sections to define surfaces substantially continuous, that is to say the corresponding surfaces of the different sections 22a, 22b are substantially in the same plane in the unfolded position.

It is appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, at least one of the front surfaces 30, rear surfaces 32, bottom surfaces 34 and top surfaces 36 may not be aligned with the corresponding surface of the other sections.

In the illustrated embodiment, the main section 22a and the side wings 22b of the blade 22 have substantially the same profile, in sectional view along a sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The side wings 22b are however of length less than the main section 22a, that is to say their length along the longitudinal axis L of the blade 22. In one embodiment, the side wings 22b have a length less than half of the main section 22b of the blade 22. It is appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, the main section 22a and the side wings 22b of the blade 22 may have a different profile, in section view along a section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

As mentioned above, the side wings 22b are pivotally mounted to the main section 22a of the blade 22 via a wing pivot assembly 50 defining a pivot and allowing pivoting about an axis pivoting axis 52. The pivoting axes 52 of the lateral wings 22b extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the blade 22. In one embodiment, the pivoting assemblies of the wings 50 are positioned at least above the upper section of the main section 22a of the blade 22 and substantially at the ends thereof. More particularly, they are positioned so that the pivot axis 52 extends above a center line of the beam 26, that is to say closer to the upper surface 36 than to the lower surface 34. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 14 , the pivot axis is located above the upper surface 36 of the beam 26.

More particularly, each of the wing pivot assemblies 50 includes a hinge 54 engaged on the upper surface 36 of the main section 22a and a respective side wing 22b. The hinge 54 is secured to the main section 22a, on one side of the pivot axis 52, and to the side wing 22b, on the other side of the pivot axis 52. As it will be described in more detail below, the pivoting assemblies of the wings 50 make it possible to configure the side wings 22b in an unfolded position, illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 , in a maximum folded position, illustrated in Figures 7 to 12 , and in a plurality of intermediate folded positions, located between the unfolded position and the maximum folded position.

Although the blade 22 illustrated in Figures 1 to 14 is made up of three parts (a main section 22a, which in the present embodiment is a central section, and two side wings 22b), it is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the blade 22 can include a single section and be free of The side wings or the blade 22 may include a single side wing 22b, mounted on the right side or the left side of the main section 22a. In another alternative embodiment, the blade 22 may include more than two side wings 22b. In another alternative embodiment, the blade 22 may include two side wings 22b connected together and be free of main section 22a. Thus, the two side wings 22b can pivot relative to each other and be configured simultaneously or independently in the deployed position where they are in contact with the ground and the folded position where they are mostly spaced from the ground (raised).

Furthermore, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 , in the unfolded position, the side wings 22b are aligned with the main section 22a, along the longitudinal axis L, that is to say that a zero angle is defined between them. In an alternative embodiment, in the unfolded position, the side wings 22b can define an oblique angle with the main section 22a. In a particular embodiment, the side wings 22b can extend forward, in the direction opposite the attachment structure 24, relative to the main section 22a.

The wing pivot assembly 50 also includes two actuators 55. An actuator 55 is associated with each of the side wings 22b. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuators 55 comprise two double-acting cylinders (pneumatic, electric or hydraulic). It is appreciated that the actuator may differ from the double acting (or double acting) cylinder shown. For example and without being limiting, the cylinder can be replaced by a rotary actuator. These have a first end mounted on the rear surface 32 of the main section 22a and a second end connected to their respective side wing 22b, at the rear thereof. More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment, the second end of the actuator 55 is connected to the distal end of the hinge 54, slightly above the upper surface 36.

As mentioned above, the attachment structure 24 is connected to the blade 22, at the rear thereof. The attachment structure 24 is substantially centered relative to the length of the blade 22, relative to its longitudinal axis L. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 , the attachment structure 24 is characterized by a general "V" shape with two arms 38 having a proximal (or front) end connected to the blade 22 and a distal (or rear) end connectable to a mobile unit (non- illustrated). The proximal ends of the two arms 38 are engaged with each other while the distal ends are spaced from one another. Viewed from above ( Figures 4 And 10 ) or from below ( Figures 5 And 11 ), the attachment structure 24 defines a substantially triangular profile.

The surface forming equipment 20 also includes a pivot assembly 40 of the blade 22, mounted at the proximal ends of the arms 38, and for attaching the blade 22 to the attachment structure 24 and, more particularly, to the arms 38 in a pivoting manner. More particularly, the pivot assembly 40 allows the blade 22 to pivot about a pivot axis 44 extending substantially vertically and aligned with the center of the pivot assembly 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis pivot 44 is located at the rear of the rear surface 32 of the blade 22, spaced therefrom. In one embodiment, the pivot assembly 40 includes a rotating plate system 46 and the pivot axis 44 is located centrally in the system with rotating plates 46. The pivot assembly 40 will be described in more detail below.

In one embodiment, the attachment structure 24 is mainly metallic. For example, it may be made primarily of steel.

The attachment structure 24 also includes an attachment structure 56, which, in the illustrated embodiment, includes two plates 58, each being securable at a distal end of one of the arms 38, as well as mechanical fasteners, such as bolts , screws or any other suitable mechanical fastener. This attachment structure 56 allows rapid and adjustable attachment to the chassis of a mobile unit (not shown). The height of the surface forming equipment 20 relative to the mobile unit is adjusted using the attachment structure 24 and, more particularly, using the plates 58, as will be described later. in detail below.

The blade 22, including the main section 22a and the side wings 22b, are configured to ensure the shaping of the ground. The front 30 and/or rear 32 surfaces of the beam 26 may have a straight and/or concave (or hollow) profile or any other suitable profile. Different profiles of the beam 26 will be described below with reference to the Figure 15 . It is appreciated that the shape of the front surface 30 may differ from the shape of the rear surface 32. Also, it is appreciated that the shape of the front surface 30 of the beam 26, in the main section 22a, may differ from the shape of the front surface 30 of the beam 26, at the level of the side wings 22b. Similarly, the shape of the rear surface 32 in the main section 22a may differ from the shape of the rear surface 32 at the side wings 22b.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 14 , the blade 22 also includes a knife 42, mounted on the beam 26, near the lower surface 34. In the illustrated embodiment and as mentioned above, the blade 22 includes a main section 22a, which in the illustrated embodiment is located centrally, and lateral wings 22b. The knife 42 also includes three parts: a main section, mounted to the beam 26 at the main section 22a, and two side sections, each mounted to the beam 26 at the side wings 22b. The thickness of the knife 42 is less than the thickness of the beam 26.

The knife 42 extends parallel to the lower surface 34 of the beam 26. It supports the blade 22 on the ground and therefore extends parallel to it.

In the illustrated embodiment, the knife 42 has a profile of substantially trapezoidal shape and completely covers the lower surface 34 of the beam 26. However, in an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the knife 42 could be of rectangular profile or any other shape appropriate. In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the knife 42 could be mounted on the periphery of the beam 26, near the lower surface 34 of the beam 26, without necessarily covering it. In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the knife 42 partially covers the lower surface 34 of the beam 26.

In the illustrated embodiment, the external edges of the knife 42 are beveled, forming an acute angle, the knife being wider at the level of the contact surface with the ground than at the level of the upper surface making the junction with the beam 26 The external edges of the knife 42 therefore define an angle with the ground and the lower surface 34 of the beam 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower edges of the knife 42 extend towards the outside of the beam 26, this is that is to say that the knife 42 has an edge projecting outwards from the beam 26 and, more particularly, from the lower surface 34 of the beam 26. In embodiments, the angles of the bevel-shaped edges vary between 20° and 40°.

The knife 42 is supported on the ground, in the rest (or non-operation) position of the equipment 20. It also acts as a sliding and shaping surface for the ground during the operation of the equipment 20, it that is, the knife 42 slides on the ground when moving the equipment. Since the knife 42 is in contact with the granular or liquid materials during the operation, it is subject to significant friction. In one embodiment, it is made of a material with high abrasion resistance, such as high abrasion resistance steel. The acute-angled edge of the knife 42 projecting from the beam 26 facilitates penetration into granular or liquid materials covering the ground.

In one embodiment, the knife 42 has the shape of a plate completely covering the lower surface 34 of the beam 26. Mostly, over its entire periphery, the knife 42 has a beveled edge which extends beyond the lower end of the beam 26, including at the level of the side surfaces 37. In an embodiment where the blade 22 includes one or more side wings, the adjacent ends of the main section 22a and/or the side wing 22b may be free of a beveled edge, as illustrated in the figures. The knife 42 can be attached to the beam 26 using a plurality of mechanical fasteners, such as screws or bolts, or by any other suitable means of attachment, such as, but not limited to, welding.

In the embodiment where the blade 22 includes a plurality of sections, the lateral ends of the lateral sections of the knife 42 can be provided with male-female type connections, engageable one into the other, in the unfolded configuration of the blade 22 . More particularly, the Figures 7 And 14 show that the ends of the knife 42 of the main section 26a include a depression 43 (female connection) while the proximal ends of the side wings 26b include a protuberance 45 (male connection), complementary to the depression 43 and engageable therein in the unfolded configuration of the respective side wing 22b. The male-female type connections at the level of the knife 42 reduce the risk of pivoting backwards or forwards of the side wing 22b during the operation of the equipment 22. It is appreciated that in one embodiment alternatively, the male-female type connections can be reversed on the main section 26a and the side wings 26b. It is also appreciated that the shape and configuration of the male-female type connections may vary from the illustrated embodiment.

It is appreciated that, in certain embodiments, the knife 42 may be free of male-female type connection.

In one embodiment, in the unfolded configuration, the side wings 22b are slightly spaced from the main section 22a.

In the folded version illustrated in Figures 7 And 14 , the ends of the beam 26 in the main section 22a are exposed, that is to say they are not closed. In an alternative embodiment, the ends of the beam 26 in the main section 22a can be closed by a wall, thus preventing the introduction of granular or liquid material into the interior volume of the beam 26, if the latter is at least partially hollow.

In one embodiment, the blade 22 has a flat lower surface. It may be the lower surface of the knife 42 which completely covers the beam 26. It may also be the lower surface of the knife 42 which is substantially aligned with the lower surface 34 of the beam 26 which is at least partially exposed. In one embodiment, the lower surface of the blade 22 is substantially free of cavities, except for mechanical fasteners, if applicable.

In one embodiment, in the unfolded position of the blade 22, the lower surface of the blade 22 at the level of the side wing 22b and the main section 22a defines a single plane, that is to say that the lower surface of the blade 22 at the level of the side wing is substantially in the same plane as the lower surface of the blade 22 at the level of the main section 22a.

It is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the blade 22 can be free of knife 42 and that the contact surface of the blade 22 with the ground can be the lower surface 34 of the beam 26.

As mentioned above, the side wings 22b of the blade 22 are pivotally mounted to the main section 22a. More particularly, they can pivot between an unfolded position ( Figures 1 to 6 And 13 ) and a plurality of folded positions. THE Figures 7 to 12 illustrate the blade 22 in one of the possible folded positions and, more particularly, in the maximum folded position. In the unfolded position, the side wings 22b are aligned with the main section 22a, that is to say that the angle defined between the longitudinal axis of the main section 22a and the longitudinal axis of the side wings 22b is zero . It is appreciated that, although the two side wings 22b are configured in a folded position at the Figures 7 to 12 , only one of the side wings 22b can be configured in a folded position while the other side wing 22b can be configured in an unfolded position. It is also appreciated that the positions of the side wings 22b in the folded position may be different. In the present description, the folded position of a side wing 22b is defined by the angle defined between the longitudinal axis of the main section 22a and the longitudinal axis of said side wing 22b. In the maximum folded position, the side wings 22b are supported on the upper surface 36 of the main section 22a, which approximately doubles the height of the surface of thrust of the blade 22. This increase in the height of the thrust surface of the blade 22 allows the movement of a relatively large quantity of granular material with the equipment 20, as will be described in more detail below .

The possibility of selectively configuring the blade 22 in a plurality of folded positions and an unfolded position makes it possible to reduce the risk of breakage of structures and/or infrastructures by friction. The folded position of the side wing 22b, that is to say the angle defined between the longitudinal axis of the main section 22a and the longitudinal axis of said side wing 22b, can be adjusted as needed. Folded positions intermediate between the unfolded position and the maximum folded position may be useful in certain applications.

In the illustrated embodiment, the surface forming equipment 20 also includes a baffle 60. The baffle 60 includes a plate of substantially trapezoidal shape, extending upwardly from the upper surface 36 of the beam 26, near the junction with the front surface 30. In the embodiment illustrated, the deflector 60 is mounted only on the main section 22a. However, in an alternative embodiment, the side wing(s) 22b may also include a deflector. For example, without being limiting, the deflector can be mounted near the rear surface 32 of the blade 22 or the blade 22 can include two deflectors: a front deflector and a rear deflector. The shape and configuration of the deflector 60 may vary from the illustrated embodiment. The deflector 60 increases the surface area of the equipment 20 available when pushing a large quantity of granular material.

In the maximum folded position shown in Figures 7 to 12 and in the folded positions approaching the latter, the side wings 22b provide support to the deflector 60. More particularly, the side wings 22b are positioned at the rear of the deflector 60 and the latter can rest on them when the displaced load is significant. Therefore, they reduce the chances of the baffle 60 being bent or damaged during a surface forming operation.

Referring now to the Figure 14 , the pivot assembly 40 will be described in more detail. It makes it possible to pivotally connect the blade 22 to the tip of the attachment structure 24. It defines a pivot axis 44 around which the blade 22 can pivot relative to the direction of movement D of the equipment 20. It comprises a rotating plate system 46 including a central plate 62, mounted on the blade 22 in a fixed manner, extending at the rear thereof, a support surface 64 and, more particularly, an upper plate mounted on the arms 38, at their proximal end, in a fixed manner, and two securing parts and, more particularly, arches 66a, 66b. As mentioned above, the pivot assembly 40 pivots the blade 22 between the upright position and the inclined positions and the pivot axis 44 is substantially aligned with the center of the rotating plate system 46.

In the illustrated embodiment, the central plate 62 is substantially circular in shape and has a substantially “T”-shaped profile. It is securely central on the top of the beam 26 and, more particularly, in the center of the main section 22a. The upper plate 64, also in the shape of a plate, is also circular in shape. Part of it protrudes, towards the front, the point defined by the two arms 38. More particularly, it is secured to the lower surface of the two arms 38.

The two arches 66a, 66b are of complementary shape. They are configured and arranged to trap the central plate 62 between them and the upper plate 64. More particularly, in the assembled configuration, the central plate 62 extends and, more particularly, is contained between the upper plate 64 and the two hoops 66a, 66b, with the upper plate 64 extending above the central plate 62 and the two hoops 66a, 66b, extending below. More particularly, the arches 66a, 66b are secured to the upper plate 64 using mechanical fasteners, such as and not limited to screws and bolts. Thus, the central plate 62 can pivot in the space defined between the upper plate 64 and the arches 66a, 66b.

In order to reduce friction between the central plate 62, the upper plate 64 and the hoops 66a, 66b during pivoting, labyrinths (not shown) as well as several lubricating nipples (not shown) are arranged symmetrically on the cavity of the system of rotating plates 46.

In a complementary or alternative embodiment, the contact surfaces of the different components of the rotating plate system 46 including the central plate 62, the upper plate 64 and the arches 66a, 66b can be covered or made of a material with a low coefficient of friction in order to reduce friction between the components during pivoting and having relative resistance to wear. For example and without being limiting, the components of the rotating plate system 46 may include Nylatron ^® .

In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the upper plate 64 could be a part or a support surface of the “V”-shaped attachment structure 24, defined by the arms 38.

The pivot assembly 40 described above makes it possible to obtain a more stable pivot mechanism than a simple pivot rod and also less prone to premature wear than pivot rods or an assembly including a rolling mechanism (i.e. rings). Thus, the pivot assembly 40 described above is appreciated for the longevity it provides. It is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments (not illustrated), other known pivot assemblies could be used for the equipment 20. For example and without being limiting, among the known alternatives, rack and pinion pivot assemblies, toothed ring, shank and bushings could be used.

The pivot assembly 40 also includes two actuators 41 and, more particularly, two cylinders (hydraulic, electric or pneumatic or electric). In one embodiment, the cylinders 41 are “single action” (or single acting) type cylinders ensuring hydraulic release during thrusts exceeding the capacity of traction of the mobile unit. Thus, in one embodiment, the cylinders 41 are provided with a device for managing resistance to the thrust exerted on the blade 22 in operation. It is appreciated that the actuators 41 may differ from the cylinders.

Each of the cylinders 41 is associated with one of the arms 38 of the attachment structure 24 as well as with one of the sides of the blade 22, that is to say a first cylinder 41 is mounted on the right side of the equipment 20, relative to the attachment structure 24 and the pivot assembly 40, while a second cylinder 41 is mounted on the left side of the equipment 20. They have a first end mounted on one of the respective arms 38 and a second end mounted on the blade 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end of the jacks 41 is connected to the upper surface 36 of the beam 26 at the level of the main section 22a. These jacks 41 are selectively actuable in order to allow the blade 22 to pivot to the right or to the left, relative to the direction of movement D of the equipment 20, as illustrated on the Figure 13 . The cylinders 41 can therefore be actuated to modify the configuration of the blade 22 between the straight position and one of the inclined positions or between two inclined positions. It is appreciated that the actuators of the pivot assembly 40 may differ from the cylinders 41 shown.

In order to reduce the risk of breakage and limit the sliding of the tracks or wheels of the mobile unit on the ground, an oil valve device is integrated into the hydraulic system of the cylinders 41.

It is appreciated that the pivot assembly of the beam 40 can be used as a pivot mechanism between two components, different from the blade 22 and the attachment structure 24. In such an embodiment, the central plate is mounted from fixed way to a first of the two components. It can be an intrinsic part of the first component. The upper plate 64 can be replaced by a support surface on the second component, which can also be a plate. Finally, one or more securing part(s), such as the hoops, are secured to the support surface with the central plate extending between the two and preventing disengagement of the central plate. Thus, the central plate can pivot between the support surface and at least one securing part. The particular characteristics of the embodiment described above, in relation to the surface forming equipment, apply to the pivoting mechanism between two components.

In one embodiment, the pivot assembly makes it possible to tilt the blade up to 30° on each side, relative to the direction of movement D.

In reference to the Figure 12 , in order to reduce the risk of overturning the blade 22 which may be caused by the positioning of the pivot assembly 40 of the blade 22 in the upper section thereof, the attachment structure 24 also includes a reinforcement 70 (or angled reinforcement), in the form of a square. This reinforcement 70 is arranged at the rear of the main section 22a, centrally to the blade 22. More particularly, it is secured to the rear surface 32 of the main section 22a as well as to the central plate 62. In one embodiment, the reinforcement 70 extends almost to the junction between the rear surface 32 and the lower surface 34 of the beam 26, slightly above the knife 42. It allows transferring the thrust force (or load) coming from the mobile unit (not shown) to the pivot assembly 40 and simultaneously to the lower section of the blade 22, thus reducing the risk of overturning (or spilling). The reinforcement 70 serves as bracing between the rotating plate system 46, forming a link between the arms 38 defining a support in the general shape of a “V” and the main section 22a of the blade 22.

In reference to the Figure 15 , different profiles of the blade 22 including the beam 26 and the knife 42 will be described. It is appreciated that the profiles described above can be applied to both the main section 22a and the side wings 22b of the blade 22.

THE Figures 15a to 15e illustrate possible profiles for closed profile beams. In all the achievements illustrated in Figures 15a to 15e , the beams 26 are geometric profiles having six surfaces, four of which surfaces 30, 32, 34 and 36 define the shape of the beam 26 in a sectional view. It is appreciated that the front and rear surfaces 30, 32 can have a straight (i.e. without curvature) or concave (i.e. hollow) profile whose radius of curvature can be constant or irregular .

In the realization of the Figure 15a , the lower and upper surfaces 34, 36 are planar and extend substantially parallel to each other. The front and rear surfaces 30, 32 are concave in shape and are characterized by a substantially uniform radius of curvature along the respective surface 30, 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius of curvature of the front surface 30 is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the rear surface 32. The knife 42 is of substantially rectangular shape and extends beyond the front and rear surfaces 30, 32 of the beam 26. The edges of the knife 42 are at right angles.

In the realization of the Figure 15b , the shape of the beam 26 is substantially similar to that of the Figure 15a . However, the knife 42 has beveled edges which extend beyond the lower surface 34 of the beam 26. More particularly, the knife 42 has a substantially trapezoidal profile and the depth of the upper surface of the knife 42 is greater than the depth of the lower surface 34 of the beam 26. In the production of the Figure 15c , the shape of the knife 42 and the rear surface 32 of the beam are substantially similar to that of the Figure 15b . However, the front surface 30 of the beam 26 is divided into two sections: a substantially flat section in the upper section followed by a lower section of concave shape whose radius of curvature is substantially uniform.

In the realization of the Figure 15d , the shape of the knife 42 is substantially similar to those of the Figures 15b and 15c . However, the front and rear surfaces 30, 32 differ. The front surface 30 of the beam 26 is divided into three sections: an upper section, an intermediate section and a lower section. All sections are substantially planar. However, the upper section is prominent forward in comparison to the lower section and both sections are oriented substantially perpendicular to the lower and upper surfaces 34, 36. The middle section connects the upper and lower sections. The rear surface 32 of the beam 26 is divided into two substantially planar sections: an upper section and a lower section. The upper section is oriented substantially perpendicular to the lower and upper surfaces 34, 36. The lower section extends at an angle towards the rear, that is to say on the side opposite the front surface 30.

In the realization of the Figure 15e , the shape of the knife 42 is substantially similar to those of the Figures 15b, 15c and 15d . The front surface 30 of the beam 26 is divided into two substantially planar sections: an upper section and a lower section. The upper section is oriented substantially perpendicular to the lower and upper surfaces 34, 36. The lower section extends at an angle rearwards, i.e. towards the rear surface 32. The shape of the rear surface 32 is similar to the rear surface 32 of the Figure 15d , except that the upper section is of lower height. Furthermore, in the realization of the Figure 15e , the depth of the upper surface of the knife 42 is substantially similar to the depth of the lower surface 34 of the beam 26 and only the beveled edges extend beyond the lower surface 34 of the beam 26, towards the front and the back.

It is appreciated that many modifications to the achievements described above can be made. In addition, combinations of different realizations can be seen. For example and without being limiting, the lower and upper surfaces 34, 36 may be non-planar and/or not extend substantially parallel to each other. At least one of the front and rear surfaces 30, 32 could be convex in shape. In addition, the radius of curvature of the front surface 30 may be different from the radius of curve of the rear surface 32.

THE Figures 15f and 15g illustrate two possible profile realizations for beams which are not closed profile beams. In the realizations of Figures 115f and 15g , the shape of the knife 42 is substantially similar to those of the Figures 15b, 15c, 15d and 15e .

In the realization of the Figure 15f , beam 26 is a mixture of a “C” beam and an “I” beam. It comprises a core 72 having a curved profile extending between a lower flange 73 and a flat upper flange 74. The lower flange 73 extends on each side of the core 72 while the upper flange Z74 extends only forward, its rear end being aligned with its junction with the core 72

In the realization of the Figure 15g , the beam 26 is a mixture of an “I” beam comprising a core 72 having a straight profile extending between a lower flange 73 and a flat upper flange 74.

It is appreciated that numerous modifications to the achievements of Figures 15f and 15g described above can be done. In addition, combinations of different realizations can be seen. For example and without being limiting, the lower and upper soles 73, 74 may be non-planar and/or not extend substantially parallel to each other. In addition, the cores 72 can have a curvature or be straight. Also, the beams can be free of upper flange 74.

In the achievements illustrated in Figures 15a to 15g , the thickness of the knife 42 can vary between 0.95 cm (3/8 inch) and 2.54 cm (1 inch) approximately. In one embodiment, the depth of the knife 42 can vary between 15.2 cm (6 inches) and 25.4 cm (10 inches).

In one embodiment, the knife is a substantially rectangular shaped plate having beveled or straight edges. It can also be a rod mounted on the periphery of the beam 26, a series of teeth positioned side by side, inverted teeth located side by side or even any other suitable shape, including partially rounded or completely rounded. In one embodiment, the knife 42 exceeds the beam 26 at the lower surface 34 thereof. In a particular embodiment, the knife 42 exceeds the beam 26 at the lower surface 34 at the level of the front surface 30 and the rear surface 32.

In reference to the Figures 16 to 24 , an alternative embodiment of the surface forming equipment 20 will be described and in which the components are numbered with reference numbers which correspond to those of the previous embodiment but in the series of 100. In the production of Figures 16 at 25, the majority of components are similar to those described above in reference to the Figures 1 to 14 . However, the pivot assembly of the side wings 150 differs from that described above.

More particularly, with reference to the Figure 24 , at the lateral ends of the main section 122b, the hinges 54 are replaced by an articulation system including a cylindrical cavity 176 defined by an external ring 179 including a peripheral wall of cylindrical shape. The cylindrical cavity 176 is formed in the side wings 122b and whose outer ring 179 extends slightly above the upper surface 136 of the side wing 122b and laterally extends beyond the respective proximal side surface. The side surface of the side wing 122b is shaped inclined toward the lower surface 134, with the upper surface 136 extending beyond the lower surface 134 at the proximal end. The ends of the main section 122a are of substantially complementary shape to the proximal end of the respective side wing 122b. More particularly, the side surface is inclined in shape towards the upper surface 136, the lower surface 134 extending beyond the upper surface 136 at the end. At their proximal end, at the level of the upper surface 136, the main section 122a includes two plates 178, spaced from one another, and whose shape corresponds substantially to the shape of the openings of the cylindrical cavity 176. The wall peripheral defining the cylindrical cavity 176 and the two plates 178 define the fixed components of the articulation system. When assembled, the plates 178 are arranged on a respective side of the cylindrical cavity 176 and close them.

In the cylindrical cavity 176 and between the plates 178, movable components of the articulation system are inserted. More particularly, a core 180, surrounded by an internal ring 182, is inserted into the cylindrical cavity 176. In one embodiment, the core 180 and the internal ring 182 are replaceable when worn. In an alternative embodiment, the internal ring 182 may comprise a plurality of sections of internal rings arranged adjacently on the periphery of the core 180. In an alternative embodiment, the articulation system may be free of ring(s) 182. For example , the core 180 can be made or covered with a material with a low coefficient of friction in order to reduce friction between the components during pivoting and having relative resistance to wear. For example and without being limiting, the components of the rotating plate system 46 may include Nylatron ^® . It may also have undergone appropriate heat treatment to have a low coefficient of friction and relatively high wear resistance.

The plates 178 are secured to the core 180 and prevent extraction of the core 180 from the cylindrical cavity 176. The internal ring 182 is made of material which promotes pivoting by reducing friction.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical cavity 176 was formed by machining the side flange 122b. In an alternative embodiment, the peripheral wall defining the cylindrical cavity 176 may be removably attached to the side wings 122b. In an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical cavity 176 can be formed in the main section 122a while the side wings 122b can include the two plates 178.

Like the side wing pivot assembly 50, the side wing pivot assembly 150 includes two actuators 155, one actuator 155 is associated with each of the side wings 122b. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuators 155 also include two double-acting cylinders. For example and without being limiting, the cylinder can be replaced by a rotary actuator. It is appreciated that actuators 155 may differ from the double action cylinder shown. These have a first end mounted on the upper surface of the beam 126 at the main section 122a and a second end connected to their respective side wing 122b, on the upper surface 136 thereof. More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment, the second end of the actuator 155 is spaced from the cylindrical cavity 176, towards the distal end of the respective side wing 122b.

The surface forming equipment 20, 120 may also include a control mechanism (not shown), such as a controller (or joystick) type control mechanism. This can be manipulated by the operator, for example the operator of the motorized type mobile unit to which the surface forming equipment 20, 120 is connected to control the position of the side wings 22b, 122b as well as the position of the blade 22, 122, i.e. its inclination relative to the direction of movement D (straight or inclined). More particularly, the actuators 41, 55, 141, 155 of the pivot assembly 40, 140 of the blade 22, 122 and the wing pivot assembly 50, 150 can be operatively connected to the control mechanism by connectors hydraulic and/or electric. The control mechanism may also include electrical controls for operating the various actuators of the surface forming equipment 20, 120.

The surface forming equipment 20, 120, described above, can be manufactured using a manufacturing process including known means of assembly including welding, gluing, riveting, nesting, crimping, screwing and combinations of at least two of these assembly means.

As mentioned above, the surface forming equipment 20, 120 can be detachably secured to a mobile unit to form an operational motorized assembly consisting of surface forming equipment, as described above, attached in a removable or permanent manner (non-removable) to a mobile unit. In one embodiment, the mobile unit can be a motorized unit of the caterpillar type (in particular of the compact loader type with differential steering ("skidsteer")) or those marketed by the companies Caterpillar ^® and BobCat ^® . In one embodiment, the mobile unit is provided with a device allowing the blade 22, 122 of the equipment 20, 120 to be tilted forward or backward.

In one embodiment, for a predetermined motorized unit, surface forming equipment 20, 120 having a blade 22, 122 whose length (including the side wings 22b, 122b) is 1.6 to 2 times the width of the motorized unit can be selected. To mount the surface forming equipment 20, 120 to a mobile unit, the attachment structure 56, 156 is attached to the frame of the mobile unit. For example, the equipment 20, 120 can be secured by means of the plates 58, 158 on appropriate supports of the chassis, optionally pivotable to allow the blade 22, 122 to tilt.

When mounted to a mobile unit, the height of the surface forming equipment 20, 120 is adjusted so that the lower surface of the blade 22, 122 is the lower surface of the knife 42, 142 or the lower surface 34, 134 of the beam 26, 126 at the level of the main section 22a, 122a, i.e. in the same plane as the traction point on the ground of the mobile unit, that is to say the lower surface in contact with the ground. This may be the ground contact point of the wheels or tracks of the mobile unit. Thus, in the rest position and on a flat and straight surface, the lower surface of the blade 22, 122 is in the same plane as the point or the traction surface of the mobile unit, that is to say the surfaces supporting the mobile unit on the ground. This configuration when assembling the surface forming equipment 20, 120 to the mobile unit, referred to as "zero position" or "zero point", makes it possible to have buoyancy of the blade 22, 122 on the ground in operation. Thus, when mounted to the mobile unit, the buoyancy of the blade 22, 122 can be maintained without the aid of electronic devices, such as a laser, electric, hydraulic or other. This buoyancy also makes it possible to form the ground with the surface forming equipment 20, 120 with a relatively high speed of movement. The equipment 20 "floats" on the ground without necessarily being in "floating mode", that is to say the mode integrated on several mobile units, where no effect ground pressure is mechanically or hydraulically present, except the intrinsic weight of the equipment 20, 120.

It has been observed that adjusting the height of the blade 22, 122, relative to the level of the traction surface of the mobile unit, when both rest on a flat surface makes it possible to significantly increase the surface forming results , both in terms of speed of movement and execution and in terms of the quality of the surface formed.

In several embodiments, the surface forming equipment 20, 120 is mounted on a section of the chassis of a mobile unit whose inclination can be modified. Thus, the operator of the mobile unit can modify the inclination of the chassis and thus pivot the blade 22, 122 around an axis extending substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis L, when the latter is configured in the straight position, that is to say substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement D of the equipment 20, 120. Thus, the blade 22, 122 can be configured in a tilted position, either forward or backwards, and thus modify the angle of attack of the knife 22, 122 or of the lower surface 34, 134 of the blade 22, 122.

In several embodiments, the surface forming equipment 20, 120 is mounted on a section of the chassis whose elevation can be modified. More particularly, as mentioned above, the surface forming equipment 20, 120 is mounted on the chassis at the minimum height, that is to say at the "zero" position. However, in some embodiments, the position of the frame section may be adjustable upwards, i.e. it is possible to raise the surface forming equipment 20, 120 above the position “zero” during the operation. It may also be possible to lower the surface forming equipment 20, 120 below the "zero" position during operation.

In one embodiment, the blade 22, 122 has a low profile, and a height which allows its center of gravity to be substantially positioned below the center of gravity of the mobile unit to which it is attached.

The surface forming equipment 20, 120 described above can be used in the field of forming floors covered with granular or liquid materials including, but not limited to, surfacing, leveling and moving the granular material.

When the surface forming equipment 20, 120 is mounted to a motorized unit, the latter can move over a wide speed range and, in certain situations, the maximum speed of movement of the motorized unit could be achieved while pushing the front-mounted surface forming equipment 20, 120 and maintaining high surface forming quality. For example, when forming surfaces with equipment 20, 120, a movement speed varying from a very low speed up to a speed of 20 km/hour can be achieved. These speeds are obtained thanks to the high buoyancy and the substantially flat lower surface of the blade 22, 122, which minimize the risk of "bad hits" and make it more difficult to prick the blade 22, 122 inadequately in the ground. Indeed, due to buoyancy, the risks of a “bad move” or maneuvering error are substantially reduced.

Also, the pressure exerted on the ground by the blade 22, 122 and, mainly by the pressure that exists on the ground, makes it possible to visually identify areas with different levels of compaction, that is to say to distinguish more compacted soil areas versus less compacted areas. Indeed, it is known in the field that the visual appearance of the worked surface differs depending on its compaction rate. To this end, the knife 42, 142, made of a material with high resistance to abrasion, makes it possible to visually distinguish the more compacted areas of the soil from the less compacted areas. Thus, the operator can rework the surface to be formed until the desired compaction uniformity is obtained depending on the type of granular material and the required quality. Thus, it is possible to reduce and/or eliminate the subsequent use of compaction equipment, such as compression rollers.

The knife 42, 242, with a beveled edge, also makes it possible to profile the surfaces while maintaining the “floating” effect of the blade 22, 122, moving on the ground.

Additionally, due to the configurability of the side wings 22b, 122b between the folded and unfolded positions, the forming width that can be achieved is variable. In one embodiment, a width of twelve (12) feet was obtained. In addition, the configurability of the side wings 22b, 122b between the folded and unfolded positions makes it possible to form angular and rounded embankments. This configurability also makes it possible to transport the surface forming equipment 20, 120 laterally when traveling on the road. More particularly, in order to reduce the width of the surface forming equipment 20, 120 when traveling on the road, the side wings 22b, 122b are configured in the maximum folded position, thus making it possible to reduce the width of the equipment 20, 120, without reducing the width that can be achieved during surface forming.

Also, the pivot assembly 40, 140 of the blade 22, 122 allows the blade to be configured in a plurality of inclined positions and thus allows work to be carried out in confined areas.

The surface forming equipment 20, 120 is versatile and can be used to perform finishing work, as well as to push granular materials and, often, in relatively large quantities. Thus, it is possible to use it to carry out work normally carried out with a motorized vehicle equipped with a bucket.

Although it is mentioned that in one embodiment the blade 22, 122 has a length of up to twelve feet, it is appreciated that blades having lower and higher dimensions can be designed. For example, larger blades can be designed and assembled on larger capacity motorized units, such as bulldozers. Models can also be adapted to other types of motorized units such as, but not limited to, hydraulic excavators.

The surface forming equipment 20, 120 can be used for the production of complex shapes, that is to say for the forming of complex profiles, due to these numerous components including the lateral wings 22b, 122b configurable, simultaneously or independently, between an unfolded position and a plurality of folded positions, adjusting the inclination of the blade 22, 122 relative to the direction of movement D of the equipment 20, 120 and the tilting of the blade 22, 122 (modification of front-to-back inclination). The surface forming equipment 20, 120 makes it possible to produce profiles with compound angles on the ground as well as rounded profiles. In this context, the actuators 41 of the pivot assembly 40 of the blade 22, 122 allow lateral action and the actuators 55 of the pivot assembly 50, 150 of the lateral wings 22b, 122b allow a non-linear profile to be defined and modular with the blade 22, 122, the lateral wings 22b, 122b being able to move by pivoting around the respective pivot axes 52, 152.

The surface forming equipment 20, 120 can be used for forming shapes in confined areas, i.e. for forming confined areas, due to the low profile of the blade 22, 122 and the possibility of pivoting the blade 22, 122 in order to modify its inclination relative to the direction of movement D of the equipment 20, 120.

The surface forming equipment 20, 120 can be used to push relatively large quantities of granular material. As described above, when the side wings 22b, 122b are in the folded configuration, and with the assistance of the baffle 60 attached to the main section 22a, 122a, relatively large quantities of granular material can be pushed. As mentioned above, the deflector 60 can rest on the side wings 22b, 122b, configured in a folded position, in order to prevent deformation thereof. In some applications, surface forming equipment 20, 120 may be used to replace the buckets normally used.

When connected to a mobile unit, the blade 22, 122 can be propelled in the forward direction and the reverse direction, either by forward or rearward movement of the mobile unit. It was observed that surface forming is achieved quickly in both moving directions.

The surface forming equipment 20, 120 is also suitable in the case of heavy work such as those for which pelletizer (bulldozer) type devices and agricultural or industrial tractors are intended.

The surface forming equipment 20, 120 can be used for surface forming including surfacing, leveling, moving granular material but also for structure demolition, snow removal and deicing.

1. 1. une polyvalence pour former des surfaces de formes planes et arrondies ainsi que pour pousser du matériel granulaire;
2. 2. une capacité de travail modulable grâce aux ailes latérales repliables qui élargissent le champ d'action en position dépliée et qui permettent de pousser d'importantes quantités de matériel en position repliée;
3. 3. une capacité de nivelage à grande vitesse puisque la base de la lame est sise sur un couteau avec une surface inférieure plane muni d'arêtes en biseau limitant très efficacement les risques de « piquer » dans le sol de façon inadéquate;
4. 4. une grande versatilité puisque la lame permet de former avec une ou deux ailes latérales positionnées individuellement en position dépliée ou en position repliée;
5. 5. assemblage de pivotement de la lame permettant d'atteindre des espaces exigus et améliorant la stabilité au sol (triangulation relative aux chenilles d'une unité mobile);
6. 6. assemblage de pivotement de la lame incluant un système à plateaux rotatifs réduisant les usures prématurées et assurant un maximum de stabilité;
7. 7. actionneurs de pivotement de la lame incluant des vérins de pivotement de type « simple action » assurant un relâchement hydraulique lors de poussées excédant la capacité de traction de l'unité mobile;
8. 8. une conception permettant de former des surfaces de sol près d'objets ou d'obstacles;
9. 9. une capacité de nivelage dans les deux directions, c'est-à-dire en déplacement vers l'avant et vers l'arrière; et
10. 10. la possibilité de niveler des espaces de hauteur limitée (par exemple, avancé d'un mur d'habitation en suspension).

In summary, the surface forming equipment 20, 120 has in particular at least one of the following advantages:

1. 1. versatility to form flat and rounded surfaces as well as to push granular material;
2. 2. a modular work capacity thanks to the folding side wings which broaden the field of action in the unfolded position and which allow large quantities of material to be pushed in the folded position;
3. 3. high speed leveling capacity since the base of the blade is located on a knife with a flat lower surface provided with beveled edges very effectively limiting the risks of “punching” into the ground inappropriately;
4. 4. great versatility since the blade allows you to form with one or two side wings positioned individually in the unfolded position or in the folded position;
5. 5. blade pivot assembly to reach tight spaces and improve ground stability (triangulation relative to the tracks of a mobile unit);
6. 6. blade pivot assembly including a rotating plate system reducing premature wear and ensuring maximum stability;
7. 7. blade pivot actuators including “single action” type pivot cylinders ensuring hydraulic release during thrusts exceeding the traction capacity of the mobile unit;
8. 8. a design to form ground surfaces near objects or obstacles;
9. 9. grading capability in both directions, i.e. moving forward and backward; And
10. 10. the possibility of leveling spaces of limited height (for example, advanced from a suspended residential wall).

Furthermore, although the realizations of the surface forming equipment as well as its components consist of certain geometric configurations, as explained and described above, only a portion of these components and geometries is essential and thus the majority of these should not be interpreted in a restrictive sense. As apparent to one skilled in the art, other components and cooperation therebetween, as well as other geometric configurations, may be used for surface forming equipment, as briefly explained below. above and as it is possible to infer it for a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, it is appreciated that positions of the description, such as "above", "below", "left", "right", and other similar positions, should be interpreted in the context of the figures. , unless otherwise specified, and should not be considered limiting.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated above. The embodiments of the invention described above are examples only. A person skilled in the art will appreciate the characteristics of individual creations, as well as the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that any of the embodiments can be made in any combination with the other embodiments described above. It is appreciated that the invention can be carried out in other specific forms without departing from the main characteristics thereof. The examples and embodiments described should be considered in all aspects as illustrative and non-restrictive, and the invention is not limited to the details given. Thus, although specific achievements have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications are apparent. The scope of the invention is, thus, limited only by the scope of the claims

Claims (15)

1. Surface-forming equipment (20), comprising:

   - a blade (22) including a girder (26) having the shape of a geometric profile section that is elongate along a longitudinal axis (L), the blade (22) comprising a scraper (42) secured to the girder (26) and covering a lower surface (34) of the girder, the lower surface of the scraper being in contact with a surface that is to be formed while the surface-forming equipment (20) is in use; and

   - an attachment structure (24) having a proximal end connected to the blade (22) and a distal end configured to be attached to a mobile unit;

   the blade (22) being characterized in that the girder has at least three surfaces extending along the longitudinal axis, these including the lower surface (34), a front surface (30) and a rear surface (32), the lower surface (34) extending between the front and rear surfaces (30, 32) and the front surface (30) and rear surface (32) having a substantially flat or concave profile.
2. Forming equipment (20) according to Claim 1, wherein the scraper (42) entirely covers the lower surface of the girder (26) and extends beyond the lower surface (34) of the girder (26) at least at one of the front surface (30), the rear surface (34) and the lateral ends of the girder (26), the scraper (42) preferably extending by at least 1.27 cm (1/2 inch) beyond the lower surface (34) of the girder (26) at the front surface (30) and at the rear surface 932) and having a thickness of between 0.95 cm and 2.54 cm (3/8 inch and 1 inch), the depth of the scraper (42) preferably being between 15.25 cm and 25.4 cm (6 inches and 10 inches), the thickness of the scraper (42) being less than the height of the girder (26) .
3. Forming equipment (20) according to one of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the scraper (42) has an edge that is chamfered along the longitudinal axis and, as a preference, the chamfered edge makes an acute angle with the sharp angle projecting towards the outside of the girder (26).
4. Forming equipment (20) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the girder (26) is a girder having a closed profile and the scraper (42) has a substantially planar lower surface.
5. Forming equipment (20) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the attachment structure (24) is configured for attaching the blade (22) to the front of the mobile unit and comprises two arms (38) engaged with one another at their proximal end and spaced apart at their distal end.
6. Forming equipment (20) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, comprising a blade-pivoting assembly (40), for pivoting the blade (22), connected to the blade (22) and to the attachment structure (24) and allowing the blade (22) to be pivoted between a straight position in which a longitudinal axis of the blade (22) is oriented substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the equipment (20) and a plurality of inclined positions in which the longitudinal axis (L) of the blade (22) defines an oblique angle with the direction of travel of the equipment (20) and wherein the blade-pivoting assembly (40), for pivoting the blade (22), pivots about an axis of pivoting (44) of the blade (22) which is substantially aligned with the centre of the blade (22) along the longitudinal axis (L) thereof and substantially perpendicular thereto, being offset to the rear thereof and substantially vertical.
7. Forming equipment (20) according to Claim 6, wherein the pivoting assembly (40) comprises a turntable system (46) including a first disc (62), mounted fixedly on the blade (22) and extending to the rear thereof, a support surface (64) at the proximal end of the attachment structure (24), and at least one securing piece, preferably two hoops (66a, 66b) secured to the support surface (64) with the first disc (62) extending between the two and preventing disengagement of the first disc (62), the first disc (62) being able to pivot between the support surface (64) and the at least one securing piece (66a, 66b) about the axis of pivoting (44) of the blade (22), which is aligned with the centre of the turntable system (46), and the support surface (64) comprising an upper plate (64) fixedly mounted on the proximal end of the attachment structure (24).
8. Forming equipment (20) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the front surface (30), the rear surface (32) and the lower surface (34) of the girder (26) define an interior volume between these surfaces and the interior volume defined inside the girder (26) is substantially empty and the girder (26) comprises an internal reinforcing structure including at least one reinforcing member extending inside the interior volume between two of the at least three surfaces (30, 32, 34).
9. Forming equipment (20) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the girder (26) has a length at least seven times greater than its height and its depth is less than its height.
10. Forming equipment (20) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the blade (22) comprises a main section (22a, 122a) and at least one lateral wing (22b, 122b) connected in a pivoting manner to one end of the main section and a wing-pivoting assembly (40), for pivoting the wing (22b, 122b), mounted at one end of the main section (22a, 122a) in an upper part of the girder (26), the at least one lateral wing (22b, 122b) preferably having a length less than half the length of the main section (22a, 122a) along the longitudinal axis (L).
11. Forming equipment (20) according to Claim 10, wherein the wing-pivoting assembly (40), for pivoting the wing (22b, 122b), comprises:

    - a cylindrical cavity (176) defined in one of either the main section (22a, 122a) or the at least one lateral wing (22b, 122b) in the adjacent respective end;

    - at least two plates (178), spaced apart, extending at the adjacent respective end of the other of either the main section (22a, 122a) or the at least one lateral wing (22b, 122b); and

    - a hub (180) inserted in the cylindrical cavity (176) and secured to the at least two plates (178), the plates (178) covering the openings of the cylindrical cavity (176) and the at least one hub (180) being able to rotate inside the cylindrical cavity (176), an axis of pivoting (44) of the wing (22b, 122b) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of the blade (22), at the centre of the hub (180), the axis of pivoting (44) of the wing (22b, 122b) preferably being situated in the upper part of the girder (26) and below the upper surface of the girder (26).
12. Forming equipment (20) according to one of Claims 10 and 11, wherein each of the at least one wing (22b, 122b) and of the main section (22a, 122a) comprises a lower surface (34) with a scraper (42) secured to the girder (26) in the vicinity of the respective lower surface (34), the scraper (42) being in contact with a surface that is to be formed while the surface-forming equipment (20) is in use, the scraper (42) of the main section (22a, 122a) comprising at least one representation of either a male connector (45) or a female connector (43) at its lateral end, and the scraper (42) of the at least one wing (22b, 122b) comprising at least one representation of the other of either the male connector or the female connector at its end adjacent to the main section (22a, 122a), the male and female connectors (43, 45) being able to engage one inside the other when the blade (22) is in the unfolded configuration, and wherein the adjacent ends of the at least one wing (22b, 122b) and of the main section (22a, 122a) are inclined and of substantially mutually complementing shape.
13. Surface-forming equipment (20) according to one of Claims 1 to 12 which can be configured so that, when mounted to a mobile unit having a ground-traction point, the height of the surface-forming equipment (20) is adjusted so that: the lower surface of the blade (22) or the lower surface of the scraper (42) or the lower surface (34) of the girder (26) lies in the same plane as the ground-traction point of the mobile unit.
14. Motorized surface-forming equipment, comprising:

    - a motorized unit; and

    - surface-forming equipment (20) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, mounted removably at the front of the motorized unit.
15. Motorized equipment according to Claim 14, wherein the motorized unit comprises a ground-contact surface and the lower surface of the blade (22) of the surface-forming equipment (20) is mounted in the same plane as the ground-contact surface of the motorized unit.

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